Once again, it’s time for the Greene County Fair. That means it’s also time for the Greene County Historical Society’s annual “Fair Chats.”
These informal mini-programs feature local speakers talking about history. In 2026, there will be three. They’re a chance to pull up a chair and learn something about our county.
On Friday, July 10, at 11 am, former judge Jed Magee will talk about one of Jefferson’s most famous sons, George Gallup. Gallup, who lived from1901-1984, went from captain of the local football team to founder of the Gallup Poll. He was featured on the cover of Time magazine and has received many national honors. A video on the 2001 reconstruction of his boyhood home, an octagon house at 703 S. Chestnut, will also be shown.
Later that day, at 1 pm, we’ll learn about Veterans’ Stories: Greene County, Iowa, Volume One. This collection boasts interviews with 59 Greene County military veterans. It was compiled in spring 2026 and is published by Raspberry Ridge Publishing. The oldest veteran included served in Korea, and two contributors are still serving today. This presentation will be a chance to meet some of those behind the book, as well as to learn about Volume Two, which is currently underway. (Pictured are Louis Swanson and John Marks, two of the featured veterans)
On Saturday, July 11, at 1 pm, Historical Society president Nick Foster will talk about steam farming. This talk last year proved one of the Historical Society’s most popular ever and drew a big crowd. It’s returning by popular demand. Foster says, “I plan on having the 25-50 Avery and a steam traction engine for the chat. It will be question and answer.”
All talks take place at the Greene County Historical Society building at the north end of the fairground. This building is open all day on July 10 and 11 and features farm equipment and tools…and even a log cabin. The country schoolhouse next door is also open both days and shows what education was like in the early days of our county. They’re all things to see at the Greene County Fair.
