SC Rewind: Argyle Farms Opens

In the latest edition of the weekly Rewind,  Robert Smith recalls the opening of a new breeding farm in Central Ontario almost 50 years ago.   The grand opening of "Argyle Farms" located on the Guelph Line just north of Mohawk Raceway was celebrated in rather grand style.  Read on to hear about some of the details. 

When the Ontario Sires Stakes Program was announced in 1973 and started in 1974,  it spurred an entirely new chapter in Canadian harness racing and especially in Ontario.  The new era would see increased growth and activity in a multitude of directions.  The stakes series, which was for two- and three-year-old competitors of both gaits, immediately created a lot of changes.  One of the first was a need for more breeding operations. 

After the opening of Mohawk Raceway in 1962, the area surrounding the then newly constructed track soon began to attract new residents.  Many were folks interested in Standardbred racing, training and breeding.  A number of farms and properties with acreage were converted to horse operations from their former usage.  A few years ago a Rewind was devoted to this area and some of the people who were local harness racing enthusiasts.  (Feb. 28, 2015) 

On Thursday, November 14, 1974 the newly created Argyle Farms held their official opening.  It was not exactly your regular "tea party" but rather a well planned and detailed get together,  complete with a sitdown meal.  Hosted by farm owners Howard and Mary Oster,  they rolled out the red carpet to a number of people then involved in the sport and business of harness racing.  

The central structure of the newly redesigned farm was the refurbished  barn which had undergone a complete transformation.  A local construction firm Campbell Construction of Milton was in charge of the rebuild with a price tag of $25,000.  Work was carried out by Ken Campbell and Clare Mathies of Campbell Construction.  The 110 x 40 foot barn contained 22 stalls as well as other necessary quarters.  Part of the get together included a ceremonial ribbon cutting to kick off the festivities.  

Photo courtesy of The Canadian Champion 

Somewhat reminiscent of the old barn raisings of yesteryears, the Oster's barn opening was a good excuse for a feast.   Guests sat at one long table which was set up in the centre aisle of the main horse barn.  About twenty horses watched from their sideline stalls while guests dug into a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings.  The catering staff at the Charles Hotel in Milton were in charge of the sumptuous repast.  At one end of the table sat a rather large cake which was inscribed with the words "Congratulations Howard and Mary" flanked by candles.  

As a nod to the past, the farm's previous owner Albert Schouten of Milton was also an invited guest.  He ran a large turnip growing operation there for many years prior to selling the property.  He spoke with pride as he said "We used to fill this barn with 40,000 turnips every fall" as he looked about the area.  On this occasion there were no turnips in sight (they may have been on the menu),  just tables filled with guests,  horse stalls, tack rooms and the makings for a large dinner.  

Among but not limited to those mentioned here were the following people, either directly or indirectly associated with some area of the Standardbred industry.  Ted and Charles Armstrong of Armbro fame, both very familiar with operating a horse breeding farm, were on hand to offer their best wishes and Ted proposed the toast at dinner.  Also attending were such well known figures from harness racing as Mac Cuddy, Ron Waples, Laurance Geisel, Bill Wellwood, Bill Carroll, Don Furness, Clive Blackmore and Vern Barber. A few others were on hand such as Arnold Belore, a senior judge,  Ed Bradley, director of racing for the O.J.C. and I'm sure a few more.  

The new farm had John Jones as the manager and he came to the job well schooled in all aspects of the Standardbred business.  By this time he had been with Mr. Oster since about 1970 having previously worked with the Keith Waples stable so he had learned from one of the best. 

Armbro Mystic

Armbro Mystic owned by Howard and Mary Oster appears in the Flamboro winner's circle.  Mr. Oster is at the horse's head with Neil MacKay, P.R. man with Flamboro.  Driver Brian Webster was joined by a number of unidentified guests. 

Despite being a relative newcomer to the sport,  Howard and Mary Osler had a very accomplished horse in their stable.  Armbro Mystic, a top class pacer, had provided them with a number of wins and thrills on the track already.  At one time he was driven by Brian Webster and they won quite a few races for the Osters.  They raced at numerous tracks and even went to Sudbury Downs to compete in the annual Nickel Plate Race, their signature event.  When the farm officially opened this horse was listed as one of the three stallions available although he was still racing.  Also on the farm roster was Smog and Sir Dalrae. 

Armbro Mystic paces to victory at Flamboro in this 1974 photo with Brian Webster in the sulky.  He also had success with other drivers such as Russ Furness and Nelson White. 

See the Trivia question below. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wolfgang von Richtofen owners of Wolfhill Farm with their trotting mare Varioca M. They were guests at the opening. Their farm was located on the Guelph Line near 15 Sideroad not too far from the new Argyle operation.  He was also a successful thoroughbred trainer as well as being a trustee of the Ontario Jockey Club. Their specialty was European-bred trotters. 

Above is an early years ad for Argyle Farms (Hoof Beats) 

Closing note: The Argyle Farm is still in existence and serves as a Veterinarian clinic and training centre.  It has changed ownership a few times since its opening.  

Quote For The Week: "If you even dream of beating me, you'd better wake up and apologize."  Words of Muhammad Ali, legendary boxer. 

Today's Trivia Question? - Can you identify the driver of the #3 horse in the above photo and while you're at it see if you can name the horse as well.  They were both well known for many years. 

Who Is It? 

Who are these two chaps? This photo came to me without any names attached so any assistance will be appreciated.  I think I can get one! The awning you see in the background is a slight clue.  Years ago a lot of stables had them as part of their setup.  Anyone recognize the two dogs (or deux chiens) ?

Where Was It?

Can you identify where this old photo was taken? Back in the day it was a pretty busy and popular place.