The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1891-02-18
BELMONT PARK.
TIE FINEST TRoTTlNG COURSE
IN THIS COUNTRY.
n snIenaid Ono Mile Track and a Mag
niflcent Club House-So Pains or
Expense Have Been Spared
to Make IL tho Best
"A Race In
short Timo.,


IT would bo a difficult matter to find
more enthusiastic admlrer of horses
than Mr. Frank Bower,of tho firm OF
j. Bower .S Co., meat packers. of
Philadelphia, and president OF the Bel
mont Driving Club. He has some OF
the finest horses in Philadelphia,
which eeem TO be possessed OF almost
human intelligence, and thoy know
him, apparently, as well us he knows
them. Ho talks to them and their
actions In response clearly indicates
that while they arc looked upon as
dumb animals they understand almost
every word he says to them. 1t is but
natural that such an admirer OF horses
would wish to have a place where he
and others could speed their trotters
and show or their good points.
With this end in view. he some two
years ago succeeded in Interesting
eone other gentlemen in the matter,
and the Old Belmont Driving Club,
which had almost passed out OF exlst-
encc, was reorganizing, and the
grounds, consisting of II acres and Is
Derches, situated about seven miles
from Philadelphia, in Montgomery
County, secured. There were debts
amounting to a8S, 900 against the old
club, but through the Efforts OF Mr..
Bower, ana few others, this was soon
raised, and the property Yves vested DIN N the ne
stock was made, which sold for $3.50 n
share, but to-day IL is in demand at
$3.50, and the association, notwith-
standing the many improvements
made since they acquired the grounds,
does not owe a dollar. The track is
oblong, one mile in length, and can bo
ially seen from any part Of the grand
stand.
THE TRACK AND GRAND STAND.
The track, as stated, Is ono mile, and
Is In perfect condition. During The
winter 1t has beon manured, and by
the time tho first race comes oil Will
be one of the finest in tho country.
Plans have been drawn and approved
by tho bcnrd of directors. for a hand
eomc iron fence, which will prevent
persons getting on the track to inter
fefe with the horses or endanger
themselves. The first race, which will
be between gentlemen's roadsters, will
take place as soon as the weather is
favorable, of which due announce
,nent will be given.
Tho grand stand i5 magnificent
structure, and will seat live thousand
people. The part for ladies Is fur
nished with comfortable chairs, and
everything possible done for tho CON
venieneo and comfort OF all WHO use
Il. From this stand a View OF tho chi
tire track is afforded and every race
ean be seen from the commencement
10 the-end.
THE cI,UD HOUSE.
The magnificent building which the
new club has erccted for the use OF the
memLers, their families and friends
= Is, however, the main feature of the
place. II consists of n thrce.story
building, nbout l00X40 feet. Upon en-.
tering tho visitor finds large baTroou
on the left, finished in unique man
ner, with California rcd wood, in imi
tation OF the shipgiing ona roof. In
Dne corner there is Il handsome clock
presented by Samuel Wnnauiaker and
the walls will lic decorated with hand
Bome oil paintings OF famous horses
Tho fireplace is built of Poinpciaf
brick, and is handsome as well as use
ful,
Tho fireplace Is supplied with and
Irons and everything necessary fol
making good old-fashloned wool
fire. The bar Is about 30 feet long ant
and made OF cherry, while n neat raj
IN front, OF the same material, pre-
vents the patrons laying their arms OF
The counter. The rear Is Furnished
with large and handsome Frencl
plateglass mirrors, and all tho ap
pointments are us fine i5 1t Is poSsibl,
10 make theni
Immediately opposite the bar there
IL another large and handsome room
which will be used as restaurant
where everything In season can bi
procured The kitchens are in th'
rear, and when Messrs. Grady Il Foy
the new lcssccs tnke possession OF
April l, these kitchens will bs iilet
with corps of the best French cooks
and everything possible done for tbs
accommodation of guests, There is
large dining-room, where meals will
be served ut reasonable rates to al
who wish.
There is also porch surrounding
the building on this floor, from wlicl
an excellent view OF the entire tract
can be obtained.
THE SECOND FLOOR.
A corlmodious stairway, eoveret
with Brussels carpet leads from tn
hall TO tho second floor At the top o
the first light of four steps there is
magnificent plate-glass mirror, pre-
sented to the club by one OF tho mem
bers. Upon ascending The second iiigh
tho visitor is surprised by handsom
colored glass window, the gift of an
other member OF the club. At the to-
OF the sthirs there are two rooms, tn
one on the right being the gentlemen
paIlor. This IL furnished in the fines
manner, and supplied with an opel
fireplace, over which, painted on til
wall. Is O handsome club badge. Th
iloor Is covered with Wilton carpet
and the walls decorated with fine oi
paintings.
Each member has a private close
over q. magnificent sideboai4l fun
nished with combination locks. i
which he can keep whatever he chooses
In the hallway Leading to this room
thore are large and commodiou
closets where members can place thei
oyercoats.
The ladies' parlor is immediatel,
opposite this room and across tn
hallway. 1t, the same MS the gentle
mems parlor, is furnished in the tines
manner. The floor Is covered with
splendid Brussels carpet and all tn
furniture is upholstered in the bes
g manner. There Is also piano an
tho walls are handsomely decoratn
with works OF art. Tho retiring an
{ toilet rooms of this part of the estat
ltshment are not surpassed by any i
this country. They are supplied wit
marble wash basin, with hot an
oold water, and the entire room
lined and fitted with the finest Italia
marble.
There Is also a porch around tn
building at this story, from which tn
wives or lady friends of members ca
view the races.