A Tribute to Ray Jacobs (1919-2011)
Last Wednesday, Ray Jacobs passed away peacefully at the age of 92. Ray was dedicated to Roslyn as a resident, professional photographer and an active member of the Roslyn Landmark Society. Today's post is a tribute to Ray's memory.
Ray's father and mother made their home in Roslyn. As seen here in a Renault, Ray's father was once employed by Clarence Mackay as a chauffeur at the Harbor Hill estate.
Ray's father built one of the first service stations in Roslyn. The station was later modernized and owned by Ray.
Ray at around eight years old.
Ray was always one of the first to participate in events celebrating Roslyn's history.
Ray loved automobiles and was a frequent visitor to the garage at Waterfront at Roslyn. In this recent photo, Ray wanted to take a spin in Ian Zwerdling's hot rod.
Ray particualrly enjoyed the Alco Black Beast. "This car is older than me!!" At the 2009 Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration, Ray became the oldest person ever to give a "thumbs up" in the car.
Ray, thanks for your marvelous photos and the retelling of your many Roslyn stories. We will miss you!!!
Links to related posts on VanderbiltCupRaces.com:
The “X” Mercedes Comes to Roslyn for the 1905 Race
The Roslyn Lodge and the Motor Parkway Bridge over Roslyn Road
Six Degrees of Willie K: The Mackay Horse Statue and Saturday’s Cocktail Party
Comments
RIP Ray, The depot hack may be one built in Huntington Station L.I. It’s wood work looks like J.T Cantrell’s style. JtT was doing mostly Dodge Bros hacks in the early 1920s, but still a few Motel T for area Ford Dealers.
From Jerry R:
“Really great! Beautiful tribute to Ray..”
Very sweet.
(My mother was also born in 1919)
Howard, I knew Ray for many years. I used to bring, to his Roslyn Hts Studio, my old books and magazines and he would make blowup photos of the vintage mansion photos for my collection. He would always tell me stories of his travels in the world, with photos, and his life as a boy.
From Jack B:
“Howard- I was saddened to learn of Ray Jacobs death. He was a wonderful gentleman. I met him at his studio a few years ago to ask him of any details he remembered of a photograph he had taken about 50 years ago. At that time he talked about disposing of his collection of wonderful historic cameras. He was a giant in the field.”
Howard,
Ray and I shared an interest in Panoramic Photography—- We both used identical Cirkut Cameras built around the time your Alco was built. Over the last 25 years we got together often to take photos and just have fun. Ray always had those wonderful stories to tell and you never left him without a smile. He was just a great guy!
Good luck with the Alco at Indianapolis!!
From Guy Frost:
“Ray will long be remembered through his photos. I hope the Bryant Library was the recipient of these.”
The MacKay family name was pronounced ‘MacKEE’. They were stock holders in the first telegraph line that crossed the Atlantic. His father, John was one of the Virginia City NV silver kings.
Hi-Ray was my dad’s (Jerome Rose) first cousin. He was a wonderful person, a wonderful photographer. I phoned him frequently from my home in Indiana. Also, when I came to NYC I saw Ray as much as I could. He was a dear relative and I know he’ll be missed by me and so many others.
Ray, I’ll miss you.
Your cousin-Johanna