Lot #7: Vintage 1937 Illinois State Fair "Governor Horner Trophy" – Awarded to Charles Daniels

During a storage locker clean out, I found in a box this Vintage 1937 Illinois State Fair "Governor Horner Trophy" – Awarded to Charles Daniels. Offered for auction is a piece of Illinois history: the 1937 "Governor Horner Trophy" from the Illinois State Fair. This unique vintage award features a bird figure mounted on a multi-tiered pedestal base. Historical Significance: This trophy was awarded to Charles Daniels at the 1937 Illinois State Fair, during the tenure of Governor Henry Horner. It serves as a fascinating memento of mid-century state fair traditions and competition. I was able to do some research into this item and I was able to determine the following information - The Governor Henry Horner trophy presented at the 1937 Illinois State Fair was typically awarded for excellence in agricultural competitions, which were the primary focus of the fair's competitive programming. While there are many individuals named Charles Daniels in historical records, the specific association between a Charles Daniels and a 1937 Governor Henry Horner trophy likely refers to an award for livestock or agricultural achievement. Newspaper archives from that period frequently highlight Governor Horner’s active participation in the Illinois State Fair, where he often presented trophies for top honors in various categories, including cattle, hogs, and other livestock judging. In August 1937, the fair featured extensive exhibitions in its new junior department for home economics and livestock, and it was common for the Governor to personally bestow awards upon winning farmers or 4-H club members. The trophy was pre-owned and the condition of the trophy shows authentic vintage wear consistent with its age, including visible patina, surface finish loss/tarnish on the central cylinder, and general wear to the metal and base components. The item will be “As-Is.” This item would be an excellent display piece for collectors of sports, agricultural, or Illinois state memorabilia. Its age and clear provenance make it a standout conversation piece. REFER TO THE PHOTOGRAPHS OF FURTHER DETAILS. Pickup category timeslot {A}