In this week's 'Rewind,' Robert Smith displays a number of very good quality photographs taken many years ago at a couple of Maritime locations. While this piece has solely to do with the Maritime scene I hope that people from other areas will enjoy the old pictures and realize the similarities that have always existed wherever racing has been held. I am just happy to find pictures of this quality thanks to the archives of The National Film Board Of Canada.
A very old view of the Fredericton N.B. track from the backstretch
The Maritime Provinces, comprised of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, have long embraced the sport of harness racing, dating back to its earliest days. Many of the locals have ventured on to a larger stage while a much larger group have remained at home. It seems that there is something special about their passion for every aspect of our beloved sport. At the time these photos were taken over 400 meets were held each summer in the three Province area.
These photos date back to around 1960 or a bit before, and portray the way things were at that time. A number of the picture captions shown accompanied the photos as they were originally published. I know this was quite a long time ago but if those in the reading audience recognize some of the people and places it would be interesting to hear from you.
Swapping racing yarns at Fredericton, are (left to right) Orin Jardine (groom), Thelma Sewell (horse owner), Bert Tamlyn (driver from Moncton), Joe Gougen (also from Moncton) and Blair Andrew (from P.E.I.).
Above, Miss Maisy MacLean of Marysville, N.B., cheers her favourite on during a race day at Fredericton.
While many top Standardbred trotters and pacers in Canada today were bred in the United States, Canada has also produced some outstanding animals. Above, Thelma Sewell of Fredericton with four-year-old "Charmion". A check of the record books showed Charmion as a foal of 1954 sired by a local favourite Jollity and out of the mare Bellina Tyndall.
The popularity of harness racing in central and eastern Canada has soared in recent years and the western provinces, particularly Manitoba and Saskatchewan are showing increasing interest in the sport. About 200 tracks operate throughout the country and prize money runs to $2,500,000 annually. Above, winner streaks across finish line at the Fredericton Raceway. All races are photographed and winners declared on the basis of the "photo finish". With recent developments in flood-lighting facilities, night harness racing has become especially popular. (Quote from original copy)
A closer look at the above photo finish reveals that it was taken on September 1, 1958. Four two-heat races were held that day with winning drivers listed as Ivan Taylor, Clayton Killam, Asa Harvey (2), Raymond Savage, Thomas Etter, Edward Lindon and Clayton Dickison. The featured Jr. FFA for a purse of $1,000 went to the three-year-old Peppy Hal (Harvey) owned by Walter D. Davis of Houlton, Maine, a 10-time winner that season who took his season's record of 2:07.2 in this race.
A field of horses race into the first turn at Fredericton, all jockeying for position. In the distance can be seen the beautiful countryside.
The automobile has replaced the horse and buggy, but no substitute for horse and sulky will satisfy the Maritime harness racing buff, and winter's ice wont't stop him either. A favourite sport at the turn of the century, ice harness racing is revived on special occasions. One of the most important is the annual two-day Maritime championship, twice postponed this year by a thaw and then the record Halifax snowfall. (Quote from original copy)
For countless years ice racing at Dartmouth, N.S. was a great event that drew huge crowds. The two-day Maritime championship in 1959 drew an estimated 10,000 fans who watched as 90 horses from all over the region competed.
A young family braves the cold to take in the action at the Dartmouth ice races. The style of baby buggies has changed a bit since back then.
With ice racing there were no stables and certainly no paddock to assemble the fields before race time. Every participant "camped" out on the ice and worked from their trailers.
Weekly Quote:
"Nobody ever goes to my favorite restaurant anymore because you can never get a seat in there." - Yogi Berra
Who Is It?
Can you name the driver in this very old photo? His name is still well known in the Maritimes. (Harness Horse)
Who Else Is It?
Can you correctly identify these two esteemed gentlemen? The correct answers will be given during the upcoming week.
The correct answers for this
The correct answers for this week's pictures are as follows:
In the top photo the driver was Johnny Conroy as correctly identified by Wm. O'Donnell. While not part of the question the horse was Tracey Hanover with owner John Scott at the horse's head. I believe a memorial race is still held each year at Truro for this fine horseman. In the bottom photo on the left is Cliff Sheppard O.H.H.A. outgoing Pres. making a presentation for " meritorious service " to Les Ehrlick on the right. Your answers are always appreciated.
In reply to The correct answers for this by Looking Back
Robert, you are correct in
Robert, you are correct in that there is still the Johnny Conroy Memorial each year in Truro held near the middle of September.
T. Otterson
The following comment about
The following comment about today's Rewind was received from Gary Foerster, a gentleman long associated with The Canadian Sportsman. With Gary's permission I have copied it below:
Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed the Maritime photos in this week’s Rewind on SC. As many advancements as photography has made in recent decades, there is still something about the quality of the old black and whites that stands out. As is always the case with Rewind, great job. Hope all is well with you. Take care.
Gary
Joe Burke Second picture.
Joe Burke
Second picture. Cliff Sheppard and Les Ehrlick. Both former Presidents of OHHA.
Maybe a Pinkney, Cliff
Maybe a Pinkney, Cliff Shepherd, possibly Les Erlich.
The driver is Johnny Conroy.
The driver is Johnny Conroy.