Show’s have been a prominent part of Stanthorpe’s history, thus 1893 will be a continuation of 1892.
The following is an excerpt from ‘They Came to a Plateau’ by Jean Harslett and Mervyn Royle.
Chapter: Mighty Oaks out of Little Acorns Grow
Small shows had been held in the Good Templars Hall and Groom’s Hotel since 1873, including mineral, fruit and vegetable displays.
On 15th October 1875, the “Border Post” speaks of a suggested Agricultural and Horticultural Association being formed with the main aim of encouraging permanent agricultural settlement in the district.
The Editorial records “Wheat and oats sown a few months ago are doing well, barely and lucerne have been planted many months past.
We have the assurance of of experienced vigenors, that as wine growing soil the land is unsurpassed, as well as for the cultivation of deciduous fruits of all kinds which we already have occular demonstration.
Vegetables are of finest quality, white-heart cabbages 10 lbs to 14 lbs in weight and potatoes 1 lb each, are common occurrences.
These are tangible grounds for the assumption of a new industry will develop with encouragement.
The encouragement is the societies desire.”
Following a second meeting on the 28th October, a third was held on 8th November 1875, firmly establishing the Society as “The Border Agricultural, Horticultural and Mining Society”.
The meeting was held at Mrs. Farrell’s Hotel, and the permanently established committee elected.
