Raceland (estate)
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_postcard.jpg) A postcard of Raceland, c. 1930–1945 | |
 Interactive map of Raceland | |
| Location | Framingham, Massachusetts, United States |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 42°17′23″N 71°27′24″W / 42.2897°N 71.4567°W |
| Owned by | John R. Macomber |
| Date opened | June 1927 |
| Date closed | 1935 |
| Race type | Thoroughbred |
| Course type | Flat, jump |
Raceland was a 220-acre (89 ha) estate in Framingham, Massachusetts, owned by John R. Macomber. The estate contained Macomber's residence, stables, dog kennels, as well as a horse track, steeplechase course, and golf course.[1]
Raceland was built in 1925. It was designed by the firm of Parker, Thomas & Rice.[2] The original structure was a 150-foot-long (46 m) wooden frame building with a slate roof. Macomber's residence was located on one end of the building and the stable was located at the other.[3] There was also a one-half-mile (0.80 km) flat track, a seven-eighths-mile (1.4 km) steeplechase course, and an enclosed area for spectators.[4]
Racing began in June 1927,[5] and Macomber opened Raceland to the public free of charge for one day of the annual horse meet.[6] By 1930, the meet attracted 29,200 spectators.[4] On August 1, 1930, a fire that started in the hayloft resulted in $200,000 worth of damage as well as the death of Macomber's favorite dog.[3] The only thing left of the buildings were the foundations.[4]
Second structure
During the winter of 1930–31, work was begun to rebuild Raceland. The stables and club house were built with the same plans, but instead used brick, stile, steel, and concrete to make the structure more fire resistant. The club house was also enlarged.[4] The steeple of Macomber's home was topped by a weather vane depicting his most famous horse, Petee-Wrack,[1] a half-brother of Triple Crown winner Gallant Fox.[7]
