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“Yankees” And “Bluenosers” At The Races: Harness Racing, Group Identity, And The Creation Of A Maine-New Brunswick Sporting Region, 1870-1930, Leah Grandy

Maine History

Borders, divisions, and connections can be physical or intellectual, and the borders and regions created by the sport of harness racing were large and small, geographical and social. The eastern North American origin and focus of the sport demonstrated the character of the region; the sport had grassroots origins in the region, and expanded to the level of a major spectator sport by the last decades of the nineteenth century. Harness racing in the Maritimes and New England in the nineteenth century demonstrated the social and economic cohesion of the region and helped to solidify group and personal identities. Maine …

Fifth Day, Maine State Fair, 1935, Eastern Maine State Fair Incorporated

Kendall Photo Albums

The official race program for the fifth day of the Fair, August 24, 1935. The program includes the names of race officials and photographer Guy Kendall's handwritten notes about race finishes and changes in the field. Kendall also notes his winnings in various races, though with less clarity about his bets than in some programs.

Fourth Day, Maine State Fair, 1935, Eastern Maine State Fair Incorporated

Kendall Photo Albums

The official race program for the fourth day of the Fair, August 23, 1935. The program includes the names of race officials and photographer Guy Kendall's handwritten notes about race finishes and changes in the field. Kendall also notes his winnings in various races, though with less clarity about his bets than in some programs.

Third Day, Maine State Fair, 1935, Eastern Maine State Fair Incorporated

Kendall Photo Albums

The official race program for the third day of the Fair, August 22, 1935. The program includes the names of race officials and photographer Guy Kendall's handwritten notes about race finishes and changes in the field. Kendall also notes his winnings in various races, though with less clarity about his bets than in some programs.

First Day, Maine State Fair, 1935, Eastern Maine State Fair Incorporated

Kendall Photo Albums

1935 marked the first year of parimutuel betting governed by the Maine State Racing Commission. According to the First Annual Report of the Maine State Racing Commission, 52 days of racing between August and October 1935 generated $536,296 in gross wagers, returning $478,067.75 in winnings to the public.

The five days of racing at the Maine State Fair in Bangor, August 20-24, generated a total of $49,274 in wagers, paying out $43,924.70.

This is the official race program for the first day of the Fair, August 20, 1935. The program includes the names of race officials and photographer Guy …

Eastern Maine State Fair, Inc., Bangor 1931, Guy Kendall

Kendall Photo Albums

Official racing program for the 1931 Eastern Maine State Fair, Inc. The program includes display ads for area businesses sponsoring the races, the roster of fair directors, and Guy Kendall's handwritten notes on race line ups and finishes. Kendall glued the program into the album labeled 1931b, making the back cover of the program inaccessible. Kendall also mounted several photos inside the program.

Names of fair officials include: George W. Wescott, president; Charles R. Bond, treasurer; and Directors Edward M. Graham; Josiah Steward; John E. Kelley; H. J. Wheelwright; Gerry B. Burr; Charles Murray; C. J. Worthen; A. E. Webber; …