SC Rewind: Picture Parade

For this week’s Rewind, Robert Smith has put together this monthly edition of Picture Parade, a regular feature. The routine remains the same: readers check out the old photos and, if they choose to do so, send in their answers. If you see something that interests you, don’t be afraid to comment as well.

This week’s grouping was chosen at random and covers a wide range of personalities and time periods.

# 1 – This 1980s photo was taken in Western Canada, but this fellow (on the far left), who was serving as guest speaker when this was taken, could be found in many parts of the country. Who is he?

# 2 – This photo was taken at Pompano Park and features two people who were often seen and heard at that famous location for many years. Can you name them both, or just one is fine.

# 3 – This smiling gentleman is wearing a hat with a pretty wide brim in this photo, but I believe it would be safe to say that he has worn quite a few different “hats” during his lengthy career. Who is he?

# 4 – This 1974 photo made its way to me without any identification. I am hoping our talented experts can go to work on it and come up with some further information. The leading horse has a familiar-looking driver, if I am allowed a guess. What can anyone tell us?

# 5 – This 1980 photo was taken during the great series of ice races held on the Rideau Canal. Shown in the background is the bilingual sign showing the sponsor, “Canadian Club,” the trademark of the famous Hiram Walker Distillery (my lifetime company) in Walkerville, Ont., which is actually Windsor. The fellow on the far right was Martin Jones, who was representing the sponsor. Who are the other two pictured fellows?

# 6 – In a day and age when catch drivers are used almost exclusively, it is difficult to imagine a fact about this horse. In a very long and successful career that included 287 lifetime starts, this horse was trained and driven by the pictured driver in every one of them. Who is he, and you can probably name the horse as well.

# 7 – This young fellow is chatting with a horse and literally “bending his ear.” Who is this very famous (and also very senior) gentleman? Let us know.

# 8 – This young U.S. driver was victorious in the inaugural edition of what was once among Canada’s top annual events. That was way back in 1968. I’m pleased to report that he’s still with us. Who is he?

# 9 – “You look familiar,” this fellow might be saying! Can you name this fine gentleman? Also, I do not have a name for the fellow on the right—maybe someone can help.

# 10 – This old two-part photo dates back to the Old Woodbine era. Can you identify the winning driver in this one, taken in 1959? He hailed from a very well-known Canadian racing family and married a gal who also came from an iconic Canadian harness racing family.

(The correct answers will be posted here by Robert as a comment in a few days.)

Quote for the Week: “The time is always right to do what is right.”  — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Blast From the Past – Ice Racing at Quebec City

On Sunday, Feb. 7, 1954, a crowd of 3,000 people gathered to watch the nine-race card at the Quebec Exhibition Grounds. In a special match race, Vic Song, driven by owner Paul-Emile Jobin, defeated Frolic Hanover (Henri Canton up) in a mile clocked at 2:46. The facilities were provided free by the track management, which consisted of Jacques Gravel and Henri Bertrand. All of the proceeds were turned over to a local Boy Scout group.