Cultivating Community: Women and Agricultural Fairs in Ontario

Since 1850, agricultural fairs in Ontario have undergone significant transformations, particularly in terms of womens participation. Cultivating Community explores how womens diverse roles as agricultural society members, fair exhibitors, performers, volunteers, and fairgoers have contributed to the growth and prosperity of these events. By the mid-twentieth century, women had staked out a place in venues previously closed to them, showcasing their talents and skills.

Format: Hardback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2022
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

For nearly two centuries, families and individuals throughout Ontario have embarked on scenic country road trips and gathered at seasonal agricultural fairs. While certain aspects of township and county fairs have remained unchanged for generations, these community gatherings have undergone significant transformations since 1850, particularly in terms of women's participation.

Cultivating Community unravels the captivating tale of how women's involvement became pivotal in the growth and success of agricultural fairs. By delving into the diverse roles that women played within agricultural society, as exhibitors, performers, volunteers, and fairgoers, Jodey Nurse demonstrates how women utilized the multifaceted nature of fairs to present different iterations of rural womanhood. While traditional domestic skills and handicrafts, such as baking, needlework, and flower arrangement, remained the domain of women throughout this period, women steadily expanded their influence on the fairgrounds. By the mid-twentieth century, they had secured a place in venues previously closed to them, including the livestock show ring, the athletic field, and the boardroom.

Through a rich tapestry of fascinating stories and vivid details, Cultivating Communities offers a fresh perspective on the social and cultural history of rural women, centering their activities at the heart of the agricultural fair. This captivating book sheds light on the ways in which women actively contributed to the fabric of these vibrant community events, challenging traditional gender roles and forging new paths of empowerment and self-expression.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228009146