Tag Archive | dirt racing oval
May 7, 2019  

Then & Now: Rockville Fair Harness Racing

The black and white photographs of the Rockville Fair harness races below were taken by Lewis Reed in 1910. The photographs were from the first incarnation of the Fair, held by the Montgomery County Agricultural Society (1846-1932) in Rockville and often known simply as the “Rockville Fair.” For this “Then & Now” feature, I have combined Lewis Reed’s original photographs for “then” and matched it with a corresponding contemporary shot for “now” to see the difference 109 years can make.

Rockville Fair Dirt Track Oval (THEN): Like many fairgrounds, the Rockville Fairgrounds included an oval track. Fairground race tracks, typically one-mile or half-mile dirt racing ovals with wide, sweeping curves and grandstands for spectators, were easily adapted for bicycles, harness racing, and the sport of car racing. Harness racing was one of the main attractions, but after the introduction of the automobile in the early 20th century, car races took over. The fairgrounds were just outside Rockville, where Richard Montgomery High School is today.

1910 Harness Race

Rockville drew huge crowds for harness races. Photo by Lewis Reed, circa 1910

1910 Rockville Fair Harness Race

Harness race at the Rockville Fair, circa 1910. All those throngs of people had plenty to see. Photo by Lewis Reed

1910 Rockville Fair Harness Race

Harness racers rounding the bend on the racetrack, Rockville Fairground circa 1910. Photo by Lewis Reed

1910 Rockville Fair Harness Race

Bend on the harness racetrack, Rockville Fairground circa 1910. Photo by Lewis Reed

Rockville Fair Dirt Track Oval (NOW): In 1946, after the construction of Richard Montgomery High School, the old oval race track became a football field and stadium.

RMHS Football field and stadium

RMHS football field and stadium

August 23, 2018  

Then & Now: Rockville Fair Dirt Track Oval

The black and white photograph of the Rockville Fair auto races below was taken by Lewis Reed in 1923. The photograph was from the first incarnation of the Fair, held by the Montgomery County Agricultural Society (1846-1932) in Rockville and often known simply as the “Rockville Fair.” For this “Then & Now” feature, I have combined Lewis Reed’s original photograph for “then” and matched it with a corresponding contemporary shot for “now” to see how the location has changed throughout almost 95 years.

Rockville Fair Dirt Track Oval (THEN): Like many fairgrounds, the Rockville Fairgrounds included an oval track. Fairground race tracks, typically one-mile or half-mile dirt racing ovals with wide, sweeping curves and grandstands for spectators, were easily adapted for bicycles, harness racing, and the sport of car racing. Harness racing was one of the main attractions, but after the introduction of the automobile in the early 20th century, car races took over. The fairgrounds were just outside Rockville, where Richard Montgomery High School is today.

Rockville Fair Auto Races 1923

Crowds at the auto racetrack, Rockville Fair, August 1923. Photo by Lewis Reed

Rockville Fair Dirt Track Oval (NOW): In 1946, after the construction of Richard Montgomery High School, the old oval race track became a football field and stadium.

RMHS Football field and stadium

Richard Montgomery High School football field and stadium today