SC Rewind: The Coldwater Fair

In the latest edition of 'Rewind' Robert Smith takes a look back to the days of fall fairs and their connection to the grassroots of harness racing. He has centered his piece around one special spot of many where harness racing was once held. The Simcoe County hamlet of Coldwater, Ontario is the featured place.

Courtesy of Huronia Museum

An excerpt from the Barrie Examiner newspaper dated Oct. 3, 1978 stated the following which is a good introduction to today's story.

"Coldwater is quite a little place. The village is located midway between Orillia and Midland at the junction of Hwys. 12 and 400. It may boast only 800 - 900 residents but there's more to Coldwater than meets the eye. A big event on the Coldwater social calendar is the annual fall fair. The village just held its 85th annual fair on the weekend. Later on the winter carnival will be a major community highlight. This peaceful little village on the banks of the Coldwater River is not the sleepy little Town it may appear to be."

It seems that each year about this time on the calendar my mind turns back to the days of yore when harness racing at most fall fairs was in full swing at this time of year. It was a very busy time for horsepeople as they frequently travelled from Town to Town to compete and sometimes it not only meant travel but the dates were often close together. It was not unusual to race more than once at the same fair if it lasted a few days. Otherwise it was pack up and on to the next stop.

While the annual Coldwater Fair still takes place this weekend as it has every year since 1894, there has been no harness racing activity for many years. It is interesting to note in the Fair's history recollections that a one-third mile racetrack existed on the fairgrounds before any buildings did. I guess that had to be an indication of its importance. The Fair has had several homes over the years but now resides at the village-owned fairgrounds next to the community centre in the heart of the village. Vestiges of the past still exist and a number of modern day pictures are included here today.

THROUGH THE YEARS

For many years of its existence the Coldwater Fair was able to attract some of the best racing talent available from a fairly wide range. In a geographical area that included a number of well-known and highly proficient horse families, many notable people and horses competed over the Coldwater oval. I have selected at random a number of years when races were held and given a brief description of that season's activities. Many well-known people raced at this track over the years; far too many to mention.

1948 and 1949 - For these two years (and perhaps others) only two drivers were fortunate enough to reach the winner's circle; the best anyone else could do was finish second. These two lucky gentleman would have been recognizable to most in the crowd without the aid of a program. The two years saw a total of 15 heats with one driver winning a total of nine and the other the remaining six. What were the purses like? In 1948 they went three heats each race with two races carrying a purse of $80 and the other an even $100. In 1949 the smaller card of two races each went just two heats with each one paying $90.00. These boys were having a lot of fun but maybe not making too much money.

If you think that you can correctly identify them please send in your answer in the "comments" section. Sorry, no picture available.

1951 - Three races, each of the two-heat variety, made up the 1951 race day. Leading the way was veteran owner and driver Carman Brown of Meaford, Ont., a regular at Coldwater and many other local tracks. He took four wins and the major share of the $100 purses offered for each race. In the Free For All, Silk Grattan was a double-heat winner for owner C.W. Hodgson of Haliburton and driver Dave Dowson. A possible problem was overcome when local sawmill owner Harry Cowan provided free sawdust which was spread on the track to alleviate the wet surface. Haulage was provided by Walter Orr and other local truckers.

1953 - This year's races saw a local favourite Nancy Patch take both heats of the featured Free For All sponsored by the Coldwater Old Boys. Piloted by owner Allan Walker of Owen Sound, the current track record holder beat a field of five to take the biggest share of the $300 purse. This mare had earlier in the year at this same track set a new track record of 2:09 3/5. At that time Mr. Walker was presented with a new cooling blanket for his accomplishment.

In another race this day, Harvest L Brook was a double-heat winner for owner and driver Jack Waples of Vasey with Billy Todd second in each heat for Gerald Hawke of Coldwater. Also winning was the good trotting mare Rosena Chips for owner-driver George Bullock of Ravenna. Rosena was later sold to Stratford hotel owner Wes Litt and raced on the U.S. circuit for Harold Wellwood, rising to become an Invitational performer.

1957 - Two days but just six heats made up that year's program. The results showed G. Hawke (probably Gerald) was the driving star with four wins while Jack Fisher of Owen Sound won the other two driving his own Lady Attorney Can. Attorney Pride recorded the fastest mile of 2:12 2/5 for Mr. Hawke.

1958 - Red Chief C. owned and driven by Roy Lawson of Midland was a double-heat winner. Bonny Brook Star from the stable of George Armstrong from Flesherton was also a two-time visitor to the winner's circle during this year's race day.

Red Chief C and owner Roy Lawson were winners at Coldwater in 1958. Mr. Lawson resided at nearby Midland and often raced here. (Photo courtesy of Huronia Museum)

1960 - The only double-heat winner on the two-day meeting was Gerald Hawke with his own Blaze Dillard. Murray Waples drove two winners, Attorney Pride and Violet's Girl. Other winning drivers were Willis Jones behind Lady Isobel and Roy Lawson who was home first with his own Lila Lee Henley. Barry Moore made the most of his trip from Lindsay as he raced his horse Tony Worthy on back-to-back days but his best result was one fourth-place finish out of four starts.

1961 - On day two Murray Waples won three of the six heats contested as he started the day 1-2 behind Lionel's Pride with Russ Rentner winning the second heat behind Lady I Abbe, a roan mare he also owned. Another two-heat winner on the same card was Ted Hughes driving Alpha's Dean for owner Justin Morrison of Arthur, Ont. In the featured 20 class Trot & Pace Murray was a double-heat winner with Jay Creed pacing a mile in 2:08 3/5, which I suspect may have been a new track record. Jay Creed was at one time a top-class performer and lifetime winner of over $21,000 but was obviously near the end of his career at this point at the age of nine. Maybe he was "home" on a rehab assignment.

1975 - This year's ten race card saw an exciting finish in one race with three horses all in contention until the finish wire was reached. The winner was Armbro Prissy owned by the Armstrong Stable of Brampton and driven by young Gord Waples. Dobbie Joe (George Wain) was second for Port Severn owners Paul Volick, Skip Vivian & Wendell Waples with Erin Dale a close third, all within a half-length. Dobbie Joe came back to take the second heat. Over the years three generations of the Waples family have won many races at the Coldwater Fair and always enjoyed their involvement and their long connection with the track.

1976

Shown above is an old clipping from the Barrie Examiner detailing the Coldwater Fair races during the 1976 season. Lots of names included.

The Waples Stable

Something rather unique about the Coldwater fairgrounds was the privately-owned horse stable on the property built and maintained for many years by Keith and Murray Waples. At the time the 20-stall structure was constructed an agreement was entered into by the local agricultural society and the Waples Bros. It is interesting to note from a recent conversation with Keith just how the agreement came about. When asked how long the lease would last the mayor (I believe that who it was) suggested 50 years. Keith thought for a moment and said "I might be doing this all being well a lot longer than that!" The mayor thought about three seconds and said " Let's make it a hundred!" As a matter of interest, a few years ago the barn was given back to the Agricultural Society. It no longer houses any horses nor does it have stalls, but is still standing and pictured elsewhere in this piece.

For countless years when the Coldwater Fair race days were held the Waples stable was represented regardless of how far away they were stabled at the time.

Photo courtesy of Huronia Museum

More Modern Day Photos From Coldwater Fairgrounds

Left: The Waples barn stands as a symbol of bygone days at Coldwater. Once home to many great horses it remains as part of the landscape as a reminder of the past. Originally 20 stalls were usually filled with some pretty high class performers. Right: The judges stand as it looks today with a bit of the old track shown in the foreground.

Left: A view of what remains of the once well used racetrack at Coldwater. Right: The sound of thundering hoofbeats headed down the homestretch are no longer heard but the track and a couple of buildings used by the locals at fair time remain.

Quote For The Week: This week's quote is a very old folksy saying often used by my late mother. It was appropriate when you were on the receiving end of the goodness and kindness given by another. As an example of its application I would like to say "Thanks till your better paid" to Rewind follower Garth Gordon for providing the pictures recently taken at the Coldwater Fairgrounds. Much appreciated, G.G.

Who Is It?

Can you put a correct name on this individual? Pretty good looking set of sideburns!

Trivia Question:

As stated above, two individuals won all of the races held at Coldwater during the 1948 and 1949 race meets. Can you correctly name those two gentlemen who were both participants on many race days at today's featured track? Stay tuned for the correct answers.