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Public invited to Sunday services at the VFW Park Memorial services were held by VFW Post Number 6097 Sunday, May 29, 2005 at 2 p.m. at the entrance to the Fairgrounds. The public was invited to attend and be part of the service. The Veterans have been searching for a way to secure the future of the Veterans Park and have spent time recently in talks with Lindsey Wilson College and with the Adair County Government. Edgar Troutman said at the regular meeting Thursday evening that the VFW has been unable to come to terms with either group as of yet because no one is willing to guarantee that the Veterans Park, meeting place and the memorials to those who have served and given their lives would be kept in place. Theres too much history here, he said, to give up on it now, and if Lindsey and the County cant guarantee to keep it as a permanent Veterans Park, then we have to say no to them. He and Brooks Coomer remembered some of the highlights from early Adair County Fairs: The first attraction was a bucking Ford, Troutman said, a Model T Ford that would buck like a horse. It was something to see. It always had a good carnival. We had 2-wheel cart races and trotters and pacers, and motorcycle stunts Brooks Coomer added, and the Bardstown Old Star Band, now they could make music. They also recalled a champion 5-gaited horse that went on from the Adair County Fair to win the state one year. This fair has always been good for horse lovers. Leadership is changing as the VFW elders looks for younger Veterans to become involved in the running of the park. Jimmy Luttrell will be the new Post Commander of the VFW. We will have more details of this news later. The following is a tribute to the VFW from a contributor: Dear Adair County friends: In this, the 60th anniversary year of the end of World War Two, we need to stop and remember the men and women of Adair County who helped the Allies so convincingly win the war; who helped liberate millions from the cruel reigns of the Axis tyrants; and who helped ensure the freedoms we all enjoy. The next time you're on Fairgrounds Street, stop at the entrance to Memorial Park and take a moment to remember Adair County's greatest generation. Remember the more than 1,200 Adair County men and women, many still teenagers, who answered the call to arms during World War Two and fought on three continents. Pay respects with a prayer or a moment of silence for those fallen sons who left for war and never came home to their beloved hills and hollows of Adair County. The names of fifty-nine of these brave young men are inscribed on the Memorial Marker at the entrance to the Fairgrounds. As wrote an unknown author, "Not every soldier died a hero's death, but every soldier died a hero." Say thank you to V.F.W. Post 6097. Through their efforts, the Memorial Monument was erected, and also through their efforts, the Adair County Fair (formerlycalled the Columbia Fair) was rescued from oblivion in 1946 and has been going strong for nearly 60 years. With respect, admiration, and a heartfelt "Thank you" for all who served, Cyrus For the record, these notes of the history of the VFW are transcribed from The Adair County News: November 28, 1945 Columbia Fairgrounds To Be Sold At Auction Stockholders of the Columbia Fair Association have decided to dispose of the Fairgrounds property, located in the edge of Columbia on Highway 206, which meansthere will be no more fairs here in the future. The tract, containing approximately 15 acres of land, will be subdivided into town lots and sold atauction at an early date. The Columbia Fair Association was established in 1882 and with the exception of a few years, operated continuously until 1941, when thefair was abandoned on account of the war. It was always an occasion when old friends from far and near gathered together and was considered a time ofhomecoming for many. In recent years the association had sponsored a rather pretentious horse show, which attracted some of the best exhibitors in thiscountry. March 13, 1946: V.F.W. Organize Post In Columbia The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 6097, of Columbia, will hold its initial meeting in the Court House at 7:30 p.m. today (March 13.) The charter, requestedby fifteen members from Columbia and vicinity, has been approved by national headquarters at Kansas City, Mo... All members are urges to be present as well as all veterans with overseas service in any recognized state of war between the United States and a foreign country, who has been honorably discharged from...anybranch of the Armed Forces. March 20, 1946 Veterans Of Foreign Wars Organize In Columbia Forty-four overseas veterans of Adair County organized the Columbia Post No. 6097 Veterans of Foreign Wars at the Court House Wednesday night, March 13. Officers elected were as follows: Commander, Jack Williams; Senior Vice Commander, Mason Judd; Junior Vice Commander, Robert Davis; Quartermaster, William L. Walker; Post Advocate, Douglas Durham; Trustees, William Clayton, Richard Cheatham and WynnShriver... March 27, 1946 V.F.W. Meet And Elect Additional Officers At a meeting of the Veterans of Foreign Wars held Monday night at the Court House, additional officers were elected as follows: Tommie Nankivell, bugler;Robert A. Henderson, of Knifley, officer of the day and Bryan Royce, surgeon.Members of the Columbia Post 6097 will meet again on Monday evening at 7:30 to transact further business. At that time new members will be initiated and aspecial program is being arranged. All eligible veterans are urged to attend and become members of the V.F.W. April 17, 1946 Fair Planned Here In August H.A. Walker Now Majority Stockholder in Columbia Fair Association. To Announce Dates Later. Announcement was made Monday by the Columbia Fair Association that plans were under way for a Fair this year, to be held some time in August. All of the stockof the association, with the exception of the shares owned by Dr. O.P. Miller, of Lexington, have been bought by H.A. Walker, who said the Fair dates would be selected and made public very soon. Work will begin at once putting the grounds and buildings in first class condition and every effort will be put forth to makeit an out-standing event. On account of the war the fair was discontinued after 1941. Record breaking crowds will doubtless attend this year as the Fair has beenmissed by all who looked forward to it as an annual time of homecoming. Those in charge urge farmers to get their stock in condition to show as generous premiums will be offered. They also hope to have fine farm and garden displays and other exhibits which make the Floral Hall a place of interest to all. Before theColumbia Fair was discontinued the organization had gained an enviable reputation for having one of the best horse shows in the State. This year will doubtlessprove no exception as the management is now negotiating with exhibitors from near and far and the usual high class show is planned both during the day and at night. A good carnival will also be present on the grounds. Fair dates will be announced in the near future. May 1, 1946 Memorial Park Planned by V.F.W. Group of Veterans Start Movement To Purchase Fairgrounds As Memorial To War Dead. Members of Post No. 6097 Veterans of Foreign Wars met Monday night at the Court House to discuss purchasing the Columbia Fairgrounds and converting it into a memorial park in memory Adair County members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in World War II. A fund drive will be put on at once by the V.F.W. and ifsufficient money can be raised to purchase the fairgrounds the group, which now has 120 members, will proceed with their plans to convert the place into amemorial park. It is understood that this movement will in no way interfere with the present plan to hold a fair here sometime in August. Those in charge of theproject also explained that the grounds will be available for use by the public for any event which will benefit the citizens of Adair County, subject to theapproval of the executive committee of the V.F.W. May 8, 1946 Veterans Plan Rally Saturday Adair Citizens Asked To Cooperate In Project To Purchase Fairgrounds As MemorialPark. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 6097 are sponsoring a rally at the Court House Saturday night, May 11, to promote interest in securing the Columbia Fairgrounds for use as a Memorial Park to Adair County's war dead. The rally will start at 8:00 o'clock with such well-known local speakers as County Attorney O.A. Durhamand Ralph Hurt on the program. Plans include an outstanding speaker from elsewhere but as yet his identity has not been disclosed. Every citizen of Adairand any adjoining county will be welcomed at the meeting and all are urged toassist in securing and planning a lasting memorial to the men of past wars whogave their lives for the cause of freedom. If the VFW secure the Fairgrounds andconvert it into a Memorial Park they plan many improvements including a swimmingpool. The park will be open to the public at all times and operated on anon-profit basis with all revenue received being used for additional recreationalfacilities. The plan is worthwhile in every respect and deserves the support of all. May 15, 1946 Veteran Memorial Fund Drive Started At Saturday Rally Committee In Charge Reports Donations First Day Of Campaign Amounting To $3,850. A large crowd attended the rally held at the Court House Saturday night byVeterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 6097 for the purpose of starting a campaign forfunds to purchase the Columbia Fairgrounds and convert it into a Memorial Parkhonoring the memory of Adair County's war dead. Music was furnished by BillyKassem and his boys, all former service men, and the speakers included CountyAttorney O.A. Durham, Major M. Rey Yarberry, and Ralph Hurt, all of this place,and Terrill Wilson, of Russell County. The size of the crowd attending the rallyevidenced much interest in the project and the committee in charge of thecampaign, Jack Williams, Mason Judd, William Walker and Bryan Royce, expressedappreciation on behalf of the VFW for the cooperation of all. An active canvassfor funds started Monday morning and at the close of the day the committeereported donations amounting to $3,850. All Adair County citizens will becontacted for donations and persons living outside the county, who are interestedin the Memorial Park plan, are requested to mail donations to Columbia PostVeterans of Foreign Wars No. 6097, Box 114, Columbia, Ky. Arrangements areunderway for a series of rallies at various places in the county to raise fundsfor the Memorial Park, honoring those who made the supreme sacrifice for theircountry in past wars. A special program is being planned for each, featuring goodspeakers and veteran string band. The first meeting will be held at the KnifleySchool at 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 17. The next will be at the Gradyville School at8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 21, and the third at the Breeding School at 8:00 p.m.,Thursday, May 23. Members of the VFW will hold their next meeting at 8:00 o'clockMonday night, May 20. May 22, 1946 Columbia Fair To Be Held Aug. 21-24 V.F.W. Elects Officers and Directors To Supervise Memorial Park When Purchased. At a meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars held Monday night officers and a boardof directors were elected to continue the drive for funds and to operate theAdair Memorial Park when purchased. Mason Judd was named president; J.W. Morris,vice-president; Alfred W. Flowers, secretary; and William L. Walker, treasurer.The directors are Charles T. Cooley, James Ingram and William Wilson, all ofColumbia; James E. Lacy, Breeding, L.W. Cole, Gradyville, Thomas M. Watson,Knifley, and Edgar Troutman, Joppa. The group is proceeding with plans for theColumbia Fair to be held August 21, 22, 23 and 24. Every effort will be put forthto a hold a fair which will benefit the people of Adair County. The drive forfunds to purchase the Memorial Park is still in progress and meetings will beheld throughout the county for this purpose. July 3, 1946 Columbia Fair To Be Held Aug. 14-17 Plans Are Under Way To Make 1946 Fair An Outstanding Event and Homecoming Time. The Columbia Fair dates have been set fro August 14, 15, 16, and 17, and plansare underway to make it a banner occasion. Adair Veterans of Foreign Wars aresponsoring the event and all proceeds will be used to develop and improve theFairgrounds as a memorial park if their campaign to purchase the place issuccessful. Those in charge announced Monday that the Blue Ribbon Carnival willbe on the grounds during the fair. According to information they have receivedthis is one of the best amusement companies available. Free acts in front of thegrandstand both day and night are planned as well as plenty of good cleanentertainment for both old and young. Good races and a fine horse show will befeatures of all four days programs. Liberal premiums will be offered. This willbe the first fair since 1941, and V.F.W. hopes to have the support of all inmaking it an outstanding success. As in former years, it will prove a time of"homecoming" for all. The committee in charge expects to make the 1946 ColumbiaFair the greatest in history. Two committees have been appointed to work withagricultural groups in making the premium list, This list will appear in the Newsat an early date. August 7, 1946 County Fair To Open Wednesday Blue Ribbon Shows Will Open At Fairgrounds On Monday, Aug. 12, For Six Big Days. The Adair County Fair, successor to the Columbia Fair, will open Wednesday,August 14, and run through Saturday, August 17. The Blue Ribbon Shows, carnivalcompany furnishing amusements for the Fair, will open at the Fairgrounds onMonday, August 12, and be there for six days. They offer 10 big thrill rides and12 big shows. The Fair, which is sponsored by the Columbia Post Veterans ofForeign Wars, is the first to be held since 1941 and every effort has been putforth to make it an outstanding success. Liberal premiums are being offered inall departments which should attract good displays of stock, farm products and inthe Floral Hall. There will be a horse show each afternoon and evening, alsothrilling free acts in front of the grandstand. Visitors from far and near areexpected as in past years and the hospitable homes of Columbia are even nowpreparing for what has always been a time of homecoming. August 14, 1946 Adair County Fair Opens Today At Local Fairgrounds $750 Five-Gaited Saddle Stake On Saturday Night Featured On Program. Large CrowdsAre Expected. The Adair County Fair started this morning at the Columbia Fairgrounds with alarge opening day crowd in attendance. The Fair, first held since 1941, issponsored by Columbia Post 6097 Veterans of Foreign Wars and the young men haveworked hard to make it a success. A $750 five-gaited saddle stake on Saturdaynight, announced as an added attraction on Monday and sponsored by local firmsand business men, should attract the best exhibitors and assure a fine horse showevery afternoon and night. Trotting horses, which never fail to thrill the crowd,are scheduled each afternoon. Of local interest will be the saddle ring on Fridaynight for business men of Columbia and Adair County. The Old Star Band, ofBardstown, long famous for its good music, has been employed and they will give aconcert each morning on the Public Square before going to the Fairgrounds. Midwayattractions are furnished by Blue Ribbon Shows, highly recommended as one of thelargest and best carnivals ever brought to Columbia. The Flying Fishers, who arehere with the carnival, will appear before the grandstand each afternoon andnight in a free act. These outstanding trapeze artists were formerly with Barnum& Bailey and recently returned from a world tour of USO camps. Record crowds areexpected each day and night and splendid exhibits in all departments arereported. August 21, 1946 Adair Fair Is Great Success $750 Five-Gaited Grand Championship Is Captured by Pin-Up Lady, Of Salem, Ind.,Stables. The Adair County Fair closed Saturday night with a colorful horse show, which wasmarred by a downpour of rain. Good crowds attended each day, in spite of the factthat the weather man failed to smile upon the event. Had the weather been asdesired there is no doubt that record-smashing crowds would have attended. Onevery hand was heard favorable comment upon the manner in which Columbia Post6097 Veterans of Foreign Wars, sponsors of the event, managed the Fair. Thenumber of people attending gave evidence of the fact that everybody is pleasedthat the Fair has been revived after an absence of five years. The $750five-gaited grand championship on Saturday night was won by Pin-Up Lady, owned byBrock Creek Stables, of Salem, Ind. Second was Beau Pride, owned by Anderson &Young, of Lebanon, Tenn., third Pride of Nelson, Old Kentucky Home Stables,Bardstown; fourth, My Tip, owned by Johnny Storry, of Elizabethtown; fifth, RexEagle Peavine, owned by J.W. Barrett, Edmonton, and sixth was Twilight Serenade,owned by Roger Sullivan, of Lebanon. Those attending enjoyed the trotting racesand afternoon horse shows as well as the evening horse show. The Blue RibbonShows was the best and largest carnival ever offering midway attractions at alocal Fair. Displays in all departments were good and attracted much attention.Wednesday, which is known as School day, brought one of the largest opening daycrowds on record. Features of the program were the School Program, Future FarmerContests and 4-H Club exhibits.... Judge Frank Toliver, of Lebanon, Tenn.,officiated the last two days and his decisions seemed to meet with generalapproval... September 4, 1946 Parents Invited To Discuss World War II Memorial Parents and relatives of servicemen who lost their lives during World War II areinvited to attend a meeting of the Memorial Committee of the local post of theVeterans of Foreign Wars. The meeting will be held in the Floral Hall at theFairgrounds at 2 p.m. Sunday, September 8, for the purpose of discussing andchoosing the type of memorial to be erected on the Fairgrounds in honor of thewar dead. September 11, 1946 War Memorial To Be Erected Monument Honoring World War Two Dead To Be Located At The Local Fairgrounds. Final plans for the erection of a memorial to Adair County's World War II deadwere made at a meeting Sunday afternoon in the Floral Hall by the MonumentCommittee of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and wives and relatives ofservice men who lost their lives during the war. The monument, to be constructedfrom native stone, will be erected in the center of an enlarged entrance to thelocal fairgrounds. Plans for construction of this memorial have been underdiscussion for several months and the purpose of the meeting was to select a siteand the type of memorial to be built. Approximately 70 persons attended themeeting and appointed a committee composed of John Burr, Ivan Shivley and WallaceJones, of the VFW, and Mrs. Carrie Shipp, U.S. Harmon, and Finis Cundiff to makefinal selection of the type of memorial. Several types of appropriate monumentswere discussed and the committee was directed to choose the most suitable. Acommittee decision is momentarily and construction of the memorial will begin,with the scheduled completion and dedication being planned in early November. May 14, 1947: War Veterans Buy Fairgrounds William Walker, commander of Columbia Post 6097 Veterans of Foreign Wars,announced Monday that the organization had acquired complete ownership of theColumbia Fairgrounds through purchase Saturday night of Dr. O.P. Miller'sone-fifth interest. The other four-fifths was bought more than a year ago. In thefuture the property will be known as the Adair Memorial Park and at a later dateit will be dedicated to the memory of the soldiers losing their lives in WorldWar II. Plans are under way for the installation of a double entrance to the Parkand monument bearing the names of Adair County boys who made the supremesacrifice. [Transcriber's note: I could find no reference anywhere in the AdairCounty News to H.A. Walker selling his 80% of the shares to the V.F.W. Seearticle dated April 17, 1946.] ~ ~ ~ More history of the VFW will follow at a later date. This story was posted on 2005-05-28 18:43:20
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