Robie Beals was born in Middleton. As a youth he played numerous sports at school in Middleton, later at Horton Academy and rugby at Mount Allison University. Robie was a slick-fielding third Baseman with the very Strong Middleton Baseball team of 1904-05. After a few years in the United States he returned home to Middleton in 1915 where he resided as a prominent businessman and sports man for the rest of his life. As a young man he trained and drove harness race horses at the old track in Middleton.
It was as a builder in baseball and harness racing that Robie Beals left his mark. He actively supported the town’s interest in baseball for decades. Robie was instrumental in bringing semi-pro baseball to Middleton from 1947-49 in the form of the Cardinals of the Halifax and District League serving as General Manager and later financial Advisor.
In the late 1920’s Robie was a founding member of the Middleton Driving Club which obtained a 99 year lease for the old track property built stables for 20 horses, as well as a judges stand and grandstand for the spectators. He often trained and drove his own horses such as: Bonni F., Emma Aubrey, Ruban Lee, and Hewdgewood K., through to his retirement in 1949. Robie often served as Clerk of Course or Race Manager until the demise of the track in the mid 1950’s. From 1955-65 he served as a judge at Sackville downs for their twice-weekly cards.
Robie also served two terms as Town Councilor and two terms as Mayor of Middleton. He passed away in Middleton April 25, 1977.