The Filson Historical Society Digital Projects

Postcards & Prints

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Vintage postcard, Greeting from Louisville, KY. Today’s “Long Shot” at Churchill Downs, undated.

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On Monday, May 17, 1875, Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr. decided to rally the crowds for the Derby and opened the infield to the public free of charge, according to one source. The last nail was hammered into the new grandstand moments before the gate opened and the first racing fans entered. Derby Day at Churchill Downs postcard, ca. 1920-1930s.

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Kentucky Derby Bar Straight Bourbon Whiskey label. Produced by Glenmore Distilleries, ca. 1940.

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Article from “Spirit of the Times,” 4 August 1877 about the sale of racehorse Baden-Baden. Jockey William “Billy” Walker rode Baden-Baden to win the 3rd Kentucky Derby in 1877. Walker was the leading rider at Churchill Downs in the fall racing season of 1875-1876 and the spring campaigns of 1876-1878. Baden-Baden was sold after the Derby to William Backhouse Astor, Jr. of New York.