On September 20, 1852, California’s first agricultural fair began at James Lloyd Lafayette Franklin Warren’s New England Seed Store, located on J Street between Front and Second Streets. Warren invited farmers and others in the industry to display their products, mineral collections, and to discuss farming issues. This event was a precursor to the California State Fair. Warren’s store burned down in the Great Conflagration on November 2, 1852. Warren later founded the California Farmer and Journal of Useful Sciences newspaper in 1854 and also helped establish the California State Agricultural Society. The State Agricultural Society was authorized by the California Legislature to hold exhibitions of livestock, manufactures, and productions. On October 4, 1854, the society held the first California State Fair in San Francisco. A different city hosted the State Fair each year until Sacramento became the permanent location in 1859. For today, Jared letterpress printed a hand carved woodcut...