1939 Original Press Photo Racehorse Johnstown after the Derby ready for the Preakness.

1939 press photo of Johnstown before the Preakness. Johnstown was sired by Jamestown. He was named after Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the site of the “Great Flood” of 1889. 2,208 people died in the flood when the South Fork Dam ruptured. Clara Barton led the Red Cross volunteers in the relief effort. The photo shows Johnstown appearing to laugh with his groom Joe Donelan at Pimlico. The news writer called it “Johnstown Flood of Hilarity” referencing his name. Johnstown destroyed his opponents in the Derby. On Preakness day a hard steady rain turned the track very muddy so that Johnstown could not get a hold of it and tired finishing fifth. Some said Johnstown was defeated in a “flood”. The news article may have been a premonition. James (Sunny Jim) Fitzsimmons said of Johnstown, "He came back tired. I guess he just can't run in the mud. But he'll catch them again on a dry track." He would come back to win the Belmont by five lengths.

Due to physical problems, Johnstown did not have a long career. He had 21 starts (14-0-3) earning $169,315 while winning major races. He won two thirds of his races. He set a record for a mile and 70 yards at Jamaica. Johnstown was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 1992.

The press photo of Johnstown (A Flood of Hilarity) measures 7” X 8 1⁄2 “.Please look at attached pictures for the condition of the photograph listed. If you have any questions, please contact me. Thank you.