The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1893-05-26
NORTH BENNINGTON DRIVING
PARK FAIR.


came the night before the oath and 25th
to the fair, to be on time for the opening
ceremonies. The eXpanse of the sight
was comparatively small when the result
was estimated, followed as it was, by a
cOpious fall of rain. The vault of the
heavens was lighted from around the
horizon to the zerith, and the thunders
reports and forked lightning gave thrill
ing interest to those making their first
visit to the village, and will long fix the
event in their minds. Many horses, with
their owners and groOms were here, and
barns and stables were completely filed.
AS wise dispositions were to be made to
properly dispose of the different kinds
and dispositions of the animals, it took
the time and best judgment of the eff
cient superintendent of the grounds to
arrange the first fair OF the kind in this
region, and it would not be strange if
some things were not thought of and
made ready beforehand, under the Cir
cumstances. The first day, Wednesday,
was bright and cool and the track was
in good condition for the display of the
various grades and kinds of horses,
whether as readers, carriage or for the
saddle. The entries, numbering over
three hundred, were for the most part
from our State and the counties of
Rensselaer, and Washington in New York.
Some fine breeding horses were on the
grounds and both days much interest
was felt by horsemen in the stock horse
Joe Hooker" now twenty-five years
old, formerly owned by T. w. Park, but
now of Valley Falls, his name being
changed to "Melrose." His record when
eighteen years old was 2.25, and he has
been sold for $1,000. Several trotting
races came off the first day, as did also
very tiue bycicle riding. A large num-
Der were present and the grand stand
was filled with eager lockers on.
WEDNESDAY RACES.
2 o'clock p. m, No. race, year olds; purse
$50 90.
IT, c. Whites Ruth Wilkes &c. ...........5 3 4
E. Harriuglon's Henry t. .-...........4
NJ. II. Dtmirg's Alma ...........-.. e.. |
Hilltop Fa ms Tractor.
H, Z. & j. H. Burges-'s Red l.ne........2
Time, @.55; 25j 81.
3Do'clock p. M, No = race, 2,45 class; purse
+ s, Salth's Black Daisy. ...........1 s4s
N f. De~aiqg,s Chas. w ,.......9
&. A. Miller's Jennie C..................4 3
Time, a8e; a8716; 40; 24O.
The bicycle race for a silver cup had
seven entries and four starters, viz.
Frank Hurley, j. Elmer Ayres, VIM.
Barratt and Frank Roberts. Barratt had
the pole, Hurley 2nd, Roberts Bird and
Ayres 4th. The cup was won by Hurley,
Ayres coming in second, Barratt third
and Roberts fourth. Time 1.25-one-
half mile.
Thursday was gala day, and but for
some dust carried by the breeze at times,
would have been perfect. A still larger
crowd was present and the races were en-
iOyed by lovers of such amusements.
All through the days, horses that were
for sale were being exhibited on the
ground within the track, while ample
room for visiting carriages was had out
side the track. There were buyers of
horses from Boston, New York and 9TH
er places, and those of experience. pro-
nounce the exhibit one of much merit.
The half mile bicycle race the second af-
ternoon was participated in by six,
Wettergreen of Maiden, Mass, winning
the first prize, and Hutchins of Spring
field, Mass, the second. In the mile
race Hutchins won the first and Wetter-
green the second. These races were
hotly contested and gave much pleasure
to the multitude.
The trotting was good, and il some re-
spects a series of surprises. Geo. f.
Leonard drove Joan, and besides win
ming the race, she trotted One-fourth of
a mile in 80 seconds, which is wonderful
speed at this season of the year, being
PIP clip on a half mile track. We give
the official score:
THURSDAY S RACES
. o'clock h, No. 3 race, miHute class; purse
T. t. Sweets Fleetwood Maid ..... ....5
d. G Barney's Combination.
g. f. Leonard's Joan '......'........''.'S l
W f. Niles's Walton. ..............,....l
H. C.. Simmous's Sleepy Nell 80. ......3 D
Time, 3916: As; S94.
23Op M No. race free for all; Special purse $50.
Nelson Percy's Lille B.. ~
H. l.. & j. Ii. Burgess's Lyndale.. ]. J
G. T.. Galusha's Blanch Peecemaker;l
Time. 24g14; 23'16; 1914.
The Judges Wednesday were DR.. Page,
f. S. Harris and G. E. Galusha; yester-
dav. E. S. Harris, b. Armstrong and G.
e. Galusha These gentlemen also acted
as Judges of the bicycle races.
1t was the design of the promoters of
the Fair to have large number of
horses which could be seen together,
with an opportunity for buyers to take
notes and select for themselves or recon-
mend to others, and the object has been
more than fairly well accomplished.
An outsider can see that the labor, of the
officers of the club to accomplish SO
puch. has been arduous, and great credit
is due for their efficiency. The best OF
order has been observed upon the
grounds, and the pleasant time enjoyed
by the people, has already developed IN
to the expressed hope that fall meeting
and fair may result
NOTES.
Hon. NJ. II. Deming of Arlington, sold
his Chas. W., bay six years old, to Mr..
Strong of Winsted, Conn, for six hun
bred dollars, and N. Smith black Daisy
was also sold, terms unknown. A num-
Der of other horses are being bargained
for.
There were over three hundred entries,
and these with a description Of each
horse, made nice catalogue of twenty
pages.
The grounds Of the Association are