Whoever thinks history is a
dull subject doesn’t know where to look. Yes, reading about politics and wars
and economics can get pretty mind-numbing. But there are also topics like the
early twentieth century Ostrich Farms.
In a time before OTB, you could spend a day at the Ostrich Races at farms in Arkansas, California or Florida. Jockeys rode the birds bareback.
There were also ostrich harness races
using specially built wagons.
For added fun, visitors
could climb on an ostrich and take a ride around the farm. And here’s something
that always amazes me about old photos—the way people dressed for even casual
outings. The little girl on this ostrich looks like she’s wearing her Sunday
best, right down to her patent leather shoes.
And this gentleman is a dapper
rider in his suit and bowler hat.
If you couldn’t make the
trip to one of these farms, you could order your own bird to ride around your
backyard. The Ostrich Farm in Hot Springs, Arkansas sold them through a catalogue.
I wonder how the postman fit the ostrich in a mail box? And what do you feed a
pet ostrich?
3 comments:
This type of tom foolery must be why I hear these birds are kinda mean these days. Unique article!
If the ostriches are mean around you, it may be they're wary of that mustache....
I think you are right. I seem to recall it is the PEACOCK that is an angry bird. lol
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