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HON. JAMES M. CURl.EY Mayor of Boston 1914-1918

The Driving Clubs of Greater Boston

EDITED AND COMPILED

BY

JOHN W. LINNEHAN AND EDWARD E. COGSWELL

DEDICATION

To the Lovers of the Horse and to the promotion of Speedway and Matinee sport

Copyright, 1914 By J. W. Linnehan and E. E. Cogswell

From the Press of

Atlantic Printing Company

Boston

MAY 1 0 1985 BOSTON COLLEGE I m^^\

CHFSTNiiTMii! m(\l\^l

The Dorchester Gentlemen's Driving Club

1899 1914

FRANKLIN FIELD SPEEDWAY- -THE START

THE GRANDSTAND— -Mayor Fitzgerald and President Johnson in the Barouche

The Dorchester Gentlemen's Driving Club

As the outcome of several chance meetings of the horsemen of Hyde Park, Milton and Dorchester in the several blacksmith shops, and especially in the shop of E. P. Denn and the stable office of H. P. Gallup, on Barnes Street, Dorchester, was organized on April 26, 1899, the Dorchester Gentlemen's Driving Club. It was the first driving club m this countrv whose by-laws and constitution called for weekly meeting of its members and weekly racing of horses for ribbons.

The first election of officers was held on May 10, 1899, and showed over a hundred horse owners enrolled on its membership list. The election resulted in the following board of officers: President, Charles L. Young; first vice-president, S. Walter Wales; second vice-president, Louis Pfingst; secretary, Charles H. Belledeu ; treasurer, John M. E. Morrill; clerk, E. O. Haddock; directors, T.

A. Bresnahan, Cyril G. Blaney, Frederick J. Brand, George H. Greenwood, and Charles L. Bartlett ; racing and speedway committee, R. S. Fitch, C. H. Belledeu, A. S. Gushee, F. J. Brand, S. H. Mildram, L. E. H. Jones, Geo.

B. Fowler, H. P. Gallup, F. S. Eldredge, F. L. Codman, Alpheus Sanford ; membership com- mittee, Geo. E. Griffin, W. E. Newbert, C. L. Hinds; finance committee, R. S. Fitch, George H. Greenwood and H. P. Gallup.

Weekly matinee races were held on the Blue Hill Avenue quarter-mile speedway, that had been gi^anted the club by the city and which was kept in condition for racing by money se- cured from among the members, many of whom went down into their pocket for as high as $25 each.

And this brings to mind what happened to a number of the members of the club on the very first day racing was permitted on Blue Hill Avenue, which is well worth reading.

On account of Captain Charles W. Hunt and the police of the Dorchester district not being notified of the order signed by Mayor Quincy, allowing the west side of Blue Hill Avenue between Talbot Avenue and Morton Street to be used for a speedway, several mem-

bers of the Dorchester Driving Club narrowly escaped being arrested for fast driving.

When a mounted policeman saw several of the club members start to race their horses he stopped them and said that he should be com- pelled to place them under arrest. The driv- ers told the policeman that a permit had been granted, but they could not show it.

The oflicer started to take them to the police station, but afterward agreed to telephone from the nearest signal box. He talked with Captain Hunt, but the latter said that he knew of no permit. Captain Hunt told the police- man to come to the station. He did so, and there the matter was discussed.

Finally it was decided that the officer should take the names of those on the "Speedway,'' and if it should be found that an order permit- ting them to race had not been passed, they should be summoned into court instead of be- ing actually arrested.

Among the names of those taken was S. Walter Wales, the well-known stable man ; A. S. Gushee, C. L. Young, W. E. Newbert and Charles F. Stevens. They found Coun- cilman Mildram and explained the difficulty they were in. A hurried visit to City Hall and police headquarters resulted in matters being straightened out, but many of them had sev- eral hours of worrying, fearful that they would figure in the criminal courts as violators of the law.

Weekly meetings of the club were held in Central Hall on Center Street, Monday nights, where the result of the races of the previous week were announced and the horses matched for the next Saturday. This matching was always done by a special sub-committee of the racing and speedway committee, and the sched- ules of matches were announced after a recess of the business meeting. This schedule of matches was never satisfactory to any one, and, no matter how fair they were, no one ex- pected they would be, so there was always an argument for and against putting certain horses together.

A stranger coming into the meeting during these arguments would think that the members were being matched for a thousand dollar

The Driving Clubs of Greater Boston

purse instead of a blue ribbon. In these early days as many as thirty-five or forty horses were matched together, so every owner was sure to be on hand and register the customary kick as a matter of principle, and many more interested members were on hand to hear and see the fun.

These meetings were always largely at- tended, and many times the roosters in the back yards of Dorchester were giving their signals that it was high time men of families were at home, when the meetings broke up.

One of the prominent members of the club in these days was a well-known milkman in the Dorchester district, whose teams used to start out from his home at one o'clock sharp. lie was heard making the statement that for four years his teams had started out every Tuesday morning before he arrived home. There were several other members of the club who could truthfully say the same thing, which shows the keen interest the members took in the club during the first years of its existence.

S. Walter Wales never missed a Monday night meeting for seven years. W. E. New- bert never missed a meeting for eight years. H. P. Gallup has missed but one Monday night meeting of this club in fourteen years. George H. Greenwood, the present secretary, has not missed over ten in the same length of time. D. E. Page has probably missed a dozen meet- ings in ten years, and so it goes. We might mention many more in the same line.

There was no doubt but what the Dorches- ter Gentlemen's Driving Club was the leading social club in the Dorchester district, and if "by thy works thou shalt be known," the speedway on Franklin Field stands as a mon- ument to the power of these members as a po- litical organization. The work done on this particular matter is fully told elsewhere.

The club was chartered on June 23, 1890, and the charter issued by William Olin, secre- tary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shows the following names : Chas. L. Young, John M. E. Morriil, S. Walter Wales, Chas. "H. Belledeu, Fred'k J. Brand, George H. Greenwood, Timothy A. Bresnahan, Hollis P. Gallup, Robert S. Fitch, and Jacob Mosser, only two of whom. Greenwood and Gallup, are active at the present writing.

It would be impossible to give a detailed list of all the races held on the speedway by the members of the club, space being limited to the races that were held on the regular field days, that were held at Readville track dur-

ing the first six years, and to the interclub races, which were held with the other driving clubs of greater Boston.

The races held by this club at Readville were among the most interesting that have ever taken place over that historic track. Every man, woman and child that passed through the gate on the race days were in- terested in some horse entered to start. If that particular horse could go no faster than 2:40, he was just as valuable and as im- portant to the owner and his friends as if he could go in 2 :o6 1-2.

When such men as John O'Connor, the well-known printer, who weighed 385 pounds ; Ross Woodbury, the deep-sea pilot, who weighed 296 pounds ; E. L. Hopkins, the well- known South Boston real estate man, who weighed 290 pounds ; William M. Morrison, the master builder, who weighed 283 pounds ; and Dave Biggs, the well-known contractor, who weighed 278 pounds, would get up be- iiind their horses and drive in races, it meant that they were, or at least they thought they were, having some fun.

Age also had no terrors for some of the members. There was a very interesting race held at one of its field days when the com- bined ages of four of the drivers totaled 268 years, and they were the 3'oungest old men on the field that day.

To the members of the Dorchester Driving Club, also, belongs the honor of staging the first handicap race for harness horses ever given in this country. This race took place at Readville on Labor Day, September 5, 1901, and the prizes were a two-minute harness, valued at $75 ; a silver ferrule whip, valued at $30, and $10 in gold for each second horse. The harness was won by the black mare, Brightness, by Tarratine, dam Nancy Pilot, owned by A. M. Newbert and driven by W. E. Newbert, with a handicap of 39 feet back of the scratch. Silkey, a chestnut mare by Nel- son, owned and driven by Fred Eldredge, with a handicap of 810 feet and three inches, took second money. The handicap race for the whip was won by Azote, a bay gelding by Constantine, owned and driven by E. O. Had- dock, with a handicap of 678 feet back of the â–  scratch. Rex, a bay gelding by Electricity, owned and driven by Albert Fellows, was the scratch horse in this event, and won second mone3^

The first ladies' night was held on the even- ing of December 11, 1899, in the Dorchester

The Driving Clubs of Greater Boston

Women's clubhouse. A fine entertainment was given, an equally line supper served, and danc- ing was enjoyed until well on towards day- light. S. Walter Wales was master of cere- monies. More than 400 attended, and the suc- cess of the affair was unqualified.

SEASON OF 1900

and driven by 'J'. M. (ialvin, best heat in 2:25. The free-for-all pace had four starters and was won by Landlord, owned and driven by C. L. Young, best time 2:17.

The board of officials elected at the annual meeting were : President, Charles L. Young ; first vice-president, S. Walter Wales ; second vice-president, Louis Pfingst; secretary, Charles H. Belledeu ; treasurer, John M. E. Morrill; clerk, Frederick J. Brand; directors, T. A. Bresnahan, Cyril C. Blaney, Frederick J. Brand, 'Geo. H. Greenwood and Charles L. Bartlett ; racing and speedway com- mittee.. R. S. Fitch, chairman, C. H. Belledeu, A. S. Gushee, F. J. Brand, S. Pi. Mildram. L. E. H. Jones, Geo. B. Fowler, H. P. Gallup. F. S. Eldredge, F. L. Codman, Alpheus San- ford ; membership committee, Geo. E. Griffin, W. E. Newbert, C. L. Hinds.

During President Young's second year in office, the first public race for gate money was held at Readville, on Bunker Hill Day, June 18, and again on Labor Day, September 3. On June 18 there were four classes for purses of $100 each.

The 2 :45 class had six starters, and the race was won by Ashmont, owned and driven by H. P. Gallup, best heat in 2 â– .;^y 1-2. The 2 :25 class had seven starters, and was an- nexed by Prince Wilkes, owned and driven by C. H. Belledeu, best heat in 2:22 3-4. The free-for-all had five starters, which was won by Kentucky Star, also owned by Mr. Belle- deu, best heat in 2:17 1-2. The double-team race had three starters, and was won by Ran- dolph K. and Embrino, driven by J. M. E. Morrill, whose fastest time was 2:28 1-2, which was considered very good for horses which had never been hitched together before.

The Labor Day races had five classes for purses of $100 each, and a running race for a purse of $75. The three-minute trot had five starters, and was won by Azote, owned and driven by E. O. Haddock, best heat in 2:341-2. The free-for-all trot had four starters, and was won by Camden Girl, owned by John Hood, best heat in 2 :22 1-2. The 2 :45 class had six starters, and was won by Gladys M., owned and driven by R. K. Clarke, best heat in 2 124 3-4. The 2 ;35 class had eight starters and was won by Lightfoot, owned

C. L. YOUNG

President 1899-1900

It was on this day that A. S. Gushee, owner of the well-known mare. Trinket, in the 25th year of her age, started against the record for aged horses, which at that time was 2:20 1-2. Although Mr. Gushee had never been in a race of that nature before, he drove the mare a mile in 2.20 3-4, only a quarter of a second short of the record. Considering the age of the mare, it was a wonderful performance, and both horse and driver received much ap- plause from the large crowd present.

The social features of the year were the holding of a clam supper on October i, with more than 100 present, and a month later was held a stag party, at which more than 200 at- tended. The stag parties were held frequently thereafter in the clubroom.

SEASON OF 1901

The board of officials elected for 1901 were : President, S. Walter Wales ; first vice-presi- dent, Louis Pfingst ; second vice-president, Robert S. Fitch ; secretary, Charles H. Belle- deu ; treasurer, John M. E. Morrill ; clerk, Frederick J. Brand; directors, T. A. Bresna- han, Cyril C. Blaney, George H. Greenwood, Charles L. Young and H. P. Gallup ; racing

lO

The Driving Clubs of Greater Boston

and speedway committee, C. C. Blaney, Geo. W. D'Arcy, J. R. Stuart, Jr., L. S. Timber- lake, Louis Tewhart, Frederick S. Gore, Hol- lis P. Gallup, George B. Fowler, R. K. Clarke, Charles L. Young, Almond S. Gushee, \\'ilbur C. Littlefield, Jesse Moulton and William C. Fitzgerald; finance committee, Robert S.

S. WALTER WALES President 1901-1902

Fitch, Charles L. Young and George H. Greenwood ; membership committee, Walter E. Newbert, Charles L. Hinds and George E. Griffin.

During President Wales' first year in office the club only held one race meeting at Read- ville, on Labor Day, September 2. There were five classes for purses of $100 each.

The 2 :35 class had six starters, and was won by Aggie H., owned and driven by R. W. Hickey, who in the second heat made the fastest time of the day, 2:181-2. A special slow class, always a feature with this club, had eight starters, and was captured by Brightness, owned and driven by A. M. Newbert, in 2.43 1-4. The 2.20 trot +iad six starters, and was won by Ladv Madison, owned and driven by P. J. Fitzgerald. Alice B., owned and driven by Walter Newbert, took the third heat in the fastest time of the race, 2:22 1-2, and everybody thought that Lady Madison was beaten, but she came back strong in the fourth heat and won, finishing

the race. The 2 :22 class had seven starters, and was won by Gladys M., owned and driven by R. K. Clarke, in 2 :22 1-2. The free-for-all pace had six starters, and was easy for Ken- tucky Star, driven by his owner, C. H. Belle- deu, best time, 2 -.ig.

The second annual ladies' night was held on January 30. Thomas N. Hart, the Mayor of Boston, honored the occasion with his 'presence. President Wales and Treasurer Morrill had charge of the floor. Like its pred- ecessor, it was an unqualified success.

SEASON OF 1902

The new board of officials were : President, S. Walter Wales ; first vice-president, Louis Pfingst ; second vice-president, John M. E. Morrill; secretar)?, George H. Greenwood; treasurer, Robert S. Fitch ; clerk, George D'Arcy ; directors, T. A. Bresnalian, Jesse Moulton, Frederick J. Brand, Charles L. Young and Almond S. Gushee ; racing and speedway committee. Almond S. Gushee, S. Walter Wales, Fred S. Eldredge, Jesse Moul- ton, HoUis P. Gallup, George W. D'Arcy, W. W. Grant, Louis Pfingst, R. S. Fitch, Wil- liam P. Boutelle, Randolph K. Clarke, D. W. Sullivan, Walter E. Newbert, Fred S. Gore, L. S. Timberlake, Charles L. Young, William M. Brummett, Edgar O. Haddock, J. W. Lin- nehan and William J. Fitzgerald ; finance committee, T. A. Bresnahan, F. J. Brand and Jesse Moulton ; membership committee, George E. Griffin, Charles L. Hinds, Dr. R. W. Balkan! and E. S. Harris.

During President Wales' second term in office the club held two field days at Readville. One on Bunker Hill Day, June 17, and the other on Labor Day, September i. The races on June 17 were the most interesting that the club had ever held. There were four classes, with purses of $100 each.

The 2 :20 trot had nine horses, and every horse had a large following, the grandstand pulling for their favorite to win. Lidia Panis, pwned and driven by George French ; Captain Half, owned and driven by J. G. Cleary ; Alice B., owned and driven by W. E. Newbert; Lady Madison, owned and driven by P. J. Fitzgerald ; Ramus, owned and driven by Gary Keith ; Newsboy, owned and driven by J. E. Wilber ; Princess Ebilo, owned and driven by F. J. Brand ; Ninety-One, owned and driven by R. C. Richardson, and Gipsy

The Driving Clubs of Greater Boston

II

Felix, owned by H. G. Turner and driven by E. O. Haddock, were the horses in this class. Princess Ebilo won the race, trotting in 2:20 1-4, but not without a battle in every heat. A blanket would have covered Princess Ebilo and Gipsy Felix at the wire.

The 2:22 pace had seven starters, and was won by Gladys M., owned and driven by R. K. Clarke, in 2:21 3-4. The free-for-all class had five starters, and was quickly taken by George G., owned by J. F. Fitzgerald and driven by W. J. Fitzgerald, in 2:18. A special slow class had twelve starters, and was won by Cartuna, owned and driven by Frank Hen- derson, the fourth trip being a dead heat with Dexter, W. I. Estabrook driving, in 2 :32.

The Labor Day, September i, races were the most bitterly fought of any ever held by the club. Every horse in each of the classes had his particular friends in the grandstand, coupling with the fact that there were over 4,000 people present, and that it was an ideal day for racing. So important were these races considered that a professional starter was engaged and judges appointed who had no connection with the club. Two of the classes were of six heats, and had to be car- ried over until the following day, one event to finish two heats and the other three. There were five races, with purses of $100 each.

The 2 :30 class had nine horses, and was won by Yellow Boy, after going six heats. He was owned and driven by L. E. Billings. The fastest heat was in 2:24 1-2. Lacka- wanna, driven by his owner, John O'Connor, got two heats, and should have nailed the race, but he tired in the third heat. He cer- tainly had good reason in getting weary, as his driver weighed 385 pounds, and they made some picture circulating the Readville track. The 2 :20 trot had six starters, and was won after four hard fought heats by India Panis, owned and driven by George French. Lady Madison, the speedway champion, won the first heat in the fastest time of the race, 2:22 1-2, but the Lady was getting too old to stall off the younger horses.

The free-for-all had six starters, and was very easy for the little horse. Rondo, owned by S. Walter Wales, and driven by that mas- ter reinsman, Fred Eldredge. Two heats, in 2:16 1-2 and 2:16, was all he had to do, and he could have easily gone three seconds faster if necessar}^. The 2 123 class had five starters, and went six heats, four of which heats were trotted the first day. McNaiy's Hal, owned

by R. Y. Woodbury and driven by W. E. Newbert, won the first heat in 2 123 3-4. Bud- weiser, owned and driven by J. W. Linnehan, annexed the second heat in 2:26 3-4. Captain Hall, owned and driven by A. S. Gushee, se- cured the third heat in 2:26 1-4. Grover C, owned by P. J. Fitzgerald and driven by E. O. Haddock, got the fourth heat in 2 127.

These four horses went to the stable after the first day's racing with a heat apiece to their credit. They were so evenly matched that several hundred dollars was wagered tha night among the friends of the different horses. Pools were sold in regular Grand Circuit style, and when the race was called the next day over 800 people were in the grandstand. Budweiser, whose caretaker nad put in some extra work on him after the race the day before, came out fresh and full of fight, and won the two heats necessary 1 land the money, in 2 :26 1-2 and 2 -.zj 1-2, but not until after a battle with Newbert and Haddock, who would have given a good part of Franklin Field to have won.

The special slow class was another race carried over from the first day and decided on September 2. Two heats, one in 2:32 1-2, the fastest of the race, had been won the first day by Bonnie Patchen, owned and driven by T. R. Galvin, and one heat by Emma R., owned and driven by C. R. Hinds. The sec- ond day, Pholyphema, owned and driven by Dr. R. W Balkam, came out the freshest, and won in three straight heats.

The third annual ladies" night took place on February 11. President Wales and Mrs. Wales led the grand march at the dance which followed the entertainment and supper. George W. D'Arcy was chairman of the com- mittee of arrangements, and J. AL E. Morrill was floor director.

SEASON OF 1903

The annual board of officials were as fol- lows: President, Frederick J. Brand; first vice- president, Randolph K. Clarke ; second vice- president, T- M. E. Morrill ; secretary, George H. Greenwood; treasurer, Robert S. Fitch, directors, S. Walter Wales, T. A. Bresnahan, Charles L. Young, Almond S. Gushee and_ Hollis P. Gallup ; racing and speedway com- mittee, Almond S. Gushee, S. Walter Wales, George H. Greenwood, Hollis P. Gallup, Hiram A. Haven, George W. D'Arcy, W. \\'- Grant, Louis Pfingst, Jacob Mosser, R. S.

12

The Driving Clubs of Greater Boston

Fitch, William P. Boutelle, Randolph K. Clarke, D. W. Sullivan, Walter E. Newbert, Fred S. Gore, Wilbur S. Littlefield, Fred S. Eldredge, Charles L. Young, William M. Brummett, Edgar O. Haddock, J- W. Linne- han, William J. Fitzgerald and Charles L.

FRED J. BRAND

President 1903-1904

Hinds; finance committee, T. A. Bresnahan, S. Walter Whales, Albert Fellows, Almond S. Gushee ; membership committee, George E. Griffin, Dr. R. W^ Balkam, E. S. Harris, Nel- son Pierce and C. M. Mandell ; clerk, George W. D'Arcy.

The feature of the ladies' night, held on February 12, was the presentation to the re- retiring president, S. Walter Wales, of a cost- ly gold stop-watch. President Brand intro- duced Second Vice-President Morrill, who made the presentation speech. On the watch was inscribed :

"Presented to S. Walter Wales by the members of the Dorchester Gentlemen's Driving club as a small token of their esteem and appreciation of his efforts in behalf of the driving club, while he was president. "Boston, February 12, 1903."

The first banquet of the club took place at Hendrie's, on the evening of November 5, and was dedicated especially to the men. The members turned out in goodly numbers, and invited guests were present, private, political and otherwise. The members and guests were

gathered around small tables, thus choosing their own companions. First Vice-president Randolph K. Clarke was head of the commit- tee of arrangements. A fine entertainment was given and there were excellent speeches.

One of the features of the evening was the presentation to A. S. Gushee, who had just completed his three years' service as chairman of the racing comnaittee, of an easy chair.

The usual matinees were held at Readville on June 17 and on Labor Day, which fell on September 7. On the first named date, there were five events, each for a purse of $100.

The free-for-all attracted a lot of attention, the starters being Parker S., Rex and Lana- lord. When it came to racing it was discov- ered that the first named gelding had the speed of the party, his fastest heat being ni 2:17 1-4.

The largest field was in the 2 123 pace, and was conducive of the best sport of the after- noon. Budweiser, owned and driven by J. W'. Linnehan, grabbed off the last three heats, after finishing fourth in the opening one, which was taken by McNary's Hal.

The races on Labor Day were four in num- ber. In the special slow class, the first heat was won by Sunny Jim, owned by W. M. Brummett and driven by W. E. Newbert. Then Lucinda, owned and driven by A. D. Gould, showed by the unusual manner in which she won the next two heats that she had no license to be entered in the slow class.

The 2 :34 pace was copped by Don Wilkes, owned and driven by F. H. Robinson. The 2 :26 pace and 2 :22 trot was a fighting race from start to finish. The first heat was won by Brightness, owned by A. M. Newbert and driven by E. O. Haddock. The second heat was captured by Captain Hall, owned and driven by A. S. Gushee. The third heat was taken by India Panis, owned by George French and driven by J. W. Linnehan. Then the fourth and fifth heats and race were won by Captain Hall. The 2:19 pace and 2:15 trot were annexed by W. W. Saylor, owned by H. R. Barry and driven by Fred Eldredge, in straight heats, the fastest in 2:18 1-4.

SEASON OF 1904

President Brand was returned for a second term in office, as under his first administra- tion the club had increased its membership, while its cash balance was about 30 per cent more than before he took the chair. The first

The Driving Clubs of Greater Boston

13

election of officials was held on January 4, hut owing to a question of legality, a second election was held on January 18, the latter, of course, being the one that counted.

It was this election that marked a new liiethod of the selection of officials. The old way was to have the president appoint a nomination committee to bring in a list of the officers for the ensuing year. Then if there was no opposition, the election was by accla- mation. As there was seldom any opposition under this system, everything worked very smoothly, but still was not satisfactory to many members of the club.

In the election of January 18, what was known as the Brand system, but which in all reality was the same as our state elections in using the Australian ballot, the plan being for open nominations of the members from ttie floor for the different offices and each man nominated, of course, was placed on the ticket for the members to choose and vote for in secret. Following were the officials for the ensuing year :

President, Frederick J. Brand ; tirst vice-pres- ident, Randolph K. Clarke ; second vice-presi- dent, Almond S. Gushee; secretary, George H. Greenwood ; treasurer, Robert S. Fitch ; directors, H. P. Gallup, G. W. D'Arcy, J. W. Linnehan, P. J. Fitzgerald, Jacob Mosser ; finance committee, Albert Fellows, Diedrich Filers, J. A. Smith; racing and speedway com- mittee, W. E. Newbert, E. O. Haddock, H. R. Barry, Wm. Brummett, F. S. Eldredge, F. H. Robinson, D. M. Biggs, E. S. Harris, J. R. Stuart, Jr., F. W. Berrigan, D. W. Sullivan ; membership committee. Nelson Pierce, R. C. Richardson, G. E. Griffin; clerk, Ernest H. Morgan.

Sociall)^, there were held several big stag parties and whist parties. The annual ladies' night and concert was on the evening of April 17, and the appointments, entertainnient. music and attendance were of the highest class.

The second annual banquet was held on October 27 at the women's clubhouse, R. K. Clarke being the toastmaster. jMembers and guests were present in even greater numbers than on the year previous, many of the city officials being among those seated at the tables. It marked the closing days of the con- struction of the Franklin Field Speedway, the work having begun on August i. This really was the stellar event under President Brand's administration of two years in office, and at

the dinner the speaking on all sides was of the jollification sort. Congratulations by the politicians present were heartily extended to the president and other officers of the club in the accomplishment of their heart's desire. The speedway was completed on November 2 J.

It was counted that the dedication of the Franklin Field course, which was held on Thanksgiving Day, would be celebrated. in no uncertain manner, but the day was inclement and it was impossible to hold the races, but a goodly number of the members took part in the preliminary parade, while many others gathered along the line of the new speedway and stood in the drizzling rain in the hope that the racing might take place. The length of the new speedway was a quarter of a mile.

As was customary, two racing meets were held at Readville during 1904, the first on June 17, and the other on Labor Day, which fell on September 5.

The June 17 races drew out a large attend- ance, and the most interesting event of the afternoon proved to be the 2:13 trot, which was won by Authentic, owned and driven by D. M. Biggs, his time of the third heat, 2:16 1-4, bemg the best made during the day by a trotter. Dr. Shorb, driven by J. W. Lin- nehan, grabbed ofif the second heat, which gave his entry a place in the summary next to the winner.

The free-for-all had a good field of starters, and was captured by Ned Wilkes. The first two heats of this race were scorchers, the opening one being in 2:13 1-4 by The Private, while the next Ned Wilkes placed to his credit in the fast time of 2:13.

There were four classes decided on Labor Day. The 2 125 trot or pace was won by Billy Barlow, owned by W. P. Boutelle and driven by E. O. Haddock. The special slow class was won by Mutineer, owned and driven by C. C. Blaney.

In the fast class, the 2:18 trot or pace, after Miss Pratt had reeled off the initial heat in 2:17 3-4, John W. Linnehan gathered in the race with Budweiser, his second and third heats being each in 2:18 1-4. C. C. Blaney won the 2 :35 class with Charlena.

The club took part in the horse show at Mechanics Building in the Spring and carried off second prize. President Brand, with Minetta, led the Dorchester contingent of the parade, followed by J. R. Stuart, Jr., with Susie F.. D. M. Biggs with Authentic, M. A.

H

The Driving Clubs of Greater Boston

Nevens with Richmond, and H. A. Haven with Baroness. The cash prize of $50 was turned into the club's coffers.

SEASON OF 1905

The important change in the election for this year was Almond S. Gushee securing the

A. S. GUSHEE President 1905

most votes for president. The contest was a strenuous one, the opposition to Mr. Gushee coming from R. K. Clarke, who had filled the position of first vice-president and always had been a hard and sincere worker of the inter- ests of the club. The friends of Mr. Clarke contended that he was more entitled to the office of president than was Mr. Gushee, as the latter was second vice-president and it was, in their opinion, the proper way for the officers to graduate into higher positions ana not jump over anybody's head. There were 114 votes cast for the candidates, of which Mr. Gushee got 58, and Mr. Clarke 56. How- ever bitter the feelings were during the smoke of battle, yet, when the decision had been ren- dered, it was accepted with utmost good hu- mor by everyone, all being again reunited to work for the best interests of the organiza- tion. The complete board of officers for the year were :

President, Almond S. Gushee ; first vice- president, George W. D'Arcy ; second vice- president, Jacob Mosser ; secretary, George H. Greenwood ; treasurer, Robert S. Fitch ; direc-

tors, Peter J. Fitzgerald, Fred S. Eldredge, Hollis P. Gallup, J. Rollin Stuart, Jr., and Walter E. Newbert; clerk, Ernest H. Mor- gan; racing and speedway committee, H. R. Barry, D. E. Page, F. H. Robinson, J. F. Carey, W. A. Marsh, E. O. Haddock, j. N. Terry, R. C. Richardson, E. S. Harris, Patrick Sullivan, C. C. Blaney ; membership commit- tee. Nelson Pierce, E. P. Denn, M. E. Har- rington ; finance committee, Albert Fellows, J. A. Smith, Diedrich Filers', C. M. Mandell, C. H. Morse.

On January 19 was held the annual ladies' night, the aff'air being in charge of R. K. Clarke, and^ due to his hard work, it was thought the best ever held since the inception of the club. In the Fall was held the annual banquet, the Quincy House being the scene of gaiety, and it was well on toward the small hours of morning before a large number of the members reached home and retired for rest upon their downy couches.

It was during this year that the club held its last race meet over the Readville track, the same being decided on June 17, with four events. The free-for-all was for a purse of $200, the others remaining at $100 each. It was with much regret that the club gave up these regular field days, as, while the manage- ment had raised the price for the use of Read- ville track from $100 to $250, starting the new rate the year before, the race meets had come out on the right side of the ledger.

In the events of June 17, General Fiske proved the best of the party in the free-for- all, winning the second heat in 2:141-2, the fastest time of the afternoon. Ornament and Budweiser had a hot battle in the 2:18 class, but the former had just enough left to wiiT each trip. Goldie took the 2 124 event in straight heats, and Roy Wilkes was success^ ful in the 2 :35 class, though losing the second heat to Fthel Wagrner.

SEASON OF 1906

The contest for president this year was be- tween George W. D'Arcy and John W. Linne- han, and each worked hard to get out the full vote and earn the honor of occupying the executive chair. The result of the polls was Mr. D'Arcy 73 votes and Mr. Linnehan 58 votes. The complete slate for the ensuing year follows :

President, Geo. W. D'Arcy ; first vice-presi- dent, W. E. Newbert; second vice-president.

The Driving Clubs of Greater Boston

15

P. |. Fit/gerald ; secretary, Geo. li. Green- wood ; treasurer, R. S. Fitch ; directors, E. O. Haddock, E. S. Harris. F. S. Eldredge, A. Fel- lows, H. R. Barry ; racing and speedway com- mittee, J. W. Linnehan, chairman, Hiram Haven, j. A. Swendeman, W. A. Marsh, W. M. Brummett, F. H. Bellows, M. A. Nevens, Geo. A. French, R. C. Richardson, A. T. Wheelock, F. H. Robinson, J. F. Carey, J, W. McEnany, S. Wolfson ; house committee, C. L. Young, chairman, S. W. Wales, Jr., Percy Blaney, Dr. R. W. P.alkam, J. N. Terry : membership committee. Nelson Pierce, chairman, E. P. Denn, H. P. Gallup, E. B. .Swett; finance committee, D. Eilers, chairman, T. A. Swett, C. H. Morse, C. M. Mandell, C. C. Blaney ; clerk, E. G. Richard- son.

The most successful ladies' night in the his- tory of the club up to that time was held in President D'Arc^•'s administration. It was held at the Women's Clubhouse, and so many were present, that commodious as the quar- ters are, the rooms were almost filled to over- flowing. After the dinner, which was to all purposes a banquet, was an elaborate enter- tainment followed by dancing.

Through the remainder of the Winter months, there were several gander parties held at the club rooms, and, in December, was held the annual banquet at the Quincy House.

President D'Arcy's term in office has always been looked back to by members of the club as the leading year in social prominence of the organization.

The Franklin Field Speedway remained just as popular as ever, each of the Saturdays, when weather permitted, the racing was very interesting with a very large attendance at these weeklv meetings.

SEASON Ot 1907

\\'alter E. Newbert was the choice of the club when the votes were counted for presi- dent, and, in securing this member to fill the honored position, the club rewarded the hard- est worker it had for the welfare of the organ- ization. Both day and night President New- bert worked in securing new members, the club increasing its membership more during his administration than it did during any other period in its career. The complete list of offi- cers for the ensuing year was as follows :

President, W. E. Newbert ; first vice-presi- dent, E. O. Haddock; second vice-president.

D. liilers ; secretary, Ci. ii. Grccnwond, treas- urer, R. S. Fitch; directors, H. P. (iallup, E. B. Swett, C. H. Morse, S. W. Wales, Jr., A. T. Wheelock ; racing and speedway com- mittee, 1. E. Swendeman, chairman, A. M.

GEORGE W. D'ARCY President 1905

Newbert, W. P. Boutelle, F. S. Eldredge, P. C. Blaney, E. S. Harris.. F. Yi. Bellows, A. H. Fitch, J. W. Linnehan, A. S. Gushee, R. C. Richardson, W. J. Fitzgerald, R. G. Crosby, J. S. Rockwell, F. W. Hamlin ; finance com- mittee, C. C. Blaney, chairman, A. Fellows, W. M. Brummett. G. A. French, J. W. Mc- Enany ; membership committee, E. P. Denn, chairman, E. H. Morse, A. H. Keeler, C. E. Devereaux, W. J. Estabrook; house commit- tee, C. L. Young, chairman, H. C. Thayer, J. W. Mahonev, C. G. Richler, Chas. Patterson, W. A. Marsh, E. W. Berrigan ; clerk, E. G. Richardson.

There was the annual ladies' night in the lat- ter months of the Winter as well as several ,s;-ander parties held in the clubrooms, and, on December 5 was held the annual banquet at the Quincy House.

Past President Gushee was toastmaster at the banquet at which 250 members and their guests attended. The visitors from the Lynn Driving Club devoted considerable of their attention in their after-dinner addresses to the defeats their club had adminis- tered to the Dorchesters in the interclub meets of the past season.

i6

The Driving Clubs of Greater Boston

President Newbert, in speaking of the suc- cess of the club, stated that the present stand- ing had only been attained by the hardest and most faithful work on the part of the mem- bers. While the club has one of the best

WALTER E. NEWBERT President 19U7-1908

quarter-mile tracks in the country, yet he was working hard, in the interests of the people who enjoyed the sport, to have built, the com- ing year, a grandstand at the speedway.

Ex-president Fred J. Brand stated that it was his opinion that the club would at no dis- tant day own a clubhouse of its own near the speedway and that plans to that effect were being made.

One of the particular features of the even- ing was the presentation to Mollis P. Gallup, by the club, of a watch-chain and charm. A'Ir. Gallup had done more to increase the club's membership than any other member. In re- sponse Mr. Gallup said that he had never found it hard to sell goods when full value could be given in return.

On the speedway that year matters were kept going at top speed in the number of races

started and horses entered. The club, too, took part in a series of interclub meets with Lynn, and, while the latter came off the vic- tors, yet there was the best of good feeling on the part of both contestants.

SEASON OF 1908

Matters with the club had flourished so un- der the first year of President Newbert that he was re-elected by a very large majority, the following being the complete list of officials:

President, W. E. Newbert ; first vice-presi- dent, E. O. Haddock ; second vice-president, D. Eilers : secretary, G. H. Greenwood ; treas- urer, R. S. Fitch ; directors, H. P. Gallup, F, O. Guild, J. W. Linnehan, F. H. Bellows. A. M. Johnson ; racing and speedway committee, F. W. Hamlin, chairman, E. H. Morse, A. M. Newbert, F. S.