A long-lost racetrack in northeast Philadelphia

            A subject which has always greatly interested me is that of long-gone and little-known racetracks, especially those in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

            Thus, when I learned that there was a harness oval located not far from where I live in northeast Philadelphia, I couldn’t wait to do a little research about it.

            The New Philadelphia County Fair at Byberry conducted its first race in 1912 and continued until the late 1920s. It was located on the south side of modern-day Byberry Road, west of Roosevelt Boulevard and the Short Line Railroad, behind the old Somerton Fire house.

            Harness racing, plus the judging of farm animals, produce, preserves and baked goods were all part of the County Fair. There was a half-mile race track, two large buildings, and a grandstand on 100 acres.

            Sadly, the land upon which the Philadelphia County Fair once stood is now a mish-mosh of single homes, rowhomes, and businesses.

            The following photo of a postcard from the Library Company of Philadelphia Print Dept. depicts a plethora of County Fair buildings and activities. In the background are the Women’s Building, Crane’s Ice Cream stand, Crackerjack the Mexican and Sealskin Horse, and a station for automobile maintenance.