New GM at Historic Track

Goshen native Stephen Hopkins has recently been named general manager of Goshen Historic Track. It was no surprise that Hopkins desired to be a part of the track and its’ colorful history since he grew up in Goshen. His family was connected to the track through their family owned business, Hopkins Hardware, which, until 1993 was in the family for three generations. They counted track personnel, drivers, trainers and farriers as their customers.

“We sold everything from the hoof down,” Hopkins said and then added, “Hopkins Hardware sold shoes to local farriers as well as blacksmith supplies all along the east coast.”

There was no involvement directly with the horses, but due to their business the family became friendly with many of the trainers and drivers who came into the store. Hopkins’ father had a grandstand box at the original mile track--Good Time Park-- and the family kept the tradition of watching the Hambletonian year after year. Some of Stephens’s fondest memories revolve around both Good Time Park and Historic Track. He reminisces about Frank Ervin driving Good Time and watching Greyhound being paraded up and down the track for exhibition.

Dinners at the Goshen Inn were also fun for the Hopkins family. Sitting on the porch of the restaurant, Stephen remembers being entertained and talking with James Colburn. “Even though I was young, these memories will always be special times that he will never forget,” he said.

Retirement does not seem to be a part of Stephens’s vocabulary. Besides serving as Goshen’s Fire Chief for five years (1973-1978), he was the mayor of Goshen for six years, (1983-1989) and Goshen Town Supervisor from 1993 through 1995. And he’s still is involved with the Fire Department currently with over 50 years of active service; not to forget the jobs he’s “retired” from: the Hardware Store, Fire Truck and Equipment and Upstate Limousine Service.

The timing was right for Stephen when he applied for the position at the track. Knowing the track and many of the people involved with this historic facility, he felt that he could make a positive impact to an already great operation. He understands that it will be an ongoing process but, as he puts it, “I hope to make this the best facility possible. This track has a lot of history as well as being a viable interest of the town. Its history runs deep and I am honored to be a part of it.”

Now Hopkins is in the process of gearing up for Historic Tracks 94th season of Grand Circuit Racing which will get underway on Friday afternoon, June 30 and continue through Tuesday July 4. (Historic track press release, by Sherry Cashman)

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