For many years, the first Sunday in October was a big day in Granby—the day of the Cossitt Library Fair. Staffed by dedicated volunteers, it started at noon—due to the Blue Laws— and many people stopped by after church or while out for a Sunday drive. One side of the library lawn was filled with tables of books, and a table with homemade baked goods—Halloween decorated cupcakes, coffee cakes, iced cookies, cakes, and Bobby Sullivan’s baked beans. There was a fishpond where children used a string and a hook to fish for prizes, a chance table with gift baskets, and a penny candy table where my daughter Joanne and I sold penny candy. Seth Holcomb would give us a coffee can with change to get us started.
I remember all the many children who thoughtfully chose their purchases—adding up the totals then placing them in little paper bags. They all seemed thrilled with their purchases. We had a variety of candy—Tootsie Rolls, fire balls, Mary Janes, bubble gum, lollipops, etc. I enjoyed talking with the children. We had one adult customer every year—Mr. Nichols who always bought two dollars’ worth of candy to eat when he watched his football games.
Downstairs in the library’s children’s room, movies were shown for the children.
I remember, too, the dear librarians who were always there but have passed on: Lila Innes, Margaret Vastoff and Bobbie Sullivan.
On the other side of the library lawn, volunteers served homemade corn chowder, hot dogs, cold drinks and popcorn. In the parking lot was the famous tag sale with lots of treasures, from toys to dishes, linens, artwork, jewelry, etc. The morning started off cool, but by afternoon it was warm with the October sun.
There was a wonderful feeling of accomplishment—by 3 p.m., a big success! I felt a little sad, though, because soon after the beauty of the fall leaves, the days would turn colder. Then the long Granby winter would set in. But, oh what a glorious day it had been!
—Bernadette R. Gentry