From 'The History of Old Farmington, by Ruth Hewitt Herbert and Aileen Groves': In 1885 Lafayette Funk (who crossed the plains in a covered wagon in 1855 at the age of six) built a barn and stables for raising race horses and a half-mile track for training them. Horses from other communities were brought here to be trained. Grant Campbell (father of Bethyl Harrison) was a jockey.
In the 1870's and 1880's during Christmas Holidays, there would be a community tree with a distribution of gifts, and then dancing was held in the Public Hall. Turkey shoots were quite a sport around the holidays and many people participated in them.
On December 28, 1887, the local Coursing Club held a coursing match at Josh Jones' ranch. A special race was to be held with a prize of $100 to the winner. The competitors were H.A. Benton's dog, "Kangaroo", and Jule Milton's dog, "Mac". The race was won by "Mac" after a change of decision by the Judges. People from as far away as Oakdale attended these events. There were many other matches with smaller purses.
The Farmington Independent Cornet Band was organized in 1886 with a membership of 15. In 1888, a string band was organized for rendering good dance music. In 1888 a singing school and literary society was started which often took park in many social activities. Music played a very important part in social gatherings in "them thar days".
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Happy Birthday wishes go out to Clint Turner, Wednesday, December 21st.
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Happy Holidays to all. Have a joyous weekend.
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I would still like to hear from you. Have you taken a trip? Have you had out of town visitors? Let me know of family birthdays, anniversaries and new arrivals to your family. Whatever you want to add to the Farmington News is welcome.
Please contact me if you have items for the Farmington News column. E-Mail me at farmingtonnews@gmail.com or phone 896-6697.
In the 1870's and 1880's during Christmas Holidays, there would be a community tree with a distribution of gifts, and then dancing was held in the Public Hall. Turkey shoots were quite a sport around the holidays and many people participated in them.
On December 28, 1887, the local Coursing Club held a coursing match at Josh Jones' ranch. A special race was to be held with a prize of $100 to the winner. The competitors were H.A. Benton's dog, "Kangaroo", and Jule Milton's dog, "Mac". The race was won by "Mac" after a change of decision by the Judges. People from as far away as Oakdale attended these events. There were many other matches with smaller purses.
The Farmington Independent Cornet Band was organized in 1886 with a membership of 15. In 1888, a string band was organized for rendering good dance music. In 1888 a singing school and literary society was started which often took park in many social activities. Music played a very important part in social gatherings in "them thar days".
*****
Happy Birthday wishes go out to Clint Turner, Wednesday, December 21st.
*****
Happy Holidays to all. Have a joyous weekend.
*****
I would still like to hear from you. Have you taken a trip? Have you had out of town visitors? Let me know of family birthdays, anniversaries and new arrivals to your family. Whatever you want to add to the Farmington News is welcome.
Please contact me if you have items for the Farmington News column. E-Mail me at farmingtonnews@gmail.com or phone 896-6697.
