Contributed by Boston Public Library
- MMN #69988
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Description
The Old Orchard Beach Kite Track, a horse racing track built off Portland Avenue in 1892, began as the Breeder’s Mile Track and was a main attraction in Old Orchard Beach throughout the 1930s and 1940s. The only kite-shaped racetrack in Maine, it was the site of world records, as well as a stop on the Grand Circuit harness stakes racing tour.
Millard F. Porter formed the Breeders Mile Track Association with a group of Old Orchard Beach hotel owners and businessmen in order to open the track. The figure-eight shaped configuration had a soft marshy surface that was built for speed. After early popularity and betting, the Kite Track became idle around 1907 but was revitalized in 1936 when Maine adopted peri-mutuel betting and the track was resurfaced with clay. Horses were brought into the Old Orchard Beach freight station for races and accompanied to the track amidst fanfare. The first motorcycle race was held at the track in 1937.
The Kite Track closed in 1950 and later became a wildlife management area. A portion of the field equipment was sold to the Scarborough Downs track.
The caption reads, "Kite Race Track, Old Orchard Beach, Maine."
The Tichnor Brothers printing company published this type of postcard circa 1938.
About This Item
- Title: Kite Race Track, Old Orchard Beach, ca. 1938
- Creator: Tichnor Bros., Inc.
- Creation Date: circa 1938
- Subject Date: circa 1938
- Location: Old Orchard Beach, York County, ME
- Media: Linen texture postcard
- Dimensions: 9 cm x 14 cm
- Collection: The Tichnor Brothers Collection
- Object Type: Text and Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Kite Race Track (Old Orchard Beach, Me.)
- Postcards
- Racetracks (Horse racing)--Maine--Old Orchard Beach
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Helen Kiss at the Old Orchard Beach Gypsy Tour, 1937
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