Brothers have picture perfect moment at Linn County Fair

CENTRAL CITY — In 1943, the Martin brothers — Paul, Loyd and Albert Jr. — posed for a photo in a pen at the Linn County Fair with their three hogs. The photo appeared on the pages of The Gazette and became a keepsake in the Martin family.

On Saturday, the three brothers returned to the fairgrounds in Central City — where this year's Linn County Fair wraps up Monday — for what turned out to be a picture perfect moment.

'It's been a long time,' said Loyd Martin, 89, of Marion.

'It's just home,' added Paul Martin, 88, also of Marion.

Using hogs being shown at the fair by Jayda Bowman, 11, Loyd Martin's great-granddaughter, the three brothers recreated that 1943 photo.

'I'm glad they went along with my crazy idea,' said Kathy Clemens, Loyd Martin's daughter. 'I've had the dream of re-enacting the photo for a while. Hogs have meant so much to my family and we're still in the business today.'

Raising and showing hogs at the county fair is a long tradition of the Martin family. The Martin brothers' father started the business in 1933.

'Four generations of us have shown hogs here at the fair,' Clemens said.

'It's been a big part of our lives,' added Albert Martin Jr., who goes by 'A.W.' and lives in Fayette.

Saturday brought with it a lot of reminiscing. And while taking a look at their old stomping grounds, the brothers said a lot has changed out at the fairgrounds, 201 Central City Rd.

'I remember at these old hog barns back when we were showing that my dad always brought along a saw, hammer and nails and a little bit of lumber because at that time, we had to patch repairs on the floor,' Albert Martin Jr. said.

Clemens said it was the perfect year to recreate the old photo.

'The theme of the fair this year is 'Family Tradition' and I guess it was a good year ... because it's all about the family tradition,' she said.

[naviga:h3 style="padding-left: 30px;"]SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Here is a look at some of the events taking place today and Monday at the Linn County Fair. For a complete schedule, go to thelinncountyfair.com:

Today

1 p.m. — Carnival opens

1:30 p.m. — Y-H Youth Council Ice Cream Social

2 p.m. — 4-H Youth Council Pie Auction

2:30 p.m. — Mini Monster Mania Pit Party

4:30 p.m. — Beef Family Fun Show

5 p.m. — Damascus Road, a Southern gospel band, performs

6 p.m. — Chuckwagon races

Monday

8 a.m. — Livestock Auction Buyers Breakfast

9 a.m. — Livestock Auction

9 a.m. — Dog Showmanship, Obedience and Agility Show

9 a.m. — Halter/Pleasure Horse Show

l Comments: (319) 368-8538; elianna.novitch@thegazette.com