From 1891 to 1912, this farmland was the site of the New London Fairground, whose dining hall survives as today’s farmhouse while the grandstand, horse barn, racetrack, and judges’ stand shown in a 1905 view are gone. For 22 years, the grounds were privately owned by James Henry Cannon, the fair’s leading organizer and a zealous promoter. Thousands attended annually to compare exhibits of livestock, vegetables, flowers, and needlework, while local merchants displayed their wares. Entertainment included trained dogs and goats performing stunts, grafters running games and ruses, and a steam-powered “whirly-go-round” for children. A major annual feature was harness racing, with horses arriving from across the Midwest to compete for cash prizes from $75 to $450; in 1899, Cannon’s horse Maurine set the track record at 2:17. Special attractions also drew crowds: in 1897, 3,000 people stood in the rain to hear Wisconsin politician Robert “Fighting Bob” La Follette advocate the direct primary; in 1910, parachutists jumped from a hot air balloon; and in 1912, spectators watched a pilot circle above the grounds in a biplane. Cannon died in 1912, the last fair was held that year, the property was bought by George Thern in 1914, and in 2014 Thern descendants received the Century Farm Award for 100 years of family ownership.