Welcome to this cyberplace, set up as a space for news and reviews of A Gentleman of Pleasure and occasional jottings about John Glassco. Five years have now passed since publication, and I've moved on to other projects, but I'm leaving this up with the thought that those drawn to Glassco's writing will find something of interest.

03 July 2011

Celebrating the Foster Horse Show


Not today, of course, but one of many Sundays past in which thousands would gather at John Glassco's Jamaica Farm. From the same article, published in the 28 July 1966 edition of the Eastern Townships Advertiser:


The Foster Horse Show began sixty year ago as a bit of a lark, but grew to be one of the largest equestrian events in the country. At its height, the show nearly overwhelmed Glassco's grounds. It was estimated that as many as 5000 people attended in 1964, all to the benefit of the Brome-Missisquoi-Perkins Hospital in nearby Sweetsburg.

Eastern Townships Advertiser, 15 July 1964

Eastern Townships Advertiser, 29 July 1964

Glassco played host to the show for more than two decades, before age and concerns over insurance and liability forced him to give up the role. It was moved nine kilometres down the road to the village of Knowlton, where it lived until 1998, when it was moved to Bromont's Olympic Equestrian Centre.

Saturday, July 16, will see the unveiling of a plaque honouring Glassco, Graeme Taylor and the other founders of the Foster Horse Show: Harry Wallace, Miles Rhicard, Gilbert Rhicard, Ann Johannson and Stan Fewster, along with announcer James Blackwood and ringmaster George Rogerson.

This comes as part of the Knowlton Wordfest – still in its infancy and already one of the very finest Canadian literary festivals. I'll be in the audience... it is not to be missed.


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