The daily morning journal and courier., 1902-02-08

collection of some of those who remem-
 Der the exhibition. The driver wore (
 white cap of etylish pattern and in the
 opinion of some who were present he
 wore white coat. The handsome coa
 black stallion, with neat snow white harness, light skeleton wagon and gooC locking driver made an exhibition neVel never to be forgotten by those who saw it, The writer will certainly never for
 get it. Others who remember the
 Lone Star" exhibition were F. N,
 Woodruff of West Haven, and Homer
 Fenn.
 The Grand avenue track was in eX- istence only a few years as the gain in | population occasioned an increase in | value of the land which was soon after sold in building lots which were occu-
 pied by houses in a short time. The | land that was formerly enclosed for the | race track &c,, is now so completely l covered with valuable residences that
 there is not room enough in the orlglhal
 track to pitch a circus tent
 | Another half-mle race track and fair ground was located about forty-ilVe years ago south of Elm street near the
 New Haven orphan asylum. But little work was required to build the track which was used for the exhibition class es and races at the agricultural fairs. l remember fair at this location that was attended by an immense crowd or people eager to see the horse races on the track This track had short life as the city grew fast in population and the land was soon cut into several streets and building lots.
 The old half-mile track property in the western part of the city was for merly called Brewster and later Hamil- ton Park. When this change of name was made both names were in large gilt letters over the entrance gate. The let ter T in Brewster was used in the same location in the name Hamilton. l can't say when the track was built. but re- member that it was in use in 1861. Dur ing those and later years there were many celebrated races at the track. Purses were offered for fastest pair and for fastest trotter with running mate.
 These races were to skeleton wagons and were exciting contests. l remem- Der American Girl 2:16 12, a celebrated trotter of her time, in race at the old park. l remember another fast horse called Mountain Boy that was in one or more races at the park. It is my i'm pression that this trotter Mountain Boy was the same horse that was referred to by w. c. Trimble in the Horse Breeder of october %. 1901.
 In it's original state Hamilton Park tya va,,x att posnrt and ic 6 near the city that it is very accessible. Around the outside of the halfmile track was a mile drive-not exactly reg ulation shape, but an ideal drive for showing horses At race meetings and other attractions this drive was much used by owners of stylish pairs and oth- CT fast horses, During many years the park was the favorite picnic ground of several societies. In the beautiful grove of evergreen trees on the west side of the park were swings, dancing platform and other similar attractions As a rule few horse races were proVi- ded at the picnics. During the best days of the park the Club house was we'll patronized and the bar had pros porous business. Another building was
  floor and a billiard parlor on the second floor. There were also two or more borns and several box stalls on the property.
 Many years ago there was considera- ble demand for the park. It was used for race meetings, match races, picnics, agricultural fairs, q think the last fair was held there), military Wild West shows, military tournaments, auction sales of horses md other property, base ball games, SC.
 Soon after the Hubinger brothers bought the property they changed the name of it to Elm City Park and gave to the city several ares of the west 1 side of the park This gift to the city included the grove of evergreen and | other trees, and ruined the mile drive alluded to. A few years ago N. w. Hubinger took another part of | he original tract for the erection of his 'esidence and stable, so that at present | he park is not up to it's former stand | trd
 Many years ago there was half-mile | ace track in the western part of | Bridgeport that was called Dick | Track" I am not positive | # it, but it is my impression that l once aw Volunteer, B, at this park
 Something like twenty years ago | here was a half-mile track at Water own, Conn. At about the same time | here were some well conducted races t half-mile track near Milford center. | This track was not in use for several | ears, but has been worked over and lsed for races during 1901.
 So much for the old time race tracks. Iany pleasing memories are connected with them.
 F. l.. NEWTON.
 New Haven, Conn. Dec. 12, 1901. AC,C InlA l