Smith Art Hall, Central City Park

Named for the city's mayor in 1904, this was one of three replacement buildings constructed after the fair buildings burned to the ground. Often called "the Round Building," it received a remodeling in 1968 and a new roof in 1997. {photo courtesy of WML Archives}

This photo taken c.1894 shows the exposition buildings constructed for the STATE FAIR in 1871 during the same period as the bandstand, race track and entrance gate. The entrance gate (shown below), burned to the ground in 1913. {photo courtesy of WML Archives}

Constructed in 1871. Horse racing as a sport was seen for the first time in Macon in April 1834. The races were run over the Central Course (now Central City Park) and lasted five days. {photo courtesy of WML Archives}

Set on the banks of the Ocmulgee, with 237 acres, it was a forest reserve when it was set aside for a public park in 1826. Maconites were fond of strolling, picnicking, watching the trotters on the mile-long track or feeding swans in the beautiful lagoon. The first State Fair held in Central City Park was 1871. {WML Archives}

This photo was taken from a picture postcard provided courtesy of Freeman King. Patrons of the 1910 State Fair posed for photos in a period automobile. Related story- Fair car rides

This is the top (click image to see the text of the ad) of a long ad for the 1871 Georgia State Fair. The ad promotes the new exhibit buildings, racetrack and grand stand shown above. In addition to horse races, there were boat races with entries from New York to New Orleans. {Courtesy Jimmy Carlisle}

More about Camp Oglethorpe.

  Entrance Gate - Central City Park

The Entrance Gate, built in 1871, burned to the ground in 1913. A brick structure later replaced it. {WML Archives - Harold E. Grant collection}

The above image shows the ad for the 1947 FAIR and subsequent Carry Over ad for the next week. The Fair was carried over due to rain. {Courtesy Gus Parker}

The image above is the ordnance display from Robins Air Force base at the 1942 Fair. {photo Gus Parker}

 Bandstand (gazebo) 1999

The historic bandstand continues to grace the beauty of Central City Park. {photo Allen Freeman} 

The bandstand is shown here (center) beside various exhibition halls built in 1871. {WML Archives}

This 1942 midway photo shows the top of the Smith Art Hall (known as the "Round Building") in the upper left corner and Luther Williams park (built 1929) in the center. {photo courtesy of Gus Parker}

This 1961 midway photo shows Luther Williams park in the upper center. The new brick Livestock Arena (far right center) replaced the white wooden arena shown in the 1942 photo at left. Historical note: Pete Rose played for the 1961 Macon Peaches at Luther Williams. {photo courtesy of Gus Parker}

Note the top of the Smith Art Hall on the right hand side behind the tent. {WML Archives}

At left is part of the brick entrance structure that remains near the Riverside entrance to Central City Park.{WML Archives}

 1938 Chicken Stand

This photo was formerly believed to be in 1952.  The second person from the left behind the counter (first female from the left) is Julia McCoy (Bishop), mother of Bibb County Commissioner and Exchange Club member Charlie Bishop.  The fourth person from the left behind the counter is her sister, the late Martha McCoy (Mullis).  Buddy Bloodworth operated a barbeque establishment in the Vineville area as well as a stand at the Georgia State Fair for some years.  {Washington Memorial Library Archives} 

 1928 Medical Auxiliary Food Booth

{WML Archives} 

The little girl in the photo is Joyce Rice (Ellison), daughter of Charlie Rice who was president of the Exchange Club of Macon in 1952.  Her brother Gus Rice is still a member. The boy in the photo is unknown.

    State Fairs of the past

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