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Where in the Hudson Valley…?
You’re not horsing around, Hudson Valley! We regret not placing bets on our keen readers, who raced to identify the location of Hambletonian’s Monument from last month’s equine riddle. Many of you pinpointed the Great Progenitor’s whereabouts on the appropriately named Hambletonian Avenue in Chester, Orange County. But the prize goes to Patricia Howe of Goshen, whose correct entry crossed the finish line by just a hair. The subject of this month’s puzzler was also a champion, but of a completely different kind of race. See page 128, and good luck.
I passed the monument a couple of years ago and stopped to see it. Being a horse lover I was fascinated with it, although I didn’t know the whole story.
Bob Sawick
Saugerties
My law office is located in Chester, and I pass the monument frequently. It is tucked between two private homes, and is pretty neat.
Helen Ullrich
Chester
We visited the monument while staying at the Hambletonian House Bed and Breakfast, right down the street.
Tana Hayes
Highland
We pass by this monument every day on our way to school!
Joelle Newsome
Via E-mail
I’m a proud graduate of Chester High School, and our student body was known as “the Hambletonians.” As you can see in the picture, there is damage about a third of the way down from the top caused by a severe windstorm (late 1980s or early 1990s), which knocked over the monument and cracked the top off. However, it was soon righted and repaired. Thanks for the great story. I learned some things I didn’t know about the famed horse.
David Levy
New Windsor
When I was growing up in Poughkeepsie, our family doctor was Dr. John Cotter. He raised trotters that raced in Goshen, and my dad and I spent many days watching his horses race. Dad often took me to see Hambletonian’s monument and recounted for me the history of harness racing and its importance to the Hudson Valley. I shall forever treasure those memories.
Frank Spingler
Bethesda, MD
