After more than 60 years operating as an inn, Hampton Terrace’s guest rooms finally have names. It is not that they needed names…Wynnstay Cottage 6 was pretty descriptive…but we decided that this was an opportunity to help tell the history of the property in a colorful way.
Since the 1920s, our sports heroes have swung bats, thrown touchdowns, or squared off in a ring. But prior to Henry Ford, when all local transportation involved a carriage and a horse the most idolized American heroes were those who could pull a carriage and its rider one mile down a track in as close to two minutes as possible.
In its day, this was Corvette verses GTO. Every town had a fair, and every fair had a race track. These horses, called “Trotters,” were railed hundreds of thousands of miles to race legendary mares and stallions from other regions. Their names became as household as that of “the Babe.”
Robert Bonner and his children (owners of Hampton Terrace from 1917-1937) were considered the premier Trotter owners in American history. The purest line begins with Hambletonian (1849-1876), who sired many of the Bonner’s most prized horses, and even Hambletonian spent his final years under Mr. Bonner’s expert and benevolent care.
“It is said that with the exception of General Grant and P. T. Barnum, Robert Bonner is known to more people than any man in America.”
Illustrated Weekly Magazine
Peerless Room
The dam of Dexter was by American Star, as were a good many fast trotters, the best of which was Peerless, a gray mare, foaled in 1853. Hiram Woodruff, the best trainer of his day, said she was the fastest animal that he or any other man ever drove to a wagon, and that he drove her a quarter in 30s and a mile in 2:23.
Hand-ragged in a warm and embracing “melon”. This second-story, front-facing corner room features an antique iron queen-size bed with fluffy down comforter, gas-flame corner fireplace, television/VCR with cable, air conditioning in-season, CD player, and private bath with 72″ Jacuzzi whirlpool tub. Total Room Size: 18ft. x 15 ft.( including bath)