Introduction
The stories contained in this text are what scholars call oral histories. Oral histories are stories, memories, and recollections that people tell about their pasts. These stories are typically about the subjects’ lives and those people that have interacted with them over the years. An oral history is an expression of the memories of the individual who is recounting it. These recollections are from the individual’s point of view and often differ from other people’s memories of the same event. In this way an oral history is unique and no two individuals will have the same experience. During each interview I asked the same types of questions and encouraged those being interviewed to elaborate on their responses. I always encouraged these folks talk about their memories in as much detail as possible. However, many people were apprehensive about the validity of their memories, and suggested I go to other individuals or that I read a book written about a certain event for more accurate information. I assured them that I was more interested in their experiences as they remembered them, rather than a strictly factual account.
My own experience with the Bloomsburg Fair has developed on two fronts. As a resident of Bloomsburg since 1994, I have attended and enjoyed the Fair every year since my family moved here. As an anthropologist, employed at Bloomsburg University, I have created demographic reports for the Bloomsburg Fair Association with data collected from Bloomsburg Fair attendees over the last four years. Working with Bloomsburg University geographer Jerry Mitchell, we created a program that gives Bloomsburg University students a chance to learn about the Fair through data collection. Approximately seventy students each year administer a survey during fair week. These students approach fairgoers and ask a variety of survey questions such as “How far did you travel to get to the Fair?” and “How much money did you spend while at the Fair?” These surveys are used to prepare a report for the Bloomsburg Fair Association to determine what counties draw the highest number of visitors. The annual reports have also helped identify fairgoers’ comments and suggestions. We have been able to determine average spending and ages of fairgoers as well as what determine what keeps people coming back year after year.
However, data collection can only represent half of the Bloomsburg Fair phenomenon. Just as important as the numbers associated with the Fair are the personal and community experiences, experiences that mere numbers cannot convey. Therefore, for the last several years I have been thinking about writing a series of books that would contain oral histories of people who make the Bloomsburg Fair run. This book represents the beginning of this project and explores the lives of those who have spent a lifetime working, volunteering, and promoting the Bloomsburg Fair. I hope you enjoy these stories. If you are interested in being interviewed for future volumes, please contact the author (see Appendix).
My own experience with the Bloomsburg Fair has developed on two fronts. As a resident of Bloomsburg since 1994, I have attended and enjoyed the Fair every year since my family moved here. As an anthropologist, employed at Bloomsburg University, I have created demographic reports for the Bloomsburg Fair Association with data collected from Bloomsburg Fair attendees over the last four years. Working with Bloomsburg University geographer Jerry Mitchell, we created a program that gives Bloomsburg University students a chance to learn about the Fair through data collection. Approximately seventy students each year administer a survey during fair week. These students approach fairgoers and ask a variety of survey questions such as “How far did you travel to get to the Fair?” and “How much money did you spend while at the Fair?” These surveys are used to prepare a report for the Bloomsburg Fair Association to determine what counties draw the highest number of visitors. The annual reports have also helped identify fairgoers’ comments and suggestions. We have been able to determine average spending and ages of fairgoers as well as what determine what keeps people coming back year after year.
However, data collection can only represent half of the Bloomsburg Fair phenomenon. Just as important as the numbers associated with the Fair are the personal and community experiences, experiences that mere numbers cannot convey. Therefore, for the last several years I have been thinking about writing a series of books that would contain oral histories of people who make the Bloomsburg Fair run. This book represents the beginning of this project and explores the lives of those who have spent a lifetime working, volunteering, and promoting the Bloomsburg Fair. I hope you enjoy these stories. If you are interested in being interviewed for future volumes, please contact the author (see Appendix).