The “Old Commercial Building” as we know it was constructed right around WWII with used lumber and materials.  It was built entirely by volunteers and has undergone several minor renovations over the years since.  It was originally two lean-to structures that faced one another with tarps that covered the center.  Fair board members and volunteers constructed the center gabled section in the 1940’s and covered it this corrugated tin.  The walls were cedar and redwood planks.  At some point the walls were covered over with metal sheeting which greatly reduced the drafty winds blowing through the building.  Concrete was poured which replaced the wood shavings brought in each year to cover the bare ground.  Gallons of paint have given the old building a cleaner look and the wood trusses and purlins have been patched to keep the building upright.

The Old Commercial Building has served the fair well over the years.  Many fair attendees first mention the food when describing the fair and the row of food booths one sees when walking through the front gates are a welcoming site.  Looking past the food booths, you can’t help but notice the large old barn structure that we call the Old Commercial Building.  It’s old and impressive.  It has the look and feel of a country barn that has seen more than its share of fair patrons strolling through.  For virtually all us, the barn has always been there.  We love it for its character and charm and the memories it holds over most of the 86 years of the fairs existence.

The Old Commercial Building is the iconic old barn that is the Caruthers Fair.  It has personality and warmth.  It reminds us of all the good things about a country fair and it looks and feels like an old barn should.