Dr. Rodger Stroup, retired Director of the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, is taking a deep dive into the history of the South Carolina State Fair, doing research for an upcoming book on the subject. Stroup talks with Walter Edgar about the history of South Carolina’s fair—which goes back farther than you think—in context with other states’ fairs.
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Walter Edgar introduces our speaker, Dr. Rodger Stroup, retired Director of the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.
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The fairs of yester-year were far different from the fairs we know today. Dr. Stroup discusses what fairs were like before The Civil War. In this time period, fairs were held locally, and each county...
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In this segment, Dr. Stroup discusses the development of the “modern” State Fair, starting in 1869. Starting in 1869, we see the growth of fairs showcasing both agricultural and industrial aspects...
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In the early 20th century, the Carolina Ball was still a prominent event during the State Fair. There was a State Fair every year since 1869, except for 1918, because of the Influenza Epidemic...
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With the integration of Jim Crow laws in the 1890’s, there was the integration of the “Colored State Fair.” Dr. Stroup discusses the history of the “Colored State Fairs”, and how different factions...
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Today, a private board of trustees runs the SC State Fair. Walter Edgar recalls his younger years, and remembers the “girly shows” at the SC State Fair, which discontinued around 1975. The last of the...
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Dr. Rodger Stroup, retired Director of the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, is taking a deep dive into the history of the South Carolina State Fair, doing research for an upcoming...