Newly revealed panoramic photos of the first Indy 500

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Published: Tuesday, 10 May 2016 15:22

INDIANAPOLIS ­— To mark the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500, the Indiana Historical Society is sharing panoramic photographs from the first race.

The four photos were taken by Charles F. Bretzman, the race’s first official photographer, at the inaugural running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on May 30, 1911.

Spectators viewed the first 500 mile race from their open touring cars in the north infield, where cars parked for free. In the distance, there are trees on the inside of the fourth turn, some newly constructed grandstands, bleachers and an over-the-track bridge to the infield. Photo provided by Indiana Historical Society.

“He ranked with the best of the best, and just got lost in the shuffle somehow, so it’s wonderful that this body of work is there for people to appreciate,” Bretzman’s granddaughter Margaret Dexter said in a statement. “I’m just thrilled that they’re being unearthed and being given their due as mother would say, ‘to really realize what a wonderful eye he had.’”

The four photos are black and white images. Two of the photos feature action on the track, including the starting lineup of 40 cars and drivers. Another showcases some of the 80,000 spectators who were on hand to witness history.

Bretzman continued served as a race photographer through 1913, capturing balloon and automobile races. Bretzman was also known with his portrait photography, including Indianapolis Motor Speedway co-founder Carl Fisher, former Indiana Gov. Paul McNutt, and former U.S. Vice President Charles Fairbanks.

The four panoramic photos of the Indy 500 and some of Bretzman’s portraits are available in Indiana Historical Society’s digital image collections at IndianaHistory.org.

Researchers who want to view Bretzman’s work in person can find them in the William Henry Simth Memorial Library at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. The library is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Article from TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

This image shows forty cars with their drivers and mechanics on the straightaway before the start of the first 500 Mile Race. A crowd of 80,000 spectators witnessed the event from behind the concrete retaining wall. The pace car, a Stoddard-Dayton with Carl G. Fisher at the wheel, sits to the right of the field. Photo provided by Indiana Historical Society.