Between the Covers

Hardcover. An archive of 22 letters and documents from 1891 through 1899 pertaining to the closing of the Long Beach Racetrack in Monmouth Park in Eatontown, New Jersey. Housed in a contemporary white quarto binder measuring 12¾” x 10”. Some general age toning and creasing to the letters from being mailed, but otherwise near fine with clean typewritten text.

The letters largely focus on the Long Beach Racetrack's taxation issues. In 1894 the racetrack was shut down due to the owner's inability to pay its taxes, as well as further complications from the new state betting laws. The Township Committee of Eatontown ordered a seizure and sale of the track and other related properties. John Stilwell Applegate, state senator and the founder of the Red Bank Law Firm, is a part of the correspondence vouching for the unfair and “illegal” amount of money taxed on the track. Several documents contain information about the trial including the names of the state attorney general, prosecutors, defendants, and the accused. The track was home to several important races including the Champion Stakes, Freehold Stakes, and the Monmouth Cup. The track has since been renamed as Monmouth Park Racetrack and is home to several music and sports festivals as well as being restored for its original purpose as a racetrack.

A detailed account of the Long Beach Racetrack’s financial and historic hardships at the turn on of the century.

Item #426128