Frame Size (H x L): 23.5” x 20.5”
Banner Size (H x L): 17.5” x 14.5”

Offered is an antique Upshur County Fair banner, printed on cotton.  It includes a horse and the following overprint, all of which is printed in blue:

UPSHUR
CO. FAIR
SEPT. 19, 20, 21, 22
1905
Ithaca Sign Works, Ithaca, N.Y.

The Upshur County Fair is an annual event held in Upshur County, West Virginia.  The first Upshur County Fair was held in 1897, organized by the Upshur County Agricultural Society. The fair was held in Buckhannon, the county seat of Upshur County, and it became a popular event amongst local residents.  The fair featured livestock exhibits, horse races, agricultural displays, and a variety of other attractions.

In the early 20th century, the Upshur County Fair continued to grow in popularity.  In 1908, a new fairground was built in Buckhannon to accommodate the increasing number of visitors.  During the 1920s and 1930s, the Upshur County Fair faced economic difficulties, caused in part by the Great Depression.  Even so, the fair persevered and continued to be an important event for the community.

In the years following World War II, the Upshur County Fair added new attractions, such as carnival rides and games, and continued to showcase the best of the county's agriculture and livestock.  In the 1950s and 1960s, the fair drew visitors from across the state of West Virginia and beyond.  Today, the Upshur County Fair remains a tradition in the area.  The fair is held each year in August, and it features a wide range of attractions, including live music, carnival rides, agricultural displays, and more.

Ithaca Sign Works is a sign-making company located in Ithaca, New York.  The origins of Ithaca Sign Works can be traced back to 1903, when the Ithaca Sign Company was established in downtown Ithaca. It specialized in hand-painted signs, producing everything from storefront signs to billboards.  Over the years, it grew in size and reputation, becoming a major player in the sign-making industry in upstate New York.

In the 1940s, Ithaca Sign Company was renamed Ithaca Sign Works, reflecting the company's expanding range of services.  The company began to use new technologies, such as screen printing and vinyl lettering, to produce signs more efficiently and with greater precision.

Throughout the 20th century, Ithaca Sign Works continued to grow and evolve.  The company worked on many high-profile projects, including signage for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York.  The company also became a leader in environmental graphics, producing signs and displays for museums, parks, and other public spaces.  Today, Ithaca Sign Works is known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The company's signs can be seen throughout the Ithaca area and beyond.

Conservation Process: This banner was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board. To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the banner, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash. The banner is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: The frame is made of two layers, the outer of which is made of birdseye maple, and the inner of which is gold.  It dates to approximately 1860.  

Condition Report: There is oxidation throughout.  There is discoloration above and around the “UPSHUR CO. FAIR” overprint, and similarly there is discoloration below and around the “SEPT. 19, 20, 21, 22” overprint.  There are rust stains and holes along, and near, the top edge.  The stains and holes were caused by nails that once attached this banner to a small wooden rod.  There are also rust stains along the left edge.  They were also caused by a nail, but also by the banner being rolled around the rod prior to it being placed into storage.  This is a two sided banner, hence the appearance of a light, reverse image on the obverse.     

Collectability Level: The Good – Perfect for Beginning Collectors and Gifts 
Date of Origin: 1905