Our [1885] present efficient Chairman of the Public Grounds would have been horrified by the uses made of the Common forty years ago or more, for it was here that the county cattle shows were held. Four rows of pens for the exhibition of cattle, swine and sheep were put up. . . . The rest of the Common was given up to booths for the sale of refreshments of various kinds; and auctioneers= wagons, from which they sold whips, dry goods, soap and cheap jewelry. . . . Often there would be tents pitched on the Common for the exhibition of monstrosities of various kinds, such as a two-headed calf, a mammoth horse or ox, fat girls, etc. Across Front street . . . was an open space extending to Mechanic street, which was filled with stands for the sale of sheet gingerbread, cake, pies and confectionery, sweet cider and root beer. Here would be heard the loud call of the hot oyster man . . . .

Besides being used for the annual cattle show, the Common was the parade ground for militia. . . . On Fast days it was the custom to have games of round ball on the Common, which attracted crowds of spectators. . . . .

As long as 1839 and 40 the Common was often used for tent shows, mostly those having on exhibition wild animals, or mammoth horses and cattle. One of the first shows I remember upon the Common was about 1839, when the first Giraffe or Cameleopard ever brought alive to America was exhibited, with the Ibex, Athe dark-eyed Gazelle@ and other tropical animals.