Published:
October 25, 2014 10:45 am EDT
In this week's special 'Picture Parade' edition of Rewind, Robert Smith shows a collage of old racing photographs depicting a multitude of subjects covering several decades.
This cute and rather old undated photograph shows that you are never too young to be involved in some way with harness racing. The quite well dressed youngster appears to be ready for a training mile or two.
The decade of the 1960's saw tremendous growth in all areas of the sport of harness racing including off-track activities such as horse sales. This photo shows some of the participants at an early sale in 1969. From left, is auctioneer Tom Caldwell, brought in from California; joining him are organizers Brian Webster (centre) and Dr. Glen Brown (right) who read pedigrees.
When the mobile starting gate first made its appearance in the late 1940's it was an immediate success. This photo shows a gate owned by Andy Foster of High River, Alta. on hand at Virden, Manitoba to start the 1954 races. The vehicle may have been a Packard.
This old scene taken many years ago at Trois Rivieres, Quebec shows a portion of the track flanked by the quaint old stables. On the upper level of the barns were residences where participating horsemen and their families lived. Many get togethers including dances and Christmas parties were held there. A number of years ago, all of the old structures were torn down.
This 1968 shot of a group of young 'colts' appear with a colt supplied by horse owner Gordon Campbell of St. Catharines. The young fellows are: Front row, from left: John Hayes Jr., Nelson White, George Wain. Back row: Wes Coke, Bill Hicks, Carman Hie, Eric Langille, Garth Campbell and Doug Arthur.
In the late 1940's a famous Canadian-owned horse named Dr. Stanton was about the biggest drawing card in the sport. He even drew the attention of so-called famous movie stars such as the Three Stooges. Shown here in 1948 at Chicago's Maywood Park are owner and driver Lindley Fraser and his daughter Lois, Maywood Pres. Robert Johnson and the notorious trio. (Harness Horse photo)
Long before the advent of computers and electronic games, families took in the races beginning at a young age. These two 1950's pictures were taken at Toronto's Old Woodbine track when the ban on children attending the races was lifted.
In 1976 a number of driving competitions for female drivers was held by the Ontario Jockey Club. At the conclusion of the series the group gathered to receive their prizes and be recognized for their efforts. The overall winner was Elaine Burke of Peterborough. Just 21 at the time she worked as a secretary by day but showed how well she could drive a horse in the evening. Pictured from left to right are OJC Publicity Director Wm. Galvin, Christine Haughen, Mary Croft, Rita Morrow, Cathy Bock, Elaine Burke (overall winner), Val Pringle (radio personality), Donna Degrow, Deborah Dee, Carol Lee Roland and Glenna Clements.
The above view of the Halifax Race Track and Exhibition Grounds shows that even 100 years ago there were some nice racing complexes in existence (Photo courtesy of Wm. O'Donnell)
When famous Canadian horseman Clint Hodgins was wintering in California in 1950 he occasionally took time out from his busy schedule to go for a skate. His on-ice partner was the World and Olympic champion figure skater Barbara Ann Scott, also a Canadian and just 22 years of age at this time. Here she is shown helping Clint with his skates, making sure that the laces were properly tightened (Harness Horse photo)
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Looking at the picture of the
Looking at the picture of the drivers from 1968...46 years ago, its unbelievable that both George Wain and Carmen Hie have both competed within the last week or so!!
I look forward to the rewind column every week. Keep up the good work.
Robert, I really enjoyed the
Robert, I really enjoyed the photos and comments. Bill VanKatwyk phoned me and said my picture was on Standardbred Canada website. I wonder which photo he thought I was part of ????
What great pictures Robert.
What great pictures Robert. Excellent. Keep 'em coming.
BEAUTIFUL, keep up the good
BEAUTIFUL, keep up the good work Mr. Smith. Really enjoy your edition of Rewind.