Fairground Heritage Preservation Group

Little Known Facts about Nashville, Tennessee

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From the Book More Nashville Nostalgia By E. D. Thompson Page 5

Little Known Facts about Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is Famous in many different ways. During the 1910 Tennessee State Fair,the citizens witnessed the worlds first night-time airplane flight which took off from CumberlandPark. The plane was equipped with automobile headlights. The date was June 22, 1910. OldCumberland Park is where our Tennessee State Fairgrounds are still located.

The Cumberland Fair and Racing Association Nashville Tennessee

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Godfrey Halbone Fogg
Nashville Term son of Godfrey M and Ellen Stevenson Fogg was born June 15 1843 at Nashville In college he was a member of Linonia and AK He left 64 about May 1 1861 and was an officer in the Confederate Army until June 1865 since then he has resided at Nashville engaged in the practice of law and is now of the firm of East & Fogg general counsel to the Nashville Chattanooga & St Louis RR He has been or is a member of the City Council President of the McGarroch & Mt Vernon Horse RR Co Director in the Nashville Chattanooga & St Louis RR Director in the City Library Association President Nashville Cotton Mills President Dallis Cotton Mills Huntsville Ala President Cumberland Fair and Racing Association Nashville He was married May 25 1863 in Jefferson County Miss to Miss Mary Lape and has had four children I Francis Brinley born June 18 1864 in Jefferson Co Miss AB Harvard 1885 graduated in Law at Vanderbilt University Nashville 1887 II Boy born 1866 died in infancy III Boy born 1870 died in infancy IV Mary Lape born July 8 1875 at Nashville His address is Nashville Tenn History By Princeton University Class of 1894, John McGill White, Robert Perkins Jack

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Fair 12

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Tennessee Breeders Stakes (Jan 25th 1903)

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118491310

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Tennessee Breeders Stakes (Jan.4th 1901)

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118459816

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Fast Miles at Nashville (Oct 21st 1891)

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103344156

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Tennessee Breeders Spring Stakes

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100480760

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Racing at Nashville (May 3rd 1878)

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80681636

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The property has quite an interesting history. Originally built to host harness racing, the 270-foot long grandstand could seat 7,000. The stables accommodated 350 horses, including entries from all across the country. An electric car made trips every five minutes from the Wedgewood Avenue gate to the grandstand and clubhouse atop the hill. Also, in June of 1904, the harness racing track hosted its first automobile race. Barney Oldfield, America's most famous racing driver of the period appeared at the track. A new world speed record was established when Herbert H. Lytle averaged 56.58 mph over an eight-mile distance. It was now a formidable dirt track called Cumberland Park which would later become known as the fairgrounds. In 1958 the track converted to asphalt hosting racing legends, Bobbie & Donnie Allison, Coo Coo Marlin and Red Farmer, who was born and raised within blocks of the TN State Fairgrounds. In 1958 the track hosted the first NASCAR Grand National Series which later became the NASCAR Winston Cup Series that ran through 1984. From 1984 through present day the track has been home to such great races as the All American 400 and the ASA Southeast – boasting such winners Darrell Waltrip & Rusty Wallace…while being home to one of the most successful short track, weekly racing series in the Southeast.

About the Tennessee State Fair and Fairgrounds
The Tennessee State Fair draws attendees and participants from 76 of Tennessee's 95 counties and 18 other states in 2006 and more than 230,000 people attend each year.
The Tennessee State Fairgrounds serve as a center for business, civic, cultural and social activities, and attracts more than one million people each year. The fairgrounds recently completed $2.4 million in building renovations and improvements. Built specifically for meetings, conferences, trade shows and special events, the 117-acre event venue is less than one mile south of downtown Nashville, with direct access to I-440, free on-site parking and eight buildings totaling more than 120,000 square feet of space. More information on the fair and fairgrounds can be found at www.tennesseestatefair.org.

Committee Proposal

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Committee Proposal

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Tenn Fairgrounds Race Track Covers History

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Racing expected to return to fairgrounds this year

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http://www.tennessean.com/article/200990106048

Fairground Heritage Preservation Group

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Message Board

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There are some good things are about to happen for the Fairground Heritage Preservation Group but first we need some donations so we can get a web space and maybe some flayers and maybe some T-shirts and some yard signs see we are trying to help the people of Dist. 17 and the people that are in the community over by the Tenn. State Fairgrounds. But see we need your help with some donations and yes we are a true grass roots group now we are asking for a bit help from the community. So if you can help please do every little bit helps so please if you can give a little.

http://lisaleeds2010.proboards.com

Mayor looks ahead with optimism

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http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008812310343

Karl Dean "As for the fairgrounds, there are a number of positive enterprises that bring revenues to Nashville's coffers flourishing there, such as Christmas Village and the flea market; however, the neighbors are concerned about the noise generated from the racing activities." While the fair has not been profitable as of late, according to Chrysty Fortner, the director of marketing of the state fair, the "entire experience for the state fair is being reinvented.''

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Hi to all I am looking for some help we are a new grass roots group that is that is has been trying to help save the Fairgrounds/Race Track and how we need some help we need rise some money so we can put out a web site, flyer's, and maybe some yard signs. But what ever you can give would be a lot of help so please help us.

Fairgrounds Heritage Preservation Group

The race is on to have season at Motorplex

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http://www.tennessean.com/article/2009901030345

Save Nashville Speedway Petition

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Save Nashville Speedway Petition

Help Save the Fairgrounds/Race Track

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If you do not keep up with the news, you may not be aware that the State Fair Board has been accepting proposals to move the State Fairgrounds here in Nashville and sell the property to developers. However, the Tennessee Legislature, back in 1909 when the Fairgrounds were first established, passed legislation to make any sale of the Fairgrounds illegal. The Legislature specified that if Davidson County wished to divest itself of the Fairgrounds, it could only be under certain conditions, and then the property could only revert to the original owners. The obvious intent was to bar Davidson County from making a "windfall" profit from the sale of property that belongs to the people of Tennessee.

However the current Fair Board, apparently in an effort to increase the Davidson County tax base, feels that it's OK to attempt to side-step the Legislation and sell the Fairgrounds.

But even if it were legal to sell the Fairgrounds, it's likely to cost more to move it and develop a new location than to leave it where it is and to make improvements on the current property. Further, the Fairground is surrounded by middle-class housing, which would likely suffer an additional tax burden if the proposed extensive new development were to take place. Most of the re-development proposals involve building condominiums and/or strip malls.

Currently the Fairgrounds are very centrally located for all the residents of Davidson County with ideal access both by public transportation and interstate connections. So far, the only proposal for the new location is on property in Bordeaux, near the county landfill. This would be a limiting factor as far as access to the Fairgrounds by the majority of residents. This central location is also a selling point for non-fair events such as the Christmas show, the flea market and other events.

The Fairgrounds also currently contribute to the local businesses such as restaurants, motels, and gas stations surrounding the property.

At this time, the top four money-makers for the Fairgrounds are the flea market, the racetrack, wrestling matches, and the annual State Fair. All of these would be impacted as far as attendance and participation if the Fairgrounds were moved to an outer part of the county. A non-central location would also be a limiting factor to increasing the non-fair usage for other shows and events.

The noise generated by the racetrack has been mentioned as a factor, but the racetrack has been there for over 100 years, with auto racing having over a 50 year history there. The racetrack has been there and in operation before any of the local residents moved into the neighborhood; therefore they were all well aware of any racetrack noise before they moved into the area. And there have been some recent improvements in the sound levels by limiting the practice times of the race cars and requiring mufflers to be installed on them.

The Fairground property itself is also rich in history, other than the history of the State Fair and the racetrack. That property is that last large portion of the original tract of land owned by John Rains, who came to this area along with James Robertson to found the city of Nashville. There was once a blockhouse fort on this property that supported the defense of Fort Nashboro.

Surveys taken of the local residents indicate an overwhelming majority wish the Fairgrounds to remain right where it is, and for improvements to be made to the property.

So why is the Fair Board even considering the illegal sale of the Fairgrounds? The only reason that seems evident, is that it would make a short-term profit for Davidson County.

But this short-term profit would be more than compromised by the additional tax burden on the local residents, the loss of income to local businesses, the loss of revenue due to a non-central location and the cost of establishing a new fairgrounds and all of it's facilities. Not to mention the historical loss.

But this does not have to be. The Fairgrounds belong to you, the people of Tennessee, and you, the people can insist that the Fair Board and Davidson County follow the existing legislation and leave the Fairgrounds in its present location and make the needed improvements to keep it a viable property for the people.

You can do this by making your wishes known to the "powers that be." If we the people write the Mayor, the City Council, the Fair Board— even the governor and your state legislators if you wish—then we can insure that the law is followed. Tell them that you want this property that belongs to the people to remain intact. The only changes that need to be made are improvements. Tell them to follow the law as it is written.

If we all stand together, we can be assured that this valuable asset remains forever the property of the people, and will be passed along to our children and our descendants, just as it has been for the past 100 years.

Here is our proposal that we sent on behalf of the people of the State of TN. http://lewisdt.com/lpmndc/FairgroundsProposal.pdf

Help Save the Fairgrounds/Race Track

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If you have read the newspaper or watched the news there could be a great injustice going on at the [Nashville, TN] Fairgrounds/Race Track. They (city) are trying to take your Fair Grounds and sell it to a Developer and move your State Fair and you the people of the State of TN that is your property and you have a say on if you want the Fair to Stay or Go. You the people of the State of TN need to tell the Fair Board to leave your property alone. And leave the State Fair right where it is. And fix it up. The City/State does not need to burden on the tax payers to move the Fairgrounds. Because, if they move the Fairgrounds the property taxes around the Fairgrounds property will go up. No, this is not right at all.

According to the City Charter the Fair Board can not sell that property and could be a great injustice being done to the people of the State of TN. Where you need to look in the City Charter is Administration Fair Board Commissioners Acts of 1909 Chapter 490 Section 7 and this was passed 1909.

COMPILER'S NOTE: This general law established the Board of Fair Trustees of the State of
Tennessee. Sections 2 and 7 directly pertain to Davidson County.

SECTION 2. That the said Board of Fair Trustees is hereby invested with the power,
authority, and duty to take complete charge and control, in behalf of the State of Tennessee, of any
property which may hereafter be purchased by Davidson County and conveyed or leased by Davidson
County to the State of Tennessee for the holding thereon of a State Fair, and they shall use and
maintain said property by holding thereon at least once a year for not less than six days a fair or
exposition for the benefit of the people of Tennessee, at which shall be exhibited, as far as possible,
the resources and developments of the State of Tennessee and the progress of its people in all kinds
of enterprise and endeavor. ...

SECTION 7. That should any property be conveyed or leased by Davidson County to the
State of Tennessee as aforesaid, for the purpose of holding thereon said annual fairs, the said Board
of Fair Trustees shall use and maintain said property for the purpose set forth in this Act, and should
said property, without good and sufficient cause, such as bad weather, fire, storm, pestilence war, etc.
cease to be used for the purpose herein set forth for a period of two years, beginning with the last day
of any annual fair, then and in that event said property, with all fixtures thereon, shall revert back to
and become the absolute property of the donor or conveyor, and all right, title, and interest whatever
in said property which shall have been acquired by the State of Tennessee shall become null, void, and
extinguished. This provision shall constitute a condition of the acceptance and use of said property
by the State of Tennessee. In this manner and upon this condition the State of Tennessee through
its said Board of Fair Trustees, shall accept and use such property as may be conveyed, leased, or
otherwise tendered to the State of Tennessee by Davidson County for the purpose of holding thereon
an annual State Fair; ...
Passed: May 1, 1909.

METROPOLITAN BOARD OF FAIR COMMISSIONERS
Sec. 11.602. Functions and duties.
It shall be the duty of the metropolitan board of fair commissioners to:
(a) Exercise all the powers and perform all the duties heretofore or hereafter imposed on the Board of Fair Commissioners of Davidson County, as established by chapter 490 of the Acts of Tennessee for 1909 and chapter 515 of the Private Acts of 1923 and amendments thereto.
(b) Within the limitation of its budget appropriation and funds otherwise available, employ and fix the compensation of such personnel as may be necessary.
(c) Perform such other duties as may be imposed upon the board by ordinance

The other matter is the Race Track and truthfully that is part of NASCARS History.
To all would you all please find in your heart to help us save the Race Track at the Fairgrounds here in Nashville, TN.? As some of you know they are trying to do a way with the State Fair and also the Race Track so if you like racing please sign this petition.
http://www.petitiononline.com/RaceFair/petition.html

I am just one person and I alone can not stop what could be an great injustice by myself I need the people of the State of TN to help so I call on you the people of the State of TN to stand with me and help me fight what could be an great injustice. And together we can beat the Fair Board and the City. Here is my proposal that I have sent on behalf of the people of the State of TN.
http://lewisdt.com/lpmndc/FairgroundsProposal.pdf

Help Save the Race Track/Fairgrounds

2008-12-25T20:05:00.000-08:00

If you have read the newspaper or watched the news there could be a great injustice going on at the Fairgrounds/Race Track. They (city) is trying to take your Fair Grounds and sell it to a Developer and move your State Fair and you the people of the State of TN that is your property and you have a say on if you want the Fair to Stays or Go’s. You the people of the State of TN need to tell the Fair Board to leave your property alone. And leave the State Fair right where it is. And fix it up. The City/State does not need to burden on the tax payers to move the Fairgrounds. Because, if they move the Fairgrounds the property taxes around the Fairgrounds property will go up. No, this is not right at all.According to the City Charter the Fair Board can not sell that property and could be a great injustice being done to the people of the state of TN. Where you need to look in the City Charter is Administration Fair Board Commissioners Acts of 1909 Chapter 490 Section 2 and 7 and this was passed 1909.

The other matter is the Race Track and truthfully that is part of NASCARS History.To all would you all please find in your heart to help me save the Race Track at the Fairgrounds here in Nashville, TN.? As some of you know they are trying to do a way with the state fair and also the race track so if you like racing please sign this petition.
http://www.petitiononline.com/RaceFair/petition.html

I am just one person and I alone can not stop what could be an great injustice by myself I need the people of the State of TN to help so I call on you the people of the State of TN to stand with me and help me fight what could be an great injustice. And together we can beat the Fair Board and the City.

The proposal that we put in for the people of the State of Tennessee
http://lewisdt.com/lpmndc/FairgroundsProposal.pdf