Vanderbilt Cup Races

-Where is the location of the Mystery Foto and orientation of the photographer?
This photo was taken looking West from the Press Box/Officials Stand in the Hempstead Plains (now Levittown.)

-Which Vanderbilt Cup Races were run in this section?
1908, ‘09, ‘10

-Identify the significant buildings and Motor Parkway structures
Newbridge Rd bridge,The New Bridge Hotel on Newbridge Road

-What was the appropriate month and date of the Mystery Foto? Provide a rationale.
October 1908 LIMP completed, but race not run yet.

Great picture looking west at the grandstand area and the pits before they were built. Sometime around early 1908. You can see the layout for the pressbox on the other side. Looking into the distance is the Newbridge road bridge and the Newbridge Hotel. Also in the distance is the Westbury Road Bridge and the Ladenburg Farm windmill in the background.

Looking west from Levittown grandstand area.
Turning left (south) in area now known as Orchid Road then right at Newbridge Road
with Newbridge Hotel visible.
1908-1910 races on this stretch.

Hmm.  That open patch seems too small for the grandstand and no sign of the press box.  Pits?  Other clues?  Can’t make out details but that big porch rules out Garden City with the Clinton bridge beyond.  Early construction - see the water pipe at right.  I have to assume that’s the omni-present Ladenburgh windmiill on the horizon.  Pass.  Sam, III

*Location & direction of Foto:  A broadly west view in Hempstead Plains/Levittown NY.

*Races held here:  1908, 1909 & 1910 Vanderbilt Cup.

*Buildings & Structures:  Noted on the map attached.

*Date of Foto:  My thoughts - Think this photo was taken from the Press Box. Both the Grandstand & Officials Stand/Press Box were built by Sept 1908 ( the attached image ). The attached image shows no guard railing. But railing must have been erected by Oct 10 ( sweepstakes images show railing ). The sheds I see were likely for the road crews, maybe outhouses? Have to go to the bathroom somewhere. My answer is early October 1908.

We’re looking west in the Hempstead Plains (now Levittown) with the Newbridge Road LIMP bridge in the distance along with the Newbridge Hotel. This section was used for the 1908, 1909, and 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Races. In addition to the bridge, we’re also looking at the remains of the grandstand, pits, and parking area. I think the photo was taken from the Press Box / Officials Stand. Since the grandstand is down and the press box was still up, the date is probably around November / December, 1910.

LIMP - Hempstead Plains now Levittown looking west towards Newbridge Rd.
1908 -1910 Vanderbilt Cup races where held at the location
Grandstands and pit areas for the 1908 cup race now Orchid and Crocus Lane Levittown
The parkway looks new and most likely just completed in either September or October 1908.  Photo was taken from the original building/grandstand at the location
The LIMP Newbridge Rd bridge and the New Bridge Hotel can be seen in the distance

Whoa! Almost missed this. Island Trees/Levittown, site of Grandstand/Press stand looking west. Newbridge bridge and hotel in the distance. 1908-10 VCR. Soon before 1908 race. Grandstand construction pic? Never seen this one before, awesome views!!! Where is everybody?

Great shot of the curve. Don Reilly riding his childhood bike on “Old Motor” was inquiring 3 weeks ago what it may have looked like in its glory. Great photo Howard.

Some say the photo is during the 1908 race construction, others say it’s after the 1910 race demolition. I believe it’s earlier. Which is it?

Hi Frank. If an image of the area can be found where the shed is ( south & west ) removed during the races, then we would know for sure that the Foto is 1908 thru 1910. If an image shows the shed existing, there couldn’t be a way to know if this Foto was earlier or later. As I zoomed in, the boundary fence is diverted ( entire shed is within the ROW ). That rectangular bare area on the same side ‘appears significant’, but I know the grandstand was just east of where the guardrail ends. Were those really rest areas that I pointed out?

Brian - What sold me that photo was taken before the 1908 race is how the grass on the south side by the boundary fence is still untouched. If I remember correctly Al Velocci once said the property south of the RoW was leased for the placement of the grandstand. If this photo was taken after 1910, that section of grass would show dirt after demolition. Based on photos, I know the Official’s Stand was built roughly centered to the larger Grandstand, and also centered to the mechanic’s pits. That cleared-out dirt section on the south side could be initial construction for the west pits, and the Grandstand would eventually extend 50ft south beyond the LIMP boundary fence that is still in place. Besides all this the parkway looks new, no tire marks.