1/26/2013:
The Grand Forks All-American Turkey show began on this date in 1931. The show was one of the largest and earliest turkey shows in the country. Previously, breeders met at state and county fairs, but there were no guidelines for judging turkeys. When the American Poultry Association recognized specific turkey breeds and released descriptions of each type, breeders were finally able to hold competitions. The first Grand Forks All-American Turkey show was held in 1924, and the shows continued until the early 1940s. Breeders from around the country flocked to the city each January to showcase their birds. Some prize-winning toms were sold for as much as $500, equivalent to nearly $7,000 today!
Daklota Datebook written by Jayme L. Job
Sources:
Smith, Andrew F. 2009 The Turkey: An American Story: pp. 89-90. The University of Illinois Press: Champaign, IL.
Dill, Joseph (ed.). 1988 North Dakota: 100 Years: p. 46. The Forum Publishing Company: Fargo, ND.
Griffin, H.P. 1949 (Oct) “The Story of the Broad Breasted Bronze Turkey, in Turkey World. (Accessed via: http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/course/po420/bronze.htm)
The Fargo Forum and Daily Tribune. Thursday (Morning ed.), January 29, 1931; 23(183): p. 1.
http://www.mofga.org/Publications/MaineOrganicFarmerGardener/Winter20022003/Turkeys/tabid/2078/Default.aspx