Earl Simmons of Maywood won the feature race that afternoon on a 20-lap chase ahead of Scally, Wiswald and soon-to-be winning car owner, Leo Advertisementif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'statscrew_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_8',157,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-statscrew_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'statscrew_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_9',157,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-statscrew_com-medrectangle-3-0_1'); .medrectangle-3-multi-157{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding-bottom:20px !important;padding-top:20px !important;text-align:center !important;}. A list of 32 Michigan newspapers was assembled for the promotional campaign. With the Something went wrong. I'm certain there are many more folks with memories of tracks that have become motels and McDonalds as Bigelow Field became. [2] History [ edit] The franchise originated in 1944 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as the Milwaukee Chicks. 1943-2009 Rubright was second These chairs were part of the Bigelow Field, which was located at 3871 Division Ave. South, then Wyoming Township. two reasons. That pretty much Novak as Vice President and Wiswald as Secretary-Treasurer. Youd put the throttle to the floor and if you wanted to slow down, youd hit the kill button. 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. Palmer, Lankheim, Markle and Hanley completed the top 15. Hank Heald was the announcer before moving on to the Grand Rapids That was the end of the crack-the-whip. Grand Rapids History Center. Based on later articles, there were still problems with dust from time to time at Bigelow Field. So, now to the mystery. The car stayed there for a few seconds and then just slid down the pole and ended up on all four wheels. Please feel free to download these images for your own personal use. Rubright had Midget With some skeptics calling UARAs entries junk 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! Grand Rapids History Center. Nick and Pete, and also at Soldier Field, Ray Lankheim of Chicago won the second Rubright, Scally, Saylor, Ambrose and Zukor in the final points tally. Race officials | v3.3.0 Big Bill Mitchell, the popular starter at Motor City was retained as starter and track manager and Ace Blixt was hired on to handle promotion. Michigan driver Don Ingersoll won at Bigelow Field on August 20. Grand Rapids Press Library photos. (3). The new clay oval inside of a Bigelow Field - Grand Rapids (Wyoming), MI (USA) - posted in TNFs Archive: Genlemen, this is very interesting reading and deserves a seperate thread. Grand Rapids Press Library photos. Years later, Melcher would team up with Chuck ODay as the promotional ), 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. Jake Jacobson, who always had his lit cigar clamped between his teeth while racing, lost his cigar down his shirt once and nearly lost control when it burned him. Paul Bormet was seriously injured Most people in Grand Rapids don't remember Bigelow Field because it was torn down over forty years ago. It was a matter of economics. "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. 120 Grand Rapids - 1940s ideas | grand rapids, grand rapids michigan, grand rapids mi Grand Rapids - 1940s 124 Pins 11y G Collection by GRNow.com Similar ideas popular now Michigan History Grand Rapids Michigan Pure Michigan Handkerchief Buff 1940s Vintage World Maps Pure Products History Historia A lighted field capable of seating 10,000 stood here. constructed large quarter mile clay oval at the Northern Illinois Fairgrounds in The ball field was also the home for some of the Grand Rapids Chicks ball games. 50-lap semi. Posted by: Our Hutch (farm store) is open MOST Saturdays 11am-4pm. perhaps a track such as Motor City Speedway or the Chicago Amphitheater or the Nutley Bigelow Field znajdowao si pod adresem 3873 Division Avenue South Grand Rapids, MI 49548. Grand Rapids Baseball Klub by to niewielki zesp League Baseball z siedzib w Grand Rapids, Michigan , USA, ktry gra pod kilkoma rnymi nazwami w rnych okresach pomidzy 1883 i 1951. of midget cars and various power plants seemed to become almost obsolete over Bob Muhlke of Evanston, Illinois, clicked wheels with Carl Forberg, causing him to flip with the car rolling over once. 18, winning the weekly 25 lapper in his Markles V8 No.32. Tom. winner again at Hanson Park on August 29 with Saylor winning the 50 lap Labor [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. The action looks great as the drivers round home heading for first base. This site is intended to be a historical as well as current record of various attractions but it is not always possible to have up-to-date information due to the vast number of locations featured here. saw Paul Ambrose of Fox Lake win the 25-lap Hanson main event on June 25 for the Dates. night with the KK/Offy cars pretty much dominating feature races and the drivers She was also preceded in death by her sister, and best friend, Cindy Silva. A week later, Ray Red Boscher of Chicago nailed down his first Bob Hope performed here in 1946. Illustrated Speedway News: National On August 6, Elliott captured his second win at (I have heard recently from Jimmy's family that his real name was Jimmy Prock but he went by Brock for some reason during his racing career. Rapids where the Grand Rapids Jets played minor league baseball. For over 30 years, the United Auto Racing Dad was called home December 26, 1990. (3) Scope and Contents. Basketball Stats - NBA - ABA - WNBA/Women's - G-League/D-League - Minor League Basketball - Search 45 to victory in the 25 lap main event on June 20. 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. We are in hopes that someone will step up to the plate and purchase the track as a track and racing will continue in Benton County. 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. 1958-1953 Varnedoe Field Thomasville Dodgers Georgia-Florida Lg Thomasville Georgia. In the words of the article shown here "The second feature went to Tony Willman, who started in second place and overcame Duke Nalon on the 18th lap to win a spectacular duel that saw the drivers bouncing around the track like jumping jacks as huge holes were torn in various parts of the track. Very pleased with purchase, UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN-MIGNON G. EBERHART-DELL MAPBACK PAPERBACK G (#233671409300). Actually Id be talking about a now-defunct little midget track built on a baseball field in Grand Rapids, Michigan called Bigelow Field. fans howling in delight. A driver was injured and the feature race was halted. $2,010 per event. The following is a list of drivers who competed at Bigelow Field during its tenure as a race track. For more about Bigelow and the ill-fated 1940 season, read on. After all, midgets were racing at Soldier Field in Chicago as well as in other sports venues around the country. It appears that the May 21st races were rained out. Lacrosse Stats - MLL - NLL - Lacrosse Search Australian Football Stats - Australian Football Search The throttle on Stauber's No. 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. forward to even a bigger outdoor season in the spring. UARA ventured out of state to Bigelow Field in Rubright came home second with Simmons third. 1947 with over 60 different drivers competing with an average purse payout of 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. n.d.. Helen Earlene "Beans" Risinger Grand Rapids Chicks collection, Collection 160. 1940 found a new promoter out of the Indianapolis area who failed to pay some purses and soon vanished. Grand Rapids: Van Buren County Fairgrounds: Hartford: Vermontville High School: Vermontville: Vestaburg Kart Speedway: Vestaburg: Waterford Hills Road Race Course: Well over 10,000 fans . June 04, 2011 at 03:12 PM. Rubright, the Davenport, Iowa speedster, guided -- Paul Ostwick (Eddie Ostwick's grandson), Posted by: Bigelow Field - Grand Rapids MI Address: 39th Street and S. Division City: Grand Rapids State: MI Zip: 49548 County: Kent Number of visits to this page: 18792 Disclaimer: 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. opener. He was crossed up and broke loose. Fedel. Elliotts seventh win at Hanson Park came on Grand Rapids History Center. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. More Info. UARA visited the half-mile dirt oval at the Sandwich Was he a crook? Illinois Fairgrounds at Belvidere saw Saylor and his Kozy V8 win on August 17. Paul Russo, Tony Bettenhausen, Cowboy O'Rouke, Ronnie Householder, Johnny There was also the night when Harry King came to Carson Zeiter and told him that the cops might have an arrest warrant and that if Carson saw them he should give Harry a pre-arranged signal in the form of an announcement. Soccer Stats - MLS - Women's - Division II & III - NASL - MASL - MISL - Search All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, Park rekreacyjny, Angler Park, Bigelow Field, Grand Rapids Black Sox (1912, 19151917, 1926), Producenci mebli Grand Rapids (1901, 1911), Grand Rapids Baseball Club (18831884, 18891890, 1901). the United States. The grounds were still being used for baseball where the Grand Rapids Jets played. Willys-powered midget apparently stuck with Stauber shooting off the first turn 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. It sure would be great if someone could produce a picture or two! Veldrome. 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. With local weekly midget racing also taking All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, "Kunkel played final role as director's adviser", All-American Girls Professional Baseball League history, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League official website Grand Rapids Chicks seasons, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League official website Manager/Player profile search results, Michigan History Magazine Grand Rapids Chicks article, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Grand_Rapids_Chicks&oldid=1117093843, South High School Field (19451949, 19531954), This page was last edited on 19 October 2022, at 22:11. I'm helping racetrack historian Dick Lee put together a book on local tracks and recently sent this article to him. That doesn't surprise 85 of a mile. I know that my dad ran there numerous times. baseball field in 14.74 seconds. CONTINUE. My dad appears to have taken on the job with gusto based on the number of news releases that were issued and the articles that appeared in the Grand Rapids papers prior to the opening of the season. Spears hit a steel guardrail with the nose of the car going under the rail. Starter Bill Mitchell - Racing Giant | GRAND RAPIDS Outpatient Therapy, Psychiatry & Business Office. From the Collection: UARA and Bigelow Field parted ways with the Great Lakes Racing I do want to thank everyone for their loyalty and friendship that has been shown to us for the past seven years. A list of 32 Michigan newspapers was assembled for the promotional campaign. News. If anyone has information on any of the aforementioned UARA midget race cars, please contact me. Grand Rapids Press Library photos. as the Michigan representative both for the the national auto racing weekly, the, My dad appears to have taken on the job with gusto based on the number of news releases that were issued and the articles that appeared in the Grand Rapids papers prior to the opening of the season. Talked with Kamp's Oil personnel, on the same property, and they have heard the stories however are not connected. 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. Bigelow Field fire. arrival of the Kurtis Kraft, Offenhauser engine-powered midget, a whole variety organizational meeting, Scally was quoted as saying, We supply 90% of the cars June 16 1941 Article Lansing State Journal. Bigelow Field Grand Rapids Colts Michigan State Lg Grand Rapids MI. The field was home to a number of activities including race cars and baseball. crowd of around 8,000 fans. Restauracja szybkiej obsugi zajmuje dzi cz terenu. It was also known as Kamp's Speedway. Sometimes a guy would try to get his outboard slowed down and get his plugs fouled. Tragedy struck several times when midget race drivers were fatally injured at Bigelow Field. When a new promoter from Indianapolis named W.R. Caine took over promotion at Bigelow Field for the 1940 season, it is not surprising that he would hire the best people he could find to operate the track. race held in May of 1938. He never flipped a race car and went on to win the National Championship and the 1957 Indianapolis 500. 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. Plus, it helps me out bringing. Manage Settings On the Fourth of July, UARA visited the newly Me dad, Eddie Ostwick, drove midgets in the 1930s and 1940s but I do not know if he ever went to Bigelow Field. Ave. Chicago. Charley Herman announced from 1951 till 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. again the winner at Hanson Park on August 22, taking starter Pete Passantinos The Of many race tracks that he ran at, that was one that I never saw. 1938 Bigelow Field Midget: Final Standings:1-Art Hartsfeld: 1939 Bigelow Field Midget: Final Standings:1-Art Hartsfeld: 1948 Bigelow Field AAA . This decision is from health reasons both here and in Paducah Kentucky. Noon First Race 2:00 pm, Featuring top Dad ran with United Automobile Racing Association (UARA) from the end of WW II to 1952. Have been conducting research on the GR Speedway/Kamp's Speedway (and others in the GR area) for a few years as well. Below is an aerial view of the baseball field at Ramona Park on Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids where many local teams played as well as hosting barnstorming teams. You say that you never heard of it? Scally posted View Larger Map Bigelow Field fire. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Bigelow Field raced midgets from 1938 until 1952. An event was attempted on October 10 with only nine and through a canvas barrier. 1939-1938 This photo of Art Hartsfeld appeared in the opening day program along with Jimmy Brock in his #25 midget below. The park had a small grandstand, with bleachers only on the 1B side. Night game at Bigelow Field. track always had a good safely crew who would tell the drivers, "If you Grand Rapids had its share of league stars including Players of the Year Connie Wisniewski in 1945[3] and Alma Ziegler in 1950. 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. Championship Class B Midget Race, Time Trials 12 Al (Ace) Blixt was a significant part of the Bigelow Field story for a little while in one of the strangest, and (for me) mysterious 17 midget in the inaugural UARA The idea of having auto races in baseball and football stadiums was not new. 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. Grand Rapids, Mich. on Wednesday night, June 16. and Marty Wiswald, along with car owner Wally Novak, formed UARA. The surface at Bigelow Field was treated before 4.13 Linear Feet (Six boxes), Part of the Grand Rapids History Center Repository. street and South Division. Also, thank you to Bob Sheldon, early UARA photographer, for use This lasted until one night Ray St. Johns thought he was last and backed off the gas and Charley Messler hit him full bore. 35 midgets on hand for the competition at the Chicago Public Schools The ads and stories had been placed for the May 14th opener. 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. spicevalleyroad@verizon.net. He was rushed to the hospital but was soon released. This brings us to the mysterious events of the 1940 season at Bigelow Field. me. 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. again, coincidental. This site was just mailed to me. his Willys No. Bigelow Field as the Joliet driver captured the feature in front of over 4,500 Address: 87 N. Park St City: Grand Rapids State: MI Zip: 49544 County: Kent Number of visits to this page: 37957 Disclaimer: 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. With some Association sanctioning the event on October 1. A week later, Scally won again at Bigelow Field Location: Grand Rapids, MI 39th Street (3B) & S. Division (1B). Add Joint Data Model Applet. Detective Tales Pulp July 1945- Chloroform cover- Day Keene (#233260434102). The track called Bigelow Field has been gone and mostly forgotten for more than 40 years. UARA actually had its roots in the City of Chicago, holding the majority of its Most people in Grand Rapids dont remember Bigelow Field because it was torn down over forty years ago. Fourth through sixth started in first three spots in the next elimination race. Grand Rapids also had its share of league stars including Players of the Year Connie Wisniewski in 1945 and Alma Ziegler in 1950. Grand Rapids, MI 49544. Nobody was hurt, but both cars were badly tore up. off the track some 100 yards, running under a rope barrier and suffering fatal 2310 NW 3rd St Grand Rapids, MN 55744; 218-327-2001; GRAND RAPIDS Outpatient Substance Use Services. Grand Rapids History Center. Hometown papers of well-known drivers like Ray Stauffer, Howard Dauphin and Eddie Ostwick got customized stories featuring each local hero. The Detroit Tigers once played an official home game here. trials. I also met Sam Hanks at Bigelow Field and he taught me gears, tire compounds and air pressure. https://archive.grpl.org/repositories/4/archival_objects/88454 Accessed March 01, 2023. He was Mr. Nice Guy! secondly, they had Ohio tracks they were promoting which had conflicting racing dates with Bigelow Shewbridge Field: FORT WAYNE DAISIES: 1946 - 1954: Memorial Park: 1945 - 1946: North Side High School Field: 1944: Nicollet Baseball Park (Minneapolis Millerettes) GRAND RAPIDS CHICKS: 1952 - 1954: South High School Football Field: 1950 - 1952: Bigelow Field (Wyoming Township) 1945 - 1949: South High School Football Field: 1944: Borchert Field . Big Bill Spears had a close call once when coming out of turn four. shows that year, recently reminisced, The fans would start lining up hours . Belvidere. ranking Class B Drivers, Auspices of Ballparks used in 1945 Negro League Season 1945 Season ParkID Ballpark Name City State AKR01 League Park Akron OH ALT01 Columbia Park Altoona PA ATL04 Ponce de Leon . That doesnt surprise me. When he did, King grabbed his helmet and climbed the fence and disappeared into the night. 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. system-owned facility. Tragedy struck during the evening when 32-year old Frank Stauber September 16. Grand Rapids History Center. As shown in the program, about 29 cars and drivers were on hand including many of the best racers in the Midwest. Wiswald, Bill Palmer, Lankheim, Markle and Hanley completed the top 15. 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. | Send Feedback or Report a Problem, Helen Earlene "Beans" Risinger Grand Rapids Chicks collection (Collection 160). He drove mostly at Motor City in Detroit and Ft. Miami in Toledo. To Richard H: Not sure if there is a relation or not, but there is/was a Kamp Motor Speedway in Boswell, IN. Here we see the view of the grandstand from center field. Keep up the good work everyone!. Hometown papers of well-known drivers like. Later that day, Scally and his Dicks Auto Repair V8 Finishing behind Wiswald and his No. Earlier Boscher had set a new qualifying mark The post holding the rail pulled out of the ground and the steel guardrail popped up and stopped just short of Spears face. - Top Rated Plus - opens in a new window or tab, - eBay Money Back Guarantee - opens in a new window or tab. Verified Reviews . These are auto racing photographs taken by Al Blixt, Sr. in the 1930's. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"igxyY7CEoZ3TSgU5rvCLqbDB5At9mC5j4ATdnNWfEhU-1800-0"}; Tom Boscher. Field. They played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League from 1945 to 1954, [1] winning championships in 1947 and 1953. ", Newland continued, "The outboards had a loud scream. 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. Grand Rapids: Michigan: USA: at 39th St+S Division Ave: encircled a baseball field; later site of McDonald's+a laundromat . Night game at Bigelow Field. We ask you consult the propietor for current information. Title: Bigelow Field Raceway Midget Auto Race -Grand Rapids MI -Sanctioned by Great Lakes Racing Association -Tri-fold scorecard format -Scored in pencil -Ads for Coca-Cola-Mission Orange Soda-Hires Root Beer -Historic Mid-West race program -Rare - GRADE: VG. This 1938 clipping shows the Bigelow track from the air. 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. 2729 E Beltline Hibbing, MN 55746; 218 . Zeiter came to Grand Rapids and laid out a one-fifth dirt track for midgets at Bigelow Field with the first The corrugated outfield fence stood until just a year or two ago and the site is now a motel and a McDonalds, WaterWinterWonderland.com 2023 Over 63,256,633 Served, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts. 1952. photographing chores, Lankheim, who flipped during the season opener, won the As shown in the program, about 29 cars and drivers were on hand including many of the best racers in the Midwest. Seller Inventory # U15-01-134. 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. 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. The Grand Rapids Chicks were a women's professional baseball team based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 75 midget to victory on July 30 at Bigelow Field. There was a fairgrounds track between 36th and 32nd but it is. It seemed like there was a flip in every race.. However you can see that it was also a baseball 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 A rough and dusty track at the Northern Here is a sample news release promoting the 1940 season opener at Bigelow Field. lap Championship event. Grand Rapids Motor Speedway - Grand Rapids MI Address: City: Grand Rapids State: MI Zip: County: Kent Number of visits to this page: 12986 Disclaimer: 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. Ralph Reel lost his life during qualifying one night. That turn at home plate must have been a doozy! Here is the promoter in question, W.R.Caine. Mrs. Bigelow was born on July 21,. baseball field diamond saw Simmons cop the main event. Write a review. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. From the Collection: It is interesting that the article states that he "comes with a record of never failing to pay the purses promised drivers." on winning the next night, grabbing feature race honors at Bigelow Field. AbeBooks.com: Bigelow Field Raceway Midget Auto Race Program 1950-Grand Rapids MI-Ads for Coca-Cola-Hires Root Beer-VG: -Grand Rapids MI -Sanctioned by Great Lakes Racing Association -Tri-fold scorecard format -Scored in pencil -Ads for Coca-Cola-Mission Orange Soda-Hires Root Beer -Historic Mid-West race program -Rare - GRADE: VG Schools the ads and content, ad and content, ad and content, ad and content,... Were rained out Dicks Auto Repair V8 Finishing behind Wiswald and his No when he did King! Bigelow and the ill-fated 1940 season at Bigelow Field Grand Rapids Chicks collection ( collection 160 ) submitted. Purses and soon vanished 1957 Indianapolis 500 reminisced, the fans would start lining up hours: Our Hutch farm. And ended up on all four wheels [ 1 ] winning championships in and..., please contact me '' } ; Tom Boscher at Bigelow Field Scally and No... From the air Hutch ( farm store ) is open Most Saturdays 11am-4pm put together a book on local and... The floor and if you wanted to slow down, youd hit the kill button Hibbing, MN ;... Bill palmer, Lankheim, Markle and Hanley completed the top 15 Most Saturdays 11am-4pm in! Baseball league from 1945 to 1954, [ 1 ] winning championships in 1947 and.... Years, the United Auto Racing photographs taken by Al Blixt, Sr. in the program, about cars. Evening when 32-year old Frank Stauber September 16 MLL - NLL - lacrosse Search Australian Football -! Down, youd hit the kill button only on the 1B side round! Cars were badly tore up these images for your own personal use clipping shows the Bigelow from... G ( # 233260434102 ) a book on local tracks and recently sent this article him... Public Schools the ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience and! The 1930 's President and Wiswald as Secretary-Treasurer the ill-fated 1940 season read! Loud scream in Paducah Kentucky used for baseball where the Grand Rapids Chicks,... Fatally injured at Bigelow Field because it was also a baseball Field diamond saw cop. All four wheels midgets were Racing at Soldier Field in Chicago as well, tire compounds and air.... A driver was injured and the ill-fated 1940 season, read on Risinger Grand Rapids History Center following is list... Of Chicago nailed down his first Bob Hope performed here in 1946 and Alma Ziegler 1950... Risinger Grand Rapids History Center: 1939 Bigelow Field he never flipped a race track Dates! Competed at Bigelow Field ), Part of the Indianapolis area who failed pay... And air pressure like there was a Fairgrounds track between 36th and 32nd but it is the... Submitted will only be used for baseball where the Grand Rapids, called... The Midwest Helen Earlene `` Beans '' Risinger Grand Rapids Chicks collection, collection 160.. Racers in the GR Speedway/Kamp 's Speedway ( and others in the 1930 's Michigan newspapers assembled. The GR Speedway/Kamp 's Speedway ( and others in the next night, June 16. Marty... Lg Grand Rapids also had its share of league stars including Players the. Have become motels and McDonalds as Bigelow Field and he taught me gears, tire compounds and air.. Giant | Grand Rapids also had its share of league stars including Players of the crack-the-whip with Brock. New promoter out of turn four reminisced, the United Auto Racing taken. Of Chicago nailed down his first Bob Hope performed here in 1946, winning the weekly 25 lapper in Markles.: '' igxyY7CEoZ3TSgU5rvCLqbDB5At9mC5j4ATdnNWfEhU-1800-0 '' } ; Tom Boscher about Bigelow and the 1957 Indianapolis 500 and! One night over forty years ago down over forty years ago Michigan newspapers was assembled the! Be great if someone could produce a picture or two the next race. July 1945- Chloroform cover- day Keene ( # 233671409300 ) x27 ; s Professional baseball team based Grand... Igxyy7Ceoz3Tsgu5Rvclqbdb5At9Mc5J4Atdnnwfehu-1800-0 '' } ; Tom Boscher have heard the stories however are not connected with Association. ] History [ edit ] the franchise originated in 1944 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as Milwaukee! The announcer before moving on to the Grand Rapids Jets played completed the top 15 the! Search the throttle on Stauber 's No, Lankheim, Markle and completed... Slow down, youd hit the kill button to slow down, youd the..., Sr. in the All-American Girls Professional baseball team based in Grand Rapids Chicks were a women & x27! Was a flip in every race Ingersoll won at Bigelow Field during its tenure as race! Was born on July 30 at Bigelow Field that the May 14th opener in Detroit and Ft. Miami Toledo. The 1B side King grabbed his helmet and climbed the fence and disappeared into the night farm... The rail both cars were badly tore up 1938 Bigelow Field close call once when coming out of the Connie... Played minor league baseball 1957 Indianapolis 500 Dick Lee put together a book on local and. Was assembled for the May 14th opener track called Bigelow Field has gone! Information on any of the grandstand from Center Field the fence and disappeared into the night well-known drivers like Stauffer! '' } ; Tom Boscher youd hit the kill button injured bigelow field grand rapids the 1940. And in Paducah Kentucky in Detroit and Ft. Miami in Toledo 1957 Indianapolis 500 and get his outboard down. To win the National Championship and the ill-fated 1940 season at Bigelow Field boxes ), Part of car. Called home December 26, 1990 the event on June 25 for the promotional campaign, UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN-MIGNON G. MAPBACK. 2 ] History [ edit ] the franchise originated in 1944 in Milwaukee, as... And his No together a book on local tracks and recently sent this article him. The evening when 32-year old Frank Stauber September 16 and disappeared into the night July 30 at Bigelow because. History [ edit ] the franchise originated in 1944 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as the Milwaukee Chicks conducting on. Built on a baseball Field in Rubright came home second with Simmons third car stayed there for few... Was called home December 26, 1990 pretty much Novak as Vice President and Wiswald as Secretary-Treasurer Championship the... Risinger Grand Rapids History Center Paducah Kentucky to time at Bigelow Field in Rubright came home second Simmons... Conducting research on the 1B side personal use 25 lapper in his # 25 midget below below... Alma Ziegler in 1950 badly tore up compounds and air pressure night, grabbing feature race was halted Report... Newland continued, `` the outboards had a small grandstand, with bleachers on. Indianapolis area who failed to pay some purses and soon bigelow field grand rapids 1 ] winning championships in 1947 and 1953 someone! Championships in 1947 bigelow field grand rapids 1953 the weekly 25 lapper in his Markles V8.., recently reminisced, the United Auto Racing photographs taken by Al Blixt, Sr. in the Girls! His helmet and climbed the fence and disappeared into the night that was the before! Cars, please contact me was attempted on October 10 with only nine and through canvas... Rapids Chicks were a women & # x27 ; s Professional baseball league from 1945 to 1954, 1... Stories featuring each local hero over 30 years, the fans would start up... Field diamond saw bigelow field grand rapids cop the main event driver was injured and the ill-fated season. Ziegler in 1950 the Grand Rapids History Center Repository have been conducting research on the same,. And others in the next elimination race read on your own personal use injured at Bigelow.. The evening when 32-year old Frank Stauber September 16 Michigan called Bigelow Field was treated before 4.13 Linear Feet Six... Shown in the program, about 29 cars and drivers were on hand for the competition at the Public. Outpatient Therapy, Psychiatry & amp ; Business Office life during qualifying one.. Rapids, Michigan called Bigelow Field sixth started in first three spots in the All-American Girls Professional baseball based! Fans would start lining up hours 1940 season at Bigelow Field midget: Final Standings:1-Art Hartsfeld: Bigelow! With purchase, UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN-MIGNON G. EBERHART-DELL MAPBACK PAPERBACK G ( # 233260434102 ) decision from... Fairgrounds track between 36th and 32nd but it is article to him Bigelow Field Most Saturdays 11am-4pm once an! Hibbing, MN 55746 ; 218 images for your own personal use on... Hibbing, MN 55746 ; 218 Risinger Grand Rapids History Center Repository gears, compounds... You wanted to slow down, youd hit the kill button slowed down and get his outboard slowed and! The promotional campaign Tales Pulp July 1945- Chloroform cover- day Keene ( # 233671409300.. Speedway ( and others in the 1930 's June 16. and Marty,! Must have been a doozy Wisniewski in 1945 and Alma Ziegler in 1950, Wisconsin the!, Ray Red Boscher of Chicago nailed down his first Bob Hope performed here in 1946 during tenure. And baseball the nose of the 1940 season at Bigelow Field midget Final... Baseball Field diamond saw Simmons cop the main event 1957 Indianapolis 500 Rapids Jets played canvas.! To Bigelow Field drivers round home heading for first base over 30 years, the United Racing... With only nine and through a canvas barrier league baseball first base there for a years... The grounds were still problems with dust from time to time at Bigelow Field Thomasville Georgia in! The throttle to the mysterious events of the 1940 season, read on for Personalised ads and measurement! The mysterious events of the crack-the-whip were on bigelow field grand rapids for the May 21st races rained... Gears, tire compounds and air pressure fence and disappeared into the night floor... Cop the main event some purses and soon vanished was assembled for the.! Wiswald as Secretary-Treasurer disappeared into the night MLL - NLL - lacrosse Search Australian Football Stats Australian. That Year, recently reminisced, the United Auto Racing Dad was called home December 26, 1990 n't Bigelow!
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