The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-05-08
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gentlemen were there as guests of the
club. 1t was the formal opening of the
park, which Is probably the best in the
State, and the equal of any in the coun-
try. For several months Mr.. Mariner
mas been kept busy getting the grounds
in condition for the spring meeting. A
large force OF carpenters has been en-
pioyed In building the stables, fencing in
the track and erecting the grand stand,
and yesterday they were giving the fin
ishing touches to the latter in anticipa-
ton OF the first meeting. which begins
next Tuesday, and for which a number
of entries have been made.
The guests yesterday arrived at the
park in wagons, buses and carriages.
and were shown all over the grounds by
Mr.. Mariner and the other officers of
the association.
The stables contain 126 box stalls, each
12N12 feet. while tho grand-stand will
seat 1000 people. Mr.. Mariner now has
his big string of horses on the grounds
and several of them were exercised yes
terday. Other horses are expected here
to-day and Tomorrow
The track is one-half mile, and is CO
feet wide on the home stretch. On the
turns and the back It is 50 feet wide. 1t
Is in splendid condition, and some ex-
cellent racing may be expected next
Tuesday, and the days following.
After a thorough inspection of the
grounds and track the guests assem-
bled near the grand stand and listened
to the following address from President
Mariner:
"Gentlemen-Both individually and as
President of the Driving Club and Fair
Association of Norfolk. permit me to
extend to each and every one of you a
most cordial greeting and heartfelt well
cope to these, our opening exercises.
This association throws wide open
dts gates to-day to welcome you as its
guests and patrons, and to extend to you
the privileges and the freedom Of these
grounds. and 1t Is hoped that you may
find pleasant and legitimate recreation
in our midst, and that you may carry
away with you agreeable recolections
of this occasion.
1T might he thought proper for me
to set forth the objects of the forma-
ton of the Driving Club and Fair Asso-
ciaticn of Norfolk, but / will not dwell
upon this subject. as the same fully ap-
pears In It's charter of Incorporation, to
which beg to refer the inquirer.
L would. however. say In this connec-
ton that the purposes of its Institution
are net so much self interest or private
emolument, but the promotion and de-
velopment of the commercial and agr!-
cultural interests of this State and es-
pec!ally those of Norfolk county and of
this immediate, community. To afford
to the tillers Of the soil and the lovers of
the horse, the bike" and the track.
the opportunity of cult!vating their
tastes. and of having their efforts duly
appreciated by some public recognition.
With these objects in view we vel
come you TO our midst to-day. and in
future, and ask in return that you and
all the members Of this community, and
the public in general will cooperate with
this association in accomplishing the OBJ
jects and purposes of its formation
MT. NJ. Glennan responded on behalf
oil those present, taking, occasion to com
pliment MIR. Mariner and the associa ton
On she enterprise shown in completing
the park
The park is located on the Cottage
toll.bridge road. about a mile and a
halt from the city limits. and Is only
short distance from the ocean View
railroad.
An elegant collation. was served to the
guests yesterday.