Nineteenth Annual Exhibition and Cattle Show of the Marshfield Agricultural and Horticultural Society
Avery & Doten, Steam Job Printers, Plymouth: 1885
Duotone poster
42 x 14.75 inches, poster
44.25 x 17.25 inches overall, backed on linen
$750

Advertising broadside for an exhibition and cattle show held in Maine in 1885.  The poster is decorated with illustrations of a portly prize pig, a rooster, and a sheep, and provides a schedule of events, which includes contests, exhibitions, races, and concerts.  Printed in red and black ink with a simple undulating red border.

The heading of the poster reads: "Nineteenth Annual Exhibition and Cattle Show of the Marshfield Agricultural and Horticultural Society on the Grounds of the Society in Marshfield, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, Sept 16, 17 & 18, 1885.”  It also advertises the special attractions: The Famous Ruggles Street Quartette of Boston, Hayward Hand Grenade Fire Extinguisher Co. and Dr. Cooper's Hand Fire Extinguisher (who “will give an exhibition of their skill in extinguishing flame”), Distinguished Speakers, and The Plymouth Band.  At the bottom is a schedule and general information, including "Admission to the Grounds and Hall, 25 Cents.  Children under 12, 15 cts.  Team, one horse or more, 25 cents."

A history of Marshfield published in 1886, the year after this poster was printed, describes an inland community of 300 people, “mainly engaged in agriculture,” especially hay and potatoes.  The town also had a sawmill, a lath mill, a carding mill and a grain mill “that in 1879 ground 56,000 bushels of corn,” a blueberry-canning factory and some shipbuilding.  Located in the easternmost county in Maine, today Marshfield remains a small town, with about 500 residents, although fewer than 7% are involved in agricultural occupations.

Condition:  Generally very good with the usual overall toning, scattered chips and tears.  Backed on linen.

Reference:

“Marshfield, Maine, 04654.” Bangornews.com Our Towns.  http://www.bangornews.com/towns/town.cfm?ID=Marshfield (23 February 2005).

Varney, George J.  “History of Marshfield, Maine” from A Gazetteer of the State of Maine.  Boston: B.B. Russell, 1886. 

http://history.rays-place.com/me/marshfield-me.htm (23 February 2005).