Dr. Homer Hamilton
Dr. Homer Hamilton dedicated more than 70 years of his life to the Tennessee Valley Fair, earning him the well-deserved nickname “Father of the Fair.” A lifelong veterinarian known for his expertise with horses, Hamilton grew up in Knoxville after being born in Missouri. Though the rise of automobiles changed the landscape of his practice, he remained a trusted figure in East Tennessee’s show horse community and served for decades as a judge and ringmaster at local events.
His connection to the Fair began in 1911, when at just 21 years old, he joined the livestock committee of the Appalachian Expositions of 1910 and 1911. From there, his involvement only deepened when the Tennessee Valley Fair began in 1916. Over the years, he served on the board of directors and was eventually vice president of the board of directors. While he never held the title of President of the Board or Executive Director , his contributions behind the scenes were invaluable. Always ready to step in wherever he was needed, Hamilton’s dedication was recognized in 1954 when the Fair’s new amphitheatre was named in his honor. He continued serving the Fair well into his late 80s, leaving a legacy of passion, humility, and unwavering support when he passed away in 1979 at the age of 89.
Dr. Moses Jacob
Dr. Moses Jacob was a pioneering force behind the formation and growth of the Tennessee Valley Fair. Originally from Pennsylvania, he came to Knoxville in 1900 after earning his veterinary degree and quickly established himself as a respected practitioner and educator. His influence extended statewide (he held the title of Tennessee State Veterinarian) and within the University of Tennessee, where he served as a professor, department head, and eventually Dean of the College of Agriculture.
Jacob believed in the power of education and innovation. This vision drove him to get involved with the Appalachian Expositions of 1910 and 1911, where he chaired the livestock committee, and later helped launch the Tennessee Valley Fair in 1916. For him, the Fair was more than entertainment - it was a platform to showcase the region’s resources, talent, and agricultural advancements.
He served the Fair in many roles, eventually stepping into the role of President of the Board in 1931 during the depths of the Great Depression. Under his steady leadership, the Fair survived and thrived. He led efforts to recharter it as a nonprofit organization in 1932 and helped rename it the Tennessee Valley Agricultural and Industrial Fair (Originally the East Tennessee Division Fair). His leadership brought improvements in fundraising, infrastructure, and livestock exhibits. The Fair’s Main Building, rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1938, was named in his memory following his death in 1943 - a fitting tribute to a man whose forward-thinking spirit helped shape the Fair into what it is today.