Carl Graham Fisher

Fifteen articles in this collection document significant events in Carl Fisher’s life. His “palimony” suit with Gertrude Hassler is an interesting example. Another important point is the Zanesville, Ohio county fair horse track accident in September 1903 that involved his teammate Earl Kiser and resulted in the death of several spectators. Also, there is Carl’s wonderful first hand account of his balloon ride when he competed in the Speedway’s first competition – the national balloon championships of June 1909.

Bennett Cup - Ballooning 1908

This is an immensely interesting article published in the October 12, 1908 Indianapolis Star about the James Gordon Bennett Cup for ballooning.
Carl Fisher & His Auto Business - 1909

This attachment has two brief articles both concerning Carl Fisher. The first concerns victories racked up by Stoddard-Dayton stock cars at a hill climb event in San Antonio Texas. The article, published in the Indianapolis Star on January 17, 1909 presents of a text Fisher received notifying him of the success.
IMS is Incorporated

This article marks a seminal moment in the history of not just the Indianapolis Motor Speedway but the history of auto racing and especially the first decade of the 20th Century. Published in the Indianapolis Star on February 7, 1909 this article discusses the incorporation of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Company for $250,000 and the vision of a giant oval with a road course in the infield connected to the outer track.
Outing on Fisher's Farm

This is a very brief item published in the August 12, 1909 Indianapolis Star. It notes a charitable act by Carl Fisher, one of the four founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Carl Fisher Wins Hill Climb - 1909

These articles focus on a "sociability run" conducted October 2 & 3, 1909. The event was for amateur drivers even though Indianapolis Motor Speedway President and Founder Carl Fisher was entered. Fisher had a respectable driving resume and had competed in auto races for several years prior to this event.
 
A Ticket for Carl Fisher

This small item concerning Indianapolis Motor Speedway Founder and President Carl Fisher and a speeding ticket he received was published in the Indianapolis Star on March 8, 1910. The citing officer was a man referred to as Patrolman Stone.
Carl Fisher - IMS Auto Country Club? (1910)

This article was first published in the April 29, 1910 Indianapolis Star. It concerns another product of the fertile mind of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Founder and President Carl Fisher - the concept of a country club-style membership located the track.
Carl Fisher's Air Ship

The attached article originally appeared in the January 24, 1906 Indianapolis News. It reports on one of Indianapolis' leading businessmen at the time, Carl Fisher, and his decision to purchase what was commonly called an "air ship." The motorized dirigible, described as cigar-shaped and 79 feet long with a 17 x 9 foot diameter and 70,000 cubic feet of capacity for hydrogen gas, was scheduled to arrive within the following six weeks.
Fisher & Wife Jane Road Trip

This is a very brief item published in the January 8, 1910, Indianapolis News. It notes a midwinter extended car trip by Carl Fisher, one of the four founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Jane Fisher Obit

This article about Carl Graham Fisher's ex-wife Jane Watts Fisher. It appeared in the Indianapolis Star in 1970.