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Advice books, almanacs and periodicals of the 1800s encouraged farmers to improve farming techniques and try new methods. Many farmers did not readily adopt these new ideas. Agricultural reformers in this period enjoyed far greater success in creating a vehicle to bring farmers together and highlight innovative and high-performing agricultural practices: the regional fair. Fair organizers rewarded farmers who produced top-of-the-line livestock and crops with prizes and publicity. Farmers in the Middle Connecticut Valley region were famous for raising immense stall-fed oxen who were then sold to drovers who walked them to the cattleyards at Brighton, Massachusetts, near Boston. Mack was a particularly impressive example of an ox renowned for his stature. Mack traveled to numerous fairs where appreciative audiences willingly parted with ten cents to view this enormous animal. Mack was the best-known giant ox in the region, but other farmers enjoyed showing off their success in raising immense cattle.

 

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"Mack the Giant Ox" Banner

date   1900-1906
location   Buckland, Massachusetts
height   119.0"
width   115.0"
process/materials   oil on canvas
item type   Public Announcements/Banner
accession #   #1992.01.01


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See Also...

Jerry "The Avery Steer" Banner at the Fair

Jerry with Rocking Chair

New Entrance to the Live Wire Fair

Some Apples and Potatoes - Eastern States Expo.

Coliseum Building, Eastern States Exposition

Old State House and Midway, Eastern States Expo.

"Tis Sixty Years Since. The Passing of the Stall-fed Ox and the Farm Boy"

Avery Oxen Show Admission Ticket

"Giant Oxen" Poster

"Avery Oxen" Poster


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