Phila. Fairgrounds
Somerton, Pa.
1912 - 1925

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The Philadelphia Fairgrounds was located in Somerton, in far northeastern Phila. It was south of Byberry Rd. and west of Roosevelt Blvd.

It opened in 1912. Fairs were held for the next 14 years. The main attraction was the horse race track.

The year of 1925 was the last year for the fairs. For a few years after that, automobile races were held on the track.

This area is now residential and the fairgrounds is long-forgotten; even by most of the people living there. Houses have encroached onto the property, even to taking a piece of the racetrack.

On aerial photos of the area, most of the oval of the track can still be seen lost in the woods.

However, on closer inspection, all that's left now is the foundations of the grandstand. Even the racetrack is so overgrown it's barely discernable from the ground.

Please Remember - Much of this is Private Property
Please Respect the Owners' Privacy

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Showing Off the New Chevrolets Race Track and Grandstands

Race Track Race Track in a 1928 Photo

Race Track Can Still ... ... Be Seen in 1992

** Fairgrounds in 2001 **

The next two photos were taken on the racetrack surface itself. It's so overgrown it's barely discernable.

In the first photo, the 'berm' (raised lip around the outside of the track) is in the trees on the left of the picture. In the second picture it's in the trees on the right.

The Race Track is ... ... Lost to the Trees

Foundations of ... ... Grandstands

Grandstand Foundations Footing of Unknown Building

Foundation of Another Building
... and my dog

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Created- Wed, May 8, 2002
Revised- Tues, May 14, 2002
crc1123@voicenet.com