The Woolworth family (of Five and Dime Store fame - the British division) established their ‘gentleman’s racehorse farm’ here in the early 1950’s. The Woolworth brothers, Fred and Norman{grandfather was a cousin to FW Woolworth, Frederick Moore Woolworth established the British division}, bred and trained many winning harness racing winners. "Duenna," homebred Woolworth filly, won the Hambletonian race in 1983. "Zoot Suit," another Woolworth bred and owned horse, was reigning successful trotter in Sweden in the 90’s.
While owned by the Woolworth family, the property was called "Clearview Farm" aptly named for its spectacular view of the lake and countryside. The horses were housed in the 32 stables of the barns and trained on the nearby Woolworth racetrack. In its prime, there were 45 full time employees managing the horses' care and training, and there was a resident blacksmith.
Norman Woolworth, Jr. was an enthusiastic amateur harness driver himself during the fifties and sixties. In the early 1950’s, spurred on by his brother, Fred, Norman became a patron of the sport and remained so for over forty years. He not only owned many of the harness race thoroughbreds but spent countless hours training them as well. A humorous man, he whimsically named some of his very successful steeds with culinary tastes in mind. For example, some of the names were: "French Chef, Langouste, Porterhouse, Filet of Sole, and Cumin." Other creative horse’s names indicate the times in which they were in their prime - " Pillow Talk, Shaboom, Panty Raid, and Zoot Suit." Norman Woolworth has been inducted into the Harness Racing Hall of Fame and has a award named after him - The Norman Woolworth Owner of the Year Award. www.coachbuilt.com/bui/w/walker/walker.htm
While owned by the Woolworth family, the property was called "Clearview Farm" aptly named for its spectacular view of the lake and countryside. The horses were housed in the 32 stables of the barns and trained on the nearby Woolworth racetrack. In its prime, there were 45 full time employees managing the horses' care and training, and there was a resident blacksmith.
Norman Woolworth, Jr. was an enthusiastic amateur harness driver himself during the fifties and sixties. In the early 1950’s, spurred on by his brother, Fred, Norman became a patron of the sport and remained so for over forty years. He not only owned many of the harness race thoroughbreds but spent countless hours training them as well. A humorous man, he whimsically named some of his very successful steeds with culinary tastes in mind. For example, some of the names were: "French Chef, Langouste, Porterhouse, Filet of Sole, and Cumin." Other creative horse’s names indicate the times in which they were in their prime - " Pillow Talk, Shaboom, Panty Raid, and Zoot Suit." Norman Woolworth has been inducted into the Harness Racing Hall of Fame and has a award named after him - The Norman Woolworth Owner of the Year Award. www.coachbuilt.com/bui/w/walker/walker.htm
Comments