A Look Back Again at the County Fair
from Barry Bauer
Photos in order of their appearance in the album:
– Two unidentified gentlemen show off the 4-H flag in 1939.
– On display in the Main Pavilion were handicrafts, jars of home canning, and clothing.
– Dr. Nelson Howe (right) lends a hand cooking. Dr. Howe was a local veterinarian
– The 4-H barbecue in 1938.
– Delmar LaVol (left) from Michigan State College (University today) judging some wool while Roscoe Smith, county agent, chomps on his cigar. He reportedly chewed on and ate a dozen black cigars a day. Smith Hall was named after Roscoe
– Ivan Harlow and Donald Findlay show off their Herefords in 1937.
– Race cars veer off the track
Race cars locked wheels and skidded on the curves which thrilled racing fans at the Clinton County Fair Grounds in St. Johns on a Sunday back in 1937. The climax came when two of the six streamlined vehicles ripped through a wire fence on the north turn and hit a concrete block building.
One of them plowed a gaping hole in the east wall and went right on in. The car suffered a lot of damage but the driver, Hawes (first name unavailable) of Lansing, landed underneath his speedster and suffered only minor bumps and bruises.
The other machine lost a wheel on the corner of the building, which was used as a Grange display hall back in the county fair days.
Hawes decided to call it a day after the two drivers were patched up at Hunt’s Drug Store in downtown St. Johns. The other driver returned to enter the next race.
After the annual Fair failed during the Depression, Tom Parks purchased the fairgrounds and moved his family onto the land. One of the Parks families patched up this old floral building and lived in it for many years.
– This cabin was erected on the old fairgrounds on Townsend Road in1930 during the fair’s 75th anniversary as a memorial to Clinton County’s pioneers. Each log in the cabin was provided by descendants of the pioneers. After the fairgrounds was sold, the cabin was moved and remodeled into a private residence.
The members if the Clinton County Archives are trying to locate this cabin, if any of it still exists. The logs were inscribed with the pioneers names. If anyone has any knowledge of this cabin, please let us know.
SJPS welcomes new Eureka Elementary Principal
Andy Fillwock is changing roles with the St. Johns Public Schools team after having served as the Success Coach at St. Johns High School since March of 2022. Prior to that his roles included Breckenridge Elementary Principal (21-22), Teacher at Pewamo Westphalia (18-21), Breckenridge Community (10-18) and Crossroads Charter Academy (08-10). He is a graduate of Central Michigan University.
Andy is a St. Johns native and outside of school enjoys being involved in his kids’ sports and activities, hunting, fishing, and spending time up north.
“I am most excited to have the opportunity to serve the students, teachers and families of Eureka as well as serve the community of St. Johns.”
Peter’s Sunny Day Foundation donates to Spray Park
Check out the new outdoor musical equipment at the St Johns Spray Park. Thank you Peter’s Sunny Day Foundation.
The Pulse® line of interactive, multisensory games encourage movement in an exciting new way. With Pulse® Tempo, kids listen for the musical tones, chase the lights, and then are rewarded with an entertaining sound and light show. Bring music and movement to the playground with this engaging game. It’s perfect for both solo enjoyment and social interaction.
Pulse Tempo is designed for 1 to 6 players
Last month Peter’s Sunny Day Foundation got the opportunity to be one of the recipients of a donation from MWC charity golf challenge.
MWC is the large-scale cheese and whey protein manufacturing facility in St. Johns. MWC processes over 2.9 billion pounds of milk, and will produce in excess of 300 million pounds of superior block cheese and 20 million pounds of value-added whey proteins powders each year. Employing nearly 260 employees, MWC will make world-class products of the highest quality to be sold throughout the world.
Young retires from Prosecutor’s Office
Brenda Young retires with 35 years of service to Clinton County. Thank you Brenda for your service and dedication to the Prosecutor’s Office, and all the best to you and your family in your retirement.
Remember When – This should tickle 700 4-H Club boys and girls
from Barry Bauer
When the Board of Supervisors appropriated $3,000 in 1940 for a suitable building for the 4-H Club Fair, and other public gatherings, the farm engineering department of Michigan State College (University today) agreed to design the new building.
A new style of laminated rafter was designed made up of 20 members. This was made up in miniature and tested severely for strength. Satisfied that the rafter design was sound, the department started making a miniature model of the building. The model is pictured above.
To the left is Mr. Hudson, the mechanic, who did the building. In the center, County Agent Roscoe Smith wears a broad grin, as Prof. Musselman, head of the department, points out a clever new reinforcement which makes the big building rigid and strong.
Completed, the building is designed to be 60×96 feet, will have a concrete floor, and there will be no obstructions on the floor space. It will be located south of the wooded section of the City Park, with plenty of room for parking and expansion.
It is the thought of those most interested that this building will not only serve the 4-H members, but various large gatherings during summer months, picnickers on rainy days and will make an excellent indoor ice skating rink in the cold winter months.
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – 10 Things You Probably Shouldn’t Do at the Vet’s Office
courtesy of Lauren Mick, LVT.
Some pets enjoy vet visits, but as you are probably well aware, many do not. They can’t comprehend that the procedures and medications they get at the vet clinic are for their own health and well-being.
But there are ways you can help make the experience at the vet’s office easier for your pets as well as for you and the veterinary staff. Here are some pointers for what Not to do.
Assume good behavior in your pets
We all like to think our own pets are the best four-legged creatures to walk the Earth. Unfortunately, it is very common and normal for pets to show a completely different side at the veterinary clinic, especially if they’ve never been to that clinic before or they remember a previous negative visit.
Cats can have difficulty with a change in environment, even more so if they are strictly indoors. It helps to take things slow. You may also want to search for a “Fear-Free Certified” clinic.
Let dogs sniff around if they are on a leash. Use many positive reinforcement cues, such as treats (if they can have them), verbal praise, and pets.
If your pet has not been to the vet’s office before, let the staff know it’s their first visit. Assuming a pet will be friendly (even if they have been in the past) can put the staff in danger and cause a negative experience for your pet.
Assume pricing
Part of veterinary care is the cost. Just like the bills for people, medical expenses can be high. You will most likely not visit two clinics that have the same pricing, as this is dependent on many factors, such as location, quality, and demand.
Do not assume that because your friend had a dog spayed for $120 that it will be the same for your own pet. Larger pets need more medication; smaller pets need less. Different medications cost the clinics different amounts, and some are very hard to come by. If you are in a small town at a local vet, and your friend went to a large vet chain in a big city, the rates will be different. Keep in mind that you are paying for the best care possible for your beloved pets.
Pet insurance can help you be prepared for unexpected expenses and be a life saver, literally! Wellness plans can help you prep for all the expected expenses of keeping your pet healthy.
Assume the diagnosis
When you bring your pet in with an illness, come with an open mind. Many symptoms can show up with tons of different illnesses. For example, vomiting in cats can be hairballs, allergies, thyroid disease, irritable bowel disorder, anxiety, or many other diagnoses.
On top of this, pets tend to hide symptoms well into their illness. Let your veterinary staff do the necessary physical exam and diagnostics to figure out what’s going on with your pet instead of assuming what the diagnosis is.
Google your way to cancer
This is a big one: Do not google yourself into a panic prior to a sick visit. The internet can be a great resource for pet information, but it can be misleading if the source is not reliable. It can lead you to expecting the worst outcome possible for your pet.
This can cause a lot of unnecessary anxiety for you, and since pets can sense our anxieties, it can make your pet stressed out, too. This can make the vet visit more stressful for everyone.
Not use a leash
Please do not think that your oh-so-lovable Golden Retriever does not need a leash for their vet visit. You never know what your dog may react to in the parking lot or waiting room. There may be a very anxious large dog that can cause you or your pet harm if they are approached by a pet that is off leash.
Off-leash pets can stress out sick pets or pets that are naturally anxious and already on the verge. Some animals, such as rabbits and cats, can very easily be frightened by a large dog coming up to their carrier. We want to do what’s best for every pet and pet parent, so make sure your pet is on a leash and not approaching other pets.
Not use a carrier
Keeping smaller or more anxious pets in a carrier is just as important. Many pets feel safer when they are in an enclosed space. This protects them from other animals as well. Without a carrier, a cat, bird, small reptile, or pocket pet can run away or seriously harm themselves. Carriers also make it easier for veterinary staff to access the pet.
Here are a few great options for carriers:
– Small pet carrier/rodent: Frisco Top-Loading Small Pet Carrier
– Reptile carrier: IRIS Reptile Habitat Carrier
– Bird carrier: Yaheetech Iron Travel Bird Cage Carrier
– Cat/small dog carrier: *Pro tip: Look for a cat or small dog carrier with front and top access, such as the one below. This makes for easier entry and exit, and pets are less likely to get trapped in the carrier during emergency medical situations.
– Frisco Two-Door Top-Load Dog and Cat Kennel
Keeping carriers in plain sight while at home and bringing them out commonly helps pets not associate them with just going to the vet, which can cause anxiety. Allow your pet to make a positive association with their carrier.
Use a retractable leash or super long leash
This one you may not be aware of, but it’s important to know. Retracting leashes are dangerous. They can wrap around your pet, other pets, or people. This can lead to wounds and trip hazards. Instead, use a fixed-length leash.
Long fixed leashes are great for “sniffaris” with your dog outdoors, but in a waiting room, they can be dangerous as well. Choose a leash that’s short enough that it allows you to keep your dog within a few feet. You may choose to pair this with a quality harness. It helps even more if the harness has a handle, or even if the leash has a handle.
You may want to ease your pet’s anxiety before a vet visit or planned procedure/test, but unless you’ve discussed premedicating with your veterinary care team, do not give your pet unprescribed medication. This can cause all sorts of issues.
First, it makes it harder for vets to see clinical signs and be able to reach the right diagnosis if they can’t see your pet when they are not sedated or medicated.
You can also cause unwanted or dangerous side effects. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as Rimadyl, Metacam, Deramaxx, or Etogesic) and corticosteroids (such as prednisone, triamcinolone, or dexamethasone) are two of the most frequently prescribed classes of medications in veterinary medicine. But when two or more are given at the same time, even within a few days of one another, gastrointestinal problems are likely.
Another example is combining certain drugs that may cause “serotonin syndrome.” Several types of drugs commonly prescribed to pets increase serotonin levels within the brain, and when they are used together, their combined effect may result in a dangerous and possibly fatal reaction.
Drugs that can play a role in serotonin syndrome in pets include Anipryl (selegiline or L-deprenyl), Mitaban and Preventic (amitraz), Clomicalm (clomipramine), Reconcile and Prozac (fluoxetine), and amitriptyline. These medications should not be given together. Transition or “wash-out” periods that last several weeks may be necessary when switching from one to another.
Make sure you have past medical records and a list of current medications your pets are on when you come to the vet. You can even find templates online that can help you prepare for commonly asked veterinary visit questions.
Judge veterinarians or veterinary staff members by their cover
In a veterinary clinic or hospital, you are bound to see staff from many different backgrounds. But one thing they all most likely have in common is that they’re there to help keep your pet healthy and make them feel comfortable at the clinic. Do your best not to judge any of these dedicated professionals by their appearance. For example, don’t assume that if a veterinarian looks young, they must not have any experience or know what’s best for your pet.
Think we are adding unnecessary tests to charge more
One of the most common misconceptions pet parents have is that veterinary professionals charge high prices and make bucketloads of money from their field of work.
The truth is that veterinary professionals are not in this field for money. In many cases, they could be making much less than you expected. In addition, the American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that recent graduates have an average debt of $147,258 from veterinary school.
Veterinary professionals also sacrifice their mental and physical well-being at times for the love of their field. Sadly, the rates of suicide and depression are high for veterinary professionals compared to the general US population. The reasons for this are many—burnout, high-stress jobs, big workloads, long hours, and even though they may hide it, compassion fatigue in having to give bad news to pet parents about their beloved pets.
They’ve dedicated themselves to making pets’ lives better by doing the best they can for them in times of need, whether that’s placing an IV catheter, performing orthopedic surgery, or simply giving your pet one-on-one time and love so they know they are in good hands.