Vermont’s World’s Fair got its start in Tunbridge in 1867. At that very first fair, Vermont’s former Lieutenant Governor Burnham Martin called the event a “little World’s Fair” and the name has been used ever since. The annual event has been running continuously except in 1918 when it was called off due to the great flu epidemic and during the years of WWII.
Over the years, the fair has changed a great deal, but some events still hold tried and true like the horse pulling contest, antique displays, and live entertainers. Let’s take a look back at what the Vermont World’s Fair looked like in the early 1940s.
- A man trying his luck to ring the bell on a game of strength.
Photogrammar/Jack Delano
- Judges searching for that prize pony as they look over the horses at the fair.
Photogrammar/Jack Delano
- These men planned on partaking of the spirits.
Photogrammar/Jack Delano
- This man was either passed out or past tired.
Photogrammar/Jack Delano
- Couples dancing to the live music.
Photogrammar/Jack Delano
- Musicians playing music for couples to partner up and dance.
Photogrammar/Jack Delano
- Teams of horses trying to secure victory in the weight pulling contest.
Photogrammar/Jack Delano
- Crowds spectating the horses in the weight pulling contest.
Photogrammar/Jack Delano
- A group picnicking next to a car at the fair.
Photogrammar/Jack Delano
- Two merrymakers showing off in the parking area.
Photogrammar/Jack Delano
- 78 year-old Ed Larkin entertains the crowds with his fiddle playing.
Photogrammar/Jack Delano
- Men checking out the farm equipment on display.
Photogrammar/Jack Delano
- A couple taking a nap next to a car.
Photogrammar/Jack Delano
- Wrestlers standing on stage at the fair.
Photogrammar/Jack Delano
- An entertainer performing for the crowds.
Photogrammar/Jack Delano
- Oxen struggle to pull weights in a contest at the fair.
Photogrammar/Jack Delano
- Crowds watching the sulky races at the racetrack.
Photogrammar/Jack Delano
- Prize winning cattle walk in a parade.
Photogrammar/Jack Delano
- A clown bringing up the rear of the parade.
Photogrammar/Jack Delano
- Quite a crowd wandering the fairgrounds.
Photogrammar/Jack Delano
Aren’t these vintage photos of Vermont’s World’s Fair a blast from the past? Have you ever been to the fair? Share your stories in the comments section below.
Photogrammar/Jack Delano
If you enjoy taking a peek back in time, take a look at Vermont’s year without a summer.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
