Robert Simms Strader papers
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Robert Simms Strader papers
- Date
- 1864-1955
- Creator
- Strader, Robert Simms, 1869-1955
- Extent
- 1.8 Cubic feet
- Subjects
- Animal pedigrees.
- Catalogs.
- Harness racing--Kentucky.
- Horse breeders--Kentucky.
- Horse trading--Kentucky.
- Horse trainers--Kentucky.
- Horses--Training.
- Lithography.
- Arrangement
- Collection is arranged by format.
- Preferred Citation
- 73M29: [identification of item], Robert Simms Strader papers, 1864-1955, University of Kentucky Special Collections.
- Repository
- University of Kentucky
Collection Overview
- Biography / History
- Robert Simms Strader was born in Boone County, Kentucky, on the stock farm owned by his father, Robert Stuart Strader. In 1875, the elder Strader sold the farm and moved to Lexington, Kentucky, where he operated a stable and the Lexington trotting track. At seventeen years of age, the younger Strader began an apprenticeship in the horse business and eventually became a renown horse breeder, trainer, and agent. In 1909, Strader bought Forkland Farm near Lexington and continued to produce many well-known harness racers. He is the father of international socialite and fashion icon, Countess Mona Strader Bismarck.
- Scope and Content
- The Robert Simms Strader papers consist of correspondence, records, memorabilia, and a scrapbook relating to the breeding, selling, racing, and training of horses. The correspondence concerns the operation of Strader's horse farm, Forkland Farm, and his role as breeder and trainer. The collection also includes a Stallion Service Records book and various printed materials, such as race track programs, horse clubs and associations pamphlets, and postcards. A scrapbook, compiled by Strader, contains clippings about horse racing, pedigree, breeding, and health as well as death notices for celebrated horses.
Restrictions on Access and Use
- Conditions Governing Access
- Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
- Use Restrictions
- The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections.
Contents of the Collection
Correspondence, 1891-1948
Scope and Contents note
The Correspondence series contains business letters about horse breeding, selling, and training.
, 1891, 1901-1910
, 1911 January-June
, 1911 July-December
, 1912 January-February
, 1912 March-April
, 1912 May-June
, 1912 July-August
, 1912 September-December
, 1913 January- April
, 1913 May-December
, 1914 January-May
, 1914 June-December
, 1923, 1929-1930
, 1931
, 1932-1933, 1947-1948
General, 1850-1955
Scope and Contents note
The General series contains a Stallion Service Record book, notes by Strader, and newspapers about horse racing. The folder labeled "Biographical information" includes an account of Strader's life; newspaper clippings about major events; such as his daughter's death; and tax returns.
Biographical information, 1910-1955
Newspapers, 1850-1914
Notes, 1925, undated
Stallion Service Record, 1886, 1890
Printed materials, 1875-1955
UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.
Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.
Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.
Table of Contents
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.
UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.
Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.
Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.
Requests
No items have been requested.
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.
