Atlantic City Racing bond certificate 1944 signed by John B. Kelly,Geo Friedland

Description: Atlantic City Racing Association 8% $5,000 bond certificateDated 1944 Handsigned as president by John B. Kelly, Olympic champ, businessman, father of Grace Kelly, Princess of MonacoKelly's signature is free and clear of any cancellation marks, the corporate seal is embossed on his signature Issued to and handsigned by George Friedland, founder and president of Food FairAlso signed, as witness to Friedland's signature by Louis Stein, a co-founder of Food Fair A beautiful certificate with a gold border and four red revenue stampsSuitable for framing!!!Issued and cancelled Bond stub is included The Atlantic City Racing Association (ACRA) has a storied history rooted in the mid-20th century's golden age of American horse racing. Founded in 1944, the ACRA was established to promote horse racing and build a world-class race track in the burgeoning resort town of Atlantic City, New Jersey. The association’s creation was spearheaded by a group of prominent businessmen, including John B. Kelly Sr., a renowned rowing champion and successful businessman, and his partner, A.J. McNulty. The Atlantic City Race Course (ACRC), the crown jewel of the ACRA, officially opened its doors on July 22, 1946. The opening was a grand affair, attracting a massive crowd and marking the beginning of a new era for Atlantic City as a premier destination for horse racing enthusiasts. The track, located in Hamilton Township, about 15 miles from the city's famous Boardwalk, was designed to accommodate large audiences, boasting state-of-the-art facilities and a luxurious clubhouse. It quickly became one of the most popular racing venues on the East Coast. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the ACRA enjoyed its heyday, with the Atlantic City Race Course hosting some of the most prestigious races in the country. One of the highlights was the United Nations Handicap, which attracted top-tier thoroughbreds and jockeys from around the world. The race course's strategic location near major urban centers like New York City and Philadelphia contributed to its popularity, drawing large crowds and substantial betting revenues. The ACRA's events became a social and cultural hub, where celebrities, politicians, and racing aficionados mingled. However, the latter part of the 20th century saw a decline in the ACRA's fortunes. The rise of casino gambling in Atlantic City in the late 1970s shifted the focus of the city's entertainment industry, leading to a gradual decrease in attendance and revenues at the race course. Additionally, the proliferation of other forms of entertainment and competition from newer racing venues further strained the association's operations. Despite these challenges, the ACRA continued to operate the race course, albeit with a reduced schedule and fewer marquee events. In an effort to revive interest and adapt to changing times, the Atlantic City Race Course experimented with various initiatives, including introducing turf racing and hosting special events. Yet, these efforts were not enough to counter the broader trends affecting the horse racing industry. By the early 2000s, the race course's operations had significantly scaled back, running only a handful of racing days each year. Ultimately, the Atlantic City Racing Association's storied chapter came to a close in 2015 when the Atlantic City Race Course ceased operations permanently. The closure marked the end of an era, reflecting the broader challenges faced by traditional horse racing in adapting to a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. Despite its decline, the legacy of the ACRA and its contributions to horse racing history remain fondly remembered by those who witnessed its peak and the vibrant culture it helped foster in Atlantic City. John B. Kelly Sr. (1889-1960), often referred to as "Jack Kelly," was an American rower, businessman, and politician renowned for his accomplishments in both sports and public life. Here's a detailed biography:Early LifeBorn: October 4, 1889, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.Parents: John Henry Kelly and Mary Ann Costello, Irish immigrants.Education: Kelly left school at a young age to work and help support his family, eventually learning the bricklaying trade.Rowing CareerStart in Rowing: Kelly's interest in rowing began in his teenage years. He joined the Vesper Boat Club in Philadelphia.Olympic Success:1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp: Kelly won two gold medals, one in the single sculls and another in the double sculls with his cousin, Paul Costello.1924 Summer Olympics in Paris: He repeated his success by winning another gold medal in the double sculls, again with Costello.Other Achievements: Kelly was notably barred from competing in the Henley Royal Regatta in 1920 due to being a manual laborer, which was against the amateurism rules of the time.Professional LifeBricklaying Business: Kelly turned his bricklaying skills into a highly successful business, John B. Kelly Inc., which became one of the largest construction companies in Philadelphia.Political Career: He was active in local politics and served as a Party leader in Philadelphia. He ran for Mayor of Philadelphia in 1935 but was not elected.Personal LifeMarriage: Kelly married Margaret Katherine Majer in 1924. Margaret was a former model and athlete.Children:John B. Kelly Jr.: Followed in his father's footsteps and became an accomplished rower, winning an Olympic gold medal in 1948.Grace Kelly: Became a famous actress and later Princess of Monaco after marrying Prince Rainier III.Elizabeth "Lizanne" Kelly: Less publicly known than her siblings but was a prominent figure in society.Legacy and HonorsJohn B. Kelly Sr. Drive: A section of the East River Drive in Philadelphia was renamed to honor him.Kelly Family: The Kelly family remains a significant part of Philadelphia's history and American sports legacy due to their contributions to rowing and public life.Kelly's Influence: His story is often cited as an example of the American Dream, rising from modest beginnings to achieve international fame and success.DeathDied: June 20, 1960, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from a heart attack. Kelly's contributions to sports and society left a lasting impact, celebrated by many even decades after his passing. George Friedland was a pioneering figure in the American supermarket industry, best known for founding the Food Fair chain along with his brother Samuel and with Louis Stein, which grew to become one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States. His journey from a small-scale grocer to the head of a major retail empire is a testament to his business acumen and innovative spirit. [Source: Supermarket Use and Exclusive Clauses Emanuel B. Halper, Hofstra Law Review] Early Life George Friedland was born in 1900 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Jewish immigrant parents. Growing up in a modest household, Friedland's early years were marked by a strong work ethic and a determination to succeed. His entrepreneurial spirit emerged early, as he took on various jobs to help support his family.Career Beginnings Friedland's entry into the grocery business began with a small neighborhood grocery store in Philadelphia, which he opened in the 1920s. This store was the foundation upon which he would build his retail empire. Understanding the importance of customer service and competitive pricing, Friedland focused on creating a shopping experience that catered to the needs of everyday consumers.Founding of Food Fair In 1931, Friedland took a significant step by establishing Food Fair, which initially consisted of a few small grocery stores. His vision for Food Fair was to create a chain of supermarkets that offered a wide variety of products at low prices, aiming to attract a broad customer base. This concept was relatively new at the time, as most grocery stores were small and specialized.Expansion and Innovation Under Friedland's leadership, Food Fair rapidly expanded during the 1940s and 1950s. He was a visionary who understood the changing dynamics of retail and consumer behavior. One of his significant innovations was the self-service supermarket model, which allowed customers to browse and select their groceries independently, a departure from the traditional model where clerks fetched items for customers. Food Fair's growth was also fueled by strategic acquisitions and the establishment of new stores in various cities along the East Coast. By the 1950s, Food Fair had become one of the leading supermarket chains in the country, known for its large stores, wide product selection, and competitive pricing.Challenges and Legacy Despite its success, Food Fair faced challenges in the 1960s and 1970s, including increased competition and changing market conditions. These challenges eventually led to financial difficulties, and the company filed for bankruptcy in 1978. Nevertheless, Friedland's impact on the supermarket industry was profound. He had transformed the way Americans shopped for groceries, making the supermarket a staple of American life.Personal Life and Death George Friedland was known not only for his business achievements but also for his philanthropic efforts. He was involved in various community and charitable activities, particularly those benefiting the Jewish community in Philadelphia. Friedland passed away on August 8, 1986, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer in the retail industry.Conclusion George Friedland's story is one of innovation, perseverance, and vision. Through Food Fair, he revolutionized the grocery shopping experience, setting standards that would influence the future of retail. His contributions to the supermarket industry remain significant, reflecting his role as a key figure in American business history.

Price: 495 USD

Location: Concord, California

End Time: 2025-01-30T06:02:47.000Z

Shipping Cost: 4.99 USD