Du Quoin State Fair - The 1930s Crowds are wild for auto racing; nightly entertainment a big hit

Second in a series

Like most things, the second time around was easier than the first and the second "decade" of the Du Quoin State Fair, the 1930s, seemed considerably easier for fair management than the first. At least the attractions and activities were greater and attendance responded accordingly.

The 1930 Fair, which ran from Sept. 1 until Sept. 6 was called "the best and biggest ever" by General Manager W.R. Hayes.

In addition to superb weather, the Fair was the scene of its first-ever onstage wedding and a capacity crowd was on hand to watch. Interesting!

Harness racing produced record times on a daily basis and auto racing was superb, according to Hayes.

Hayes' own horse, Royal Cliff, set a new track record of 2:07.

In addition to the harness races, the track program included thoroughbred and mule races. The latter had only to navigate the "home stretch."

Meanwhile, popular favorite auto driver "Red" Campbell of Benton won the first five-mile race (that's 10 laps on the half-mile track) in a record time of 5:58.

It was reported that "20,000 saw the race," which was obviously an exaggerated figure ... even though fans were reported to be three and four deep around the track's outer fence.

A circus, the Shive and Christ, was credited with being a major attraction throughout the week and provided a number of acts itself.

And, once again Hayes predicted that next year's fair would be "bigger and better" than ever.

The 1931 edition had few noteworthy happenings, although one was of interest. The fair closed on a Saturday, electing to forfeit the typical Sunday crowd. Also of note was that Gene Hayes, the GM's oldest son, won his first horse race driving, in 2:10 and 2:11.

The 1932 Fair was not without its usual hitches, but was OK despite an obstacle or two. One hitch was a false report that the grounds were going to be sold to a nearby mine. False, of course, and all enjoyed Red Campbell winning again as well as a man shot out of a cannon. Wow.

Another highlight was Du Quoin's drum and bugle band performing. Wish we could have found a picture, which we have seen, of Oren Green strutting - and leading - the group. It's priceless.

The "Pride of Du Quoin" was the Fair's newest slogan and more than 30,000 fans turned out to welcome Illinois Gov. Len Small.

Also of interest was that in 1932 W.R. Hayes is still listed as just the "general manager" of the fair while James McSherry is president and Arthur Mann, Ed Maclin and Harry Strong are key supporters.

Rain dampened the 1934 Fair even though new Illinois Gov. Henry Horner added his support. Officials erected a large tent across the track from the main grandstand so the show could be presented rain or shine.

The bottom line was that rain was a major factor but once again, officials were relatively satisfied with the overall results.

The next five years of the 30s were busy ones with a major schedule change which called for the Fair to open on Labor Day. The weather forecaster failed to cooperate, but overall attendance was still listed at 50,000 in 1935.

The society horse show returned to the Fair's schedule in 1936 and with excellent results. Promised that the race would be given good billing, owners from 21 stables from seven Midwestern states entered a record number of classy horses. They were not disappointed, as some events were even scheduled on the track in front of the main grandstand.

The weather once again was a bit of a problem, but the Fair survived and the six-day event attracted what officials called "nearly 50,000."

The "Tumbling Arabs" received top billing along with a bear act. Also of interest is that "running" races were on the track schedule and proved to be popular with fans. The best time turned in by the standard-breds was 2:10 by a pacer.

The 1937 Fair was just like most earlier fairs ... a record breaker. The only complaint reported in the Evening Call was the need for more grandstand toilets. They got them, as 25,000 fans were reported on Labor Day only. The night show was reported by the Call as being "the largest of its kind ever seen." And, the weather forecaster was kind for a change.

The carnival had 12 rides and as many sideshows. All were well attended as it was reported that 85,000 ... largest ever crowd ... were on the grounds. The carnival arrived on 25 railroad cars while Jimmy Lynch and daredevil drivers performed between races in front of the main grandstand. As in previous years, one "running" race closed out the day's schedule, but it was still the motorized races which attracted the largest crowd.

Jimmie Wilburn, a name that would become familiar to area racing fans, made his Du Quoin debut, but finished second in the main event.

And, true to form, the night show once again was a featured attraction. This year's show was called "The Cavalcade of Hits" and included the usual number of acrobats and magicians. And, the carnival again had its sideshow which featured "The Headless Woman." Double wow.

The 1938 Fair got off to a rough start as a pilot scheduled to crash his plane into a house in the infield of the track somehow or other crashed in a field north of the fairgrounds instead. All survived. Other than that mishap, the '38 Fair went off without any major incidents.

Elephants made their first appearance as part of the carnival and between racing heats Jimmy Lynch's Daredevil Divers performed for the grandstand crowd.

The following year - 1939 - there was no doubt about the most popular attraction at the Fair. It was Jimmy Wilburn and car racing. Wilburn responded by setting two records to highlight the six-day Fair. He claimed a 10-mile record of 9:30 on a half-mile dirt track after having set a new qualifying mark of: 26 and 3/5 seconds and a mark of 4:30 for a five-mile record.

Once again, the traditional night show proved to be popular. It was highlighted by a Chinese troupe as well as comedian Rufe Davis.

Three nights during the week the stage was turned into a ballroom following the night show while participants danced to the offerings of the Clyde Lucas Orchestra.

"Days" were big, more so than noted in earlier years. Opening day - Labor Day - was not officially reported, but estimates said 25,000 attended.

"Bargain Day," "Thrill Day" and "Children's Day" followed, all drawing "nice" crowds.

And, too, commercial exhibits continued to increase as the Fair closed another successful year and a successful decade.

About the author: Fred Huff Sr. has lived in Du Quoin since he was 2. In 1972 he became the state fair's general manager, which included lining up the big talent for the Grandstand shows, and has been a publicist for the Fair as well. He is a walking compendium of State Fair knowledge, which he has expressed in several books, and this year wanted to write a series for the Du Quoin Call on the fair's history, in this 100th anniversary year.