Published 5:00 am Monday, July 22, 2024 By Terry Hapney By Terry L. Hapney, Jr. The Ironton Tribune 1924.
Calvin Coolidge became the first U.S. president to deliver remarks via a radio broadcast from the White House.
J. Edgar Hoover was appointed head of the FBI. Al Jolson, Aaron Copland and George Gershwin enjoyed success in music.
It was also when John Oliver “Jack” Keene, who would later see a horse-racing track named after him in the Lexington area, opened “Raceland Park” in Chinnville in Greenup County, where the city of Raceland is now. Known as the “Million Dollar Oval,” the newest track in the U.S.
then was “situated in a hollow surrounded by picturesque hills,” per a 1924 Chicago’s Daily Racing Form. “Raceland sets a picture that is refreshing to the view. The new Kentucky racetrack is a modern one in every detail and rivals the massive tracks of the East.
The main racing strip is wide and thoroughly safe; the turns banked in the most approved fashion give evidence of safety for the flying thoroughbreds. The stands and other buildings, the secretary’s office and jockey enclosure are of brick construction,” the article continues. It is because of the impact of this track on generations of area residents that Greenup County Tourism will hold a centennial celebration.
Jaime Bloss, director, said her organization is “proud” to celebrate the racetrack’s heritage. “This event gives residents and visitors a chance to learn about the history o.