Note: The subjects of this story are not related to the writer.
Two Hall of Famers are buried in the cemetery on Main Street in Beebe, next to the former Beebe Town Hall. Israel O. Blake and his son, Octave Blake, are immortal members of the Harness Racing Hall of Fame. I.O. Blake’s wife, Mary is also buried on the lot. Israel Blake was born in Beebe in 1854. He and Mary Blake both died in 1942. Thanks to his achievements as a businessman, Israel was able to found the Newport Stock Farm in Newport, Vermont in 1899, where he bred and trained several successful standardbred race horses. He died at his home in North Hatley at age 88, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962, according to the Hall of Fame website. See full story in the Thursday, Aug. 29 of The Record.
