From the dates, September 6 and 7, we believe it was painted for the Fall Fair in 1952. This was the “Centennial Fair” celebrating 100 years of fairs in the community. The sign was painted by Gordon Ratz. For many years Mr. Ratz painted practically all the signs for businesses in the village.

This particular sign is unique in that it was made from one piece of solid lumber 119 3/4” x 22 3/4” x 7/8” thick or roughly 10’ x 21’ x 1’. This board would have to have been cut from a tree that had a diameter of 26” or more. To achieve this diameter the tree probably grew from a seedling in the early 1850s. Our Fall Fair had its beginnings in 1852.

As such, this was truly a Tavistock tree for a Tavistock sign advertising a Tavistock institution — our Fall Fair. If this sign could speak, what a story it could tell!

For some fun things you may not know about the Tavistock Fall Fair please go to the “At The Museum” section of this website.