The R. L. Nichols House, 202 Sumner Avenue in Springfield, was built in 1893. The following notice appeared in The Horse Review, Vol. XXI, No. 12 (March 20, 1900):

Anyone looking for a free-for-all pacer can be accommodated by R. L. Nichols, 202 Sumner Ave., Springfield, Mass. The mare he will sell has a mark of 2:12%, timed In a race In 2:09%, and she can wipe her record out by some seconds. She is sound and clean, fit to train, and a genuine race mare. Her owner Is In no hurry to sell, and invites the fullest investigation.