The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Judy Swanson, The Quill Staff
In 1886 the LaHarpe Fair Association was formed. Shares of stock were sold amounting to $7,000 to purchase land. The land was purchased from Jim Campbell for $3500.
Buildings were then erected and a race track for horse racing was built. The buildings included a main building, called Floral Hall, which was used to display flowers and farm produce. There were also rest rooms, and a dance floor.
On the opposite side of the track were the cattle and hog barns and horse stalls. From 1887-1898 the fair grew to 10,000 - 12,000 people attending the event.
However, in 1900-1903 the association found themselves in financial trouble. They were forced to sell the land and buildings.
In 1907, the association was reorganized and a new organization was formed.
An amphitheater was put up to accommodate 1,000 people. That same year auto races began. Later the amphitheater was enlarged to accommodate another 1,000. people.
In 1920 the Tri-County Fair Association was formed.
The present clubhouse was built in 1921 for the same purpose as the Floral Hall once was, to display flowers and produce. Music was furnished by local talent for dancing. Once a week a large band from Burlington, IA or Keokuk, IA was hired which drew large crowds of dancers and onlookers.
From 1921-1926 the crowds grew each year. It was one of the prettiest Fair Grounds in Illinois, second only to the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.
However, despite its success, the association once again found itself in financial trouble. The Fair closed in 1926.
The Clubhouse and grounds were formed into a Country Club with golf course and tennis courts. In 1938, the property was sold to the La Harpe Park District. Later, in 1958, the district purchased land from Glen McCord to expand the golf course.
Presently the park includes a golf course, football field, 3 ball diamonds, swimming pool, clubhouse, playground, concession stand, and restrooms. (More on these later). Just last fall a shelter was built in memory of Evan James that will include picnic tables.
The Clubhouse is quite an asset to our community. There is probably not a family in this area that has not attended a function in this building at one time or another. Last year air-conditioning was added for year round comfort.