some old photos from 1921

It would be wonderful to find out that the photos from the 1921 races in Spokane were saved, negatives or whatever. Important stuff.

some more old race information, 1921

Interesting the late edition, or was it the early edition, concerning "LATTA!" He finished third. Big headline for a third place.

Many of these drivers came to Vancouver's Hastings Park during this era.

more recent microfilm morgue findings

All over the map these last couple days.

Looking at the Chilliwack Progress from 1965 and 1966 (not completed yet). The Chilliwack Motorcycle Club definitely is the most active as far as the newspaper is concerned. Names like Vic and Rod Hudson, and Bob Nitschke. I had known about Totem Raceways being in operation by 1966 and that is covered by the paper but I hadn't known about local scrambles being held at "River View" on Vedder Mountain.

Also went out on a chilly sunny day to Point Grey and looked at the Prince George Citizen of 1969. Most of the coverage was for PGARA Speedway, but there were scrambles and drag races either advertised for or results given for. Names in the oval world like Brian Green and Cliff Hucul (who would go on to start a few Indy 500s).

And, finally (well it's never final), I looked at the Seattle P-I during 1916. Just trying to finish off something started years ago. It didn't get finished but that's okay too. Reports of racing in Spokane and Tacoma. One interesting item on Rae Lentz winning the first Pike's Peak hill climb in the Romano Special. Both raced at Vancouver's Hastings Park. Interesting listings of future events to be held across the U.S.

Also noted that Charles Latta was part of the 1916 AAA at Tacoma. Also Pete Henderson, the first Canadian (from Fernie, BC) to start the Indy 500, finished fifth. Funny, can't find a mention of Pete's Canadian heritage yet in the coverage. Oh well, more research.

Lots to sort out.

the Latta brothers at Hastings Park, part 2

Some more mentions of the Latta brothers, Chas. and Chet as the newspapers of the day sometimes referred to them. All from 1924.
From the Vancouver Province, June 16, 1924.
From the Vancouver Sun, July 29, 1924.

From the Vancouver Sun, August 16, 1924.

I also have a clipping from the same year about one of the brothers (Chet? I'll have to dig around) getting into trouble with the AAA for being involved with some "outlaw" (not AAA) races. Long Beach, WA I believe. Other drivers were also named, like Jack Ross. Not sure where this all went. I have some stories from the Oregonian and the Vancouver, WA area that might flesh out the story. (Or not.) For a future post. Monday most likely.

the Latta brothers at Hastings Park

Have got some requests for information on the Latta brothers, Charles and Chester, from the Washington State area. They raced in the 1920s, possibly earlier. Most of my Vancouver information is from the 1920 to 1924 era. So a few attachments today, and a few more tomorrow.

The above is from the June 14, 1920 Vancouver Sun.

A wire story from Idaho, from the May 31, 1921 Vancouver Sun.


From the June 5, 1921 Vancouver Sun.
From the June 16, 1921 Vancouver World.

More from the microfilm morgue on the Latta brothers tomorrow.