File:Charlestown Races Out of the Gate.jpg

Summary

They're off! Photographed from the grandstand, horses leave the starting gates at the Charlestown Races. It's tough to date the photo since backs are turned, but guesses are welcome based on what style of dress can be seen.

According to Luther Mumaw, this is: "Charlestown, probably before Shenandoah Downs. Shenandoah Downs didn’t open until 1959. Plus apron at Shenandoah went almost to far turn. CT stopped so horses could get to the track to go to the paddock to be saddled."

Sandy Myers I used to go there when I was a little girl with my parents. I remember the smell of cigars.

Linda Childers Weddle Sandy Myers Kim used to love going to see the horses. One time it was raining and they had the covers over the horses. She said "look Daddy the horses have raincoats on." Everyone around us was laughing.

Sherry Stull I loved to go to the track but I spent most of my time in the paddock, watching them bring in the horses and saddle up. Then I would run out to the track and watch them warm up and race.

Brenton Barger It kinda looks like Charlestown... clubhouse was behind this view. They'd set up a stage across from track. I saw Marty Robins perform there in 1983. One of his last concerts.

(From the Myer Kaplon photo collection at the Brunswick Community Library; Frederick County Public Libraries)