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Though slightly warmer then than now (but still dangerously close to and below zero), Daytonians of 1898 were hardly cooped up in their homes. No, they were ice skating and racing “fast and furious” horses down First Street in a “sleighing carnival.” And a report from the Dayton Evening Herald — an ancestor to today’s Dayton Daily News — makes it sound absolutely fantastic.
“The continued cold weather, together with the abundant fall of snow, has rendered possible the enjoyment of two pleasurable winter sports, skating and sleighing,” the 1898 report said.
“The river between Main and Bridge streets has been the scene of merry sport for several days past, and hundreds of skaters have been on hand every day and night to enjoy this healthful pastime. … The broad expanse of ice, dotted here and there with bright bits of color from caps and scarfs, furnished a pretty scene to hundreds who stopped upon the bridges to look as they passed.”
Blocks away, First Street “was the center of attraction for persons who enjoy sleighing and racing.”
“The usual corps of police officers was on hand to keep the street clear and to assist in case of accident. A number of fast horses were on the street, and some good races, with hot finishes, were witnessed.
“Among the flyers was one of Sam Wagner’s trotting horses. The race between this horse and Will Ward’s ‘Prince Farley,’ had one of the hottest finishes of the day, in which Wagner’s horse lost ‘by a nose.’ Walter Good’s black trotter was in good form and showed up well.
“‘Chief Justice,’ from the Rowe stock farm, was one of the speediest horses present, but did not race.
“John Lytle had his pretty horse there, but did little racing. Doctor O. E. Francis had more fun than any body with his steady bay pacer, as he raced with the ‘scrubs’ at every opportunity. Dr. Welliver and Dr. Palmer were also in a line with their horses.
“The little horse owned by Mrs. T. A. Phillips is a beauty, and went ‘like a streak.’ Mrs. Mike Haas had one of the best ‘snow’ horses present, and the way the animal kept its feet, and distanced its competitors is worthy of comment.
“Scott MacDanold and his wife took turns in driving their spirited animal, but Scott’s friends say that he can take lessons of his wife in handling the ribbons. Lack of space prevents the mention of many others who raced good horses. From 2 to 5 the sport waxed fast and furious, and crowds of interested spectators witnessed the fun from the sidewalks.”
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