To the Editor:

The Guilderland Historical Society will hold its monthly meeting at the Guilderland Public Library on April 17, beginning at 12:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.

There will be a short business meeting followed by a presentation by Doug Cornwell. Doug is an associate member of the Altamont Fair and a volunteer. Doug’s presentation will be about racing at the Altamont fairgrounds.

The oval at the Altamont fairgrounds has seen a lot of uses and a lot of thrills. From its first harness horse race in 1893 to the beginning of its automobile racing in 1910, the competition has entertained fans.

For example, did you know that Lee Wallard, the winner of the 1951 Indianapolis 500, was from Altamont? Lee is buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery.

There will be many pictures offered as well as stories of Lee and several of the other racing competitors and events throughout the years.

The Guilderland Historical Society is an active group. One sign of that is that the Guilderland Historical Society has secured 10 new historical markers between the years 2023 to 2025. There are at least two more in the works.

Refreshments will be served.

Gardner Gurney

President

Guilderland Historical Society