The Great Race

The Pope County Fair in Glenwood each August used to feature harness races with sulkies on the large oval track on the east end of the fairgrounds, an event that drew great crowds. Pretty thrilling. But Lowry had an equally gripping, nearly annual, family race that captured the imagination of the locals: Ole vs Jim.

Jim Robieson was the long-time Lowry depot master, beginning in 1923 when the Robieson family moved from Montana. Ole Hoplin was the Lowry undertaker, hardware owner and electrician. 

Jim Robieson and Ole Hoplin were good friends and after the Robieson's moved out of the depot, they became next door neighbors.

In 1923 the Robieson's had 5 children: James, Ruby, Kenneth, Clarence and Francis.  And the Hoplin's  had 4 children: Oliver, Elise, Glenn & Donald.  

5-4. Robieson.

Doris Robieson arrived shortly after the Robieson's arrived in Lowry in 1923.  

6-4. Robieson

In 1924, Ruth Hoplin arrived on the scene, followed by Paul in 1927.  Roy Robieson was also born in 1927.  

7-6. Robieson

In 1928 Miriam Hoplin arrived. 

7-7.  The Hoplin's had pulled into a dead heat.

In baseball, a big inning is often crucial in determining the outcome.  Even God acknowledges, "In the big inning ..". Well, 1930 was the year. In July, twin Robieson girls were born. Laberta & Roberta. 

9-7 Robieson.

Ole went to Jim and said: "If you're going to start having them 2 at a time, I give up."   

Game over.

Ole of course claimed the game was rigged.  Jim had a head start. Ole had married at age 28, forfeiting prime time. However, there was no backbiting. The family connections remained strong with Donald & Doris marrying in 1948, with Miriam maid of honor and Roy best man.

credits:  Roy Robieson & Mark Hoplin for preserving this invaluable Lowry history.  Mark is grandson of both contestants.

Copyright ©  2021  Dave Hoplin