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From
1897 to 1902, Mattoon held free Street Fairs. Canvas tents lined Western and Broadway Avenues. 12 blocks of booths left almost 2 miles of
frontage. The 1898 fair was the
largest and most successful, but also the most scandalous. Gambling and prostitution were
prevalent. Saloons were open 24 hours
and there was even a man shot and killed.
By 1902, many other towns were holding Street Fairs and the novelty
had worn off. The fairs were
discontinued. Another fair was held
in 1907, but not much interest ensued. I recently came across this program
for the 1898 Street Fair. It gives a
good perspective of life in Mattoon during that era. 42 pages of history, pictures and
advertisements. |
