Postcard from the Past: First Wyoming State Fair 

Compiled by Dick Perue

In the Oct. 11, 1905 issue of the Douglas Budget, Editor and Publisher Bill Barlow wrote the following in his column titled “Sagebrush Philosophy Done Into Some Scintillating Solecisms.”

It was a strenuous week – but what a winner! Wyoming has shown the world, and Douglas has made good all along the line. 

With a state appropriation insufficient to provide half the necessary buildings – to which our people readily added almost as much or more, without previous experience and in the face of obstacles which a month ago were pronounced insurmountable by the pessimist – Wyoming’s first state fair passes into history as a success. 

Who did it and how?

As will be remembered, Dr. M. Jesurun of this city was named by Gov. Bryant Butler Brooks as president of the state fair commission, soon after the passage of the bill creating this body. 

A few days later, Jesurun disappeared and has never been seen or heard of since. 

Following weeks of waiting, during which much valuable time was lost, the office was declared vacant and later filled, at the request of his neighbors and admirers throughout the state, by the appointment of Hon. James M. Wilson of Douglas. 

Wilson positively and repeatedly refused the appointment at first, pledging his best efforts in behalf of the enterprise all the time, but urging other semipublic demands upon him as well as large business interests, occupied all of his time. 

Later, under stress of pressure from all sections of the state and a pledge of unqualified support from the people of his own town, he accepted, and the fair – together with Douglas’ reputation for enterprise – were saved. 

Few people realize the work done by this man during the few months which remained. Few know of the money and time he has spent, freely and without whine or whimper. Few take cognizance of the marvelous energy and statesmanlike diplomacy and foresight he has displayed through it all – save and except, perhaps, those who have been closest to him and have worked with him and who, as I know, have marveled many times through it all at the strong will and dominating personality – to say nothing of constant self-sacrifice of personal comfort and personal interests – which culminated last week in the triumphant advent of Wyoming’s first state fair. 

From Chicago; to Omaha, Neb.; to Denver; to Cheyenne and other points about the state versus dozen times – ever the cheerful optimist in the face of indifference or occasional sectional prejudice – in his hands always a booster’s banner. 

Now it is all over and one can look back and count the cost, I can only wonder at his wonderful executive ability, his willingness to work day and night and all the time his fortitude in the face of difficulties innumerable and his months of sacrifice of money and effort with no hope of recompense. 

The fair was a success. Let it be admitted here and now it was Wilson who made it so.

Second only on the list of those to whom town and state owe a debt of gratitude in this connection is Charles “Charley” F. Maurer, chairman of the citizens’ committee. It will be said of Maurer someday he was the best booster Douglas ever had – as those who know him best say now. 

No matter what the obligation may be, Charley has never yet scored a failure or neglect of duty during the 19 years he has lived among us. Once his pledge is given, he must make good, and all know just what this means. 

To his earnest, persistent efforts and his wise foresight in planning wearisome detail and marshalling oft time lagging assistants, success was due in great measure. 

And there are others – the local committee, businessmen and citizens, generally everybody boosted cheerfully and took hold and worked willingly. It was this long pull, and strong pull all together, which won.

It would be manifest ingratitude to close this comment without credit to the Chicago and Northwestern railway company and its officials, from top to bottom. 

Beginning with the munificent life lease of lands worth $10, and on down the list of concessions and donations leading up to the fruition of the enterprise, these gentlemen have likewise made good and have readily granted every reasonable request made. 

The Burlington and Union Pacific also did their share. It was anything to ensure success.

It was the first. We have learned something and will profit by experience. It has cost us time, money and effort, but everybody went home pleased and in this we have ample recompense.