Happening This Fall
An Old-Fashioned Quilt Turning - Sat., Jan. 23 (postponed from Oct. 24)
We are offering another free program for quilters and quilt enthusiasts during the winter. It will be at Masonicare at Chester Village on Saturday , Jan. 23, at 2 p.m. (snow date Jan. 30).
Susan Nygard, 20-year resident of Chester, who has been quilting for over 50 years, will present “An Old-Fashioned Quilt Turning.” Susan also has done volunteer work at the DAR in Washington, D.C. to conserve and stabilize a collection of quilts for an exhibition in Japan. She has considerable experience in applique and reproduction applique and is a member of the Baltimore Applique Society.
Susan’s program is designed to inspire and educate others by showcasing a variety of quilts and hearing the stories that goes along with them. Participants are invited to bring their favorite quilts to share with the group. Susan will bring some quilts from her own collection to add to the presentation.
Celebrating Chester Fair’s 150th Birthday - Sun., Nov. 8
The Chester Agricultural and Mechanical Society (the Chester Fair) will celebrate its 150th birthday next year, in 2027.
In anticipation of this historical event, the Chester Historical Society will host a crackerbarrel-style program on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 4 p.m. in the Meeting House. Several Fair historians will share stories and memories about the Fair, while encouraging you to share yours. There will also be exhibits of Chester Fair T-shirts and photos, and refreshments will be based on past Fair cookie recipes.
The Fair has been held annually since 1877 with the exception of 1905, three years during World War II and in 2020 due to the pandemic. Thus, the 2027 Fair will be the 146th Chester Fair.
The Fair began when a group of Chester men gathered in 1877 to discuss forming a society to sponsor an exhibition of the two facets of Chester life most important to the town—farming and mechanics. They organized the Agricultural and Mechanical Society of Chester “to promote and awaken an intelligent interest in Agricultural and Mechanical pursuits.”
For many years the Fair was held at the Chester Meeting House and on the Green, but this location was not always large enough to properly exhibit the wares of the entrants nor to allow the crowds, so at various times other locations were tried. Finally, 60 years ago, in 1946, the Society purchased land on Middlesex Avenue, which has been its home ever since.
Please save the date and bring your memories on Nov. 8. The program is free and refreshments will be served.