Being the youngest of four boys in the 50’s, marbles were big in our family. Living in the county seat where the marble tournament was held, 2 of my brothers won for 3 or 4 years straight, they would advance to they would advance to the State Championship, where they finished in the top ten a combined 4 times. The State contest was held at Jantzen Beach Amusement Park, in Portland.
That picture is in Portland, and the park had a 1/4 mile paved oval, great Midget racing. Our Country Seat (Hillsboro) had a 5/8 dirt track, former 5 furlong horse track. Hardtops were the staple.
Reminds me of story that Red Farmer told. He towed a nearly new Hudson to run the Beach Race at Daytona, and parked on the sand, the night before. Since the Hudson had a back seat, he decided to sleep the night in there. He rolled over in the middle of the night and his hand splashed in the recessed floor board. The tide had come in, and the floor was full of salt water. He was able get it dried out and run the race. A real racing hero.
The Jalopy Journal
