Nothing is known about the existence of earlier records, except that published reports of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society, which managed the fair from 1851 through 1897, are available in the Historical Society Library.
Regarding the promotion of Wisconsin agriculture, the records document arrangements for competitions, awarding of special premiums by animal breed associations, selection of judges, and relations with the State Department of Agriculture. Of special note is the promotion of the dairy industry through the development of the Alice in Dairyland program. General administrative records concern entertainment attractions such as automobile, horse, and motorcycle races; circus performances; stage shows; amusement rides; and the appearances of celebrities such as Roy Rogers and Lawrence Welk. Other records concern employment of seasonal workers, publicity about the fair (See also Series 2049); development of special programs such as the centennial of Wisconsin statehood, the Century Farm program, the Junior Fair (see also Series 2029) and efforts to make year-round use of the facilities, relations with civic groups in Milwaukee and West Allis, maintenance and construction of buildings, and arrangements for exhibits by businesses, youth groups, and other organizations. Much documentation concerns planning for the future of the state fair during the 1960s, relations with the Exposition Board and State Building Commission, improved highway access to the grounds, and consideration of a new location.
Summary financial records and reports are missing, but there is information on audits, budgets, income and expenditures for specific programs, tickets sold, and attendance and similar topics. There is also information on relations with Wisconsin county fairs through the Division of Fairs of the Department of Agriculture and professional involvements in the Wisconsin Association of Fairs and the International Association of Fairs.
The records are arranged alphabetically by topic, although much of the earliest correspondence is arranged only by initial letter.
