NUTWOOD PARK - Revision history

Randylyon at 17:41, 12 May 2023

2023-05-12T17:41:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:41, 12 May 2023
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:NPark.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Photo courtesy: Jim Massey]]		[[Image:NPark.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Photo courtesy: Jim Massey]]
	[[Image:hracing.png\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Undated postcard]]		[[Image:hracing.png\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Undated postcard]]
			[[Image:NParkbadge.jpeg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Photo courtesy: Dave Arnold]]
	[[Image:nparka.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|]]		[[Image:nparka.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|]]
	[[Image:NUTW.png\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Loemker, Herman J., 1868-1937, “[Nutwood Park at the fairgrounds north of Dubuque, Iowa],” Loras College Digital Collections, accessed September 14, 2016, https://digitalcollections.loras.edu/items/show/308.]]		[[Image:NUTW.png\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Loemker, Herman J., 1868-1937, “[Nutwood Park at the fairgrounds north of Dubuque, Iowa],” Loras College Digital Collections, accessed September 14, 2016, https://digitalcollections.loras.edu/items/show/308.]]

Randylyon at 20:38, 15 February 2023

2023-02-15T20:38:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:38, 15 February 2023
Line 73:		Line 73:
	Over time, interest in racing died in Dubuque. Convinced that there would be no more races, the electric company dismantled the grandstand and converted the park into a garden for its employees. (29)		Over time, interest in racing died in Dubuque. Convinced that there would be no more races, the electric company dismantled the grandstand and converted the park into a garden for its employees. (29)

	Around 1917 Nutwood Park was leased by the [[DUBUQUE ~~AIRPLANE~~ COMPANY]].		Around 1917 Nutwood Park was leased by the [[DUBUQUE AIRCRAFT COMPANY]].

	[[Image:1930nutwood.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Aerial view showing the outline of the former site of Nutwood Park. The white building is Melody Mill. Photo courtesy: John Pregler]]The land between the railroad tracks, Sageville Road, and the John Deere road which once drew huge crowds and brightly colored jockeys became the site of Dubuque's first [[AIRPORT]]. After the airport was moved, the area was converted to industrial use including the construction of [[MELODY MILL]] and [[WICKE'S LUMBER AND BUILDING SUPPLY CENTER]].		[[Image:1930nutwood.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Aerial view showing the outline of the former site of Nutwood Park. The white building is Melody Mill. Photo courtesy: John Pregler]]The land between the railroad tracks, Sageville Road, and the John Deere road which once drew huge crowds and brightly colored jockeys became the site of Dubuque's first [[AIRPORT]]. After the airport was moved, the area was converted to industrial use including the construction of [[MELODY MILL]] and [[WICKE'S LUMBER AND BUILDING SUPPLY CENTER]].

Randylyon at 20:37, 15 February 2023

2023-02-15T20:37:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:37, 15 February 2023
Line 72:		Line 72:

	Over time, interest in racing died in Dubuque. Convinced that there would be no more races, the electric company dismantled the grandstand and converted the park into a garden for its employees. (29)		Over time, interest in racing died in Dubuque. Convinced that there would be no more races, the electric company dismantled the grandstand and converted the park into a garden for its employees. (29)

			Around 1917 Nutwood Park was leased by the [[DUBUQUE AIRPLANE COMPANY]].

	[[Image:1930nutwood.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Aerial view showing the outline of the former site of Nutwood Park. The white building is Melody Mill. Photo courtesy: John Pregler]]The land between the railroad tracks, Sageville Road, and the John Deere road which once drew huge crowds and brightly colored jockeys became the site of Dubuque's first [[AIRPORT]]. After the airport was moved, the area was converted to industrial use including the construction of [[MELODY MILL]] and [[WICKE'S LUMBER AND BUILDING SUPPLY CENTER]].		[[Image:1930nutwood.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Aerial view showing the outline of the former site of Nutwood Park. The white building is Melody Mill. Photo courtesy: John Pregler]]The land between the railroad tracks, Sageville Road, and the John Deere road which once drew huge crowds and brightly colored jockeys became the site of Dubuque's first [[AIRPORT]]. After the airport was moved, the area was converted to industrial use including the construction of [[MELODY MILL]] and [[WICKE'S LUMBER AND BUILDING SUPPLY CENTER]].

Randylyon at 18:24, 10 September 2022

2022-09-10T18:24:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:24, 10 September 2022
Line 69:		Line 69:
	In 1915 promoter Frank P. Kenney remarked that whether Dubuque...again established...an agricultural and mechanical fair utilizing Nutwood Driving Park for that purpose depended in no little measure upon the success of the coming Great Western Circuit trotting meet of August 24th-27th" and asked that the meet be a memorial to Bruce Baldwin. (27)		In 1915 promoter Frank P. Kenney remarked that whether Dubuque...again established...an agricultural and mechanical fair utilizing Nutwood Driving Park for that purpose depended in no little measure upon the success of the coming Great Western Circuit trotting meet of August 24th-27th" and asked that the meet be a memorial to Bruce Baldwin. (27)

	~~[[Image:Waltersj.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Joe Walters and his "Grey Fox racing machine" used at Nutwood Park in 1915. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]~~Automobile racing continued in September, 1915 with drivers expecting to beat 80 miles per hour. As the drivers and their teams prepared, the track management was negotiating for an electrical timer which had recently been used in Elgin, Illinois. Gerald Wunderlick, one of the racers, announced to a gathering of reporters in the lobby of the [[WALES HOTEL]] prior to the race that he had perfected a gasoline mixture that would add ten percent efficiency with a corresponding decrease in fuel consumption. He also had three cars from which to choose to race and refused to announce which car he would choose. (28)		Automobile racing continued in September, 1915 with drivers expecting to beat 80 miles per hour. As the drivers and their teams prepared, the track management was negotiating for an electrical timer which had recently been used in Elgin, Illinois. Gerald Wunderlick, one of the racers, announced to a gathering of reporters in the lobby of the [[WALES HOTEL]] prior to the race that he had perfected a gasoline mixture that would add ten percent efficiency with a corresponding decrease in fuel consumption. He also had three cars from which to choose to race and refused to announce which car he would choose. (28)

	Over time, interest in racing died in Dubuque. Convinced that there would be no more races, the electric company dismantled the grandstand and converted the park into a garden for its employees. (29)		Over time, interest in racing died in Dubuque. Convinced that there would be no more races, the electric company dismantled the grandstand and converted the park into a garden for its employees. (29)

Randylyon at 18:13, 10 September 2022

2022-09-10T18:13:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:13, 10 September 2022
Line 69:		Line 69:
	In 1915 promoter Frank P. Kenney remarked that whether Dubuque...again established...an agricultural and mechanical fair utilizing Nutwood Driving Park for that purpose depended in no little measure upon the success of the coming Great Western Circuit trotting meet of August 24th-27th" and asked that the meet be a memorial to Bruce Baldwin. (27)		In 1915 promoter Frank P. Kenney remarked that whether Dubuque...again established...an agricultural and mechanical fair utilizing Nutwood Driving Park for that purpose depended in no little measure upon the success of the coming Great Western Circuit trotting meet of August 24th-27th" and asked that the meet be a memorial to Bruce Baldwin. (27)

	[[Image:~~Joe Walters~~.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Joe Walters and his "Grey Fox racing machine" used at Nutwood Park in 1915. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]Automobile racing continued in September, 1915 with drivers expecting to beat 80 miles per hour. As the drivers and their teams prepared, the track management was negotiating for an electrical timer which had recently been used in Elgin, Illinois. Gerald Wunderlick, one of the racers, announced to a gathering of reporters in the lobby of the [[WALES HOTEL]] prior to the race that he had perfected a gasoline mixture that would add ten percent efficiency with a corresponding decrease in fuel consumption. He also had three cars from which to choose to race and refused to announce which car he would choose. (28)		[[Image:Waltersj.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Joe Walters and his "Grey Fox racing machine" used at Nutwood Park in 1915. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]Automobile racing continued in September, 1915 with drivers expecting to beat 80 miles per hour. As the drivers and their teams prepared, the track management was negotiating for an electrical timer which had recently been used in Elgin, Illinois. Gerald Wunderlick, one of the racers, announced to a gathering of reporters in the lobby of the [[WALES HOTEL]] prior to the race that he had perfected a gasoline mixture that would add ten percent efficiency with a corresponding decrease in fuel consumption. He also had three cars from which to choose to race and refused to announce which car he would choose. (28)

	Over time, interest in racing died in Dubuque. Convinced that there would be no more races, the electric company dismantled the grandstand and converted the park into a garden for its employees. (29)		Over time, interest in racing died in Dubuque. Convinced that there would be no more races, the electric company dismantled the grandstand and converted the park into a garden for its employees. (29)

Randylyon at 18:11, 10 September 2022

2022-09-10T18:11:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:11, 10 September 2022
Line 69:		Line 69:
	In 1915 promoter Frank P. Kenney remarked that whether Dubuque...again established...an agricultural and mechanical fair utilizing Nutwood Driving Park for that purpose depended in no little measure upon the success of the coming Great Western Circuit trotting meet of August 24th-27th" and asked that the meet be a memorial to Bruce Baldwin. (27)		In 1915 promoter Frank P. Kenney remarked that whether Dubuque...again established...an agricultural and mechanical fair utilizing Nutwood Driving Park for that purpose depended in no little measure upon the success of the coming Great Western Circuit trotting meet of August 24th-27th" and asked that the meet be a memorial to Bruce Baldwin. (27)

	[[Image:~~jwalters~~.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Joe Walters and his "Grey Fox racing machine" used at Nutwood Park in 1915. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]Automobile racing continued in September, 1915 with drivers expecting to beat 80 miles per hour. As the drivers and their teams prepared, the track management was negotiating for an electrical timer which had recently been used in Elgin, Illinois. Gerald Wunderlick, one of the racers, announced to a gathering of reporters in the lobby of the [[WALES HOTEL]] prior to the race that he had perfected a gasoline mixture that would add ten percent efficiency with a corresponding decrease in fuel consumption. He also had three cars from which to choose to race and refused to announce which car he would choose. (28)		[[Image:Joe Walters.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Joe Walters and his "Grey Fox racing machine" used at Nutwood Park in 1915. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]Automobile racing continued in September, 1915 with drivers expecting to beat 80 miles per hour. As the drivers and their teams prepared, the track management was negotiating for an electrical timer which had recently been used in Elgin, Illinois. Gerald Wunderlick, one of the racers, announced to a gathering of reporters in the lobby of the [[WALES HOTEL]] prior to the race that he had perfected a gasoline mixture that would add ten percent efficiency with a corresponding decrease in fuel consumption. He also had three cars from which to choose to race and refused to announce which car he would choose. (28)

	Over time, interest in racing died in Dubuque. Convinced that there would be no more races, the electric company dismantled the grandstand and converted the park into a garden for its employees. (29)		Over time, interest in racing died in Dubuque. Convinced that there would be no more races, the electric company dismantled the grandstand and converted the park into a garden for its employees. (29)

Randylyon at 18:11, 10 September 2022

2022-09-10T18:11:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:11, 10 September 2022
Line 69:		Line 69:
	In 1915 promoter Frank P. Kenney remarked that whether Dubuque...again established...an agricultural and mechanical fair utilizing Nutwood Driving Park for that purpose depended in no little measure upon the success of the coming Great Western Circuit trotting meet of August 24th-27th" and asked that the meet be a memorial to Bruce Baldwin. (27)		In 1915 promoter Frank P. Kenney remarked that whether Dubuque...again established...an agricultural and mechanical fair utilizing Nutwood Driving Park for that purpose depended in no little measure upon the success of the coming Great Western Circuit trotting meet of August 24th-27th" and asked that the meet be a memorial to Bruce Baldwin. (27)

	[[Image:jwalters.~~jpg~~\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Joe Walters and his "Grey Fox racing machine" used at Nutwood Park in 1915. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]Automobile racing continued in September, 1915 with drivers expecting to beat 80 miles per hour. As the drivers and their teams prepared, the track management was negotiating for an electrical timer which had recently been used in Elgin, Illinois. Gerald Wunderlick, one of the racers, announced to a gathering of reporters in the lobby of the [[WALES HOTEL]] prior to the race that he had perfected a gasoline mixture that would add ten percent efficiency with a corresponding decrease in fuel consumption. He also had three cars from which to choose to race and refused to announce which car he would choose. (28)		[[Image:jwalters.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Joe Walters and his "Grey Fox racing machine" used at Nutwood Park in 1915. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]Automobile racing continued in September, 1915 with drivers expecting to beat 80 miles per hour. As the drivers and their teams prepared, the track management was negotiating for an electrical timer which had recently been used in Elgin, Illinois. Gerald Wunderlick, one of the racers, announced to a gathering of reporters in the lobby of the [[WALES HOTEL]] prior to the race that he had perfected a gasoline mixture that would add ten percent efficiency with a corresponding decrease in fuel consumption. He also had three cars from which to choose to race and refused to announce which car he would choose. (28)

	Over time, interest in racing died in Dubuque. Convinced that there would be no more races, the electric company dismantled the grandstand and converted the park into a garden for its employees. (29)		Over time, interest in racing died in Dubuque. Convinced that there would be no more races, the electric company dismantled the grandstand and converted the park into a garden for its employees. (29)

Randylyon at 18:09, 10 September 2022

2022-09-10T18:09:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:09, 10 September 2022
Line 69:		Line 69:
	In 1915 promoter Frank P. Kenney remarked that whether Dubuque...again established...an agricultural and mechanical fair utilizing Nutwood Driving Park for that purpose depended in no little measure upon the success of the coming Great Western Circuit trotting meet of August 24th-27th" and asked that the meet be a memorial to Bruce Baldwin. (27)		In 1915 promoter Frank P. Kenney remarked that whether Dubuque...again established...an agricultural and mechanical fair utilizing Nutwood Driving Park for that purpose depended in no little measure upon the success of the coming Great Western Circuit trotting meet of August 24th-27th" and asked that the meet be a memorial to Bruce Baldwin. (27)

	Automobile racing continued in September, 1915 with drivers expecting to beat 80 miles per hour. As the drivers and their teams prepared, the track management was negotiating for an electrical timer which had recently been used in Elgin, Illinois. Gerald Wunderlick, one of the racers, announced to a gathering of reporters in the lobby of the [[WALES HOTEL]] prior to the race that he had perfected a gasoline mixture that would add ten percent efficiency with a corresponding decrease in fuel consumption. He also had three cars from which to choose to race and refused to announce which car he would choose. (28)		[[Image:jwalters.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Joe Walters and his "Grey Fox racing machine" used at Nutwood Park in 1915. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]Automobile racing continued in September, 1915 with drivers expecting to beat 80 miles per hour. As the drivers and their teams prepared, the track management was negotiating for an electrical timer which had recently been used in Elgin, Illinois. Gerald Wunderlick, one of the racers, announced to a gathering of reporters in the lobby of the [[WALES HOTEL]] prior to the race that he had perfected a gasoline mixture that would add ten percent efficiency with a corresponding decrease in fuel consumption. He also had three cars from which to choose to race and refused to announce which car he would choose. (28)

	Over time, interest in racing died in Dubuque. Convinced that there would be no more races, the electric company dismantled the grandstand and converted the park into a garden for its employees. (29)		Over time, interest in racing died in Dubuque. Convinced that there would be no more races, the electric company dismantled the grandstand and converted the park into a garden for its employees. (29)

Randylyon at 18:04, 10 September 2022

2022-09-10T18:04:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:04, 10 September 2022
Line 31:		Line 31:
	On July 30, 1911 motorcycle races were held at Nutwood. Originally scheduled for July 6th, the races had to be postponed repeatedly due to rain. The racers finally became so disgusted they refused to come to Dubuque unless their expenses were guaranteed or the races were actually held.		On July 30, 1911 motorcycle races were held at Nutwood. Originally scheduled for July 6th, the races had to be postponed repeatedly due to rain. The racers finally became so disgusted they refused to come to Dubuque unless their expenses were guaranteed or the races were actually held.

	In 1911 races were scheduled for the week of September 12 to 18th. It began to rain on the 12th, however, and continued for the entire week causing the entire week's races to be cancelled. The financial loss was said to nearly ruin the sponsors. At this point, the weather relented for the race to be held. Racers found the Dubuque track unique among others in the Midwest. First discovered with famed race car driver Barney Oldfield drove his "Blitzen Benz" over the track in 1910, Nutwood was not laid out in an oval with a continuous curve throughout its length. Made like a circle cut in half and connected with straight lines,, the track gave the racers perfectly straight back and home stretches with a perfect curve on the ends. (18)		In 1911 races were scheduled for the week of September 12 to 18th. It began to rain on the 12th, however, and continued for the entire week causing the entire week's races to be cancelled. The financial loss was said to nearly ruin the sponsors. At this point, the weather relented for the race to be held. Racers found the Dubuque track unique among others in the Midwest. First discovered with famed race car driver Barney Oldfield drove his "Blitzen Benz" over the track in 1910, Nutwood was not laid out in an oval with a continuous curve throughout its length. Made like a circle cut in half and connected with straight lines, the track gave the racers perfectly straight back and home stretches with a perfect curve on the ends. (18)

	The [[NUTWOOD DRIVING CLUB]] was formally organized in 1912. Plans called for the quick return of Nutwood Park, the last mile track in the state, to the Great Western Trotting Circuit of racing. (19)		The [[NUTWOOD DRIVING CLUB]] was formally organized in 1912. Plans called for the quick return of Nutwood Park, the last mile track in the state, to the Great Western Trotting Circuit of racing. (19)

	[[BALDWIN, Bruce\|Bruce BALDWIN]], secretary of the Nutwood Driving Club and manager of the races, was confident that with his personal ~~acquaintance with many people~~ in racing that he could attract many of the fastest horses on the Grand and Great Western circuits to Dubuque. As evidence of this, it was reported that through his efforts Nutwood Park would be the site for two large racing stables at the end of the 1912 season. The two belonged to Edward and Hammie Allen of Marion, Iowa and Charles Kenyon of Cedar Rapids. Both were well-known in the racing world. Kenyon had one of the largest collections of high grade racing stock in the west. The Allen brothers had been the business for ten years. (20)		[[BALDWIN, Bruce\|Bruce BALDWIN]], secretary of the Nutwood Driving Club and manager of the races, was confident that with his personal acquaintances in racing that he could attract many of the fastest horses on the Grand and Great Western circuits to Dubuque. As evidence of this, it was reported that through his efforts Nutwood Park would be the site for two large racing stables at the end of the 1912 season. The two belonged to Edward and Hammie Allen of Marion, Iowa and Charles Kenyon of Cedar Rapids. Both were well-known in the racing world. Kenyon had one of the largest collections of high grade racing stock in the west. The Allen brothers had been the business for ten years. (20)

	Taking over the entire promotion of the 1912 event, he announced that Dubuque would stage a great harness race on September 17-20, 1912. This was during an open week in the schedules between Milwaukee and St. Louis of both circuits. (21) The program showed: (22)		Taking over the entire promotion of the 1912 event, he announced that Dubuque would stage a great harness race on September 17-20, 1912. This was during an open week in the schedules between Milwaukee and St. Louis of both circuits. (21) The program showed: (22)
Line 67:		Line 67:
	The failure of the event caused fear that Union Electric would subdivide the track into lots for sale. This rumor was quieted immediately by the company's general manager. He reported that the company was expecting to invest $3,500 in rehabilitating the grand stand, stables and track for 1913. Revenue was expected to be received by using the grounds for football games in the fall. (26)		The failure of the event caused fear that Union Electric would subdivide the track into lots for sale. This rumor was quieted immediately by the company's general manager. He reported that the company was expecting to invest $3,500 in rehabilitating the grand stand, stables and track for 1913. Revenue was expected to be received by using the grounds for football games in the fall. (26)

	In 1915 promoter Frank P. Kenney remarked that whether Dubuque...again ~~establishes~~...an agricultural and mechanical fair utilizing Nutwood Driving Park for that purpose ~~depends~~ in no little measure upon the success of the coming Great Western Circuit trotting meet of August 24th-27th" and asked that the meet be a memorial to Bruce Baldwin. (27) Over time, interest in racing died in Dubuque. Convinced that there would be no more races, the electric company dismantled the grandstand and converted the park into a garden for its employees. (28)		In 1915 promoter Frank P. Kenney remarked that whether Dubuque...again established...an agricultural and mechanical fair utilizing Nutwood Driving Park for that purpose depended in no little measure upon the success of the coming Great Western Circuit trotting meet of August 24th-27th" and asked that the meet be a memorial to Bruce Baldwin. (27)

			Automobile racing continued in September, 1915 with drivers expecting to beat 80 miles per hour. As the drivers and their teams prepared, the track management was negotiating for an electrical timer which had recently been used in Elgin, Illinois. Gerald Wunderlick, one of the racers, announced to a gathering of reporters in the lobby of the [[WALES HOTEL]] prior to the race that he had perfected a gasoline mixture that would add ten percent efficiency with a corresponding decrease in fuel consumption. He also had three cars from which to choose to race and refused to announce which car he would choose. (28)

			Over time, interest in racing died in Dubuque. Convinced that there would be no more races, the electric company dismantled the grandstand and converted the park into a garden for its employees. (29)

	[[Image:1930nutwood.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Aerial view showing the outline of the former site of Nutwood Park. The white building is Melody Mill. Photo courtesy: John Pregler]]The land between the railroad tracks, Sageville Road, and the John Deere road which once drew huge crowds and brightly colored jockeys became the site of Dubuque's first [[AIRPORT]]. After the airport was moved, the area was converted to industrial use including the construction of [[MELODY MILL]] and [[WICKE'S LUMBER AND BUILDING SUPPLY CENTER]].		[[Image:1930nutwood.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Aerial view showing the outline of the former site of Nutwood Park. The white building is Melody Mill. Photo courtesy: John Pregler]]The land between the railroad tracks, Sageville Road, and the John Deere road which once drew huge crowds and brightly colored jockeys became the site of Dubuque's first [[AIRPORT]]. After the airport was moved, the area was converted to industrial use including the construction of [[MELODY MILL]] and [[WICKE'S LUMBER AND BUILDING SUPPLY CENTER]].
Line 129:		Line 133:
	27. "Nutwood Park Has Good Future..."		27. "Nutwood Park Has Good Future..."

	28. Hendricks		28. "8- Miles An Hour at Nutwood Park," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', September 3, 1915, p. 21

			29. Hendricks

Randylyon at 18:46, 18 August 2022

2022-08-18T18:46:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:46, 18 August 2022
Line 29:		Line 29:
	Until the Tri-State Fair of 1904 little racing was seen at Nutwood Park. The fair rekindled interest, however, and the park was improved with an expenditure of $7,800. In 1906 the famous racehorse Dan Patch was brought to Dubuque to compete for eight thousand dollars in prize money. During the week, Dan Patch set a new track record of 1:58 before an estimated twenty thousand cheering fans. The horse was a featured racer again in 1907.		Until the Tri-State Fair of 1904 little racing was seen at Nutwood Park. The fair rekindled interest, however, and the park was improved with an expenditure of $7,800. In 1906 the famous racehorse Dan Patch was brought to Dubuque to compete for eight thousand dollars in prize money. During the week, Dan Patch set a new track record of 1:58 before an estimated twenty thousand cheering fans. The horse was a featured racer again in 1907.

	In 1911 races were scheduled for ~~the week of September 12 to 18th. It began to rain on the 12th~~, ~~however, and continued for the entire week causing~~ the ~~entire week's~~ races to be ~~cancelled~~. The ~~financial loss was said~~ to ~~nearly ruin~~ the ~~sponsors~~.		On July 30, 1911 motorcycle races were held at Nutwood. Originally scheduled for July 6th, the races had to be postponed repeatedly due to rain. The racers finally became so disgusted they refused to come to Dubuque unless their expenses were guaranteed or the races were actually held.

	The ~~[[NUTWOOD DRIVING CLUB]]~~ was ~~formally organized~~ in ~~1912~~. ~~Plans called for~~ the ~~quick return of~~ Nutwood ~~Park~~, the ~~last mile~~ track in the ~~state, to~~ the ~~Great Western Trotting Circuit of racing~~. (18)		In 1911 races were scheduled for the week of September 12 to 18th. It began to rain on the 12th, however, and continued for the entire week causing the entire week's races to be cancelled. The financial loss was said to nearly ruin the sponsors. At this point, the weather relented for the race to be held. Racers found the Dubuque track unique among others in the Midwest. First discovered with famed race car driver Barney Oldfield drove his "Blitzen Benz" over the track in 1910, Nutwood was not laid out in an oval with a continuous curve throughout its length. Made like a circle cut in half and connected with straight lines,, the track gave the racers perfectly straight back and home stretches with a perfect curve on the ends. (18)

	[[~~BALDWIN, Bruce\|Bruce BALDWIN~~]]~~, secretary of the Nutwood Driving Club and manager of the races,~~ was ~~confident that with his personal acquaintance with many people~~ in ~~racing that he could attract many of the fastest horses on~~ the ~~Grand and Great Western circuits to Dubuque. As evidence~~ of ~~this, it was reported that through his efforts~~ Nutwood Park ~~would be~~ the ~~site for two large racing stables at~~ the ~~end of the 1912 season. The two belonged~~ to ~~Edward and Hammie Allen of Marion, Iowa and Charles Kenyon of Cedar Rapids. Both were well-known in~~ the ~~racing world. Kenyon had one of the largest collections~~ of ~~high grade~~ racing ~~stock in the west. The Allen brothers had been the business for ten years~~. (19)		The [[NUTWOOD DRIVING CLUB]] was formally organized in 1912. Plans called for the quick return of Nutwood Park, the last mile track in the state, to the Great Western Trotting Circuit of racing. (19)

	Taking over the entire promotion of the 1912 event, he announced that Dubuque would stage a great harness race on September 17-20, 1912. This was during an open week in the schedules between Milwaukee and St. Louis of both circuits. (20) The program showed: (21)		[[BALDWIN, Bruce\|Bruce BALDWIN]], secretary of the Nutwood Driving Club and manager of the races, was confident that with his personal acquaintance with many people in racing that he could attract many of the fastest horses on the Grand and Great Western circuits to Dubuque. As evidence of this, it was reported that through his efforts Nutwood Park would be the site for two large racing stables at the end of the 1912 season. The two belonged to Edward and Hammie Allen of Marion, Iowa and Charles Kenyon of Cedar Rapids. Both were well-known in the racing world. Kenyon had one of the largest collections of high grade racing stock in the west. The Allen brothers had been the business for ten years. (20)

			Taking over the entire promotion of the 1912 event, he announced that Dubuque would stage a great harness race on September 17-20, 1912. This was during an open week in the schedules between Milwaukee and St. Louis of both circuits. (21) The program showed: (22)

	Tuesday, September 17th Merchants' and Manufacturers' stake		Tuesday, September 17th Merchants' and Manufacturers' stake
Line 57:		Line 59:
	$100 for each event		$100 for each event

	With the certainty of a race and the money established, the [[DUBUQUE INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION]] announced that a Made-in-Dubuque exposition would be held during the same week as the races. With Baldwin's prediction that the race would attract 30,000 people and thousands of out-of-town visitors, an athletic association announced a boxing carnival. This was to be held on two nights on Stumpf's Island in the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. Baldwin used $5,000 to advertise the races in leading turf magazines and had 5,400 names on a mailing list. Repairs and improvements to Nutwood Park cost $3,500. On the day before the race was to be held, 125 horses were housed at park's stables. (22)		With the certainty of a race and the money established, the [[DUBUQUE INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION]] announced that a Made-in-Dubuque exposition would be held during the same week as the races. With Baldwin's prediction that the race would attract 30,000 people and thousands of out-of-town visitors, an athletic association announced a boxing carnival. This was to be held on two nights on Stumpf's Island in the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. Baldwin used $5,000 to advertise the races in leading turf magazines and had 5,400 names on a mailing list. Repairs and improvements to Nutwood Park cost $3,500. On the day before the race was to be held, 125 horses were housed at park's stables. (23)

	Then weather entered the picture. It began raining on Monday and continued raining on Tuesday causing the postponing of the first day's races. The rain continued on Tuesday night making the track impossible to use on Wednesday. Meanwhile the horses continued to eat and staff members continued to draw a salary. More rain fell on Thursday and calls for canceling the entire program began. At this Baldwin proposed the idea of moving the entire schedule to Friday, Saturday and Sunday. During a lull in the rain, the track was put into shape at the cost of $100. It was then that the Dubuque Ministerial Association protested racing on Sunday. Baldwin responded to that with a statement that the track was located outside the city and that thousands of dollars had been invested. Investors needed some support. (23)		Then weather entered the picture. It began raining on Monday and continued raining on Tuesday causing the postponing of the first day's races. The rain continued on Tuesday night making the track impossible to use on Wednesday. Meanwhile the horses continued to eat and staff members continued to draw a salary. More rain fell on Thursday and calls for canceling the entire program began. At this Baldwin proposed the idea of moving the entire schedule to Friday, Saturday and Sunday. During a lull in the rain, the track was put into shape at the cost of $100. It was then that the Dubuque Ministerial Association protested racing on Sunday. Baldwin responded to that with a statement that the track was located outside the city and that thousands of dollars had been invested. Investors needed some support. (24)

	The final decision came after rain on Friday. Officials noted that water around the judges' stand was about 6.3 feet deep. All the horses were led out of their stalls and into special railroad cars for transportation out of town. Estimates of the loss exceeded $11,000. Baldwin left town within several days having made no money for the effort he had invested from March 15 through September 20th. (24)		The final decision came after rain on Friday. Officials noted that water around the judges' stand was about 6.3 feet deep. All the horses were led out of their stalls and into special railroad cars for transportation out of town. Estimates of the loss exceeded $11,000. Baldwin left town within several days having made no money for the effort he had invested from March 15 through September 20th. (25)

	The failure of the event caused fear that Union Electric would subdivide the track into lots for sale. This rumor was quieted immediately by the company's general manager. He reported that the company was expecting to invest $3,500 in rehabilitating the grand stand, stables and track for 1913. Revenue was expected to be received by using the grounds for football games in the fall. (25)		The failure of the event caused fear that Union Electric would subdivide the track into lots for sale. This rumor was quieted immediately by the company's general manager. He reported that the company was expecting to invest $3,500 in rehabilitating the grand stand, stables and track for 1913. Revenue was expected to be received by using the grounds for football games in the fall. (26)

	In 1915 promoter Frank P. Kenney remarked that whether Dubuque...again establishes...an agricultural and mechanical fair utilizing Nutwood Driving Park for that purpose depends in no little measure upon the success of the coming Great Western Circuit trotting meet of August 24th-27th" and asked that the meet be a memorial to Bruce Baldwin. (26) Over time, interest in racing died in Dubuque. Convinced that there would be no more races, the electric company dismantled the grandstand and converted the park into a garden for its employees. (27)		In 1915 promoter Frank P. Kenney remarked that whether Dubuque...again establishes...an agricultural and mechanical fair utilizing Nutwood Driving Park for that purpose depends in no little measure upon the success of the coming Great Western Circuit trotting meet of August 24th-27th" and asked that the meet be a memorial to Bruce Baldwin. (27) Over time, interest in racing died in Dubuque. Convinced that there would be no more races, the electric company dismantled the grandstand and converted the park into a garden for its employees. (28)

	[[Image:1930nutwood.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Aerial view showing the outline of the former site of Nutwood Park. The white building is Melody Mill. Photo courtesy: John Pregler]]The land between the railroad tracks, Sageville Road, and the John Deere road which once drew huge crowds and brightly colored jockeys became the site of Dubuque's first [[AIRPORT]]. After the airport was moved, the area was converted to industrial use including the construction of [[MELODY MILL]] and [[WICKE'S LUMBER AND BUILDING SUPPLY CENTER]].		[[Image:1930nutwood.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Aerial view showing the outline of the former site of Nutwood Park. The white building is Melody Mill. Photo courtesy: John Pregler]]The land between the railroad tracks, Sageville Road, and the John Deere road which once drew huge crowds and brightly colored jockeys became the site of Dubuque's first [[AIRPORT]]. After the airport was moved, the area was converted to industrial use including the construction of [[MELODY MILL]] and [[WICKE'S LUMBER AND BUILDING SUPPLY CENTER]].
Line 107:		Line 109:
	17. Oldt, Franklin T. '''History of Dubuque County, Iowa'''. http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/franklin-t-oldt/history-of-dubuque-county-iowa-being-a-general-survey-of-dubuque-county-histor-tdl/page-22-history-of-dubuque-county-iowa-being-a-general-survey-of-dubuque-county-histor-tdl.shtml, p. 199		17. Oldt, Franklin T. '''History of Dubuque County, Iowa'''. http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/franklin-t-oldt/history-of-dubuque-county-iowa-being-a-general-survey-of-dubuque-county-histor-tdl/page-22-history-of-dubuque-county-iowa-being-a-general-survey-of-dubuque-county-histor-tdl.shtml, p. 199

	18. "~~Dubuque to Have Racing Stable~~," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald~~''Italic text''~~, ~~August 27~~, ~~1912~~, p. 3		18. "Motorcycle Races at Nutwood Today," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, July 30, 1911 (Part II), p. 10

	19. "~~Organization for the Coming Races~~," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', ~~April 4~~, 1912, p. 9		19. "Dubuque to Have Racing Stable," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald''Italic text'', August 27, 1912, p. 3

	20. "~~Horse Review In Nutwood Welcome~~," ''Telegraph-Herald'', April 14, 1912, p. 24		20. "Organization for the Coming Races," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', April 4, 1912, p. 9

	21. "~~Bruce Baldwin Comes to Town and the Horses Prick Up Their Ears and Things Begin to Hum at~~ Nutwood ~~Park~~," ''Telegraph-Herald ~~and Times-Journal~~'', ~~March 6~~, ~~1933~~, p.		21. "Horse Review In Nutwood Welcome," ''Telegraph-Herald'', April 14, 1912, p. 24

	22. ~~Ibid~~.		22. "Bruce Baldwin Comes to Town and the Horses Prick Up Their Ears and Things Begin to Hum at Nutwood Park," ''Telegraph-Herald and Times-Journal'', March 6, 1933, p.

	23. Ibid.		23. Ibid.
Line 121:		Line 123:
	24. Ibid.		24. Ibid.

	25. "All Should Boost Local Race Meet," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', August 11 1915, p. 14		25. Ibid.

			26. "All Should Boost Local Race Meet," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', August 11 1915, p. 14

	26. "Nutwood Park Has Good Future..."		27. "Nutwood Park Has Good Future..."

	27. Hendricks		28. Hendricks

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:41, 12 May 2023
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:NPark.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Photo courtesy: Jim Massey]]		[[Image:NPark.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Photo courtesy: Jim Massey]]
	[[Image:hracing.png\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Undated postcard]]		[[Image:hracing.png\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Undated postcard]]
			[[Image:NParkbadge.jpeg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Photo courtesy: Dave Arnold]]
	[[Image:nparka.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|]]		[[Image:nparka.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|]]
	[[Image:NUTW.png\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Loemker, Herman J., 1868-1937, “[Nutwood Park at the fairgrounds north of Dubuque, Iowa],” Loras College Digital Collections, accessed September 14, 2016, https://digitalcollections.loras.edu/items/show/308.]]		[[Image:NUTW.png\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Loemker, Herman J., 1868-1937, “[Nutwood Park at the fairgrounds north of Dubuque, Iowa],” Loras College Digital Collections, accessed September 14, 2016, https://digitalcollections.loras.edu/items/show/308.]]