Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-09-05
LABOR DAY SPORTS.
A Large Crowd Furnished Good Enter
tainment at Park.
Bicycle. Ladies' and Centlemcn's Orjviro
Races-Thc Winners.

LABOR uay would have passed of
very quietly in Augusta had it not
been for the attractions furnished fol
the afternoon by Messrs. Lee and
I-ishness at the Driving park. AS il
was, the sport loving public were
given ample opportunity for getting
out into the clear September air and
enjoying some tirst-class races.
1t was not an ideal day for racing
as brisk northweSterly breeze was
blowing and clouds of dust were at
times hurried down the home stretch
in such proportions as to temporarily
hide the judges stand from view. But
the people did not mind little thing
like that, and hundreds of them turn
ed out to see the fun. The grand
stand was well filled. many ladies be-
ing present. while down by the stables
bicycle enthusiasts and horse men
mingled in delightful confusion. The
small boy was there in gOodly num-
bers, and the fence along both sides
of the stretch was literally lined with
aim. Many who could not secure the
necessary wherewith to gain admit
lance at gate, sought reserved seats
among the branches of the stately oak
trees along the southern confines of
the park. and in such numbers that
every tree seemed to be bearing fruit
in the shape of small boys.
1t was estimated that at least 1900
people We're present, and though the
crowd was Il large one and everybody
was out for a good time, they We're
content to indulge in it in an orderly
manner The Augusta Band was pres
ent and by its excellent music added
materially to the pleasure of the af-
ternoon.
The races We're called promptly at 2
o'clock. In the judges stand the fol-
lowing gentlemen OfIiciated: judges
l.. w. Folsom of Boston, starter: ID. f.
Mooers and Warren Malcolm of Au-
guSta. and a. Lane of Boston. +. II.
Langston of Augusta, was timer. and
all performed their somewhat difficult
tasks To the satisfaction of everybody.
The first race called was the novice
bicycle class. This race was for a
purse of $15 in gold and there We're
eight starters. The conditions Were
the best three heats in five on half
mile course. The best time made in
the race was l.15. In the fifth heat.
when Parker Patten and Geo. Ander-
son We're tied for first place, Patten
was thrown by another rider fouling
him at the start. and the judges called
a dead heat. The two riders agreed 10
ride the heat over ana Patten won.
giving him first money. Anderson won
second money. and q. w. Mcclure OF
Portland, third.
In tine professional bicycle race for a
o. in, Y1ll h..
We're the same as above There were
five starters and the best time made
was 1.l2. William Coron of Brunswick,
won first money, Harry Gross of Au-
guSta. second, and Charles Sampson of
Augusta. third.
one Of the features of the afternoon
was a ladies' bicycle race for purse
of gold for the best two in three heats.
over a half mile course. The con-
testants were Misses Teresa and Julia
Berran of this city, and the former
won two straight easily. The best
time made was 1.4l Il.
A great deal Of interest centered in
the wagon race for unmarked gentle
mems driving horses. and the horse
lovers waited patiently until the race
was called. The race was for $50 III
gold, best three in five half mile heats,
and there were six starters. Frank
Burgess bay gelding, won first money
easily in three straight. Dan, owned
by Jas GerouX of Augusta. won sec
ond. and Stub Wilkes, owned by Peter
Corron. also of Augusta. third.
Another intensely interesting race
was the one where ladies We're drivers.
A purse Of $50 in gold was hung up
for them under the same conditions as
for the preceding race. and the result
was as follows: Gladys W.. driven by
Mrs. II. r. Lishness won first money
Baby S. driven by Mrs Chism, sec
ond; and Black Beauty, driven by Mrs
Coran. third. The best time was 10.
1t was a pretty race and won lots or
applause from the grand stand.
Between the other events an exhibit
ton half given by the running horse
Rowdy, owned and ridden by Rex
Church for purse of $40 in case he
should beat one minute. He made the
quarter in 2S1a seconds and the half in
56A
Then there was a lively scene in
which a creased pig was the center
of attraction. a space was fenced OH
in front of the grand stand and well
larded Young porker was turned loose
therein. There were several aspirants
after the pig. but he eluded them I'M
til he attempted to pass Paul Lezotte,
when that gentleman caught his pig
ship by the hind legs and the gig was
up The prize was the pig.
The closing event of the day was the
running race to saddles for purse OF
gold. There were five entries. and al