PBA Galleries

Group of 7 albums, with numerous silver gelatin photographs, each mounted on linen. The images measure 15.4x20.3 cm (10x8") or smaller, and are often captioned in the image or on the verso of the print. The albums are from the LeSesne's New Studio, Daytona. (Oblong) 29.2x21 cm (11½x8¼"), two tone cloth, screw binders.

The albums include a vast array of regional photographs with emphasis on the Daytona speed trials, beach racing, and the promotion of this Florida city. Included are detailed images of the timing devices, judges, prominent officials such as Pop Myer and Warren Baker, plus noted drives Joe Brennan, Roy Hall and Bill France (who later built the superspeedway off the beach in Daytona).

Areas around Daytona are shown, including the Old Fort and Sugar Mill in Port Orange, as well as ancient Indian mounds. In 1903 the hard sands of Daytona saw the beginning of speed trials on the beach (roads were primitive compared to the smooth sand at low tide). By 1905 cars were making over 150 miles an hour on the sand. These trials were held until 1935, when beach racing and barrel racing - an early form of Stock Car races - began in Daytona. They eventually evolved into the present day Daytona 500 Nascar race. Richard LeSesne came to Daytona in 1903, opened his photographic studio on Palmetto Avenue, and soon became the premier photographer of Daytona and the budding automotive racing scene.