The Rainmaker

I'm in Indianapolis now eagerly awaiting Sunday's Indianapolis 500 mile race and always people turn their attention to the possibility of rain. Back in 1905 protests against auto racing reached such a fever pitch men who billed themselves as rainmakers marketed their services to churches and activist groups to prevent auto races from taking place in their community. One such character was Ned Broadwell. He visited a number of tracks in the Midwest in his attempt to spoil auto race meets. Not to be superstitious, but if anyone sees Ned or any of his ancestors near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway send them packing. Back in 1905, Ned was hired to spoil a race meet at the Glenville horse track outside Cleveland. What's more, it did rain - but the promoters found enough dry weather to put on their show.
 
The danger of auto racing was a particularly hot button issue in 1905 with injuries to three of the top track racers of the year - Earl Kiser, Barney Oldfield and Webb Jay. Many newspapers cried for a ban on the sport, some publishing tough editorials and sensational cartoons.