Vanderbilt Cup Races

This Belcher-Hyde map shows the route of the Long Island Motor Parkway around Mrs. Emily Ladenburg's property in the area then known as Meadowbrook and Salisbury Plains. The Meadowbrook Racetrack was located north of the Ladenburg property. South of the Motor Parkway, Bellmore Road was called Newbridge Avenue and later changed to East Meadow Avenue to avoid confusion with Newbridge Road. I was raised in East Meadow and  I still confuse these two roads oday!

This is a view of the bridge looking southeast soon after it opened in 1908. The distinctive windmill of the Ladenburg property can be seen in the background. It was a virtual oasis of trees in the barren Hempstead Plains.

Motor Parkway Sweepstakes-October 10, 1908

Two racers can be seen in action on the opening day of the Motor Parkway. The "S" curve of this section of the course was challenging and dangerous.

1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race

A great view of Herb Lytle driving his Isotta on the bridge.

1909 Vanderbilt Cup Race

Friends of the Ladenburg family watching Hugh Harding driving his Apperson.

1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race- October 1, 1910

The bridge was the scene of a tragic accident during the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race. Driver Harold Stone lost control of his Columbia racer trying to make the curve on the bridge at speed. The car ran off the bridge killing the mechanician Matthew Bacon. Although some newspapers announced his death, Stone survived and was able to recover from his injuries.

The fence barrier broken by Stone was located at the top of the bridge.

This newspaper image captured the crowd scene around the accident at the foot of the Meadowbrook Bridge.

This accident and another fatal accident by Louis Chevrolet's car during the 1910 race resulted in the end of the Vanderbilt Cup Races on Long Island.

1928 Motor Parkway Atlas

The relationship of the first three Motor Parkway bridges in East Meadow.

1937 Aerial

A view of the bridge can be seen in the middle of this aerial.

August 8, 1938 Aerial

The challenge of this section of the Motor Parkway is dramatically shown in this aerial taken soon after the road was closed.

1949 Aerial

By 1949, the East Meadow Motor Parkway bridges had already been taken down. Remnants of Newbridge Avenue  were still visible.

Now: 2011

The location of the Meadowbrook Bridge as seen today looking south on Salisbury Park Drive.The cross-road is "Ladenburg Drive" in honor of the former property owners.

Check out  Wayne Consolla's online Motor Parkway map, to find the location of the Meadowbrook bridge.