Vanderbilt Cup Races

Willie K. Wants a Movie

"Willie Vanderbilt was very dissapointed . . ." and persuaded the head of the Biograph studio to produce a film of the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race with  D.W. Griffith to direct.  (American Lighting, Howard Blum 2008)

But as shown here, the film was never made.   On a related note, the telegraphed account of the race to be reported by the Los Angeles Times was never received as during the race there was an explosion at the Times building in LA.  Read Howard Blum's book, "American Lighting" for details. 

Special Showings

Automobile trade associations and theater owners used films of the Motor Parkway and the Vanderbilt Cup Races to increase attendance at meetings.  The Eden Musee was located in NYC and was combination theater and wax museum (eventually its figures were auctioned off to Coney Island).  (The New York Times Oct., 29, 1905)

"The race is really a thrilling spectacle".  Apart from the film of the race (termed a "novelty act"), "the best thing on the program" at the Mason Theater in Los Angeles that day was "a dance trio by the Pendleton sisters".  (The Los Angeles Herald Oct. 8, 1907)

J. Stuart Blackton's moving pictures of the Motor Parkway inauguration was to be shown at the June 30, 1908 meeting of the Long Island Automobile Club.   (The Brooklyn Times Jun., 20, 1908)

Another link between Blackton and Willy K.  (Jasper Weekly Courier May 7, 1915)

An award ceremony sponsored by the Automobile Club of Amerca in November, 1908 honoring that year's Vanderbilt Cup Race winner, George Robertson, included a showing of the race and the Grand Prix in France.   (New York Tribune Nov. 11, 1908)

Another article described the meeting a few weeks later noting that the winning trophies were exhibited.  (Toot Toot Dec., 1908)

The Automoibile Club of Baltimore also showed moving pictures of the race. (Source unknown)

As well as at Cincinnati's first automobile show.   (Source unknown)

Filming the Races from the Air

Motion pictures of the 1912 Vanderbilt Cup Races in Milwaukee were taken from the air by more than one aviator. (Aero and Hydro Oct. 12, 1912)

With penalties for doing so given out by the Aero Club of America.  (Fly Magazine Dec., 1912)

In The Movies!

As discussed in previous posts race scenes were used in several motion pictures.  This film was listed in a publication as "suitable for educational purposes".  (Moving Picture World, 1915)

Listed in a 1925 motion picture trade publication is a company named "Motor Parkway, Inc." so I'm assuming it has something to do with the film industry.   Additional research will hopefu;ly find out more details and if there is any connection with our favorite roadway.  (The Film Daily May 10, 1925)

D.W. Griffith's "Sally of the Sawdust" used the Motor Parkway in several scenes.  (Moving Picture World Jun. 13, 1925)

"Back Street" in which Barney Oldfield was the technical director of the filming of the race scenes.  (Movie and Radio Week Feb. 2, 1941)

Movie and Radio Week Feb. 2, 1941

And as An Entry in a Photography Contest

This photo of the Vanderbilt Cup Race was entered in a photography contest and won second place in its category.  Can you identify the race, car and driver?  (Photo-Era Jan., 1909)

Photo-Era Jan., 1909

The category of which the photo was entered was referred to as "high-speed" which I imagine the races would qualify as.  (Photo-Era Jan., 1909)

Part 2 of this series will provide where the Motor Parkway and the Vanderbilt Cup Races appeared in novels and other literary works.