Freehold Driving Club Badge

Period1904

MediumSilk, brass, celluloid, paper

Dimensions4.38 in. (11.1 cm)

InscribedPrinted on silk, "WHITEHEAD & HOAG Co. / NEWARK, NEW JERSEY" Stamped on back of pinbar, "W.H. CO. NEWARK, N.J. PAT. AUG. 1. 99"

SignedSigned on the paper admittance tag in black ink, "M. Applegate"

ClassificationsBadges, Buttons, Medals, & Ribbons

Credit LineMuseum Collection

Object numberB-567

DescriptionA circular brass rimmed celluloid medallion suspended from a red silk ribbon and brass pinbar holding a paper admittance tag. Vertical black lettering on the front of the ribbon reads "MEMBER." On the medallion is a black and white side profile of a racehorse, and printed lettering reading "FREEHOLD DRIVING CLUB / 1904."
Curatorial RemarksThe Freehold Driving Club was formed in 1895, when 52 local men leased a half-mile trotting track on 20 acres of land in Freehold, Monmouth County. The club held frequent trotting meetings and trials on the track until 1902, when the Freehold Driving Club was incorporated and purchased the grounds for $4,500. At this time, a golf course was also developed on site. The Club was disbanded in 1909, and the Freehold Driving Association was organized. One of the priorities of the new Association was rebuilding the old track, which was considerably worn and unappealing to horsemen.

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