Suffolk Downs
Photographer: Jones, Leslie, 1886-1967
East Boston, Massachusetts
1935
Suffolk Downs was
constructed on the mud flats of East Boston and opened its gates in 1935 as
Boston’s and the Commonwealth’s first major racetrack. An estimated 35,000
people attended the opening races and it was not unusual for that many
fans to turn out for opening days and major racing events. Horse racing
was a hugely popular sport in those days, as can be attested by the
52,726 fans - the largest official crowd ever at Suffolk Downs - who
attended the race track on August 10, 1935.
The facility was
known for its fast racing strip. It had the only concrete grandstand in
America at the time. Over its seven decades, many fans have bet on races and
enjoyed the thrill of the home stretch. Many great thoroughbreds have
raced at Suffolk Downs including the renowned Seabiscuit who on
August 7, 1937, as the odds-on
favorite, bested the field in the running of the Massachusetts Handicap.
Suffolk Downs has
been used for a host of other events; one of the most memorable was the Beatles concert on
August 8, 1966
with 25,000 fans attending. Other
unusual events in the 1960s included chariot races and mock Indian
battles in the infield.
Although
thoroughbred horse racing is not as popular as in the 1930s, 1940s, and
1950s, Suffolk Downs serves as the only horse track in Boston.
Sources:
1. Bill Veeck at Suffolk Downs
Image number: 05_02_010062
East Boston, Massachusetts (1968)
Bill Veeck, President of Suffolk Downs, sits in stands in clubhouse, talking to reporters.
3. Jim Braddock and Wally Berger at Suffolk Downs
Image number: 05_02_010523
Photographer: Jones, Leslie, 1886-1967
East Boston, Massachusetts (1935)
Braddock and Berger lean against fence in front of Suffolk Downs clubhouse, East Boston.
4. Policemen guard trucks at Suffolk Downs during strike
Image number: 05_02_010803
East Boston, Massachusetts (1955)
Newspaper caption on verso reads, "Policemen John Ridge and John Welch stand by trucks at Suffolk Downs today that carry the track's pari-mutuel equipment. The AFL union drivers and helpers have refused to unload the trucks. This and picketing forced ca
5. Mayor and Mrs. John F. Collins visit Suffolk Downs
Image number: 05_02_010860
East Boston, Massachusetts (1962)
Newspaper caption on verso reads, "Friendly greeting is given to Mayor and Mrs. Collins by Suffolk Downs president John C. Pappas at memorial of Joseph A. Tomasello, original builder of track. Modernized Suffolk Downs opens 33-night harness racing meet t
7. Results of suspected arson of stables at Suffolk Downs
Image number: 05_02_010871
East Boston, Massachusetts (1968)
Newspaper caption on verso reads, "Inspecting damage while firefighters continue watering down stables and hay is a Boston deputy. Several horses were killed and property losses were in the thousands in the suspected arson."
9. Mini-skirted mutuels messengers at Suffolk Downs
Image number: 05_02_010965
East Boston, Massachusetts (1969)
Newspaper caption on verso reads, "Bill Veeck, President of Suffolk Downs, has come up with another first in New England racing - mini-skirted mutuels messengers."
10. Left to right, Jerome Deutsh, Bill Veeck and David Haber of Suffolk Downs
Image number: 05_02_010966
East Boston, Massachusetts (1968)
Newspaper caption on verso reads, "New Suffolk triumvirate - Jerome Deutsch (left), senior vice president of Realty Equities Corp., joins hands with Bill Veeck, who will become president and chief executive officer at Suffolk Downs when REC assumes operat
Sports
Temples of Boston: Images of Historic Ballparks, Arenas and Stadiums,
1872-1972
has been made possible through a Library Services and
Technology Act grant
administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library
Commissioners.
