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The Phantom Racers of the Fairgrounds: Does Your Home Have a Story to Tell?

The Phantom Racers of the Fairgrounds: Does Your Home Have a Story to Tell?

  • Charles "Chuck" Bartolo
  • 06/4/12

History in Columbia County doesn't just sit in textbooks; sometimes, it lingers in the air.

Take the Columbia County Fairgrounds, for instance. With its iconic Grandstand completed in 1881 and its storied 1.5-mile track added in 1898, it was the heart of regional harness racing for decades. But the real mystery began years after the racing stopped. Local legend tells of a reputable gentleman who, on three separate occasions one summer, distinctly heard the thunder of hooves and the shouts of drivers on the track—despite harness racing having been discontinued twelve years prior.

The "Phantom Racers" became the talk of the town, leading many to speculate that history leaves "traces" behind, waiting for the right moment to reveal themselves.

Homes with Personality We see this phenomenon often in our local real estate. Our historic homes possess a distinct character—a "personality" that is immediately apparent the moment you step through the door. It isn’t just about the hand-hewn beams or the original wide-plank floors; it’s a feeling. It is the weight of a century of stories "speaking" through the architecture.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to find a home that offers more than just square footage, that time is now. We invite you to explore our website and review our current collection of historic and character-filled properties. Each has a story to tell, and each is awaiting its next chapter.

Come visit us in Columbia County. You might just find yourself making a little history of your own.

 Our thanks for input & Photo from the Chatham Historical Society. Call (518)392-9236.

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Whether you’re buying, selling, or exploring your options, Beach and Bartolo Realtors is here for you and with you—delivering a personalized, white-glove real estate experience that exceeds expectations. Let’s open doors together.

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