148 



Believing that no Club could ultimately succeed, and preserve its 

 independence, that did not own its own race ground, it determined, some 

 years back, in 1835, to purchase the Washington Course from the heirs 

 of the original stockholders of the property. This measure was sug- 

 gested by its late valuable and zealous Solicitor, John L. Wilson, Esq., 

 and perseveringly advocated by its Secretary, Dr. Irving. The Course 

 was consequently purchased in 183G. The good effects were imme- 

 diately seen, by an increase of its income from the rent of the booths 

 and the receipts at the gates. 



Until the year 1837, the Starting Post and Jockey Club Stands for 

 tlie accommolation of visitors, were at the south. -east corner of the 

 Course. At a nueting of the Club, February 27, 1837, it was proposed 

 to remove them to their piesent location — the north-west corner of the 

 Course. A committee was appointed for this purpose, and to take 

 measures, at the same time, for ascertaining the exact length of the 

 Course, and if short of a mile, to have it lengthened and improved, and 

 to do all such other matters as promised to be beneficial, and promot- 

 ive of the legitimate objects of th-; Club. 



The present Graml Stand, and other buildings for the accommodation 

 of ladies, and the invited guests of the Club, were erected in 1837, from 

 designs by Relr.hardt, an architect from Germany, a pu])il of the great 

 Shinckle. The entrance to the Ladies' Stand is froin the rear of the edi- 

 fi -e, the la lies alighting fr<>in their carriages, prote.;ted bv an arrhed 

 way from the weather, and a^jend a flight of stairs, which (conducts to a 

 handsome saloon, coaimunicating by largj windows, (the whole height 

 of4lio building, fro n the ceiling to the floor,) with a wide balcony, 

 cal(.ulaled to accommodate many hundred spetiiators, and commanding 

 a full view of the Couise. On either side of the saloon are retiring and 

 refreshment rooms. These ditferent compartments are carpeted, and 

 furnished in gor> 1 taste, and reserved for the ladies that mav honor the 

 Club with their attendance. The balcony of the Grand Stan:! descends 

 gra lually by easy steps to the Course, but without any egress in that 

 dire.'tion ; whilst in the basement, the arrangements for the convenience 

 of the Stewards, an 1 the comfort of the Jo.-kies, when weighing, chang- 

 ing their liveries, &c., are excellent. 



To the right of the ])rincipal Stand is a separate Stand for the officers, 

 the President, Vice-Presiilent and Timers, and immediately opposite (a 

 string suspended from one building to the other), is a box for the Starter 

 of the horses. The Course, for a considerable distance on both sides of 

 these buildings, is enclosed by a stout picket fence, sufficient to shut out 

 the crowd fiom that part of the Course, and to keep it private, but in 



