Minnesota State Fair Postcards
Early Twentieth Century Views
This is a series of 12 views by V. O. Hammon. They are numbered sequentially from 2245 to 2256. One of them is stamped "SAMPLE CARD, V. O. HAMMON PUB. CO." on the back. It is uncommon to find a series like this in excellent condition. The date of these postcards is circa 1914 (based on a postmarked card seen in an auction).
Before 1885, Minnesota State Fairs were held in various locations. In 1885, the permanent location of the fair was established in the township of Hamline (now the city of Falcon Heights) on the former site of of the Ramsey County Poor Farm just outside the St. Paul city limits. A large domed Main Building, grandstand, racetrack, and stock pens were built in 1885. An Agricultural Hall, art building, and dining hall were added in 1887. By 1890 there were stock barns, concession buiodings, and a Horticulture Hall. By the time these postcards were published, there were a number of permanent buildings, and a new grandstand had been built in 1909.
Before World War I, the Minnesota State Fair opened on Labor Day and lasted for six days. Currently the Minnesota State Fair runs for twelve days, with the last day being Labor Day.
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