Phillips County Museum News for Wednesday, July 10, 2024

The second annual Farm Bureau Picnic was held July 12, 1924, at Malta’s Trafton Park. It was organized by the Phillips County Farm Bureau with help from the Malta Commercial Club. An estimated 1,500 people attended.

A wide variety of sporting events were held in the morning with men, women, and children participating. Some events were for teams representing their communities while others were for individuals. Team events included men’s horseshoes and tug-of-war, relay races, and 3-legged races. Most winners in team events received $2.00 for 1st, $1.00 for 2nd and 60 cents for 3rd.

Athletic contests for children were separated into boys under 12 years of age, girls under 12 years of age, boys under 16, and girls under 16. Events included standing broad jump, running broad jump, high jump, 50-yard dash, 20-yard crow race, and long-distance race. For the children, winners received 30 cents, while 2nd place got 20 cents, and 3rd, 10 cents.

Women’s events included a ball-throwing contest, newspaper novelty race, and 50-yard dash. Monetary prizes ranged from $1.00 down to 25 cents. The men’s events consisted of singles horseshoes and team events.

During the noon break, everyone enjoyed the picnic dinners that they brought from home. Malta Mercantile provided coffee for anyone wanting it. The Malta Band furnished music.

After lunch, three speakers spoke on the importance of agriculture. Following the speakers there were more sporting events such as boys’ and girls’ pony races and farmers’ saddle horse races, long-distance swims and high dives from the very top of the bridge by the park.

When the day had ended the South Wagner community won the prize for having won the most money and having the largest number of contestants.

Stop by the Phillips County Museum to learn more fascinating facts about early-day life in the area. We are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.