Maxinkuckee Agricultural Fair

After the Chautauqua failed Mr. Culver offered it to the citizens of Marshall county, an indefinite leasehold on thirty or forty acres of land to be used for the purpose of holding an annual fair. He graded and laid off a half-mile track, planted trees, and largely assisted in erecting a grand stand and necessary buildings, besides the buildings that remained from the Chautauqua camp.

So for a brief while the area was used as a fairground for Union Township being leased in 1889 to the 'Maxinkuckee Fair Association' and it opened in 1891.

The fair was discontinued in 1895 because but it too also proved not to be a profitable venture; the Agriculture 1895 fair Booklet bears many ads and pictures. It was a venture that lasted all of two years, doubtless because of the location so far from the center of the county, this enterprise was gradually abandoned, and finally the land reverted to the estate, after the failure to hold a meeting for three years.

1891 - Sep 3 - The Maxinkuckee fair association has met with some disappointment the building of its race course, and this feature of the fair will be abandoned for this season. The managers are, however, sparing no pains to make up in the other departments what, will be lacking in this. They expect to have a good fair, and our readers should make it a point to attend -Sept. 22-25. -- Argos Reflector

1892 - Sep 8 - The Maxinkuckee fair will be held at Marmont, Sept. 13, 14, 15 and 16. The Reflector acknowledges receipt of favors.-- Argos Reflector

1893 - Jul 27 - Special Premium - H. H. Culver offers, through the Maxenkuckee Agricultural Association, a special premium of a $68 range for the best variety of canned fruit exhibited at the fair to be held October 3, 4, 5, and G, on the grounds of the society at Marmont. The fruit to become the property of the association and to be sold at public auction on the last day of the fair. Every housewife in Marshall county ought to compete for this useful and desirable, prize. - Argos Reflector

1893 - Sep 22 - Marshall County Fairs... The Maxinkuckee Fair, at Culver Park, Lake Maxinkuckee, Oct 3d to 6th E. S. Freese, Secretary. -- Bremen Enquirer

1893 - Sep 28 - Special Mention.

The managers of the Maxinkuckee fair offer a special rate of admittance to all organized Sunday schools, of fifteen cents for all persons over eight years old; under eight, free. Several schools have taken advantage of the low rate and will attend the fair in a body, adding an attractive feature.

As the fair grounds are located in the beautiful Culver Park and in view of the lake, all schools should take advantage of the low offer, attend the fair and spend a day of recreation and pleasure at the beautiful lake.

Through the courtesy of the Vandalia railroad officials passenger trains will stop at the fair grounds during fair week, affording the public ample accommodation for going to and returning from the falr.

Everybody is cordially invited to come. The fair promises to be one of the best ever held by the association.

The new race track will be in splendid condition, and a number of horse owners have promised to enter for the races.

For further information write the Secretary at Twin Lakes. E. S. FREESE. -- Argos Reflector

1893 - Sep 28 - The dates for the Maxinkuckee fair are October 3, 4, 5 and 6. The management are hoping for a good attendance from this part of the county. -- Argos Reflector

1894 - May 14 - Fairs in Indiana - List of dates, Places Names of Associations and Secretaries... October 3 to 5 - Maxinkuckee Fair, E. 8. Freese, secretary, Maxinkuckee... --Indianpolis News

1895 - May 17 - Fairs in Indiana - ...List of dates, Places Names of Associations and Secretaries... Aug. 20 to 23 - Maxinkuckee Fair, Marmont, J. H. Koontz. - Indianapolis Journal

1896 - Jan 1 - Editor George Nearpass of the Marmont Herald was in Plymouth a few days last week looking as happy as a jay bird in the apring. George has recently been elected secretary of the Maxinkuckee Fair Association..-- Bremen Enquirer

1896 - Mar 21 - Maxinkuekee Fair. George Nearpass, secretary of the Maxinkuckee Fair association, was in the city Wednesday. From him we learned that the association is already actively engaged in making preparations for one of the greatest and best fairs ever held in this county. The dates have been fixed for August 18, 19, 20 and 21. Excursions are to be run from South Chicago, Hammond, Hobart, Valparaiso and South Bend. -- Marshall County Independent

1896 - Aug 5 - The sixth annual fair of the Maxinkuckee agricultural association will be held at Culver Park, Marmont, August 18, 19, 20 and 21. The management are endeavoring to make this the best fair ever held by the association. Keep the dates in mind, and not only go and see the big pumpkins and fine stock, but the big crowd as well. Your best friends will undoubtedly all be there - Argos Reflector

The old barn built for and used from 1891-92 as the Union Township Fairground, was adapted for stabling the Black Horse Troop and over the years enlarged for the horses.