tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.comments2023-12-07T15:09:22.139-05:00The Lost Trotting Parks Heritage Center -- Storyboard ArchivesStephen Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14766049165862317689noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-45824201454355052342016-02-18T11:09:49.159-05:002016-02-18T11:09:49.159-05:00I remember Harold Ralph from Lewiston Raceway in t...I remember Harold Ralph from Lewiston Raceway in the late 60's...I worked for James Lee McKenny and those where fun times when everyone at the track where like family. Joan Welch WilfongAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06281796064464717099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-32711044521421159752015-07-18T08:28:17.784-04:002015-07-18T08:28:17.784-04:00This is a great blog. My grandfather, Harold C. R...This is a great blog. My grandfather, Harold C. Ralph raced in standard bred races. He was a top driver/owner at some point in his career. My dad, Ronald Ralph, owned a horse, Indianapolis, who beat Greyhound's record and held the record for a short period of time. Dad has a ton of memorabilia from the old days. I have a pic of my grandfather Harold being presented a huge trophy in 1956 and I have another large trophy won by my grandfather in 1958 at Bay State Raceway. If you would like to contact my dad, Ron Ralph, you can call him at 207-832-5545.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00437021648508606414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-35932620102539576732014-11-07T10:53:54.464-05:002014-11-07T10:53:54.464-05:00Please be so kind as to link this to the publicati...Please be so kind as to link this to the publication, itself, Steve. I'd like to read it.Kenhttp://www.hopehealing.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-89202770142868398632014-05-22T19:08:01.246-04:002014-05-22T19:08:01.246-04:00The image was a postcard!The image was a postcard!Stephen Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766049165862317689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-21529662049138412082014-05-18T09:47:54.779-04:002014-05-18T09:47:54.779-04:00Nice poster. Real or a sdt special storyboard (or...Nice poster. Real or a sdt special storyboard (or both)?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06568488885653294166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-49560006954798894352014-05-18T09:46:42.448-04:002014-05-18T09:46:42.448-04:00Nice poster....Nice poster....Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06568488885653294166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-54484377332859055522013-10-22T20:02:08.922-04:002013-10-22T20:02:08.922-04:00On Facebook, Brenda Deojay asked when the Lost Tro...On Facebook, Brenda Deojay asked when the Lost Trotting Parks and Potato Bag Display at the Maine Farm Bureau would be moved to another location. Right now the conference room at the Maine Farm Bureau is a wonderful location with lots of exposure to different groups. An idea better than moving the display might be to create an initiative called, "Maine's Conference Room Museum." The idea would be to work with sponsoring institutions to raise funds to create and frame additional storyboards and place them in conference rooms throughout the State of Maine. Institutions including banks, insurance companies, hospitals, real estate offices, schools, and nonprofit organizations. This sounds like a great opportunity -- any suggestions!Stephen Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766049165862317689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-25326799110421011852013-09-24T05:44:49.350-04:002013-09-24T05:44:49.350-04:00No one can explain the bond humans have had with h...No one can explain the bond humans have had with horses through the centuries or the dedication of individuals in cases like those mentioned above. Get <a href="http://www.racingtips.in/Results" rel="nofollow">Horseracing Results</a> by clicking the link. <br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00635490736797347846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-20270738739592735272013-07-11T21:59:18.786-04:002013-07-11T21:59:18.786-04:00On July 10th, I contacted the Maine State Museum t...On July 10th, I contacted the Maine State Museum to see if there was more information on the high wheel sulky. When speaking with museum staff, I found that the museum goes through quite a process when the decision is made to auction off items that have been donated to the museum. The day before I was informed by Skyline Farm that their organization had received three or four items from the state museum that were great additions to their collection.<br /><br />I inquired about the high wheel sulky and learned that it had come from Machias, not Hartland as stated by the auctioneer. A Dr. Sennett had donated the sulky in 1971. It will be an interesting challenge to see if there is more to the story -- High Wheel Harness Racing in Machias, Maine! Over the years, Machias had two trotting parks. The earlier park was Riverside Park and the other park was called Sylvan Park. Chances are that this high wheel sulky was used at Riverside Park. More to come!Stephen Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766049165862317689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-69865942315908983082012-12-08T05:31:03.509-05:002012-12-08T05:31:03.509-05:00Equine industry will definitely have an impact to ...Equine industry will definitely have an impact to economy. These <a href="http://www.saltriverperformancehorses.com/" rel="nofollow">performance horses</a> might also help the down economy to regain by this equine industry. <br />Eun Jeenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-26593056459046989172012-11-27T20:43:02.560-05:002012-11-27T20:43:02.560-05:00Thank you for sharing your story. It would be wond...Thank you for sharing your story. It would be wonderful to post photographs of the fair.Stephen Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766049165862317689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-23350025510295703842012-11-27T19:43:18.045-05:002012-11-27T19:43:18.045-05:00I also walked these trails about two weeks ago wit...I also walked these trails about two weeks ago with a group of people who recollect the fair, and the stewards of the Readfield Fairgrounds Trails were also with us. I grew up in Readfield and remember the fair well - in fact my Grandfather Potter was in charge of horse pulling so most of my time at the Fair was spent near the tracks and grandstand. It was our recollection, and confirmed by the stewards of the trail, that the grandstands are not in the same place where the horse pulling was held, during the last years of the Readfield Grange Fair in the 1950s and 60s, and have been moved. The granite blocks near the grandstand ruins were used, we discovered that day, as weights for the oxen and horse pulling. The Fair, during my lifetime, was held in the open fields as you come in through the Church Road entrance. I say fields because there is a separation of fields with a treeline now. Those who remembered the Fair talked about it that day and concurred the horse pulling track was in the second field near the treeline. dmchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00595325131519709247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-60700544128970435252012-09-09T11:25:22.813-04:002012-09-09T11:25:22.813-04:00I enjoyed meeting you. The day at Cornish is a gre...I enjoyed meeting you. The day at Cornish is a great event. Diann is so committed and her volunteers are committed to the event. More goodness to come!Stephen Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766049165862317689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-9848594563336865382012-09-08T21:10:48.883-04:002012-09-08T21:10:48.883-04:00It was great to meet you today, Stephen! I'll...It was great to meet you today, Stephen! I'll stay in touch to try to help get the school groups involved next year! :-) (Elizabeth Tewksbury)Clover Ledge Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03980479474173795906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-17275965654242673172012-04-28T18:47:01.513-04:002012-04-28T18:47:01.513-04:00This is the second time I've visited Pinehurst...This is the second time I've visited Pinehurst. It is always a great time and wonderful to see Gordon and Alision and the horses.Stephen Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766049165862317689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-56656728988719971302012-04-27T07:58:42.033-04:002012-04-27T07:58:42.033-04:00This is a nice post. Thank you!This is a nice post. Thank you!kim coreyhttp://finelysorted.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-91774254953680480982010-12-21T14:28:38.409-05:002010-12-21T14:28:38.409-05:00The trotting park image in this LTP post is Bass P...The trotting park image in this LTP post is Bass Park in Bangor, Maine. Clark Thompson identified the white barn in the background as the Bass Barn. The horse Nelson was kept in this barn when he came to Bangor. Clark believes this picture was taken in the 1930s.Stephen Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766049165862317689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-78456109241238965222010-05-28T12:49:51.409-04:002010-05-28T12:49:51.409-04:00Today was one of those days! With map in hand I st...Today was one of those days! With map in hand I stumbled through the underbrush as I tried to pace out the distances (approximates distances). Then suddenly I realized that I had lost my map as I walked through an area with too many fallen trees and bushes. I did find the edge of the track about 38 feet in from the water. However, that wasn't very conclusive. So next time the ultimate technology! We enter armed with a GPS and coordinates!Stephen Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766049165862317689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-8580762499269103692009-11-05T22:36:13.815-05:002009-11-05T22:36:13.815-05:00Stephen said...
Program of the Races --
At the Vi...Stephen said...<br />Program of the Races -- <br />At the Vinalhaven Driving Park<br />Wednesday, October 14, 1885<br />At 1:00 o'clock, pm prompt . . . Standard Time.<br /><br />2.45 Class Purse $75. Divided.<br />John Gibbs, Bangor, ns . . . . bay gelding Honest Dick<br />G.H. Andrews, Bangor, ns . . . . brown stallion, Naumkeag<br />Mudgett Bros., Belfast, ns . . . . grey mare, Georgie<br />Emery ladd, Vinalhaven, ns . . . . bay gelding, Baby Boy<br />H.J. Tibbetts, Rockport, ns . . . . chestnut mare, Lizzie L.<br /><br />3 Minute Class. Purse $50. Divided.<br />J.F. Wiley, Lincolnville, ns . . brown stallion, Abbott Jr.<br />B.H. Carleton, Hope, ns . . grey mare, Fannie<br />E.P. Walker, Vinalhaven, ns . . bay mare, Camille<br />J.S. Black, Vinalhaven, ns . .bay gelding, J.M. Patchen<br />W.F. Coombs, Vinalhaven, ns . . bay stallion, Tom Patchen<br />F.S. Walls, Vinalhaven, ns . . Bay gelding, General<br />Geo. Roberts, Vinalhaven, ns . . grey mare, Zadie<br />L. Coombs, Vinalhaven, ns . . bay gelding, Red Dog<br /><br />Free for All. Purse $125. Divided. <br />H.M. Bean, Camden, ns . . B.G. McLain record 2.32<br />Chas. Burkett, Rockland, ns . . B.M. Luca A. 2.53 1/4<br />Mudgett Bros, Belfast, ns . . R.M. Nellie B.<br />John Gibbs, Bangor, ns . . b.g. John Mills<br />G.B. Ingraham, Camden, ns . . s.g. Grannymede, fast pacer.<br /><br />STEAMER MAY FIELD<br /><br />WILL LEAVE ROCKLAND at 9 o'clock a.m. for Vinalhaven on the day of the trot, returning about 5 o'clock at the close of the trotting. Including admission FARE FOR THE ROUND TRIP to the grounds, 75 cts.<br /><br />Program details courtesy of the Vinalhaven Historical SocietyStephen Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766049165862317689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-34057501232937468162009-10-28T16:36:51.684-04:002009-10-28T16:36:51.684-04:00The Ice Races Today.
Good Entries and Good Interes...The Ice Races Today.<br />Good Entries and Good Interest Will Mean Good Times!<br /><br />The entries for today's races on the ice track opposite Hallowell proper are such as will warrant a good attendance. The interest has been good and the tryouts throughout the day Wednesday proved beyond a doubt that interest in the track was more than talk or hear-say. Manager Walker has received the entries and is satisfied with them for a starter. There could have been more -- the more the merrier.<br /><br />The entries for the free-for-all:<br />Gray Pointer, O. Anderson, Augusta<br />Mollie D., Davis, Gardiner<br />Chub, Harrington, Gardiner<br />S.B., Bowman, Augusta<br />Irene P., Malcolm, Augusta<br />Jim S., J.M. Nichols, Augusta<br />For the 3-minute class:<br />Miss Greywood, nichols, Augusta<br />Pete, Wellman, Augusta<br />Hal S., Tom Holmes, Hallowell<br />Roan C. Choate, Hallowell<br />The races will commence at 2:00 o'clock the free-for-all being first. The race will be called sharply at 2:00. No waits to late comers. "Bike" sulkies will be debarred from the course.<br /><br />Article courtesy of Sam Webber, Hallowell, MaineStephen Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766049165862317689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-65994713827254705692009-08-28T15:35:56.785-04:002009-08-28T15:35:56.785-04:00The notes were taken randomly from the Registry of...The notes were taken randomly from the Registry of Deeds. Therefore, no chronological order. Nelson's famous trotting stallion died in 1909. Financial issues started appearing in 1910, 1914, and then with the death of Hod in 1915 and his wife, Emma, in 1916, all property was foreclosed upon by the City of Waterville.<br /><br />Notes taken at the Kennebec Registry of Deeds:<br /><br />Book 432, Page 196<br />In 1899, Nelson sold to Evander Gilpatrick property on Belmont Street which was northerly bordered by property owned by J.E. Nelson<br /><br />Book 412, Page 558<br />Nelson sold Fairgrounds of the North Kennebec Agricultural and Horticultural Society to City of Waterville (1897)<br /><br />Book 349, Page 153 Nelson sold land in Winslow to Constant A. Reynolds<br /><br />Book 482, Page 263 (1/28/1908)<br />Nelson sells land to W.T. Reynolds<br />North side of the road leading from Oakland to Waterville by the farm of C.H. Nelson; West of the Lewis Farm, South by heirs of John Webber, and East by land of Gilbert Carpenter<br />Related citations: Book 456, Page 203<br />Assignment: Book 532, Page 509<br />Foreclosure: Book 537, Page 483<br /><br />Book 457, Page 44 (11/19/1903)<br />Sale of Lewis Property Property -- 22 acres<br />Property sold to Merrill<br />May have been foreclosed on and returned to Nelson (Book 301, Page 543)<br /><br />Book 301, Page 543<br />Nelson sold 120 acres of land in China to Elijah Getchell<br /><br />Nelson also at one time purchase land on 12-mile pond in China.<br /><br />Book 368, Page 54 (December 1887)<br />Nelson sold land to Charles E. Gray and Eugene L. Thayer<br /><br />Book 360, Page 339 (December 1886)<br />Julia Macy to Nelson<br />Includes estate and buildings,<br />South side of the highway leading from Waterville to Oakland and northerly by said highway. Easterly by land of Grantor, Southerly by land of Samual Hitchings (?) West by land of A. S. Shores (30 acres more or less) This land was inherited by Macy from James Stackpole -- whole piece owned for many years by late James Dingley.<br /><br />Foreclosure Notice (Book 537, Page 483)<br />Mortgage: Book 482, Page 263<br />Deed: Book 532, Page 509<br />February 1913 -- C.H. Nelson to W.T, Reynolds<br /><br />1910 -- Nelson gives permission to CMP to cut trees and put utility poles in place.<br /><br />Book 456, Page 303 (May 23, 1904)<br />Nelson to Willington T. Reynolds <br />Land described as follows:<br />North by road leading from Oakland to Waterville by the farm of C.H. Nelson, West of the Lewis Farm, so-called, South by land of the heirs of John Webber and east of the land of Gilbert Carpenter. Being the same property conveyed to me by A.F. Merrill on June 16, 1903.Stephen Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766049165862317689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-70376232782344643332009-08-28T15:12:52.803-04:002009-08-28T15:12:52.803-04:00A judgment in favor of the Ticonic National Bank a...A judgment in favor of the Ticonic National Bank against C.H. Nelson and E.A. Nelson resulted in the seizing of property on April 18, 1910. The judgment was to recover $4,158. <br /><br />Description of property seized:<br /><br />Northerly by the road leading form Emerson Bridge, so-called, to Oakland; Westerly by land formerly occupied by one James Dingley and owned by Stackpole heirs; Southerly by land now or formerly of C.H. Redington, and land now or formerly of John Webber, and Easterly by land now or formerly of said Webber and land now or formerly of Benjamin Nelson, containing six-ty nine acres more or less, and being the same premises conveyed to the said C.H. Nelson, by Eliza P. Lewis, by her warranty deed given June 9th, 1882, and recorded in the Kennebec Registry of Deeds, Book 338, Page 427, said real estate is subject to a mortgage given by the said C.H. Nelson to Eliza P. Lewis, recored in the Kennebec Registry of Deeds, Book 339, Page 175.<br /><br />Book 506, 156Stephen Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766049165862317689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-56297721665538518302009-08-28T15:00:58.504-04:002009-08-28T15:00:58.504-04:00In December of 1899, Nelson sold to George K. Bout...In December of 1899, Nelson sold to George K. Boutelle the following property:<br />Land "commonly known as the Lewis farm, and was occupied by me; being the same parcels conveyed to me by Eliza P. Lewis by deed dated June 9, 1882, and recored on page 427 of book 338 of the Kennebec Registry of Deeds, to which deed reference is hereby made for a full description of the full property.<br /><br />Also, one other parcel of land situated in the Waterville, adjoining a portion of the so-called Lewis Farm herein described, containing about ten acres, and bounded as follows; on the north by the Oakland Road leading part the aforesaid Lewis Farm; on the east by the so-called Carpenter farm; on the south by land of the heirs of John Webber, and ont he west by a point of the aforesaid lewis farm, being the same presises formerly owned by my father, Benjamin Nelson, and acquired by me by descent and foreclosure.<br /><br />Book 434, Page 104Stephen Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766049165862317689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-41332364158507572402009-06-25T09:27:17.631-04:002009-06-25T09:27:17.631-04:00The following is from the Bethel News, July 8, 189...The following is from the Bethel News, July 8, 1896.<br /><br /><br />The 4th of July races: Owing to bad weather and the unusual attraction at Norway the crowd was less than expected.<br />Bicycle races—novice 1/2 mile. First was Ernest Demeritt, second, George Merrow, third, A.P. Holman of South Paris. Half mile boys race: First, Robert Bisbee; second, George H. French and third, Geo P. Ryerson. 1 mile amateur: First, E.M. Sweet, South Paris; second, Walter Lawrence; third, Ernest Demeritt. Half mile amateur: First, E.M. Sweet; second, Walter Lawrence and third, Otis E. Baker.<br />The afternoon horse racing was rated as the park’s best ever.<br />3.00 Class: Purse $75, First, Nellie Bly, owner J.M. Johnson; second, King, owner H.S. Hastings; and third, Norland, owner William Gregg.<br />2.35 Class: Purse $100, First, Belle Wilkes, owner F.S. Smith, second, Robenia, owner W.R. Chapman.<br />2.28 Class, Purse $100, first, Hector Boone, owner J.C. Swasey; second, Stamen Patron, owner W.R. Chapman.<br />We want to congratulate Mr. Chapman on his new stallion, Stamen Patron. His breeding was so great that much was expected from him, but we had no idea he was such a race horse. We cannot remember seeing so much speed from any stallion except Nelson, Bayard Wilkes and Nichols, as this wonderful little horse showed going to the half in 1.13 on muddy track in third heat and it was very evident that when he jogged under the wire in the second heat in 2.32 that he could have trotted the heat in 25, had Merrill made a drive for it. Many thought he should have had the third heat and race.<br />It is very much to the credit of the association that they did not declare the race off on account of the bad weather.<br /><br />Courtsey of Don Bennett, Bethel MaineStephen Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766049165862317689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706612314134967141.post-63739405619855111452009-06-24T09:52:53.834-04:002009-06-24T09:52:53.834-04:00The following is from the Bethel News, July 8, 189...The following is from the Bethel News, July 8, 1896.<br /> <br /> <br />The 4th of July races: Owing to bad weather and the unusual attraction at Norway the crowd was less than expected.<br />Bicycle races—novice 1/2 mile. First was Ernest Demeritt, second, George Merrow, third, A.P. Holman of South Paris. Half mile boys race: First, Robert Bisbee; second, George H. French and third, Geo P. Ryerson. 1 mile amateur: First, E.M. Sweet, South Paris; second, Walter Lawrence; third, Ernest Demeritt. Half mile amateur: First, E.M. Sweet; second, Walter Lawrence and third, Otis E. Baker.<br />The afternoon horse racing was rated as the park’s best ever.<br />3.00 Class: Purse $75, First, Nellie Bly, owner J.M. Johnson; second, King, owner H.S. Hastings; and third, Norland, owner William Gregg.<br />2.35 Class: Purse $100, First, Belle Wilkes, owner F.S. Smith, second, Robenia, owner W.R. Chapman.<br />2.28 Class, Purse $100, first, Hector Boone, owner J.C. Swasey; second, Stamen Patron, owner W.R. Chapman.<br />We want to congratulate Mr. Chapman on his new stallion, Stamen Patron. His breeding was so great that much was expected from him, but we had no idea he was such a race horse. We cannot remember seeing so much speed from any stallion except Nelson, Bayard Wilkes and Nichols, as this wonderful little horse showed going to the half in 1.13 on muddy track in third heat and it was very evident that when he jogged under the wire in the second heat in 2.32 that he could have trotted the heat in 25, had Merrill made a drive for it. Many thought he should have had the third heat and race.<br />It is very much to the credit of the association that they did not declare the race off on account of the bad weather.Stephen Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766049165862317689noreply@blogger.com