The 1930s was undoubtedly the most difficult decade in the 20th century in the United States. Between the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, Kansas especially was hit hard. With the down economy hitting Kansas’ biggest industries at the time, including farming, livestock and food processing, Kansans were in desperate need of reasons to keep moving forward.
The Encampment Building on the Kansas State Fairgrounds became one of those reasons. In 1934, $30,000 was received from the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works (now the Public Works Administration) as part of Roosevelt’s New Deal — the equivalent of roughly $650,000 today.
More than 86 percent of the labor and materials used for the Encampment Building came from Kansas, according to the State Fair Bulletin in 1934. They ensured this project would benefit as many workers as possible by capping hours to expand the amount of opportunity.
Then and Now
Built over approximately 6 months, the Encampment Building provided a much needed source of progress and likely helped cover the gap for many Kansans who may have been at the end of their rope otherwise. The Encampment Building is only one way the Kansas State Fair brought hope to Kansas during the worst of times. Maintaining the tradition of the Kansas State Fair and growing the grounds during this time brought a sense of comfort, normalcy and community to Kansas at a time it was desperately needed.
In fact, a sense of community has always been central to the Encampment Building, even nearly a century later as it hosts important community events from bridge tournaments to proms to weddings year-round on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
Around the Grounds is a monthly E-Update series that explores the buildings and attractions of the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Most places have a lot to uncover, so they’ll appear in multiple parts over time. We won’t always cover those parts back-to-back — rather, we’ll move around the Fairgrounds and highlight different buildings along the way. Over time, Around the Grounds will create a growing look at many different spaces — one article at a time.
Join us as we continue to explore the Fairgrounds! Be sure you (and your friends!) are signed up for our First Friday E-Updates to receive future Around the Grounds features straight to your inbox.
About the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation (KFF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Founded in 2003, KFF’s mission is to further the renovation, construction, preservation and beautification of the Kansas State Fairgrounds with a vision of inspiring excellence and understanding of Kansas agriculture, industry and culture through the Kansas State Fair, activities, educational programs and opportunities. The Foundation exists to enrich the unforgettable memories and traditions people experience only at the Kansas State Fair and at the 500+ events on the Fairgrounds year-round.
