Delaware Jug Jugette Barn Overseer Honored

William Millhoan Given Joseph Neville Memorial Award

Sep 23, 2008

A posthumous presentation was held at the 2008 Mayor's Breakfast September 17 in Delaware, Ohio to recognize Bill Millhoan and his contributions to local harness racing.

The Joseph Neville Memorial Award has been presented annually since 1999. It honors the lifetime achievements of the recipient in his selfless pursuit of contributing a positive influence on the local harness racing scene. Members of the Delaware County, Ohio Fair Board and members of the Little Brown Jug Society recognized William Millhoan as such an individual at their Neville Award ceremony this month during the Little Brown Jug harness racing and fair week.

Joseph Neville's family were Standardbred supporters. Neville, a Delaware attorney, was instrumental in the initial plans and building of the Delaware fairgrounds and its track. Managing editor of the Delaware Gazette, Henry C. Thomson, Neville's lifelong friend, became the Delaware Fair's first racing secretary. He also was named the first (1985) Little Brown Jug Wall of Fame honoree.

Millhoan Reined Jug-Jugette Barn Designs

A member of the Little Brown Jug Society and a past president of the Delaware County Fair Board, Millhoan, a Delaware native, oversaw the design of the Jugette (filly) Barn and the constuction of the Jug (colt-gelding) Barn at the fairgrounds.

The barns and their circular access are often featured as one of the best stabling facilities on the harness racing circuit. Green tile roofs complement the elegant slopes and picturesque gables of the spacious, airy barns that also provide uncrowded public viewing of the stabled pacers and trotters.

During his term, Millhoan served as the fair board's spokesperson for all issues and plans pertaining to Delaware's world famous track, a gently banked half-mile oval adorned with sculptured, neatly clipped greenery, and a colorful, flowered winner's half-circle in front of the grandstand.

Millhoan Praised by Co-Workers

Tom Wright, Delaware County Fair Race Secretary, and Phil Terry, the fair's marketing director, both praised the Neville Award recipient's work for and knowledge of the sport of harness racing.

Said Wright: "Bill's work ethic was unmatched." (Delaware County Fair and 63rd Annual Little Brown Jug program number two.)

Phil Terry is quoted in the program as saying: "Bill probably knew more about the total fair than anyone and was the best liaison between the fair board and horsemen you will ever find..."

Millhoan the Horseman

The Millhoan stable specialized in trotters. The stable acquired Blaze Of Speed as a yearling in a supplement to the Blooded Horse Sale. In 1992, the $150 purchase more than fulfilled the small dollar expectation as the trotter won the Billings Series.

10th Neville Award Winner

Terry Todd Millhoan, Millhoan's widow, is a veteran of the Neville Award ceremonies. In 2006, her father, Dr. Frank Todd, was the winner of the memorial award.

Terry Millhoan's husband became the award's 10th recipient. The Mayor's Breakfast on September 17 was held at the race track's first turn, in the hospitality pavilion.

Millhoan's four children accompanied their mother, Terry, at the award ceremonies. They are sons Mike, Todd, and Kip, and a daughter, Kelly.

Joseph Neville Memorial Award Recipents:

The copyright of the article Delaware Jug Jugette Barn Overseer Honored in Harness/Trotting Racing is owned by BarbaraAnne Helberg. Permission to republish Delaware Jug Jugette Barn Overseer Honored in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.