Taking the Blue Ribbon at the County Fair

Name: Taking the Blue Ribbon at the County Fair
Author: Mary Noailles Murfree

The narrative centers on Jenkins Hollis, a poor mountaineer, who aspires to win a riding competition at the Kildeer County Fair, driven by a desire for recognition and pride for his rural community. His wife, Mrs. Hollis, struggles to maintain their household amidst poverty, while their daughter, Cynthia, navigates her own feelings and societal expectations. As the fair approaches, the rivalry between the rural population and the townsfolk intensifies, particularly with the introduction of a new riding premium. Jenkins, despite his humble appearance and lack of resources, is determined to compete, encouraged by a local landowner who believes in his riding skills. Meanwhile, Jacob Brice, a skilled young rider from the mountains, also enters the competition, causing tension among the local community. The fair itself is a vibrant backdrop, filled with excitement and competition. As the events unfold, Jenkins and Jacob find themselves among the final competitors, showcasing their riding abilities in front of a divided audience. The judges, under pressure from both factions, ultimately award Jenkins the blue ribbon, symbolizing a victory for the rural community. However, amidst the celebration, Jacob and Cynthia elope, seeking to escape the constraints of their lives. Their marriage is a surprise to Jenkins, who is left to grapple with the loss of his daughter on a day meant to celebrate his triumph. The story concludes with a reflection on the complexities of ambition, love, and community, highlighting the bittersweet nature of victory and the personal sacrifices that accompany it.

By Mary Noailles Murfree · First published 1895 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Regional Fiction, Coming-of-Age · 8,877 words

First lines

Jenks Hollis sat on the fence. He slowly turned the quid of tobacco in his cheek, and lifting up his voice spoke with an oracular drawl: --

"Ef he kin take the certif'cate it's the mos' ez he kin do. He ain't never a-goin' ter git no premi-_um_ in this life, sure 's ye air a born sinner."

What this Textopian page supports

Taking the Blue Ribbon at the County Fair is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mary Noailles Murfree, dated 1895 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Mary Noailles Murfree
Date: 1895 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Regional Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Romance, Historical Fiction
Length: 8,877 words
Structure: 1 section, 100 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Taking the Blue Ribbon at the County Fair by Mary Noailles Murfree
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Taking the Blue Ribbon at the County Fair?
How does this short story by Mary Noailles Murfree fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of ambition, social class, and personal identity through rich character development and detailed descriptions.
Regional Fiction — Set in a specific rural location, it captures the culture, dialect, and social dynamics of Kildeer County and its inhabitants.
Coming-of-Age — The characters, particularly Cynthia and Jacob, experience personal growth and face pivotal life choices that reflect their transition into adulthood.
Romance — The narrative includes romantic elements, particularly the relationship dynamics between Jacob and Cynthia, culminating in their elopement.