Derby Lane Greyhound Track Records Now Available

Postcard of Greyhound Races at Derby Lane, St. Petersburg, Florida

Postcard of Greyhound Races at Derby Lane, St. Petersburg, Florida, (MC 00688 Box 626, Folder 1)

This blog post is contributed by Gevorg Vardanyan.

The Special Collections Research Center is pleased to announce that the collection guide for the newly processed Derby Lane Greyhound Track Records (MC 00688) is available online.

Photograph of Derby Lane Greyhound Track in xxxx, (MC 00688, Box 26, Folder 54)
Grandstand Track and Tower, 1925  (MC 00688, Box 26, Folder 54)

Derby Lane, also known as St. Petersburg Kennel Club, was one of the oldest greyhound tracks in the United States. To establish the racetrack, a group of local business owners purchased a portion of land from T. L. Weaver, a lumber entrepreneur, near St. Petersburg, FL. After constructing the racetrack, financial hardship fell on the original owners, and the ownership reverted to Weaver's lumber company. The inaugural race was held on January 3, 1925. For almost a century Derby Lane entertained people, welcomed celebrities, and cheered champion greyhounds. Over time, Derby Lane went through technological innovations and modernized the industry. It included the Derby Lane Poker Room offering various gaming options. In addition to greyhound racing, Derby lane hosted a variety of entertainment including concerts, beer tastings, and on-location shoots for major motion pictures. In 2018, Florida Amendment 13 banned wagering on greyhound racing, putting an end to greyhound racing in the state. Derby Lane held its last races in December 2020.

Derby Lane Million Dollar Race, March 4, 2006 (MC 0668,Box 32, Folder 49)
Derby Lane Million Dollar Race, March 4, 2006 (MC 0668,Box 32, Folder 49) 

The Derby Lane Greyhound Track Records contain photographs, scrapbooks, clippings, programs, operational records, audiovisual materials, artifacts, and various publications dating from 1895 to 2021. The collection includes materials related to the organizational activities of Derby Lane, such as stud books, attendance records, chart books, judges’ reports, race results, as well as regulations. The collection is rich with photographs and audiovisual materials that document the history of Derby Lane depicting greyhounds, owners, trainers, patrons, celebrities, employees, as well as physical facilities.

25th Anniversary Stakes (Trophy), winner: More Roll, January 3, 1950 (MC 00688, Box 30, Folder 1)
25th Anniversary Stakes (Trophy), winner: More Roll, January 3, 1950 (MC 00688, Box 30, Folder 1) 

Other interesting materials in the collection are the artifacts and publications. Artifacts include banners, racing jackets, pins, postcards, badges, and t-shirts. Publications include periodicals dedicated to greyhounds, such as The Greyhound Review, Greyhound Racing Record, Racing Greyhounds, among others

For more information, see the press release about the collection.

If you are interested in viewing the materials in this collection, you can access them by scheduling an appointment with the Special Collections Research Center. The Special Collections Research Center is open by appointment only. Appointments are available Monday –Friday, 9am–6am and Saturday, 1am–5pm. Requests for a Saturday appointment must be received no later than Tuesday of the same week. If you have any questions or are interested in viewing Special Collections materials, please contact us at library_specialcollections@ncsu.edu or submit a request online.