Postcard from the Past: State Fair of Universal Benefit

Compiled by Dick Perue

An article in the Wyoming Industrial Journal touted the 1910 Wyoming State Fair (WSF) as thus:

This issue of the Wyoming Industrial Journal is given over largely to the WSF and subjects related to the fair. We are devoting an extra amount of space to this subject because it is our firm belief no enterprise in Wyoming is of more universal benefit than the WSF.

Here, not only visitors from other states have an opportunity to see the products of Wyoming, but many of our own people are greatly surprised when they see the demonstration in Douglas of the possibilities of Wyoming in agriculture, mining, livestock raising and other industries. 

Wyoming does not enjoy the reputation she should have over many parts of the U.S. People outside of the state generally look upon this as a wild and wooly country inhabited by cowboys, Native Americans and sheepherders, and over whose plains roam long-horned steers, poorly-bred sheep and various wild beasts. 

The WSF is playing its part in dispelling these erroneous ideas.

In Douglas each year is not only seen a varied assortment of as fine agricultural products as can be seen in any eastern state, but as fine pureblood horses, cattle, sheep and hogs as can be produced in any state in the union. 

In fact, many of the livestock entries at WSF are prize winners in inter-state fairs where the best of the Middle West and West are pitted against them.

The citizens of Wyoming, who each year visit WSF, cannot but feel a growing pride in his state and her resources, as well as encouragement to make greater effort in whatever industry he may be engaged. 

Aside from the WSF articles in this issue, the various departments contain their usual quota of articles on the subjects covered … but, then, that’s another story.