Millard F. Porter conceived the idea of building a mile racetrack in the marshland off Portland Avenue. He formed the Breeder Mile Track Association with other local hotel owners and businessmen, and a kite-shaped racetrack was constructed on hard clay. Horsemen competing here called it the fastest track in the world.
Lovers of light harness races came here for one the races from all over. A quasi-legal form of betting took place in hotes and at the track, but enthusiasm and attendance waned and at the kite track was idle by 1907.
In 1935-1936 a new group led by Fred Snow had the track resurfaced with hundreds of tons of clay and reopened pari-mutual wagering. Old Orchard Beach became a stop on the Grand Circuit featuring the fastest horses in the country. World records were set here.
In the first half of this century racing was as much a social event as a business. Horses arrived by train at the Old Orchard Beach freight station and were walked to the racing grounds. Flags flew, bands played, and it was an exciting time for everyone!
The final day of racing was July 3, 1950. The grandstand and othere buildings were soon razed and the famous track was recaptured by nature as marshland.
In 1975 the Wildlife Department bought a 600-acre tract including the racetrack with the intention of maintaining it as a wildlife management area.
Text courtesy of the Old Orchard Beach Historical Society
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