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Exterminator: A Horse Celebrated in the Arts

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‘Exterminator Extravaganza Month’ Begins in Binghamton

BCAC, County Executive Garnar & Mayor David Announce Events Commemorating Kentucky Derby Winner

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.) — Broome County Arts Council Executive Director Nancy Barno Reynolds joined the Broome County Historical Society, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, Mayor Richard C. David and local officials at the Jeffrey P. Kraham Broome County Public Library today to kick off Exterminator Extravaganza Month, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the famous Kentucky Derby win by the Binghamton racehorse Exterminator.

“This year, our community will host a slate of fun events to celebrate the centennial of Exterminator’s legendary upset at the 1918 Kentucky Derby,” Reynolds said. “Not only was the racehorse beloved by the Binghamton community, his story is one of the most exciting pieces of local history, and we’re eager to bring the community together to celebrate with a series of great events.”

Exterminator belonged to Willis Sharpe Kilmer, the wealthy Binghamton newspaperman, who bought the horse in early 1918 to help his more-prized racehorse, Sun Briar, during workouts. When Sun Briar faced a medical issue ahead of the 1918 Kentucky Derby, Kilmer agreed to race Exterminator in his place. Regarded by Kilmer then simply as a workhorse, Exterminator “shocked the world” on May 11, 1918 when he overcame 30-1 odds to win the Kentucky Derby, according to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

Exterminator competed in 99 races in his career, winning 50 of them and earning the title of American Horse of the Year in 1922. Nicknamed “Old Bones” for his scrawny appearance, Exterminator was eventually elected into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. He was moved to the Kilmers’ Riverside Drive stable in Binghamton after his retirement and came to be adored by the community. Kilmer’s wife held a party for community members each May to celebrate the horse’s birthday.

“Binghamton’s history is full of fascinating characters and interesting stories, and Exterminator’s story gives us a reason to celebrate,” said Mayor David. “We are grateful to the Broome County Arts Council, the Broome County Historical Society and the other partners involved in the centennial celebrations. Their events in the weeks ahead are part of what makes Binghamton such a great place to live and visit.”

“Thank you to the Broome County Arts Council and Broome County Historical Society for commemorating this anniversary and the legendary racehorse Exterminator. Broome County is proud to be a part of this historical celebration and share this story with the community,” said County Executive Garnar.

A full schedule of events for Exterminator Extravaganza Month is below. For questions or more information, please contact the Broome County Arts Council at (607) 723-4620.

2018 Exterminator Extravaganza schedule:

Tuesday, May 1 through October: Broome County Historical Society photo exhibit of “Old Bones” at the Jeffrey P. Kraham Broome County Public Library

Tuesday, May 1st- Friday June 1st: Roberson Museum and Science Center: Historic photograph of Exterminator and actress Kay Gardner at Sun Briar Court, on display in the lobby; open to the public.

Friday, June 1 (First Friday) at 6-9 p.m.: “Willis Sharpe Kilmer: A Life of Success and Scandal” and footage from the Kentucky Derby Race – viewing at Cooperative Gallery, State St.

Saturday May 5th, 4-8pm, Remlik’s Derby Day: Themed food and beverage options.

Wednesday, May 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at WSKG: Talk by Eliza McGraw, author of “Here Comes Exterminator”

Friday, June 1 (First Friday), 6 to 9 p.m. at Broome County Arts Council, 81 State St. in Binghamton: Exterminator Exhibition with work from local artists and Kentucky Derby- themed activities for children (make-your-own Kentucky Derby hats)

Sunday, June 3 at 1 p.m. at Kilmer Mansion/Lew Hecht, Temple President: Reader’s Theater of Old Bones; performance by Bill Gorman and STARR performers; light refreshments will be served.

Open Year Round: Exterminator burial/marker; Whispering Pines Pet Cemetery; Gardner Rd, Binghamton, 13903

 

Exterminator: A Horse Celebrated in the Arts

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Exterminator Extravaganza!

Broome County Arts Council Call For Artists!

June 1, 2018 (First Friday), 6-9pm

Visual Art Submissions Due: May 21-25

Literary and Musical submissions Due: May 14-25

Celebrate a proud moment in Binghamton’s history with your art. This year is the 100th anniversary of Willis Sharpe Kilmer’s wonder horse Exterminator winning the Kentucky Derby. The Broome County Arts Council with its Exterminator Extravaganza is encouraging an artistic celebration of his victory and his life by calling on all visual artists, literary artists and musicians to create work inspired by Exterminator’s history. All work will be displayed for the month of June beginning with an artists’ reception open to the public on June’s First Friday Arts Walk. A few pieces will be selected to hang in the Legislative Chambers of the Broome County Office Building.

 

On May 11, 1918, a horse they called “Old Bones’ and the “Galloping Hat Rack” because he was so ugly, surprised everyone and endeared himself to the American public by beating out the favorite and winning the Kentucky Derby at 30-1 odds. After his successful racing career was over he spent his final years at Kilmer’s stable on Riverside Drive in Binghamton. On May 30th his birthday, children were invited to celebrate with him by taking a ride on his back or feeding his companion, a Shetland pony called “Peanuts”.

For the Exterminator Extravaganza Visual artists are called on to use any visual medium ( painting, mixed media, collage, digital art, photography, video, animation, graphic novel, sculpture ) to capture or portray the essence of Exterminator, his story or the events of his life. The work may be literal, but does not have to be.

Literary artists are encouraged to create a poem, short story, children’s story, short play, essay, script, memoir or interview with a person who remembers seeing Exterminator.

Musicians are encouraged to create and record a piece of music ( folk song, ballad, rap, etc.) inspired by Exterminator.

Written work and music should be submitted to the arts council office from May 14-May 23. Visual art should be submitted from May 21-May 25

 

For more information call the Broome County Arts Council (607) 723-4620 or go to:
Broome County Arts Council website

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