Whatever Happened to the Newsies?
Racetrack's Story
By Hope Denton
For those of you who haven't been reading my articles, I'll fill you in. I began a search for the whereabouts of the leaders of the Newsboy Strike of 1899. I began my search at Irving Hall with Medda Larkson. She was able to lead me to Kid Blink, now a Vaudeville performer. He was able to give me the location of another newsie, Racetrack Higgens. This is Racetrack's story.
For those of you don't know or haven't figured it out, this newsie was known for his trips to Sheepshead Racetrack. He was also known for losing. He did not seem to have a knack for betting until one day six years ago, his luck turned. Suddenly the former newsie hit a streak of good luck. He began to win at almost every race and before long he had amassed a large fortune for himself. With that fortune he bought his own racehorse, which he called Central Park. The horse began to win and a favorite saying around the track became "Try Central Park, it's guaranteed!"
Racetrack now owns several racing horses including the winner of the Kentucky Derby, named King of New York. Racetrack is unmarried and is considered one of the most eligible bachelors of New York, having won an even larger fortune from his horses than he did betting on other people's horses. Racetrack was able to set up a meeting for me with another ex- newsie so I should have another story soon.
Author's note: Okay the Derby wasn't that big then, but we'll pretend. Thanks for all the reviews. Now to address a few concerns…
VinylNoMiko, no I would not marry Race to Medda, Davie maybe but not Race…he's mine!
Christie, Mush and Spot are coming, soon.
Stage, hmmm, Specs, huh…I hadn't thought about his yet…must go have a brainstorm session
Everyone else: Rae Kelly, Kora, and Alicia: Thank you for the reviews…you rock!
Now get out there and review this chapter!
Racetrack's Story
By Hope Denton
For those of you who haven't been reading my articles, I'll fill you in. I began a search for the whereabouts of the leaders of the Newsboy Strike of 1899. I began my search at Irving Hall with Medda Larkson. She was able to lead me to Kid Blink, now a Vaudeville performer. He was able to give me the location of another newsie, Racetrack Higgens. This is Racetrack's story.
For those of you don't know or haven't figured it out, this newsie was known for his trips to Sheepshead Racetrack. He was also known for losing. He did not seem to have a knack for betting until one day six years ago, his luck turned. Suddenly the former newsie hit a streak of good luck. He began to win at almost every race and before long he had amassed a large fortune for himself. With that fortune he bought his own racehorse, which he called Central Park. The horse began to win and a favorite saying around the track became "Try Central Park, it's guaranteed!"
Racetrack now owns several racing horses including the winner of the Kentucky Derby, named King of New York. Racetrack is unmarried and is considered one of the most eligible bachelors of New York, having won an even larger fortune from his horses than he did betting on other people's horses. Racetrack was able to set up a meeting for me with another ex- newsie so I should have another story soon.
Author's note: Okay the Derby wasn't that big then, but we'll pretend. Thanks for all the reviews. Now to address a few concerns…
VinylNoMiko, no I would not marry Race to Medda, Davie maybe but not Race…he's mine!
Christie, Mush and Spot are coming, soon.
Stage, hmmm, Specs, huh…I hadn't thought about his yet…must go have a brainstorm session
Everyone else: Rae Kelly, Kora, and Alicia: Thank you for the reviews…you rock!
Now get out there and review this chapter!