SILVER ACRES

Molo's Silver Acres track near present-day Flora Park in Dubuque attracted hundreds of racing fans. Photo courtesy: Center for Dubuque History

SILVER ACRES. Developed by Bart L. MOLO, the quarter-mile track located near the grounds later developed into FLORA PARK was constructed around a mound of earth from which the entire thirty-foot wide track could be seen. Mainly used for the family’s pleasure at watching trotters or fancy-stepping Hackneys, the track also stabled horses of several other owners. Molo constructed Silver Acres to share his interest in horses and to promote the idea of Dubuque becoming again one of the nation's centers of harness racing. (1)

The project of constructing Silver Acres was started in 1936 on a nine acre farm along Middle Road that later was renamed "Pennsylvania Avenue." In 1937 the farm stables sixteen horses with prospects of constructing room for more. Molo's personal stable included four pacers and trotters, a team of Hackneys, and team of ponies, two pony colts, and a saddle horse. There were several buildings including a blacksmith shop, tack room with saddles and other equipment, and a buggy shed. The latter building was a museum of antique means of transportation including a phaeton, a single-seated cutter, a two-seated sleigh, and buggies once used by some of Dubuque's most prominent families. These vehicles, all constructed at the CONNOLLY CARRIAGE MANUFACTORY, had been stored away in farm barns until the owners learned of Molo's hobby. Unlike the half-mile-long track DUBUQUE DRIVING PARK or NUTWOOD PARK for years the only mile track west of the MISSISSIPPI RIVER, the Silver Acres' track was one-quarter mile. (2)

During the summer of 1937, Molo planned to construct a private club house on the top of the mound. From there, guests could enjoy sheltered viewing of the races. Events could be held during the day or at night since the grounds were equipped with fourteen 500-candlepower floodlights. Management of the grounds was provided by Arthur R. (Buddy) Waite, a veteran trainer of harness horses who had been a member of the staff at the Stout farm. (3)

The first annual show and race meet was held in Dubuque on

Molo's Silver Acres track near present-day Flora Park was the scene of the 1939 Horse Show.

The track was used for horse and 4-H shows. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

Program from 1949: Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

Photo courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/pages/You-know-you-grew-up-in-Dubuque-Iowa-if-you-remember/130170407077838

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Source:

1. "Horse Races, 'Sport of Kings,' May be Revived in Dubuque," Telegraph-Herald, February 7, 1937, p. 8

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.