Many have fallen in love at and with Saratoga Springs
So it happened with the Morrisseys
For the next two decades, the couple spend summers with family and staff in the village, bought property in the area, donated to local charities, and expanded their business.
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Saratoga Springs Event: Welcome Back John and Susannah Morrissey - August 7-9 at Dark Horse Mercantile, Broadway, Saratoga Springs
John Morrissey followed his wealthy NYC gambling customer to the popular summer retreat at Saratoga Springs. By 1861, he secured and updated a location on what was then Matilda Street, directly across from the railroad station. It would serve as both his family's summer home and a small, but elegant gambling casino and restaurant.
It was only a beginning! Scroll On.....
1867 - Saratoga Race Course
After a successful thoroughbred season at the old trotter track in 1864 - Horse Haven, the Morrisseys raised funds and organized the new race course that operates to this day!
Bet on It!
Gambling was illegal and the threat of it to Saratoga residents was a constant concern. John addressed the concerns and the opportunity by opening a Cluhouse that was not open to locals, women, or minors. It was renamed after John's death to Canfield's Casino - the name it regrettably retains.
Hello
"Death"-The only enemy John could not defeat
John and Susannah's only child, John Jr (pictured behind them) died on New Year's Eve, December 31, 1876, at Saratoga.
John died within months of his final victory - winning a New York State Senate seat as an Anti-Tammany Democrat in New York City in 1877.
Morrissey died at the Adelphi Hotel on May 2, 1878.