September was County Fair time in 1926 just as it is today in 2026. The lead story in the September 15, 1926, issue of the Elk City News-Democrat was “The Big Fair Off To a Rousing Start With Every Prospect of Being Most Successful Yet Given.” The article touted a huge agricultural exhibit along with textiles, culinary entries, and art. The fair also included entertainment consisting of bands, a carnival, a style show, a water circus, and hippodrome acts. A companion article proclaimed that over 3,000 exhibits had been registered.
The front page of the Elk City News-Democrat also contained news from Canute. One article stated that the Canute area had one of the best cotton crops on record. The abundance of cotton coincided with the opening of the Planters Gin Company bringing the total number of cotton gins in Canute to three. The manager of the new gin hosted a barbecue for friends and patrons with hundreds of area people attending.
Other Canute news told of an upcoming play at Canute High School Auditorium on September 22. The play, “A Fortunate Calamity,” was billed as a comedy drama in three acts. Admission for the play was 25 and 35 cents with proceeds going to buy library books and scientific equipment.
Ads in the Elk City News-Democrat included Childress Chevrolet and the Rex Theater. Chevrolet cars were advertised with prices ranging from $510 to $765. The ad touted the simplicity of Chevrolet’s gear shift and its velvety acceleration. The ad was clearly aimed at the female population since the person driving in the ad was a very stylish-looking woman. The Rex Theatre advertised several movies including “A Hero of the Big Snows” starring Rin-Tin-Tin the wonder dog.
The newspaper also included “The Elk, the Official Paper of Elk City High School.” The paper listed the new sponsors for the classes and the various clubs. A new pep club called the Ginger Snaps was being organized. They planned to travel with the football team and be “part of the backbone of the team.”
The September 16, 1926, issue of the Sayre Journal reminded readers of the upcoming election on November 2. Citizens would be casting their ballots on every office from governor to U.S. Senate and almost every office in between. Candidates for governor were Democrat Henry S. Johnson, Republican Omer K. Benedict, Independent Miriam Olivet Bezanson, Independent Ed Boyle, Socialist E. H. Bales, and Farmer-Labor John Franing.
In other news, an article entitled “With the Beckham County Schools” encouraged readers to cast their votes for the Better Schools Amendment, State Question 145. The article also outlined plans to improve school attendance by recognizing students with perfect attendance each month by printing an “honor roll” with their names in the newspaper.
Another article reported news from Pioneer School and North Star School. The Pioneer High School students had their fingers measured for class rings, and the girls were organizing a basketball team. The North Star third graders were having a spelling contest.
The Sayre Journal also reported that since the Wilson community in south-central Oklahoma had lost the area cotton crop from a boll weevil infestation, the cotton pickers were headed to Beckham County to help with cotton harvest. The article stated, “Beckham County is in fine shape for a heavy yield.”
The Beckham County Democrat reported on the Oklahoma State Fair scheduled to start on September 25. The article “Twentieth State Fair to Be Largest in History” reported that over thirty counties would have agricultural exhibits and almost forty counties would be represented in the textiles and culinary arts. In addition, there would be several days of auto racing and horse and dog racing. Exhibits would also include new radios, automobiles, and farm implements.
The paper had an ad for the Dixie Hatchery, which advertised baby chicks for sale. They were purebred chicks ranging in price from $8.75 to $13 per hundred. The chicks could be mailed, and the store guaranteed live delivery.
Another article in the Beckham County Democrat stated that “America Leads Nations in Use of Ice Cream.” The article further advised the use of evaporated milk in producing ice cream. It was deemed a safer alternative to fresh milk.
As usual the paper published chapters of a serialized novel. The current book was The Water Bearer by J. Allan Dunn, a western adventure published in 1923. Another article discussed plans to raise funds for the public library. More books were needed for high-school students making reports. The article also encouraged citizens to purchase a library membership card for one dollar.
Finally, the Beckham County Democrat reported on the upcoming football game between Erick and Hammon. Erick had high hopes for the season and had several returning players. Everyone was urged to watch the game Friday afternoon.
The newspapers in Beckham County in September 1926 were full of fairs, football, and election news. We are carrying on those same traditions in 2026.