If I remember correctly, Samuel Cox was into horse racing and also jousting tournaments in the days after the Civil War. I wonder if Grey Medock was one of his mounts in these fields.

Jousting tournaments were big events here in Maryland up until the 1960s, and there are still some held in Charles and St. Mary's Counties. Prince George's County is also known as the home of American Thoroughbred racing. The State of Maryland has always been known for its fine horse flesh.

(04-13-2013 11:22 AM)Laurie Verge Wrote:  If I remember correctly, Samuel Cox was into horse racing and also jousting tournaments in the days after the Civil War. I wonder if Grey Medock was one of his mounts in these fields.

Jousting tournaments were big events here in Maryland up until the 1960s, and there are still some held in Charles and St. Mary's Counties. Prince George's County is also known as the home of American Thoroughbred racing. The State of Maryland has always been known for its fine horse flesh.

Up through the 1980's, Maryland was the #2 state in the country for the horse racing industry, second only to Kentucky. Maryland has dropped way off being surpassed by several states, including New Jersey....how embarassing.

Don't forget Virginia, birthplace of Secretariat!


Ridgeway - grandson of Secretariat, Hanover County, VA
at his Grandpa's birthplace, "The Meadows"

Not only are we popular in KY for horse racing, we're pretty good at college basketball.

Roger Powell, a ranger and historian at Ford's said that a horse blind in one eye was not that uncommon during the 1800s. Any of us that have had to go out in a field and try to get a horse that lets you get within a few feet, then takes off know the frustration. An owner would sometimes put out an eye so they could approach a horse on that side without being seen. My daughter cares for a number of horses and one is blind in one eye, and it is a very frisky animal, difficult to manage. Approaching from the blind side works.

Black Caviar, unquestionably one of the greatest of all time, retired yesterday after going 25 for 25 in her racing career. She was not that well-known in the USA as she never raced here, but she was something to behold. I watched many of her races on TVG. The only time I remember her almost losing a race was when the jockey eased up on her thinking he had the race won. That was a squeaker as she just barely held on.

Quote:Roger Powell, a ranger and historian at Ford's said that a horse blind in one eye was not that uncommon during the 1800s. Any of us that have had to go out in a field and try to get a horse that lets you get within a few feet, then takes off know the frustration. An owner would sometimes put out an eye so they could approach a horse on that side without being seen. My daughter cares for a number of horses and one is blind in one eye, and it is a very frisky animal, difficult to manage. Approaching from the blind side works.

OMG - how CRUEL !!

My horses always neighed and came to me when I whistled or called. Occasional treats work even more wonders - but you can't give them too many (especially sugar) or they will develop a nipping habit if they don't get it! Kindness and bonding with animals work better than cruelty....it's a shame more Victorians didn't realize that!

What was the "Booth barometer?"

Hint #1: This has to do with something John Wilkes Booth did.

The term was coined by William Withers Jr. He was the orchestra leader of Ford’s Theatre. As Booth was trying to make his escape out the stage door after shooting Lincoln, he smashed into Withers and slashed through his coat with a knife, leaving a good scar on his arm. Withers called it the “Booth Barometer.” Every time there was a storm brewing, the injury would hurt.

You are correct, Kate! That's it!

Excellent, Kate.....A+

Which employee of Ford's Theatre stood 6' 5"?

(05-01-2013 06:31 AM)RJNorton Wrote:  Which employee of Ford's Theatre stood 6' 5"?

Joseph Sessford?

You are correct, Dave. Good job.

Source: Jim and Rich's book.