Cherry Park Trotting Races, early 1900s
The Farmington Valley Agricultural Corporation operated this annual agricultural fair from 1883 to 1911.
Schools closed for the fair, and attendance reached 10,000 people. There was a grandstand, animal and farm produce displays, oxen pulls, balloon ascensions, and this race track for trotting, pacing, and bicycle races. The fair ceased in 1911 because it was not possible to operate it so far from the railroad and trolley. Property sold in 1911 which later became speedway for autos; developed into residential area in 1960's when grandstand was torn down.
Avon Collection, Marian Hunter History Room, Avon Free Public Library.
Eddie's Car Trimmed for Fair 1914
Clinton Hadsell took this photograph in September 1914 and titled it "Eddie's Car Trimmed for Fair." Sherman Eddy poses in his car, decorated with agricultural products and American flags. Eddy was a gardener and town booster. In the early 1900s, he held the annual Avon Fish and Game Club Dinner at his home, Tow Path Lodge, on Old Farms Road.
Marian Hunter History Room, Avon Free Public Library
The Camp Gertrude Bryant Dedication, August 26, 1947.
Pfc. Gertrude Bryant (1917-1944) served in the Women's Army Air Corps during World War II. Not wanting to share Camp Alsop for boys, Gertrude Bryant's mother and Avon girls established this girl scout camp near the present Avon High School. It operated until the 1960s.
L-R: Joanne Phillips, Dorothy St. Pierre, scout leader Dorothy Hunter, and Lois Heiman. Sunset Farm Collection.
Sperry Park
1904: Mr. Franklin Sperry allows baseball to be played on his fields.
1933: Mr. Sperry deeded the park on May 3, 1933 (Avon Land Records Vol. 21, Page 553) to be “used as a public park and athletic field.” Per his request, three residents were named as managers.
1934: Sperry Park was dedicated, and the first Little League games were played.
1937: Mr. Sperry’s estate document, filed with the Town of Avon, recorded on November 26, 1937 (Avon Land Records Vol. 23, Page 396) states “…to be used as a public park or field of pleasure for all surrounding people…”