The Lost Trotting Parks Storyboard Archives

The Lost Trotting Parks Storyboard Archives

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Washington County: Lost Trotting Parks Calais and Eastport




By Steamboat to Eastport -- Trotting at McFaul Park




Today I called the Eastport Town Office to see if
I could gather more information on McFaul Park.
I spoke with Robert Scott, tax assessor. Scott
was unaware of the McFaul Park, but did know
that the oval I had reported as being McFaul Park
was actually a race track for cars that was built
in the 1990s. The storyboard below identifies three
possible locations in Eastport that appear to have ovals. 
A fourth oval exists in a residential area. Robert is looking
 into the location through maps in this office and speaking
 with members of the historical society.


Sunday, May 29, 2011

Back in the Day! Bar Harbor supported three trotting parks

This past weekend, Libby and I traveled to Bar Harbor. On Saturday I visited with Ray Strout who owns a frame shop off Cottage Street. Ray is also an avid collector of memorabilia from Maine's past. In an earlier telephone conversation, I learned that Bar Harbor had a third trotting park -- Eden Fairgrounds. Two other trotting parks existed in Bar Harbor: (1) Robin Hood Park located where today we find Jackson Lab and (2) a trotting park that today is the fairway of the fifth hole at Kebo Valley. This post provides you with the location of Eden Fairgrounds. Hopefully with a bit more research we can provide you with more details. I appreciate Ray's willingness to share his collection with others.

Monday, May 23, 2011

By Coach to Philadelphia -- 1796 -- When the Horse was King!

This article from The Spirit of the Times describes
travelling by coach in 1796. The article tells the
story of Mary Frances Rutherford.
Check it out!



Thursday, May 19, 2011

Vassalboro Historical Society Tonight 7:30

This evening my adventure takes me to Vassalboro
for a presentation to the members of the
Vassalboro Historical Society.
See you There!
To order your General Knox T-shirt
mail a check for $18.00 payable to
Stephen D. Thompson to P.O Box 263,
Hallowell, Maine 04347. Include size.
Select color from the following:
Natural, blue, white, gray, tan, yellow
-- Your Return Mailing Address --

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Jewett Stock Farm -- 1885 -- Aurora, New York

The Jewett Stock Farm Location

"The Jewett Stock Farm is situated as follows: On the Quaker, or Big Tree Road, in the Town of Aurora, Erie County, New York, 2 1/4 miles west of East Aurora Station, on the Buffalo, New York & Philadelphia Railroad.

Hotel Accommodations

"There is a hotel located on the Farm, opposite the stallion barn, to be kept entirely for the use of visitors and patrons of the Farm. This house is a small one, will be kept in a neat, clean and plain way, and the charges will be moderate.

On arrival at East Aurora, Mr. Charles Peek, generally in attendance at all trains, will convey visitors to the farm and return for a moderate charge.

Yours,
Henry C. Jewett & Company