Hyslop family has long history with Caledonia Fair
Barbara A. Martindale- For What It's Worth September 23, 2013
This year marks the 141st Caledonia Fair. Volunteers and exhibitors are what has contributed to its longevity.
Over the years, many have come and gone. Family members who were present when the first Caledonia Fair took place have descendants who remain active today.
The Hyslop family is one of those families. Thomas Hyslop was active in the 1870s when the Fairgrounds were purchased.
His son, Norman, and wife, Elizabeth Hyslop, weren't only volunteers, but their farm exhibits won awards.
Norman was an honorary life member of the Caledonia Agricultural Society. Elizabeth was well known all over Ontario as a judge at exhibitions and fairs.
Third generation Tom and wife, Eleanor, received the Agricultural Service Diploma in 1972, the 100th year for the Fair.
Back to Norman and Elizabeth. For years, Norman exhibited winning grain. In 1956, he won the Wheat King title with 95 points and in 1957 took second prize at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) for his Dawbul fall wheat. He was quick to credit the family, too.
Norm was president of the Caledonia Agricultural Society in 1949, and he once said he had been in charge of the Fair's midway for 38 years.
Well-known for community service, after retiring to their home in Caledonia, Norm Hyslop was 79 years old when he walked 23 miles in the October 17, 1970 walkathon to raise money for the Exhibition Hall/ Arena's building campaign.
Elizabeth Hyslop's judging prowess led her to many fall fairs and exhibitions across Ontario from the 1940s to the 1970s. For example, in 1953, she judged at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition. She judged women's work at the CNE as past president of the Ladies’ section for the Ontario Agricultural Society.
In 1971, Elizabeth judged at Rockton, Welland, Binbrook, Paris, Ohsweken, Ancaster, Simcoe and more.
She was an active member of the Women's Institute, and she and Norm were members of the Carluke and Caledonia Presbyterian Churches.
Norm and Elizabeth's activities were documented by Elizabeth, who for many years kept scrapbooks not only of their own family's accomplishments, but of people, occasions and different happenings within the whole community. Her scrap booking ended in 1982.
A Sachem obituary with the sub title "Death Saddens Community" appeared in the 1976 scrapbook to sadly recognize Norm's death on February 27 of that year.
There were other mementoes, too, such as the card that had been attached to the Corvairs’ floral tribute - Norm also was an honorary member of the Corvairs hockey club.
At the time, Norman not only left his wife, Elizabeth, but also two sons, Ralph and Tom, and three daughters, Marjorie, Norma and Dorothy.
Caledonia Fair is this coming weekend, from Thursday to Sunday. Don't miss it!
