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Horse Show: 1909

November 1909. The 25th annual National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden in New York, in one of those ultra-detailed yet otherworldly views so characteristic of large-format glass negatives (8x10 inches here). View full size.

November 1909. The 25th annual National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden in New York, in one of those ultra-detailed yet otherworldly views so characteristic of large-format glass negatives (8x10 inches here). View full size.

 

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Equal Opportunity?

I like the glowing sign on the far wall: NAT'L HORSE SHOW ASSOCIATION CLUB, FOR MEMBERS ONLY

Was that a constant reminder to the members that the riff-raff weren't allowed? Otherwise who was that sign meant for?

[A members-only reception through the exit. - Dave]

Green Decor

In all the photos of early-20th century special events we've been seeing here, from presidential inaugurations to housewares sales, it's interesting to note how common it was for the venues to be festooned with plants, flowers, leaves, garlands, branches, wreaths and other vegetable matter of a similar nature. Considering the logistics of the undertaking here gives one pause, particularly the rafter-festooning part.

One-Tenth Horse

Gossip from the Nov 10, 1909 Washington Post:


The New York Horse Show appears to be nine-tenths fashion plate and one-tenth horse.

An article in the prior day's edition described the spectacle:


It is doubtful if Madison Square Garden ever looked prettier than it did at the evening session of the horse show. The many electric lights suspended from the candelabra and entwined among the wreaths that formed the decorations all over the building glistened on a scene of rare beauty, which was in marked contrast to the sombre colors that were displayed at former horse shows. It made the setting of the scene presented by by the box occupants and those who were in the arena seats and on the boardwalk a very fitting one and rather enhanced the beauty of the delicate costumes worn by the women.

We Have One of Those!

Called my wife in to see this fabulous photo and was rewarded with a scream of recognition. She recently restored (admittedly not in period colors!) her 1895 Runabout which seems to be almost identical to the one in the foreground. Minor differences, of course, as there were literally tens of thousands of this popular model manufactured by hundreds of companies and individuals.

Everything old is new again. This photo from 1999 and the buggy is still running quite well, ready for another hundred years.

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