George's Park
by Mrs. Lloyd Holmes
About 1864, a Mrs. Paul R. George presented to the Contoocook Precinct a gift of land to be used as a public park for the people of the town. Thus, the name George's Park. The old race track was once used by Mr. Paul George and other gentlemen for exercising their horses and engaging in some friendly races. In 1915 the first Hopkinton Fair was held at George's Park.
About 1921-1922 a large grandstand was built for the race track. It is said that a Mr. Harris from Warner built the grandstand for the Fair Association with the understanding that he would be paid from the proceeds collected by the grandstand.
About 1958 the structure was torn down. The park is now used for high school athletic activities. Little League baseball, and many other town affairs.
I would like to add that the race driver's jacket and hat in this picture were made of silk taken from Mr. Young’s racing cap. Mr. Young enjoyed racing horses as a hobby for many years and is a great-grandfather to my children.
Mrs. Lloyd Holmes
Penacook Road
Next to J. Howard Lightfoot, M.D.
LOC Subject Headings
Horse racing -- New Hampshire -- Hopkinton
State fair -- New Hampshire
Other Heading
