Geography Dept.The AURORA DRIVING PARK was located just west of the Fox River in Aurora, Illinois. GPS coordinates are: 41° 46' 22" N 88° 19' 16" W.The AURORA DRIVING PARK was sandwiched between Pennsylvania Avenue and Lake Street (Route 31) just north of Illinois Avenue.Picture Gallery.Noted for its fine collection of Period Revival style homes, Riddle Highlands now occupies the land where the AURORA DRIVING PARK stood nearly 100 years ago.Racing Results.
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History Dept.The AURORA DRIVING PARK had a successful run of 30 years and operated from 1890 to 1920. Besides harness racing, all major city events were held at the Driving Park, including demonstrations of the Wright Brothers aeroplanes.In 1906, a tornado swept through the Driving Park. The tornado hit during the afternoon performance of the Ringling Brothers circus, when the park was crowded. It killed 2 people and injured 22, but the grandstand was still filled for the evening performance. Those Aurorans sure love a circus!Aurora was home to the W. S. Frazier Road Cart Company, a large manufacturer of sulkies, road carts, buggies and other horse drawn vehicles.This 1890 photo of downtown Aurora shows the exact location of the W. S. Frazier Road Cart Company.-- Image Source: "Aurora 1937-1987" by Robert Barclay.
A historical marker located at 36 W. Downer Place indicates the former location of the W. S. Frazier Road Cart Company.A early 1900's newspaper advert for Frazier carts.Memory Lane.Prints and photographs of trotting races at the AURORA DRIVING PARK have been elusive. But we refused to give up! We have finally managed to dig up some photos of trotting events at the Driving Park...enjoy!See the full day's racing summary of |