From Harness Link:

HALL OF FAME WEEKEND PROMOTION 
Posted by Jeremy Rangiawha 10:39 AM 25-Jun-2004 NZST

Carol Chapman should be thankful she is a writer. It makes getting tongue-tied less of a problem.

 The author, who on July 3 will sign copies of her most recent book, "Tall Ears and Short Tales: Observations From the Barn," at the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame, admitted she most likely will be awestruck while visiting as part of the museum's Hall of Fame Weekend.

"These people are larger than life," Chapman said by telephone from her home in Texas.

"They provide an example for the rest of us to strive for. Even in our pragmatic, everyday lives, it's nice to know there are heroes -- and that's what we'll be seeing. I will be tongue-tied in wonder.

 “I hope that part of me never grows up. I consider it an exceptional honour to be there."

Trainer-driver John Simpson Junior will be inducted into the Hall of Fame during a dinner ceremony starting at 5.30 pm on July 4.

Also being honoured are the horses Pine Chip and Jate Lobell in addition to broodmare Classic Wish.

Admission to the museum, located at 240 Main St., is free July 2 through July 5.

The museum is open 10.00 am to 6.00 pm daily, except July 4 when it closes at 4.

Racing begins at 1.00 pm at Historic Track, adjacent to the museum.

Admission is $3 for adults. There is no wagering.

Chapman said she plans to arrive in Goshen on Thursday night, leaving Friday open for viewing the museum and watching races at Historic Track.

She will sign copies of her book from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm on July 3.

All proceeds from the sale of the book support Chapman's "Last Refuge" equine sanctuary, where Chapman cares for horses of all breeds in need of a home.

"There's a purity of spirit inherit in horses," said Chapman, who lived in Connecticut before moving to Texas four years ago.

"They are poetry in motion. Our relationships with dogs and cats are more like children to us. With horses, it's more of an equal partnership. They offer a share of their world rather than subsuming into your world."

A military child, Chapman moved frequently as a youngster. She found comfort in books, especially the books of Marguerite Henry, whose "Born to Trot," is based on the relationship between Gibson White and the trotter Rosalind.

White suffered from tuberculosis, and Rosalind, who won the 1936 Hambletonian at Goshen, was a gift to him from his father, trainer Ben White.

"Books can be your best friend when you move a lot," Chapman said.

"Just like a horse is poetry in motion, words are emotions in black and white. It's a very powerful medium. It engages another part of the mind.

“I have a passion for getting the story out and communicating. And there's only so much talking you can do."

In addition to the visit by Chapman, Hall of Fame track announcer Roger Huston will autograph bobbleheads in his likeness from noon to 1.00 pm on July 3 at the museum.

At noon on July 4, there will be a meet and greet and autograph session with Simpson, trainer Joe Holloway and breeder-owner Charlie Keller (Yankeeland Farms) at the museum.

On July 4 at 5.00 pm, the museum will open new permanent exhibits featuring memorabilia from the Hambletonian and Little Brown Jug.

Throughout the weekend, the museum's Hollywood Theatre will present special viewings of the 1968 "My Three Sons" episode in which the character Uncle Charley buys an 11-Year-Old trotter and heads to the races. The show will air at 10.00 am, noon, 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm daily.

For more information about the museum or the Hall of Fame Weekend activities, call 845-294-6330.

Anyone who becomes a museum member during the weekend will receive a membership gift, a 10 percent discount at the gift shop and will be entered into a drawing to receive an 8 by 10 inch hand painted stained glass harness racing scene, signed by the artist.

Memberships can be purchased at the gift shop.