Flora Temple

The exhibit will be at the Sports Hall of Fame, located at 503 Queen St., Fredericton, until April 1. Gallery hours are from noon until 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, or by appointment. The telephone number is (506) 453-3747.

The Sports Hall of Fame is the first museum in Canada to host the exhibit, which consists of 32 original 19th century lithographs by Nathaniel Currier and James Ives. Known as the storytellers of America, Currier and Ives produced over 7,000 prints between 1834 and 1895, of which 700 were devoted to harness racing. Their prints illustrate the evolution of the sport, and its important role in American culture and history.

Hambletonian

New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame members Earle Avery, Rufin Barrieau, and Jim Doherty, all of whom were inducted for their success in the sport, are also featured in the exhibit. Avery, who is also a member of the Harness Racing Hall of Fame, is best remembered for his seven world record driving performances, while Barrieau, who trained with Avery, went on to become one of the top drivers in Canada in the 1960s. Jim Doherty, who is still active as a trainer and driver at the Meadowlands in New Jersey, recently was in Fredericton as the guest speaker at a horsemen’s dinner.

Hopeful

The Currier and Ives prints convey a picturesque view of Americana prior to the popularization of photography. The lithographs were printed in black and white and hand colored using an assembly line process where each colorist or artist painted on one color. Some of the larger prints depicting famous horses of the day are quite exceptional.

Whether your interest is in horses or art, this exhibit is well worth a visit to the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame.

-- photos of the Currier&Ives lithographs by Harry Mullin--Mullin's Photography, Ltd.