DAVID WALDO, JR.

In 1887, Dr. Waldo’s son, David Jr., built a one mile horse racing track on the family farm between 71st and 75th Streets, Oak and Holmes. This district was called “Waldo Park” and was referred to as “eight miles south of Kansas City.” This was considered such a long distance in horse and buggy days that post time for the first race was set at 11:30 a.m. and the program was concluded at 3:30 so the sports could get back to town. This was considered quite an outing and the ladies made the most of it with their elaborate hats and fancy parasols. The track was short lived, but a very popular place at the time.