Agricultural History Series

 Missouri State University

 1904 St. Louis World's Fair

Shropshire Show

It was said that the Shropshires made an exhibit of high character and genuine excellence.  The show was thought to be one of supremacy without a flaw anywhere, although there were a few fleeces that had a little more maturity than essential or desirable.  None of the animals in this condition gained any advantage; any mutton sheep carrying two to four months’ worth of extra fleece in this American show during the fall were at a definite handicap.  In other countries and seasons, the extra wool would be desired, but not in this show.

Allen's Champion Senior Shropshire Yearling Ram

There were two items that Prof. C. F. Curtis of Ames, IA,  considered in the judging of the Shropshires - character and type. Character was determined by the expression, animation, and individuality of the animal. This was done by looking at its face and countenance.  When judging conformation, the Prof. Curtis looked at the back, spring of the rib, and length and fullness of leg.

The breech of a Shropshire Lamb

A major surprise came to Judge Curtis when he learned that there was a protest of the judging  being circulated among the exhibitors.  The protest needed only one more signature to insure its presentation to the Superintendent, but that signature was refused and the whole protest dropped.  There was no way any one man could have satisfied all competitors in this show, but Prof. Curtis did his best.

 

Judging a group of Shropshires

 The First Prize winners were:

References:  The Breeder’s Gazette, October 12, 1904; American Sheep Breeder, October 15, 1904.

Photos from American Sheep Breeder.

This page was designed by Lacy Swiney and is maintained by Lyndon Irwin. 

Go back to the main sheep page.

Go back to the World's Fair page.