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Rochester Driving Park. It was for the most part just a 'race track'. I do not know when to include these when they hosted 'other affairs' and 'fairs', etc.

A map, dated 1875, of the Driving Park facilities indicates that many permanent structures were added to accommodate the state agricultural and horticultural exhibitions held on the grounds. Along the Boulevard (Dewey Avenue) side of the park were positioned the horse stables, various sheds and the Boyd Hotel, an imposing two-story structure near the main gate. The hotel was complete with dining room, barroom and kitchen. The second floor held nine guest apartments which included hot and cold water and other necessary conveniences.

Along the Driving Park side of the grounds one could find the poultry building, Dairy Hall, Mechanics Hall, Engine Headquarters and the sheep pens. A freight depot and the building known as Stove Hall were found at the west end of the fair grounds.

Spectacles

A wide variety of events were booked into the Driving Park. Its commodious grandstands and broad race track made it ideal for Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. Its handy railroad siding also made it convenient for unloading the Barnum & Bailey Ringling Brothers Circus train. In 1895 a huge bicycle spectacle was staged with dozens of local and out-of-town wheelmen's clubs participating. Bicycle races, bicycle balancing acts, and a mammoth parade of bicycle riders were a part of the popular event. A most unusual presentation held at the old park was the re-enactment of a Civil War battle. The sham encounter was complete with uniformed volunteers, military drills and cannons booming for effect. As always, the Blue prevailed over the Gray. Nostalgia

Bicycle racing eventually competed with harness racing and the last Grand Circuit races were held in 1895. Four years later the wooden grandstands were lost to fire. By 1903 a foreclosure action closed the grounds. The Driving Park was soon subdivided into homesites. Today that jog in an otherwise straight Dewey Avenue marks the location of the Driving Park's south boundary. Those living on Lark, Dove, and Archer Streets, the last named for one of the parks promoters, may still dig up a horseshoe or a bit of harness iron from their flower gardens. Such nostalgic artifacts are just another reminder of the former activities that once brought vast throngs to watch races at the track some called the fastest in America. It's all gone now, but there certainly were some marvelous glory days at the grand old Driving Park.

CREDITS: Excerpts: Donovan A. Shilling