Time for the County Fair

It was always an exciting time. So much preparation went into getting ready to exhibit your prize cow, vegetables and homemade pies and jams. Besides the judged exhibits there may also have been trotting races, pulling contests or other demonstrations. But most of all people enjoyed taking a break away from the farm and getting a chance to socialize, play the midway games and eat good things.

This was the perfect spot for Thomas Lissett and his photograph wagon. Here he could take your photo to give to your sweetheart or even better, take your photo with your sweetheart. What could better than having a photographer right on the spot to photograph your prize horse wearing that blue ribbon coming right out of the ring. This is where Lissett had a profitable stay.

Lissett was a photographer who discovered how to make being an itinerant pay off. While other photographers of the 1860s-1880s were settling into studios in Chester County towns, Lissett filled an important niche. He brought photographic services to the public in towns too small to support an established studio as well as to special events such as the fairs and camp meetings. You can read about his career my biography of Thomas Lissett.

As you enjoy the modern-day Goshen or Unionville Community Fair, think of Thomas Lissett and what it was like in his day.