The Bryan Fair Grounds, in use for a few years in the early 1900s, included a horse racing track, a grand stand and an exhibit hall. The fair grounds were the site of such activities as balloon ascensions and even a few Aggie football games.

The grand stand was later sold to the A&M athletic association and moved to Kyle Field.

According to the Fair Acres Addition plat (filed in 1937), the fair grounds were located between present day Cavitt Avenue, the "Bryan & College Road" (now South College) and McKinney and Duncan Streets. Hillcrest Addition was to the south and Suber Addition to the north.

A movement is on foot to organize a Bryan Driving Club. The promoters propose to organize a stock company and secure a charter. The plan is a good one and doubtless will meet with liberal approval. There are already a number of good horses in Bryan and vicinity and a driving club would speedily add to the number. It would also prove a stimulus to the good roads movement and serve as a nucleus for organizing a county fair association. Bryan Daily Eagle, 26 January 1901, page 3

The driving club held a meeting Monday night and heard the report of the committee appointed to see about grounds for the driving course. The committee reported several available locations and was authorized to make a purchase of suitable grounds. Bryan Daily Eagle, 20 February 1901, page 5

At a meeting of the driving club held Thursday night J. W. Dyer, W. O. Sanders and M. F. Dansby were appointed a committee to make arrangements for fencing the grounds purchased from Capt. Polk, south of town, and grading a track. Bryan Daily Eagle, 6 April 1901, page 3

... Among other matters, the question of a county fair will be taken up. The time seems to be ripe for such a movement, and there seems little doubt that it can be put on foot. The driving club has set the trend of sentiment towards a fair and it is probable that the club will allow the use of their grounds and track for the purpose. The success of the celebration last year leaves no doubt that Bryan should have an annual event to draw the people together and entertain them. To the features of the fair, premiums and other attractions could be added a floral parade and trade's display, and the occasion could be made a great winner with a comparatively small outlay owing to favorable conditions ... Bryan Daily Eagle, 14 May 1901, page 3

"Fair Association Organized," Bryan Daily Eagle, 26 June 1901, page 2. "The question then came up in regard to the fair ground, and it was suggested that if proper arrangements could be made, we absorb the driving club and purchase their grounds. Mr. J. W. Dyer, president of the driving club, submitted a proposition as follows: That if the fair association would purchase their grounds and improvements at actual cost to them, that the stockholders of the driving club would take stock in exchange of the fair association for same, for their paid-up interest in the driving club. This proposition was accepted by the fair association."

"Bryan Fair Association; The Officers and Directors Have Been Elected," Houston Post, 26 June 1901, page 11

The committee on buildings for the Central Texas fair have agreed upon the essential features for the three principal buildings to be used for the Central Texas fair, at Bryan this fall. The committee's report will recommend an exposition hall 50 feet by 100 feet, two stories; a grand stand, 20 by 75 feet, one and a half stories; a judges' and band stand 3 stories. The first floor of this will be the weighing room, the second will be for the judges, and the third will be the band stand. It is estimated that these buildings will cost in the neighborhood of a thousand dollars each. These plans are liberal and forecast a policy that is bound to make a fair that will be a credit to the town and country, and an enterprise that will attract attention and interest at home and abroad. Bryan Daily Eagle, 28 June 1901, page 2

Bryan, Texas, June 28 -- The building committee for the Central Texas Fair association of this place has agreed on the three principal buildings to be used for the fair this fall. They are as follows: An exposition hall, 50 x 100 feet, two stories; a grand stand, 20 x 75 feet, one a half stories, and a judges' and band stand, three stories. Houston Daily Post, 30 June 1901, page 6

[ad] Wanted -- Five hundred and thirty-five good straight post oak posts eight and one half feet long delivered on grounds of Central Texas Fair Association. Leave bids at office of Moore Dyer, Bryan, Texas. Paul Bradley, Chairman Building Committee. Bryan Daily Eagle, 21 July 1901, page 3

The track and grounds committee of the Central Texas Fair association purchased an additional eighteen acres of land from Captain Polk yesterday. This insures plenty of room for all purposes desired. Bryan Daily Eagle, 23 July 1901, page 3

[ad] Wanted -- At once twenty-five carpenters and helpers. Apply to I. H. Newton at Central Texas Fair grounds. Bryan Daily Eagle, 28 August 1901, page 3

"Good Prospects for the Fair," Bryan Daily Eagle, 12 October 1901, page 2. "At this writing all of the buildings are well advanced toward completion. The exhibition hall is finished, the track and grounds are ready for use, the grand stand is nearly complete and a large number of substantial sheds, intended for live stock and poultry, have been prepared. Three good wells have been furnished and an abundant water supply will be provided during the entire fair. Special trains will be run from Bryan to the grounds and to College for the accommodation of home people, and excursions at low rates will provide for the attendance of visitors from Austin, Dallas, Waco, Palestine, Houston and other accessible points."

[Note: The train tracks did not actually run next to the fair grounds.]

"College Day at Fair," Galveston Daily News, 25 October 1901, page 5. Cadets will attend fair in Bryan "under arms"

The A. and M. College and Baylor University played their second game of the season at the fair grounds yesterday. The first game was at Dallas last month, and resulted in a Baylor victory. Yesterday the A. & M. team turned the tables and played a winning game, the score being 6 to 0 in favor of College. It was an interesting game, and warmly contested, the first half resulting in no points made. In the second half the A. & M. carried the ball over the Baylor lines and kicked a goal, making a score of 6 to 0. The victors were loudly cheered by their many friends and classmates present, but the defeated team were voted honors for a gallant struggle. Bryan Daily Eagle, 6 November 1901, page 3

It is very gratifying to us to note that many of the citizens of Madison county are preparing to make exhibits at the Central Texas Fair at Bryan. -- Madisonville Meteor. Bryan Daily Eagle, 14 September 1902, page 2

Admiral Schley, having been invited by Mayor Harrison and President Saunders of the Bryan business league to visit this city and attend the Central Texas fair, writes expressing the thanks of himself and wife and their regrets that their itinerary in Texas has been arranged and they will be in Dallas at that time. Bryan Daily Eagle, 21 September 1902, page 2

Bryan, Tex., Oct. 12 -- All arrangements have been completed and everything is in readiness for the opening of the Central Texas Fair Tuesday. There are fifty race horses on the grounds. The Fourth Infantry band and the Seventeenth Battery, from San Antonio, the Bryan Light Guard and the Corps of Cadets of the A. and M. College will participate. There will also be calf roping contests, balloon ascensions by Prof. Baldwin, the Spanish-American war balloonist, and addresses by Gov. Sayers, Hon. John H. Reagan and Prof. J. A. Connell. The fair opens Tuesday with a street parade and will continue four days. Dallas Morning News, 13 October 1902, page 2

The football game between the A. and M. and Baylor University was very much a one sided affair, in favor of the A. and M., as the score, 22 to 0 shows, but the visitors offered some spirited resistance especially in the first half. Twenty minute halves were played. Baylor won the toss and chose the south goal. Most of the playing was in Baylor's territory during the first half, but they managed to protect their goal for some time. McGhee of the A. and M. made the first touch down after a forty-five yard run. Deware failed to kick goal. Time was called with the ball in the hands of the cadets and near the center of the field. The second half was a series of successes for the College eleven. Davis made a forty yard run and Hope scored a touch down after some good general team work. Deware kicked goal. More good team work led up to another touch down by Hope. Deware missed goal. Carpenter made a twenty-five yard run and Neff got in the last touchdown, followed by a successful goal kick by Deware. After more playing without results of consequence the game closed. Score 22 to 0 in favor of the A. & M. Several men were knocked out during the game but none seriously injured. Bryan Daily Eagle, 15 October 1902, page 2

Hempstead ... Mr. Ben Emden and sister, Miss Sadie, have returned from Bryan, where they had a delightful visit with relatives and attended the fair. Galveston Daily News, 19 October 1902, page 19

Myer Shapira is here from Madisonville to attend the fair. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 23 October 1902, page 3

Mr. and Mrs. Jake Schwarz returned to Houston Sunday after spending fair week with Mr. and Mrs. John B. Mike. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 23 October 1902, page 3

"A. & M. Had the Best of It," Bryan Daily Eagle, 29 October 1902, page 2. "The A. and M. team will meet second game at the Fair Grounds on next Monday afternoon. The Trinity team is one of the strongest in the state, and lovers of the sport may rest assured that the game will be worth seeing."

The Eagle's special edition is meeting with a flattering reception. Copies may be had at the office or at the Eagle booth at the fair grounds. Bryan Daily Eagle, 6 November 1901, page 2

[ad] Tulane vs. A. & M. Football Game

The Louisiana Team comes Five Hundred Miles to Challenge the Champions of Texas. Game at Fair Grounds at 4 o'clock.

Saturday, November 8

Admission 50 cents.

Tickets on sale at the following places: City National Bank, Parks & Waldrop, Tyler Haswell's, Wilson & Jenkins, Hunter & Chatham, Burt Norwood, J. M. Caldwell.

Special I. & G. N. train leaves Bryan for fair grounds at 3:30. Bryan Daily Eagle, 8 November 1902, page 4

Mr. and Mrs. H. Stricker of Calvert visited the Bryan fair Wednesday. Houston Daily Post, 10 November 1901, page 29

"Complete List of Premiums and Awards at the Central Texas Fair at Bryan ...," Bryan Daily Eagle, 29 November 1902, page 3. Miss E. Hutson won several awards for her artwork.

Miss Carrie Horetzky returned from Houston yesterday accompanied by Misses Adelle Deichner, Corinne Fisher, Sadie Simon, Ray Simon and Estelle Mosqurvitz of Houston who will form a house party for the fair at the home of Mrs. William Koppe. Among the young gentlemen who will be here for the party are Myer Wagner, Leon and Max Flaxman. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 20 August 1903, page 5

Navasota ... Mesdame Levy Miller and Miss Gabert took in the Bryan fair ... Galveston Daily News, 23 August 1903, page 20

Bryan, Tex., June 13 -- The directors of the Central Texas Fair are elated over advices received today by President W. S. Howell from the commanding officer at Fort Same Houston that a detachment of United States Cavalry and a military band will be detailed to attend the fair in Bryan Aug. 18 to 21. Galveston Daily News, 14 June 1904, page 5

Bryan, Texas, September 1 -- The directors of the Central Texas fair have made a liberal appropriation for the races and the program for the coming fair promises to be the best in its history. The directors also have under consideration a proposition to have the last day of the fair for the colored people and invite Booker T. Washington to be present and address them on that occasion. Houston Post, 2 September 1904, page 8

"Big Barbecue and Shoot," Bryan Daily Eagle, 4 August 1905, page 3. Held at the fair grounds.

"Rain or No Rain," Bryan Daily Eagle, 14 October 1905, page 1. "The Eagle wishes to impress upon the public that it has ample assurance from the Central Texas Fair management that that there is an abundance of water in the well at the fair grounds to sprinkle the race track and grounds during the fair. A gasoline engine has been provided to do the pumping and the city sprinkler will be used to put the water on the grounds."

Mr. and Mrs. Leon Alexander of Marlin are among the visitors to the fair and guests of Mr. and Mrs. John B. Mike. (weekly) Bryan Eagle, 19 October 1905, page 8

W. T. James, J. W. Batts and J. F. Ettle have purchased 400 acres of land lying below the Central Texas fair grounds and are selling it out in smaller tracts. Bryan Daily Eagle, 16 May 1906, page 5

Through the real estate agency of Monroe Edge yesterday a trade were agreed upon by the terms of which Mr. S. B. Buchanan has purchased from the directors of the Central Texas Fair Association the fair grounds and all the improvements thereon. The purchase price is $2250. Mr. Buchanan will sell such of the buildings as he finds purchasers for as they stand and the others and the fence as lumber. The Eagle learns that the outstanding indebtedness of the fair association will be wiped out by the returns from the sale of the property. Bryan Daily Eagle, 18 May 1906, page 5

Mr. J. W. Batts, who is promoting a reorganization of the Central Texas Fair, informed the Eagle last night that he had secured up to that time, $920.00, forty-six stockholders having each taken out one $20 share. The purpose is to take over the mortgage on the property, held by the First National Bank, which will probably be done this morning, and to later purchase the property. Reorganization will be effected at an early date, and a race meet will be held this fall, amounting to about what the last fair did. The Eagle will be glad to see the enterprise revived and continued on a stable basis. Bryan Daily Eagle, 29 May 1906, page 2

"Big Barbecue and Shoot; Bryan, Brazos Bottom and Cottonwood Shooters Have a Great Day at the Fair Grounds," Bryan Daily Eagle, 27 June 1906, page 5

"Fair Directors Meet," Bryan Daily Eagle, 4 July 1906, page 5. The directors of the old organization, the Central Texas Fair Association, sold its property to a new organization, the Bryan Fair Association.

[ad] Building for Sale. The long exhibit hall at the fair grounds will be sold to the highest bidder. Bids must be sealed and turned over to the secretary of the Bryan Fair Association by next Wednesday, July 18, at the office of Doremus & Butler. Right reserved to reject any and all bids. Check of $50 must accompany bids. J. W. Batts, Secretary. M. F Dansby, Pres. Bryan Daily Eagle, 15 July 1906, page 2

"Italian Celebration Yesterday," Bryan Daily Eagle, 19 July 1906, page 2. Held at the Bryan fair grounds.

The Bryan Fair Association is getting the race track at the fair grounds in fine shape for driving and going actively ahead with the preparations for the coming fair and races the first week in October. Bryan Daily Eagle, 12 September 1906, page 3

Bryan, Texas, September 18 -- The Brazos county fair, which was to have been held at Bryan from October 2 to 5, has been indefinitely postponed by the directors. They have not yet decided whether or not it will be held later in the season. Houston Post, 19 September 1906, page 9

Attention Stockholders. There will be a meeting of the stockholders of the Fair Association at the city hall Monday afternoon June 10 at 4 o'clock to elect officers and attend to such other business as is necessary to the winding up of the affairs of the association. Bryan Morning Eagle, 7 June 1907, page 3

A meeting of stockholders of the Bryan Fair Association was held at the city hall yesterday with a majority of the stock represented and W. O. Sanders presiding. After discussion relative to the impracticability of another fair under present conditions, and of plans for disposition of the property, a motion to dispose of the property entirely was lost by a vote of 22 to 11. A motion then prevailed by vote of 25 to 7 to dispose of all the present board fence, poultry house and all other buildings except the horse stables and grand stand, and to erect a wire fence around the property. It is believed that the returns from the sales authorized will meet the outstanding obligations of the association and defray the expense of the new wire fence. The following board of directors was elected; J. W. Batts, Jno. K. Parker, Jno. F. Ettle, J. K. Butler, G. M. Brandon, Jno. M. Caldwell, W. O, Sanders. Bryan Morning Eagle, 12 June 1907, page 3

[ad] Lumber for sale. Sealed bids on any or all of the fences around the Fair Grounds will be received until July 10th. Posts reserved. Address all bids to John F. Bittle, Sec. Bryan Morning, 4 July 1907, page 3

Lee Josey and H. Z. T. Wilson were in the city yesterday after lumber, having purchased a part of that at the fair grounds. Bryan Morning Eagle, 17 July 1907, page 3

The old bridge beyond the fair grounds has been in bad condition for some time and the commissioners' court has taken steps to replace it with a new one at once. Bryan Morning Eagle, 18 December 1907, page 7

The Athletic Association of the A. and M. College has purchased the grand stand at the fair grounds and will remove the same to Kyle Field at College. Contractor Jenkins has the contract to move it and will begin the work this morning. Bryan Daily Eagle, 11 March 1909, page 2

"Sold Grandstand to College," Galveston Daily News, 12 March 1909, page 4. The Bryan Fair Association grandstand moved to Kyle Field

College Station, March 29 -- After the Agricultural and Mechanical boys went up in the air in the sixth inning, Deware replaced Moore on the firing line in the hope of saving the day, but the game was too far gone and saviation was too prevalent and the runs netted by Southwestern in the sixth and seventh won them the game. The Farmers outplayed the visitors in every point except the two innings. Although he pitched but three innings, Deware got more strikeouts than Sheffield, and in six innings Moore got greater than double those Sheffield secured in nine. The Farmers hit and run, but could not always make them safe. Slow infield hits helped the visitors to bases in several Instances. Townsend had the best of Isbell in throwing to second and when he developed this ability the visitors did not try stealing too often. The home team netted quite a number of steals. The error column tells the story to a great extent. The game this afternoon was well attended. There were many visitors out from Bryan to see the start of the season, and being loyal to Agricultural and Mechanical college they wore the colors of white and red. Pennants came down from the walls of the dormitories and were unfurled to the breeze, and the student body attended in large numbers to cheer the young men in their contest. Captain C. P. Brannln was out with the full strength of the Agricultural and Mechanical college band and during the progress of the game there was rooting music. The game was played at the Athletic park, which has recently been virtually rebuilt. The grand stand is not yet finished, but it is being moved to the grounds under the direction of Lieutenant Tom Von Amberg of company H. This grand stand was bought from the fair association in Bryan and is being carted across the intervening five miles ... (article continues) ... Houston Post, 30 March 1909, page 3

A beautiful suburban addition to the city of Bryan is to be made within the next few days. The addition is to be made by Maj. W. R. Cavitt, the site being a part of his splendid tract of land on the College road south of the city, and opposite the lower side of the fair grounds. The addition embraces about 50 acres of high, beautiful prairie land, as beautiful for residence purposes as there is in all Texas. The tract has already been laid out into blocks and these subdivided into lots. The streets and avenues are now being graded. The avenues run parallel with the College road and are named as follows: College, Echols, Cavitt and Maloney avenues. The streets cross at right angles and are named Duncan, Carson, Howard and Lake Street. The blocks run from A to U and the full blocks contain 20 lots. The lots will be sold at auction, the sale beginning next Tuesday August 17th, and will be managed by Mr. H. B. Phillips. The sale will continue from day to day until all the lots are sold. Lots will be sold for $5.00 down and $2.00 per week payments, and when the last payment is made the City National Bank will execute a warranty deed to the purchaser. On the morning the sale begins each lot will be found marked with a red tag, and on the tag will be found marked the number, size and price of the lot. If you find a lot that suits you, tear off the tag and take it with your first payment to one of the salesmen on the ground. He will issue you a receipt and give you a pass book which you will take to the bank each week and make your payment of $2 and when all is paid you will be given your deed. If a purchaser should be sick or thrown out of employment, he will be excused from payment for ten weeks. If a purchaser should die before his lot is paid for, the bank will deliver a deed for the lot to his estate with out any further payments. No lots will be sold to colored people. The sale will open on next Tuesday morning, August 17th, and free carriages will run from the corner on Main and Anderson streels out to the addition, and will continue to run all during the sale. The liberal terms will enable the man of small income to buy a lot and pay for it without feeling it, and it will soon be his own. The purchase of lot on the plan outlined, is like owning an account with a savings bank, and is a splendid way in which to save your money. Bryan Daily Eagle, 10 August 1909, page 2

Bryan Daily Eagle, August 1901, twenty-five years ago. Local News Notes ... Contractor Newton began the work of erecting the buildings at the fair grounds yesterday. Bryan Daily Eagle, 30 August 1926, page 2