On December 1st, my lost trotting park journey took me to Canton, Maine. Canton is the home of J.W. Thompson, publisher of the Maine Horse Breeders' Monthly and author of two books published in the late 1800's on noted Maine horses. Thompson's involvement was key to the development of Canton's trotting park. I first met with Norman Vashaw, who published a book titled, "What Was Ain't What is, A Picture History of Canton, Maine." He also developed in his photographic darkroom, glass plate negatives of Canton that were taken by Silas Morse in the early 1900's. Norman kindly chauffeured me around town. He pointed out where Thompson published his monthly and the house that was once Thompson's home. We then traveled over to Dave Wainwright's farm. Dave owns the land where the trotting park was located. Dave joined us and gave us a tour of the old trotting park. Wainwright is working this land so that in the future he can plant potatoes. After visiting the park, we drove to Bob Stevens' home. Bob is one of the local historians. He shared two maps with us showing the locations of not only the Canton trotting park, but also a trotting park in Buckfield. On the way back to Norman's house, he drove into a field by the river that was once a pony park. Today was a great day! Norman has allowed me to use many of his materials. These will soon be posted to the Lost Trotting Parks blog. I thank Norman, Dave, and Bob for their time!
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