Vanderbilt Cup Races

The Danbury Fair in Connecticut started as an agricultural fair in 1821 and became an annual event in 1869. Originally, there were fruits and vegetables at the farm stands, as well as manufacturer's tents displaying locally made hats, boots, stoves, wagons and many more items needed by 19th century citizens. Buildings were added over time to house livestock exhibits, and many other exhibits were eventually added displaying current trends. Food and their vendors were also always a large reason to go to the fair. One of the most popular items in 1905 was ice cream in a cornucopia-shaped cookie—a forerunner of the now-classic ice cream cone. In 1909, soft-shell crabs outsold hot dogs, and that same year, milk dealers selling watered-down milk to the unsuspecting were identified and eventually prosecuted.

Eventually towards the beginning of the 20th century, automobile racing joined the usual horse races and was a huge draw for the crowds.

Ralph DePalma became a frequent exhibitionist at the fair for over 20 years throughout his career. The earliest program from the Helck collection is from the 1909 fair and also turned out to be the most dramatic for DePalma.

The 9 events scheduled varied from motorcycle races, open events for cars of various costs, and 1 and 5 mile exhibitions by DePalma in his FIAT Cyclone.

During the 6th event, DePalma, travelling at a rate of 60 miles per hour, blew a tire, crashed through the track fence and flipped over. DePalma was thrown 20 feet, narrowly missing a tree and landed in marshy ground. He fractured his thigh and experienced minor internal injuries. DePalma's FIAT Cyclone, that was previously rebuilt from a wreck in 1908 that killed Emanuel Cedrino, was again smashed to pieces and the final 3 events were called off.

Later in the month, DePalma was scheduled to run in the 1909 Vanderbilt Cup races, but unfortunately had to remove himself to mend from his injuries.

The Automobile Oct. 14, 1909

In an article from The Brooklyn Eagle on Dec 19th, 1909, DePalma was spotted in NYC still on crutches but was eager to get back to racing.

The 1910 program

While 1910 was a much better year for DePalma, setting a 1 mile track record in 1 minute 10 seconds, it wasn't a good year for the auto races in general. Cars had gone off the track and injured spectators causing the AAA to call the rest of the meet off again.

The 1927 program

According to an article in the NY Times on October 8th, 1927, DePalma once again had a successful exhibition breaking track records twice. 

The 1931 program with notations inside hand-written that DePalma won 2 of his 3 events.