bigelow field grand rapids

The Grand Rapids Chicks were a women's professional baseball team based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. racing was booming in the late 1930's and new tracks were springing up Have been conducting research on the GR Speedway/Kamp's Speedway (and others in the GR area) for a few years as well. These failed to deter the drivers as they raced to new record-breaking marks.". He almost lost it coming off turn four, according to Howard Newland who was sitting next to Ralph in line to qualify. The financial and equipment losses hurt the Chicks for the rest of the season. the 1940 season with "a special speedway oil applied under pressure at Ben Zukor guided his Reichenbach Brothers-built sums up the reason for the formation of UARA in the late 1940s. The grounds were still being used for baseball where the Grand Rapids Jets played. More Info. two reasons. he ads and stories had been placed for the May 14th opener. Then it went into the dugout with the front end down and back wheels up in the air with the engine still running full bore with the wheels spinning in the air. On August 6, Elliott captured his second win at If I were to talk about midget racers that included stars like Ted Hartley, Art Hartsfeld, Sam Hanks, Paul Russo, Tony Bettenhausen, Cowboy ORouke, Ronnie Householder, Johnny Wohlfiel, Henry Banks, and Duane Carter, you would probably be thinking of perhaps a track such as Motor City Speedway or the Chicago Ampithiatre or the Nutley Veldrome. November 28, 2007 at 09:30 AM. He always treated people, including drivers, great. trials. Bigelow Field was a minor league baseball park (GR Jets) that was converted to a race track for a season or two. Day Classic at Hanson Park on September 1, ending the Elliott/Melcher winning The track always had a good safely crew who would tell the drivers, "If you spin, just pull it out of gear and well pull you off the track. My father built a 2x8 bench seat on the backside of the fence in our back yard, so we (with a ladder) could sit and watch the midget races and ball games. Maybe there is someone among our readers who knows more. The car stayed there for a few seconds and then just slid down the pole and ended up on all four wheels. It was a 1936 High School Park Jeanerette Blues Evangeline League Jeanerette Louisiana. winner again at Hanson Park on August 29 with Saylor winning the 50 lap Labor When he did, King grabbed his helmet and climbed the fence and disappeared into the night. in his eyes stated, "I'm afraid that its all over, I'm going to tear it organizational meeting, Scally was quoted as saying, We supply 90% of the cars 516 South Pokegama Ave Grand Rapids, MN 55744; 218-327-2001; HIBBING Outpatient Therapy, Psychiatry Office & Outpatient Substance Use Services. Very pleased with purchase, UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN-MIGNON G. EBERHART-DELL MAPBACK PAPERBACK G (#233671409300). again the winner at Hanson Park on August 22, taking starter Pete Passantinos n.d.. Helen Earlene "Beans" Risinger Grand Rapids Chicks collection, Collection 160. A week later, Ray Red Boscher of Chicago nailed down his first June 16 1941 Article Lansing State Journal. There was two more weeks of racing on June 4 and then June 18, 1940 and then nothing. The grounds were still being used for baseball where Michigan driver Don Ingersoll won at Bigelow Field on August 20. checkered flag in front of Saylor and veteran driver Don Hanley. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 4.13 Linear Feet (Six boxes), Part of the Grand Rapids History Center Repository. Dime Mystery 4/1949-Popular-Skeleton hand strangulation cover-Terror-crime & (#234290305606), Great service and delivery time. getting out of his racer, talking to his wife and walking to the ambulance as Starter Bill Mitchell - Racing Giant | To make the feature you had to finish in the top three spots in the heat races. | Visit ArchivesSpace.org the feature winner. ", Stock cars ran briefly for one season at Bigelow Field in 1952 and then in 1953 a fire wiped out the grandstands. A few reviews for this pro. The track called Bigelow Field has been gone and mostly forgotten for more than 40 years. Posted by: posted another win at Hanson Park with Scally winning the 25 lapper in front of But on the morning of April 3, 1938, a group of local officials and business leaders held a groundbreaking for this very unusual track in a baseball stadium. was fatally injured during the semi final. Grand Rapids Press Library photos. - Top Rated Plus - opens in a new window or tab, - eBay Money Back Guarantee - opens in a new window or tab. Elliott out dueled Boscher in a 25 lapper at Speedrome when it was built in 1950. Update on my last note: We found a 1942 newspaper ad which clarified the location of this track. first outdoor season in the record books, UARA planned indoor competition at Bigelow Field Raceway Midget Auto Race Program 1950-Grand Rapids MI-Ads for C cleared payment - opens in a new window or tab, Report this item - opens in new window or tab. Delivery times may vary, especially during peak periods. great show, a lot of action. Pniej zespoy gray na Bigelow Field na South Division Avenue. He was rushed to the hospital but was soon released. days earlier, had set a new track record with a 19.19 second run. Dust was a big problem at dirt tracks and steps were taken to keep the surface smooth and dust free. DTA Collectibles has been selling pop culture paper collectibles for over 40 years! track sat on the northwest corner of 39th 2067 84th St SW Byron Center, MI BARBARA BIGELOW OBITUARY Bigelow, Barbara Barbara Bigelow, age 89, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 20, 2021. But despite the reported crowd of 7,000 on August 23, 1938, Don and Carson only promoted the track one more year. Ralph Reel lost his life during qualifying one night. My parents Appliance store occupied a store front space under the ball stands, facing on Division. Earl Simmons of Maywood won the feature race that afternoon on a Anything about opening this season at Kamp Motor Speedway is pure rumor. Dates. (3). Rubright came home second with Simmons third. race held in May of 1938. Although the Chicks won the 1944 AAGPBL championship, they could not compete with the minor league Milwaukee Brewers for ticket sales, and the franchise moved to Grand Rapids. I remember laying in bed on 43rd Street and listening to the midgets running at Bigelow field when I was four years old. Something had certainly happened. secondly, they had Ohio tracks they were promoting which had conflicting racing dates with Bigelow equipment, the organization enjoyed a highly successful first season. It was during this period that the late Hank Heald tried to become the Bigelow Field promoter but was unable to put it together. From the Series: Three photos in the collection document the fire at Bigelow Fields where the Chicks played, in 1952. They finally opened up the outside pit gate with the bomber using the city street to gather sufficient speed to complete the stunt. There was a fairgrounds track between 36th and 32nd but it is. Bigelow Field: Grand Rapids: Birch Run Expo Center: Birch Run: Birch Run Speedway & Event Center: Birch Run: Birmingham: Birmingham: Bob's Family Raceway: Clarksville: . Here we see the view of the grandstand from center field. This brings us to the mysterious events of the 1940 season at Bigelow Field. Reel had just bought his first Offy engine from Johnny Pawl. other tracks.". Most people in Grand Rapids don't remember Bigelow Field because it was torn down over forty years ago. IM THE GRANDSON OF LATE GREAT ROBERT "KING OF THE DIRT" KNIGHT. Based on later articles, there were still problems with dust from time to time at Bigelow Field. He lost some teeth and broke his nose, but by a miracle was not seriously injured. During 1939 Eddie did not have his own car but was driving a midget racer owned by Dick Harroun, son of the man who won the first Indianapolis race back in 1911. Jim Williams, the owner and promoter of the facility called a press conference and with tears Pinch-hit flagman Wesley DeVol made sure that Howard Dauphin would never forget his victory when Wes accidentally cracked Howard on his helmet with the checkered flag as Howard zoomed under the flagmans stand. races. Starting to get on a roll, Elliott was the Prior to the start of the 1947 racing season in (3) Scope and Contents. He drove mostly at Motor City in Detroit and Ft. Miami in Toledo. Rubright was second Charlene Jean Bigelow, age 82, a long-time resident of Grand Rapids passed away suddenly on Saturday, April 15, 2017 while in residence at Whispering Way. In all, 37 UARA-sanctioned dates took place in This 1938 clipping shows the Bigelow track from the air. They played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League from 1945 to 1954,[1] winning championships in 1947 and 1953. Shawn was born March 16, 1961 in Kittanning, PA to the late Leslie Sr. and Betty (Black) Bowser. Images of the coach and a couple of team photos are included. The dugout roof fell and caught him in the throat and the rest is history.". With regard to the field being torn down, that came a few years after a fire that pretty much destroyed the site. Verified Reviews . Most people in Grand Rapids dont remember Bigelow Field because it was torn down over forty years ago. A McDonalds and a Laundromat are now sitting on that corner. A good crowd was reported to have enjoyed the action as Wally Zale's Offy edged out Tony Willman's outboard Elto for the 20 lap feature win. Hank Heald was the announcer before moving on to the Grand Rapids Speedrome when it was built in 1950. Big Bill Mitchell, out of Detroit was one of the flagmen and he had a solid background in racing, having owned big cars as far back as the late 1920s with drivers such as Chet Miller, Cliff Duran and A nearly 90 degree turn at home plate certainly must have made for some exciting action when the midgets came roaring down to get the starter's flag. Paul | He was Michigan and Ohio champion in 1939 and 1940. The fastest twelve cars started in single file inverted and the last car in line was black flagged at the end of each lap. The ball field was also the home for some of the Grand Rapids Chicks ball games. Plus, it helps me out bringing. [4] League pitching titles were won by Chicks pitchers in 1944 and 1945 by Wisniewski, Mildred Earp in 1947, Alice Haylett in 1948, and Ziegler in 1950. me. | Frank Lockhart - "The greatest of them all." 1938 Bigelow Field Midget: Final Standings:1-Art Hartsfeld: 1939 Bigelow Field Midget: Final Standings:1-Art Hartsfeld: 1948 Bigelow Field AAA . baseball field in 14.74 seconds. Clemens Race Track and Me, Frank Lockhart - "The greatest of them all." The field was home to a number of activities including race cars and baseball. Something had certainly happened. his first feature win of the campaign on June 27 with Ken Rubright finishing News. Chicagos Coliseum on Wabash Ave., beginning in January of 1948, and looked He was crossed up and broke loose. Name City County Date Added; Adrian Fairgrounds: Adrian: Lenawee: 08-28-2003: Adventure Mountain Raceway: Greenland: Ontonagon: 10-05-2007: Air Park Speedway: Fennville 1952. down. team at Joliet Memorial Stadium. Grand Rapids Press Library photos. night with the KK/Offy cars pretty much dominating feature races and the drivers Grand Rapids History Center. Don and Carson Zeiter then quit promoting midgets at Bigelow Field for perhaps a track such as Motor City Speedway or the Chicago Amphitheater or the Nutley He never flipped a race car and went on to win the National Championship and the 1957 Indianapolis 500. Some interesting recollections of a couple of greats, from Howard Newland, who raced midgets at Bigelow Field. 100 lap Championship race over Simmons, Saylor and Elliott. in some unusual places. When I was nine my parents moved their business just north of that location and we moved from our home on Loraine Street at the same time. Football Stats - NFL - CFL - AFL - Arena Football - Indoor Football - Search Please see item description for more information. It was certainly common to have promoters run off with the purse after a night of racing in those days but this promoter seemed to be legitimate. Big Bill Mitchell, out of Detroit, was one of the flagmen and he had a solid background in racing, having owned big cars as far back as the late 1920s with drivers such as Chet Miller, Cliff Duran and others. For 25 years it hosted some of the greatest names in racing including Art Hartsfeld, Sam Hanks, Paul Russo, Tony Bettenhausen, Cowboy O'Rourke, Ronnie Householder, Johnny Wohlfiel, Henry Banks and Duane Carter. I remember one time a car was qualifying and spun in turn three, went into the infield grass and kept running in circles, apparently the driver was unconscious. Bob Muhlke of Evanston, Illinois, clicked wheels with Carl Forberg, causing him to flip with the car rolling over once. It seemed like there was a flip in every race.. Bobs parents are both in a nursing home now with illnesses of the aging and we are trying to lessen the stress load of running two businesses and taking care of the affairs of Bobs parents. With local weekly midget racing also taking Here is a sample news release promoting the 1940 season opener at Bigelow Field. A good crowd was reported to have enjoyed the action as Wally Zale's Offy edged out Tony Willman's outboard Elto for the 20 lap feature win. Association sanctioning the event on October 1. Berlin Raceway began racing in 1951 and is still racing. The track called Bigelow Field has been gone and mostly forgotten for more than 40 years. Wally Zale lost a rear wheel in that event but repaired his car only to go out again with mechanical problems while dueling with Tony Willman in the Australian pursuit. . Also, thank you to Bob Sheldon, early UARA photographer, for use The midgets returned again in 1953, until the grandstands burned. so-called B Class cars. It was in 1938 that Carson Hometown papers of well-known drivers like. street and South Division. Wiswald, Bill We ask you consult the propietor for current information. UARA split away 34 See feature on Jimmy on this site. So they made the decision to concentrate their promoting efforts at the other tracks. To Richard H: Not sure if there is a relation or not, but there is/was a Kamp Motor Speedway in Boswell, IN. Paul Russo, Tony Bettenhausen, Cowboy O'Rouke, Ronnie Householder, Johnny https://archive.grpl.org/repositories/4/archival_objects/88455 Accessed March 01, 2023. Amusements of Chicago, the May 30 show saw Wiswald win the Hanson Park Stadium The story begins with my discovery of a notebook among my father's records containing a series of letters, news releases, programs and newspaper clippings all relating to Bigelow Field. Palmer, Lankheim, Markle and Hanley completed the top 15. Grand Rapids, Mich. on Wednesday night, June 16. The crowd seems a bit thin or are the people just trying to avoid the dust the boys are throwing up? The midgets ran time trials but because they had so many cars they ran elimination races. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Following are the minor league baseball teams known to have played at Bigelow Field: Racing historian Dick Lee has written a wonderful article on Bigelow Field and I will let his words begin our story: "If I were to talk about on September 5. For over 30 years, the United Auto Racing However, from birth to age 9 I lived on Loraine Street behind Bigelow Field and my home backed up to what was the center field fence line. We ask you consult the propietor for current information. Located south of Wealthy at Reeds Lake shore, it is the first park to have a grass infield, 2,000 permanent seats, 4,500 total capacity, dismantled 1903. 4.13 Linear Feet (Six boxes), Part of the Grand Rapids History Center Repository. Images of the coach and a couple of team photos are included. Elliott, with eight wins at Hanson Park and six wins at "It looked to me like Ralph got angry at himself when he almost lost it and just kept his foot down on it and when he approached turn three the tail of his car made contact with the wall, pulled the front end to the right and he just shot straight forward through the hay bales and into the ball team dugout. Kamp's Speedway raced midgets from 1940 to 1942. Wiswald, Bill Palmer, Lankheim, Markle and Hanley completed the top 15. It has all the coolest stuff you'd ever want! The track sat on the northwest corner of 39th street and South Division. AND ONE OF MY WALLS IS IN DEDICATED TO MY GRANDFATHER AND SOME OF THE OTHER RACERS OF HIS TIME I'M LOOKING FOR ANY ARTICLES IF ANY ONE HAS ANY THING PLEASE CONTACT ME PLEASE. Bigelow was the only one that was available to come out within a week and was on par with the best pricing. The ads and stories had been placed for the May 14th opener. UARA feature event at Hanson Park on June 6. Carl Forgerg, Art Hartsfeld, Jake Jacobson, Bernie Jacobson, Al Mominee, Fibber Walters, Matt Heid, Iggy Katona, Bill Mackey, Cecil Green, Cecil Zent, Cecil Clees, Ralph Reel, Ralph Pratt, Potsy Goacher, Big Bill Spears, Charlie Messler, Ray St Johns, Teddy Tedrow, Bud Sparks, Ted Hartley, Gene Hartley, Hank Russ, Johnny Smigs, Louie Ludke, Don Ingersol, Hank Nykaza, Bill Vukovich, Sam Hanks, Paul Russo, Neil Carter, Harry Bennet, Leroy Warriner, George Jackson, Bill Wiltse, Gordon Vander Laan, Tony Bettenhausen, Cowboy ORourke, Ronnie Householder, Ronnie Duman, Hank Duman, Red Newman, Glen Rocky, Howard Daulphin, Doc Shanebrook, Gene Force, Duane Carter, Bill BJork, Bobby Grim, Bob Williams, Brick Eicholtz, Danny Keselowski, Johnny Wolfiel, Henry Banks, Ed Stanke, Emory Rice, Bob Breading, Johnny Tolan, Chick Barbo, Johnny Parsons, Sr., Cotton Farmer, Al Bonnell, Art Cross, Eddie Johnson, Harlen Hunt, George Fonger, Joe Sostillio, Bill Homes, Jerry Hoyt, Johnny McDowell, Manual Ayulo, Troy Ruttman, Tony Bonadies, Joe Barzda, Bob Ellingham, Jimmy Knight, Gays Biro, Chuck Weyant, Jack Turner, Bill Homier, Chuck Rodee, Bob Wente, Tommy Copp, Rex Easton, Van Johnson, Arnie Knepper, Ed Yeager, Rick Kerr, Chuck Arnold, Carl Scarborough, Mike Nazaruk, Jiggs Peters, Pete Romcevitch, Charies Szekendy, Al Plackey, Wally Zale, Johnny Zale, Gordon Gajdet, Wild Bill Boyd, Bob Zomerhuis, Dewey Omen, Gene allen, Howard Newland, and Bill Schindler. 1939. Actually Id be talking started off the evening by setting fast time. 40 cars in the pits and over 9,000 fans, Zukor bested Lankheim. Grand Rapids History Center. Rubright, Scally, Saylor, Ambrose and Zukor in the final points tally. Bigelow Field fire. Everything seemed to be going fine as opening day arrived. Here is info I found. However you can see that it was also a baseball field. 85 of a mile. 2729 E Beltline Hibbing, MN 55746; 218 . Field. Basketball Stats - NBA - ABA - WNBA/Women's - G-League/D-League - Minor League Basketball - Search The action looks great as the drivers round home heading for first base. Race officials Grand Rapids: Michigan: USA: at 39th St+S Division Ave: encircled a baseball field; later site of McDonald's+a laundromat . The throttle on Stauber's No. Grand Rapids History Center. We are saddened to announce that we will not be opening the track for the 2010 season. 2310 NW 3rd St Grand Rapids, MN 55744; 218-327-2001; GRAND RAPIDS Outpatient Substance Use Services. V8-60-powered No. Russ Jacobson, the son of the legendary Jake Jacobson, didnt get hurt but probably got chewed out by his father, Jake, when he was towing the J-2 and J-3 midgets from Bigelow Field back to Pontiac, MI and went off the road by Ada. lap Championship event. League pitching titles were won by the Chicks with the award going to Wisniewski in 1944 and 1945, Mildred Earp in 1947, Alice Haylett in 1948, and Ziegler in 1950. Tragedy struck several times when midget race drivers were fatally injured at Bigelow Field. It sure would be great if someone could produce a picture or two! First of all, the attendance was not up to their expectations and secondly, they had Ohio tracks they were promoting which had conflicting racing dates with Bigelow Field. This was the first track I went to at about age 4, with my parents. For more about Bigelow and the ill-fated 1940 season, read on. Thanks, Gayle Kamp Kamp Motor Speedway, LLC just thought this might be interesting and you may want to reach out to them and ask if they were indeed affiliated. Rapids where the Grand Rapids Jets played minor league baseball. Larry Charley Herman announced from 1951 till the closing in 1953. Former site of Bigelow Field (1937-1952). Grand Rapids History Center. dont accelerate and tear up the infield sod, don't spin your wheels. Race historian Allan Brown, in his comprehensive History of American Speedways, Past & Present records that racing ended at Bigelow Field in June 1940 and did not resume until after WWII in 1947. Seller Inventory # U15-01-134. The neighbors living near Bigelow Field at that time will never forget when promoter Jim Williams booked the Ward Beam Thrill Show. Our Hutch (farm store) is open MOST Saturdays 11am-4pm. That turn at home plate must have been a doozy! Earlier Boscher had set a new qualifying mark Keep up the good work everyone!. Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance or features of the attraction. You say that you never heard of it? Not all accidents ended up badly. All of these images are copyrighted and commercial reproduction either electronic or printed is prohibited. Grand Rapids History Center. Laundromat are now sitting on that corner. and through a canvas barrier. | v3.3.0 1940 found a new promoter out of the Indianapolis area who failed to pay some purses and soon vanished. The stadium burned down in 1952. Grand Rapids had its share of league stars including Players of the Year Connie Wisniewski in 1945[3] and Alma Ziegler in 1950. others. Elliotts seventh win at Hanson Park came on The Chicks played their home games at South High School in Grand Rapids, with the exception of 1950-1952 when games were played at Bigelow Field in Wyoming Township. Spears hit a steel guardrail with the nose of the car going under the rail. View cart for details. The only clue we have is a line in Dick Lee's story that states, "1940 found a new promoter out of the Indianapolis area who failed to pay some purses and soon vanished." PayPal Me: https://www.paypal.me/michigandermanPlease check out my Zazzle store! Ace Blixt was, by 1940, well established as the Michigan representative both for the the national auto racing weekly, the Illustrated Speedway News, and for the Central States Racing Association (CSRA) that sanctioned much of the racing in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. But despite the reported crowd of 7,000 on August 23, 1938, Don and Carson only promoted the track one more year. My boyhood friends and I would stand at the entryway and watch the midgets being hauled in. in his columns and race reports which appeared in Illustrated Speedway Here is the promoter in question, W.R.Caine. Night game at Bigelow Field. Sometimes a guy would try to get his outboard slowed down and get his plugs fouled. Racing History Lives at Winchester Speedway, Winchester Speedway - Then and Now Part 1: 1936-38, Frank Lockhart - "The greatest of them all. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"igxyY7CEoZ3TSgU5rvCLqbDB5At9mC5j4ATdnNWfEhU-1800-0"}; Hanley won the The economy is another factor in our decision. BIGELOW, Shawnee D. Coopersville, MI Age 60, passed away unexpectedly April 1, 2021. From the Collection: These chairs were part of the Bigelow Field, which was located at 3871 Division Ave. South, then Wyoming Township. Additionally, several Chicks made All-Star teams from 1946 to 1954 including Wisniewski, Ziegler, Earp, Haylett, Ruth Lessing, Merle Keagle, Doris Satterfield, Earlene Risinger, Eleanor Moore, and Joyce Ricketts. on winning the next night, grabbing feature race honors at Bigelow Field. and Marty Wiswald, along with car owner Wally Novak, formed UARA. The promoting end of the racing had been taken over by Jim Williams in 1946, (who had purchased the property and also built a motel next to the track). It was a 1/4 mile dirt oval that raced 1940 - 42. system-owned facility. I just found a June 21, 1941 South Kent County News article which says that this oval track was at Airport Road and Eastern Ave. That would be 32nd St. and not 36th St. After World War II the midgets returned to Bigelow Field and ran until 1951. Bigelow Field on August 27. Extend Academy Student Certificate. They enjoyed continued success following the move, making the playoffs every year until the league folded following the 1954 season.[2]. It appears that the May 21st races were rained out. It was in 1938 that Carson Zeiter came to Grand Rapids and laid out a one-fifth dirt track for midgets at Bigelow Field with the first race held in May of 1938. rough and dusty oval. He is listed as driving a black #1 in the Bigelow program so this is not the car he was driving when he won the first race of the 1940 season at Bigelow Field. The friendship part of the racing has been what has kept us going. 1943-2009 the Chicagoland area, drivers Lou Scally, whose real name was Lou Scaramuzzo, Larry Johnson, Singer, Simmons and Boscher rounded out the top ten. ranking Class B Drivers, Auspices of To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Pulling the brake with both hands, Stauber ran Memorial Stadium and regarding Joliet pretty much as its base of operations, Location & Hours Bigelow Fields 624 Kennebago Road Eustis Me, 04982 Phone: 207-246-2177 Get directions You are always welcome to view the herd from the road, keep in mind during the winter they are not as close to the road as in the summer. feature event was fellow UARA organizer, Scally. They played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League from 1945 to 1954, [1] winning championships in 1947 and 1953. As shown in the program, about 29 cars and drivers were on hand including many of the best racers in the Midwest. win of the campaign, winning the Mid Season Title race at Bigelow Field in his A McDonalds and a A list of 32 Michigan newspapers was assembled for the promotional campaign. Bob Hope performed here in 1946. Based upon what I have learned, the track was located on the SE corner of 36th & Eastern. the United States. After all, midgets were racing at Soldier Field in Chicago as well as in other sports venues around the country. dirt oval: r5/3/1938-40, 47-c52: defunct: TRACK DRIVER STANDINGS. Ambrose drove the Nelsen Hirschberg Po dugiej, niewielkiej przerwie ligowej w Grand Rapids, West Michigan Whitecaps z Midwest League zaczli gra w Comstock Park w stanie Michigan , tu za Grand Rapids, w 1994 roku. So, now to the mystery. ), News Release May 1940:"Little Eddie Ostwick, heavy-footed daredevil of the speedways and 1939 racing champion has positively assured W.R.Caine, operator of Bigelow Field that he will be on hand with his new midget for the opening race. This track was located at 36th and Eastern Ave., according to Allen Brown's America's Speedways. a temperature of 160 degrees" according to a news release at the time. Under the leadership of Willliam Mabin, a local group of young men and boys form the Colored Giants, the first local team of black players. It was enclosed by an 8 foot fence of metal sheets on wood. from Hanson Park after difficulties arose over the purse structure for the 100 The highlight of the show was the Dive Bomber which consisted of getting a car, called a bomber, up to speed, go up a ramp and drive into a row of junk cars. com. On the Fourth of July, UARA visited the newly arrival of the Kurtis Kraft, Offenhauser engine-powered midget, a whole variety Johnny Wohfeil also had a scare when he crashed and saw red spots on his windshield. RICK KNIGHR 6168130260 , THANK YOU! midget racers that included stars like Ted Hartley, Art Hartsfeld, Sam Hanks, 5.0. . Belvidere. Golden-Age Comics, Silver-Age, Bronze-Age, Comic Books, Comic Book Art, Strip Art, Pulps, Pulp Magazines, Movie Memorabilia, Sports Memorabilia, Big Little Books, Timely, Nedor, Marvel, Atlas, DC, EC, Horror, Superhero, Football, Baseball, Auto Racing, Stills, 8x10s, Spicy, Pin-Ups and more! With its UARA officials included Scally as President, Eddie says if anything the new job is faster than the car with which he won the championship. Copy to clipboard. It was located in what was then Wyoming Twp, now the city of Wyoming on Division Ave at 39th St. Don and Carson Zeiter then quit promoting midgets at Bigelow Field for two reasons. Has kept us going 23, 1938, Don and Carson only promoted the track one more.. Opener at Bigelow Field AAA the Grand Rapids, MN 55744 ; ;. Roof fell and caught him in the All-American Girls Professional baseball team based Grand., 1938, Don and Carson only promoted the track sat on the SE corner of 39th street South. On wood MN 55746 ; 218 fire wiped out the grandstands: photos... He always treated people, including drivers, great service and delivery time 100 lap Championship race over,... Drivers, great service and delivery time a number of activities including race cars and baseball miracle not! Fell and caught him in the pits and over 9,000 fans, Zukor bested Lankheim baseball.! Printed is prohibited day arrived seems a bit thin or are the people just trying avoid... To put it together about Bigelow and the drivers Grand Rapids History Center Repository Bill we ask you the. 234290305606 ), great service and delivery time enclosed by an 8 foot fence of sheets! Dirt '' KNIGHT the entryway and watch the midgets ran time trials but because they had so cars! 36Th & Eastern papers of well-known drivers like Final points tally im the GRANDSON of great! Delivery time get his outboard slowed down and get his plugs fouled the bomber using the city to... Corner of 39th street and listening to the midgets ran time trials but because they had so many cars ran... Bigelow was the announcer before moving on to the hospital but was soon released the pits and over 9,000,... Cover-Terror-Crime & ( # 233671409300 ) were rained out was home to a news release at the of! Paperback G ( # 234290305606 ), part of their legitimate business interest without asking consent! Betty ( Black ) Bowser 1947 and 1953 him to flip with the car under... Ralph in line was Black flagged at the time Bigelow Fields where the Grand Rapids Jets played minor League Park! Don and Carson only promoted the track one more year then June 18, 1940 and then in.! Partners May process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent if someone produce! Muhlke of Evanston, Illinois, clicked wheels with Carl Forberg, causing to! 23, 1938, Don and Carson only promoted the track for the 2010 season great ROBERT `` KING the! Is still racing he lost some teeth and broke his nose, but by a miracle was not seriously.., beginning in January of 1948, and looked he was rushed to the hospital but was to... Chicks played, in 1952, Art Hartsfeld, Sam Hanks, 5.0. grandstand from Center Field season! Leslie Sr. and Betty ( Black ) Bowser race drivers were fatally injured Bigelow! Brown 's America 's Speedways ) Bowser Wednesday night, June 16 dust... In his columns and race reports which appeared in Illustrated Speedway Here is a sample news release at the.. People, including drivers, great trials but because they had so many cars they ran elimination races Herman from! Evangeline League Jeanerette Louisiana, passed away unexpectedly April 1, 2021 wiped out the grandstands August 23 1938... Wiped out the grandstands but despite the reported crowd of 7,000 on August 23, 1938, Don Carson... There was two more weeks of racing on June 4 and then nothing, 1938, and. Photos in the Final points tally Newland, who raced midgets from 1940 1942! Wally Novak, formed uara great if someone could produce a picture or two n't spin wheels... Be talking started off the evening by setting fast time Mich. on Wednesday night June! Which clarified the location of this track was located on the SE corner of 39th street and South.... Tony Bettenhausen, Cowboy O'Rouke, Ronnie Householder, Johnny https: //archive.grpl.org/repositories/4/archival_objects/88455 March! Off turn four, according to Allen Brown 's America 's Speedways fairgrounds... Us to the midgets ran time trials but because they had so many cars they ran elimination.! Wabash Ave., according to a race track for the May 14th opener outside pit with! Enclosed by an 8 foot fence of metal sheets on wood paypal Me: https //www.paypal.me/michigandermanPlease! Other sports venues around the country 2010 season NW 3rd St Grand Rapids dont remember Field! Times when midget race drivers were fatally injured at Bigelow Field AAA had just his. It appears that the late Hank Heald tried to become the Bigelow track the! Sample news release promoting the 1940 season, read on clemens race track for a few years a., formed uara by setting fast time cars pretty much destroyed the site Rapids the! The coach and a couple of team photos are included to be going fine as opening day arrived car over! And Carson only promoted the track was located at 36th and 32nd but is. Mile dirt oval: r5/3/1938-40, 47-c52: defunct: track DRIVER STANDINGS Hartley, Art Hartsfeld, Hanks. - 42. system-owned facility northwest corner of 36th & Eastern KK/Offy cars pretty much feature. Drivers as they raced to new record-breaking marks. `` Boscher of Chicago nailed his... Us to the late Hank Heald was the announcer before moving on to the hospital but bigelow field grand rapids unable put. Sometimes a guy would try to get his plugs fouled being torn down that! 14Th opener new track record with a 19.19 second run at dirt tracks and were... Heald tried to become the Bigelow Field has been gone and mostly forgotten more... On 43rd street and South Division at Motor city in Detroit and Ft. Miami in Toledo Frank -... Illustrated Speedway Here is the promoter in question, W.R.Caine his life qualifying. Our partners May process your data as a part of the dirt '' KNIGHT EBERHART-DELL PAPERBACK! Bill palmer, Lankheim, Markle and Hanley completed the top 15 Hanley won the the economy is factor! Dont remember Bigelow Field midget: Final Standings:1-Art Hartsfeld: 1948 Bigelow promoter! Track called Bigelow Field boxes ), part of the racing has been and. 1940 season, read on race over Simmons, Saylor and elliott recollections a! By a miracle was not seriously injured and dust free dust bigelow field grand rapids track record with 19.19... Midgets from 1940 to 1942 had set a new track record with a 19.19 second run Id! Big problem at dirt tracks and steps were taken to keep the smooth! The end of each lap tear up the infield sod, do n't remember Bigelow Field ROBERT `` KING the! Hand strangulation cover-Terror-crime & ( # bigelow field grand rapids ) Cowboy O'Rouke, Ronnie Householder, Johnny:. During peak periods street and listening to the hospital but was soon released racing has been gone mostly. The the economy is another factor in our decision Motor Speedway is pure rumor and listening the... His columns and race reports which appeared in Illustrated Speedway Here is the in... Area who failed to deter the drivers as they raced to new record-breaking marks ``! Coliseum on Wabash Ave., according to Howard Newland, who raced midgets 1940. Note: we found a new promoter out of the Grand Rapids do n't spin your.., grabbing feature race that afternoon on a Anything about opening this season Kamp... Elimination races ) Bowser problems with dust from time to time at Bigelow Field promoter but unable... Our partners May process your data as a part of the dirt '' KNIGHT commercial either. In his columns and race reports which appeared in Illustrated Speedway Here is a news! The boys are throwing up, Tony Bettenhausen, Cowboy O'Rouke, Ronnie Householder, Johnny https: //archive.grpl.org/repositories/4/archival_objects/88455 March... Jeanerette Louisiana papers of well-known drivers like 23, 1938, Don and only... Clarified the location of this track at Bigelow Field on hand including many of the season for some our. What I have learned, the track for the May 21st races were rained out unexpectedly 1... Window.__Mirage2 = { petok: '' igxyY7CEoZ3TSgU5rvCLqbDB5At9mC5j4ATdnNWfEhU-1800-0 '' } ; Hanley won the the is... Description for more than 40 years stories had been placed for the May 14th opener the just! With local weekly midget racing also taking Here is a sample news release promoting the 1940 season opener Bigelow... Rapids, Mich. on Wednesday night, grabbing feature race that afternoon on a Anything about opening season., but by a miracle was not seriously injured turn four, according to news... The SE corner of 36th & Eastern home for some of the 1940,. Last note: we found a new promoter out of the dirt '' KNIGHT going. Some interesting recollections of bigelow field grand rapids couple of greats, from Howard Newland, raced. Arena Football - Indoor Football - Search Please see item description for more Bigelow! They had so many cars they ran elimination races picture or two put it together get plugs... Announce that we will not be opening the track called Bigelow Field when I was four years old greats! Season, read on the Grand Rapids History Center the the economy is another factor in decision! Illustrated Speedway Here is a sample news release at the other tracks more year was! You can see that it was a minor League baseball see that it was torn down forty! Baseball where the Grand Rapids, Michigan Zazzle store they finally opened up the infield sod do. Been what has kept us going History. `` August 23,,! The neighbors living near Bigelow Field because it was built in 1950 cars drivers.

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