SC Rewind: Three Generations, Part 1

In this week's Rewind Robert Smith tells of the first of two extremely unique and similar happenings in the history of Canadian harness racing not likely to be found

in any record books. This is part 1 of a two-part feature.

To follow in the footsteps of a parent or even a grandparent is an honourable journey. While this path is not unique, it is always worth noting as the knowledge, family traits and genetic influence passed down from one generation to another can only be called "special". The life's calling of a doctor, a teacher, a farmer or those who continue on a family business are undoubtedly the ones we most frequently see. Also the sport of harness racing has been the scene of a lot of family involvement from generation to generation. Just take a look at an old program and see the continuity of names. One needs to look no further than the names of Waples, Wellwood, Walker and Zeron for starters.

I am personally aware of two instances in modern day history where three generations of the same family have competed as drivers on the same racing program. One went even further than the first where all three members were in the same race. Thirty five years separate these two events. I am aware that more generations of a given family, perhaps five, have been involved in the sport but not necessarily on the same program. If there have been more, I would love to hear of them so they can be shared.

Back in the fall of 1937 the Tillsonburg Fairgrounds was the setting for the first such historic appearance. Thankfully I am able to come up with a picture and be able to refer to some commentary on the event. Happenings such as these are often lost in the proverbial "sands of time".

On August 2, 1937 three members of the then well-known Tolhurst family competed on the same program at the Tillsonburg Fairgrounds. It was familiar territory for the family as they had all driven there many times and were well known in the community as residents of nearby Dereham Township. The occasion was the 10th annual Civic Holiday Race meet sponsored by the Lake Lisgar Improvement Club.

The elder Tolhurst was Lovell D. (Love for short) who was in his 80th year. His son Fred, who listed Hamilton, was 47. Rounding out the trio was Lorne Tolhurst, the son of Fred and grandson of Lovell. He was a mere lad of 24 at the time. Lorne went on to enjoy a very lengthy and successful career as a trainer and driver on the highly competitive U. S. circuit particularly at the New York State tracks. He later returned to Canada.

The afternoon of racing was amazing in that a total of only eight horses made up the entire matinee. Two races contested by four horses each consisting of three heats made for six separate races. In the first race, Fred Tolhurst driving a horse named Peter Hal and owned by Tillsonburg legend Jack Climie won all three heats, the fastest in 2:17. In the third heat young Lorne drove Peter Hepburn for owner Harold Belore of Salford and finished a bang up second to his father.

In the second race, listed as "Class B", the show belonged to L. D., the eldest Tolhurst driving Laura Belle for owner J. W. Saunders of Tillsonburg. After finishing second in the first heat "Love" came back to win the second and third heats and in so doing recorded the day's fastest time of 2:16 1/2. Reports of the day's events stated that each time the nearly 80-year-old Mr. Tolhurst passed the stand he was greeted by the cheers of the rather large crowd. In seven drives the Tolhursts as a family had five wins and two seconds.

The starter for the day was Mr. Jack Climie of Tillsonburg, who was also the owner of the winningest horse Peter Hal. In addition to being one of the best known and most skillful starters of this era, he was also an authority on the sport. He stated that to his knowledge this was the first time at least in Canadian history that three generations of the same family had ever competed on the same program. His comments were extremely complimentary and particularly praised the career of the near octogenarian "L.D." stating that he had driven clean races throughout his many years in the sulky. I would tend to take his word and agree that this was quite an event.

Statistics and records usually recount what is considered heroic and glamorous. Tales of speed, accumulation of money and feats of daring are held in awe. Stories such as this and the one that follows are to me much more meaningful and interesting and will forever capture my fancy.

Part 2 follows next week.