9/18/2011:
There’s nothing like harvest to bring out some healthy rivalry. In 1909, Wells County farmer Pete Kunanz grew a cucumber 10.5 inches in diameter and 13.75 inches long. The Harvey Herald called for farmers with a larger vegetable to “get after Pete’s bacon and make him go some for the premium” at the Harvey Fair.
On this date, residents of Hurdsfield could already view such competition on display at the State Bank. A cucumber, grown by local farmer Frank Higley, measured 17 inches long, 10.5 inches in diameter.
“We no doubt could carry off as many or probably more premiums than anyone else when it comes to a “show down” of our superior agricultural products,” The Hurdsfield Banner proclaimed.
Judging would certainly be a giant pickle for the judges.
Dakota Datebook written by Sarah Walker
Sources:
The Hursdfield