DISTRICT FAIR COMPILES HISTORY OF 139 YEARS

The SEMO District Fair is looking for information and memorabilia about its 139-year history.

The fair's official historian Katherine Cochran is compiling a history book on the fair.

Cochran said she has collected items from as far back as 1855, but she and fair board member Pete Poe are sure lots of information is sitting in attics or scrapbooks.

"We want to gather up the things before it's too late," said Cochran.

Specifically, Cochran and Poe are hoping to collect old fair books and catalogues, photographs and even prizes and ribbons. Cochran will use the information to tell the story of the district fair.

"These are things people possibly would throw in the wastebasket," Cochran said. "We'd like to get our hands on them before that happens."

Next year will be the fair's 140th anniversary. Anyone with items or information about the fair's early days is asked to contact Cochran or Poe at 334-7151.