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Elena Pathak Collection about the Ben White Raceway

 Collection
Identifier: SC-123

Collection Scope and Content

This collection is arranged in one series. Series one is itemized and each folder is organized chronologically.

Series I, Organizational Files, 1936-1979, Undated, includes multiple copies of directories, different postcards, and a single photograph.

Dates

  • Creation: 1936-1979

Language of Materials

The materials are written in English

Access

The entire collection is open for research.

Copyright Statement

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

Biographical/Historical Note

Ben White Raceway was a racehorse training site in Orlando, Florida, that was founded in 1920 by Ben White. Ben White was a world-famous horseracing trainer, and he picked Orlando to be his training location. It was often referred to as the winter capital of harness racing, being in the heart of Central Florida. The raceway enjoyed decades of prominence, attracting 30 million visitors in 1959 with total bets made was about 800 million dollars. However, Ben White Raceway, and horseracing in general, lost popularity with the rise of other sporting and betting events. In July 2001, its name was changed to Trotters Park and is now a public park.

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet (1 Box)

Abstract

Collected by Elena Pathak, this collection includes information and materials about the Ben White Raceway. The key information it contains is found in the directories. These directories describe which horses are staying at the raceway, the company that owns them, the trainers, and which barn they are being housed in. In addition, postcards and a photograph are included in this collection to further emphasize the grandeur of the Ben White Raceway, and to remember the founder, Ben White.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in one series. Series one is itemized and each folder is organized chronologically.

Acquisition Information

Elena Pathak donated these materials to the University of Central Florida Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives in 2020 (CFM2020_12).

Title
Elena Pathak Collection about the Ben White Raceway, 1936-1979
Status
Edited Full Draft
Author
Processed by Brandon Lynch; finding aid prepared by Brandon Lynch
Date
© 2020
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Description is written in English

Repository Details

Part of the UCF Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Special Collections & University Archives
University of Central Florida Libraries
P.O. Box 162666
Orlando Florida 32816-2666 US
(407) 823-2576