SC Rewind: A Family Affair

sc-rewind-family-affair.jpg
Published: March 14, 2015 08:17 am EDT

In this week's Rewind Robert Smith recalls the many families that have three or more driving members in their ranks. Readers are invited to add more names to the list.

Many years ago a gentleman from London named Tom Saint contacted me, knowing of my interest in old pictures and other items pertaining to the historical part of the sport of harness racing. Mr. Saint was a member of a very old racing family, dating back to the 1800's, and had taken an active part throughout his lifetime along with his father and grandfather.

He spoke in particular of one picture that he thought I might enjoy. After describing the piece in some detail, I assured him that I would be interested in having a copy and suggested that he mail it to me at his convenience. Assuming it to be no larger than an 8" x 10", it seemed like the simplest thing to do. He offered what he thought was a better idea and that was to have a friend of his drop it off to me personally along with some other items. This suggestion combined with his free offer was indeed a 'no brainer'.

A few days later the man called by my office and left the 'goodies'. Along with an envelope was a rather large mailing tube, the kind we used to often see when calendars were sent in the mail. I was intrigued by the tube size and couldn't wait to open it. Much to my surprise it was what I would call an 'artist's rendering' if that is a correct term; it was not a photograph. It measured a rather large 36" wide and was 24" inches high. Thankfully I was able to make my own frame so I had a pretty nice piece of art at an affordable price.

The sketch was titled "The Flying Flemings". It shows a father and three of his sons, all holding rather famous horses. Also as part of the piece is a racing scene showing the home stretch. I was told on rather reliable authority that the track was the iconic old Goshen Historic Track, located near the U.S. Hall of Fame in Goshen, N.Y.

In the picture from left is Vic Fleming, originally from Dundas, Ont. He is shown with the world champion double-gaited mare Calumet Evelyn. Next is son Bill with Billy Direct 1:55, also a world champion. Next is another son Charlie with Peter Song 2:00 and on the far right is Jimmy Fleming with Dillon Hall 2:00. Although undated, I would guess this was set around 1940 or even slightly earlier based on the horses' records which were extremely impressive.

It started me thinking about all of the brothers who have been drivers down through the years. I soon realized that making a list would be the thing to do, but I also found out that this would be way too long. To solve the dilemma I decided that to get on the 'list', there had to be THREE or more brothers and sisters from the same family.

I have made a list strictly from memory of the families that I can think of with three or more driving sons or daughters. I am hoping that the reading audience will come up with more as I am sure my list is just a starter. This list is in alphabetic order and as accurate as possible. Additions or corrections are welcomed.


Four of the eight drivers in the Edmond Filion family. From left: Henri, Dennis, Herve and Gilles meet in the Blue Bonnets paddock.

DRIVERS LIST - Families With Three Or More Driving Siblings

Case - Walter Sr., Kelly, Tim, Walter Jr.

Dancer - Harold "Sonny", Stanley and Vernon.

Duford - Grandfather Jerry, father Wilfred, sons Dennis, Jerry and Rod.

Filion - This has to be about the largest number in a Canadian family with eight brothers listed: Dennis, Doris, Gilles, Henri, Herve, Renald, Rheo and Yves.

Fleming - As shown in the featured artwork - Father Vic and sons Charlie, Jimmy and Bill. A fourth son Jack I don't think worked with the horses.

Gilmour - George, John "Guy", Lloyd and Wm. "Buddy".


Three of the four driving Gilmour brothers are shown here in this 1959 photo taken at Batavia Downs. From left: John (Guy), George and Wm. "Buddy" Gilmour.

Henry - Brian, George, Paul, Trevor, Wayne.

Hie - Father Cliff and sons Carman, Doug and Roger

Hudon - Father Joe, sons John, Pat, Phil and Steve

Langille - Charles, Eric, Terry and Wayne

MacDonald - Anthony, James and Mark

Myer - This family from the State of Delaware had eight or perhaps nine driving brothers with Billy probably the best known. The brothers were Alan, Edwin, Ellis, Francis, James, Paul, Ralph, Robert and William. I don't believe any of their four sisters were drivers.

O'Brien - Claude, Joe, Lloyd and Raymond.

Rankin - Father Donnie Sr., sons Callie, Donnie Jr., Douglas "Sonny"

Remmen - Gord, Larry, and Ray

Turcotte - father Theo, sons Elden, Ted and Wayne

Walker - Father Allan, sons Larry, Paul, Robert. Their mother Viola and sister Jean Thibaudeau were not professional drivers but often competed in special events and were very capable handling a set of lines.


The Walker family. From left: Jean (Walker) Thibaudeau, Robert, their mother Viola, Larry and Paul Walker.
Tags
Have something to say about this? Log in or create an account to post a comment.