Laurel Park Through the Years

Laurel, once again, will soon lose another part of its rich history. In the near future, horse racing will cease operations here and Laurel Park will be reduced to a training facility only. My feelings are mixed on just how long that and the racing industry  itself will exist in Maryland. Laurel, in my opinion, would have been a much better idea than Pimlico. The monies invested here in recent years have now to gone to waste.

Laurel Park opened on October 2, 1911 and has served the community and dignitaries well over the years with horse racing along with many other events: auto shows, carnivals, circuses, the Laurel Pop and Jazz Festivals, concerts, and much more. At some point, it seems as if management ran out of ideas for added revenue. I feel that Pimlico will be no different; and if betting on the Preakness as a cure for revenue, good luck.

But Laurel certainly had some very good days. Here are a few pieces from our collection that remind us of what once was.    

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Pete Lewnes is a founding member of The Laurel History Boys, and a prolific collector of Laurel historical memorabilia from all eras.