News: Clark County Fair (‘Toots’ on the Rampage - 1962)

Contact: Dolores

Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Meissner, Appleyard 

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI.) August 9, 1962

Clark County Fair (‘Toots’ on the Rampage - 1962)

"Toots", yearling heifer, put on the big show of the Clark County Fair, with the element of surprise thrown in.  She knocked over Sandra Meissner, her owner, dragged Sandra a little way; broke loose and bolted for the cow barn.

"Toots" did not go to the entry door, like other fair visitors, but took the direct route through a window. She was a big yearling, and the window was a close fit. She could not "give" on the way in, so the window had to do the giving.  Nor was "Toots" stopped by a box under the window, or by other debris in her way.  She dashed through everything, and right into the center of the barn, where people were viewing the cattle. The people gave "Toots" the right of way; they had to.

This break to the barn by Toots interrupted her preparation for the show ring.  When she was recovered, she was taken outside again.  There Sandra went on with her work, but she had the help of Larry Appleyard in holding the animal, and she proceeded deftly, gently and cautiously with the fitting job.

"Toots" made up for her monkey shines; unhurt by her rampage, she went on to win a first in her class, while Sandra won the junior showmanship award and Larry Appleyard took the senior showmanship award.

Sandra is the daughter of the (balance of story is missing).