In this week's edition of Rewind, Robert Smith takes readers back over 65 years to a small-town horsemen's banquet held in southern Ontario. These types of gatherings were common in days gone by and were most often well attended. Events such as the one described in today's column are a reminder of a bygone era when many local people helped keep harness racing alive and well.
Geographical Note — Petrolia is a town located in Lambton County, Ont., near Sarnia and about an hour's drive west of London. It is known as "Canada's Victorian Oil Town." Like many small towns across Canada, it once included a half-mile racetrack and hosted harness racing for many years.
Back in the day, many small-town turf clubs and racing associations held an annual get-together, most often during the winter months. Their purpose was perhaps mainly social in nature — a reason to get together, visit and perhaps reminisce a bit. They also provided an ideal time to discuss a bit of business, pass out awards and thank the many people who put on the race days in the local area. A nice sit-down meal usually topped off the occasion.
On the evening of February 26, 1959, harness horse enthusiasts and sportsmen and their wives from throughout the region converged for the third annual Petrolia Racing Association banquet. An overflow crowd of some 250 people jammed into the Canadian Legion Hall for the occasion. The meal was catered by the Women's Guild of Christ Anglican Church of Petrolia, and a social evening followed.
Attendees from near and far were in town for the annual banquet and some had to battle the elements of a mid-winter snowstorm to make the trip. Folks from as far away as Brantford, Arthur and Windsor were among the large crowd. After the formal program was completed, a number of films of harness racing from the past season in the area were shown to the gathering.
In the above photo are a few of the attendees at the 1959 Petrolia, Ont., Horsemen's Association annual banquet. From left are Nate Neeley, Assoc. Past President; H.O. "Bud" Jerry from Goderich, Ont.; Rex Hughes of Arthur, Ont.; and Jack Berlett of Listowel. (Photo courtesy of Windsor Daily Star archives)
The evening covered a number of items, and on hand to act as master of ceremonies was the well-known all-around sportsman Tory Gregg, originally from Bruce County, Ontario, but then living in London. He applauded the great work put forth by the local group, especially for their efforts to help bring night harness racing to Ontario. Mr. Gregg was involved at many small-town tracks across the province as a very colorful race announcer. His many years of radio work at CKNX in Wingham made him a real favourite.
Mr. Gregg was high in his praise of local horseman Nate Neeley, outgoing president of the local turf club. He stated, "Mr. Neeley has done more work in developing harness racing than any other man in this area." The large gathering on hand was all in agreement that area harness racing was definitely in for a big year in 1959.
Mr. "Bud" Jerry from Goderich reported that in his area alone more than 60 horses were currently in training. Plans were revealed that the Petrolia track, known as Greenwood Park, had three race dates planned for the upcoming season — the first on June 6, then August 3, and again during the fair in early September.
Tory Gregg, seated, is joined by Petrolia race enthusiast Jack Kelly as they look through a scrapbook of local harness racing photos during the Petrolia banquet. Mr. Gregg was a legendary figure in much of southern Ontario, well known for his hockey playing and, in later years, his radio show. (Photo courtesy of Windsor Daily Star archives)
This trio of local horse enthusiasts is shown discussing their plans to approach the Ontario government regarding nighttime harness racing. From left: Lew Gleeson, W.R. Stephenson and L.K. "Roy" Dobbin. Mr. Dobbin had recently been involved in bringing a U.S. horse, Brother Harmony, to his farm to bolster the area's breeding program. (Photo courtesy of Windsor Daily Star archives)
DRIVERS AWARDS HANDED OUT
One of the main features of the night was the presentation of drivers' awards to the top five point-getters on the circuit in Western Ontario for 1958. A Dresden man, Levi "Jiggs" McFadden, took home the top prize based on his leading 66 points. Second place went to Stewart Simpson of Alvinston, with Fred Goudreau of Croton third. Don Larkin and Allen Elliot of Parkhill and Sarnia, respectively, finished fourth and fifth. Each one received an award.
A view of the Petrolia track as the Whitesell starting gate leads a field to the post during a recent race day.
The Greenwood Park judges' stand was a landmark in the town of Petrolia for many years.
Quote For The Week: About Growing Older
"I've travelled a long way, and some of the roads weren't paved." — Will Rogers
Who Is It?
Can you identify the above two gentlemen who hailed from Petrolia? If you recognize the man on the right, include him as well.
Who Else Is It?
A representative from the Supertest Co. (left) presents a trophy to the winning owner and driver at the Tillsonburg track in the 1950s. Can you name them?
A SALUTE TO ST. PATRICK'S DAY
Don't forget that upcoming in a couple of days is March 17, which means St. Patrick's Day! They say that on St. Patrick's Day everybody is either Irish or at least wishes they were for that one day.
Can you identify the winning driver in the above photo, taken in 1978, who just happens to be sporting a couple of shamrocks on his driving silks? If you can name any of the other folks pictured, please do so.
(The correct answers to the above photos will be posted here by Robert as a comment in a few days.)