Sam & Dave’s “Excellent 2019 Vanderbilt Day”- #6 East Williston
Our favorite Motor Parkway father and son team Dave and Sammy Russo journeyed once again on their bikes to explore our favorite parkway from Lake Success to Melville. In the sixth post of the series, Sammy and Dave explored the East Williston section of the Motor Parkway.
The Russo father/son series helps to document the current condition of the Motor Parkway, while uncovering several new surprises.
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
2019 Vanderbilt Day
March 30, 2019
Dave Russo :
So we did it yesterday. After a one year hiatus, Sam and I resumed our annual Vanderbilt Day tradition.
What better starting point than the Deepdale Mansion in Lake Success, William K. Vanderbilt, Jr.'s residence in the early 1900s. The home is still standing, just steps off of the Motor Parkway. I'm sure not by coincidence.
Moving west to east as always, we traveled 18 miles by bike from Lake Success to the Maxess Road Bridge in Melville We had a great time!
Heading east towards Roslyn Road - this stretch actually is in way better condition they it typically is
Beautiful
The former Roslyn Lodge, now a private residence'
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I posted a video about this one time, this is a pic on the Roslyn Lodge land looking west...notice the posts going from north to south - this is not the case at any other location. The LIMP is to my right - and the posts align both sides of the LIMP but these posts extend out to the south side of the LIMP - bordering the lodge property.
One day someone has to go knock on the door of the former Roslyn Lodge and see if there are any remnants.
Wall at Roslyn Road bridge
One nice final pic of the Roslyn Rd stretch of LIMP looking west from the wall
Comments
Nice pictures and video! I remember being part of a cleanup of this area with Howard and a nice crew of volunteers several years ago. It looks in excellent condition. It also looks like you went out there on a dry day. That’s been hard to do lately!
This is an awesome stretch of LIMP. This is a great spot to bring “first timers” so they can get the vibe of the motor parkway.
The LIMP in general is the most under appreciated landmark, not just in New York, maybe in the entire country! Sometimes you pass things and read about it and “ok that’s pretty cool” and you move on.
When you are made aware of the history of the LIMP and then couple that with the fact that so much of it STILL REMAINS in tact in its original form despite being in Long Island, home of 3 million people is truly amazing. It’s really hard to believe it’s not more recognized. Nobody I meet or talk to is aware of it.
You guys picked a great day to explore. Crisp images before the start of spring growth. How about spanning a pedestrian/bike type bridge over the LIRR again, I know that’s a pipe dream.
Great exploration/pics again Sam and Dave. I also find very few know about the Motor Parkway as well, as it sleeps quietly for 80 years (the GCP is 80 years old too). It’s time to wake her up again!
Dave, did you mean a continuous lineup of posts on both sides of LIMP? If so, I’ll have to visit there soon. The 1909 survey shows the N-S property lines misaligned.
Great Story and photos.
” this is a pic on the Roslyn Lodge land looking west…notice the posts going from north to south - this is not the case at any other location. “
Don’t POSTS also go north and south across BATTLE ROW from the hydrant to Bethpage-Spagnoli Road, along the strip near Glen Cove Road, after Dead Man’s Curve and a short run east of Bethpage Restoration Bridge when they dive south
?
MY LIFE WITH THE LIMP. I did knock on that door of the lodge when delivering mail. Think when I was doing that there was a family of Italian heritage in residence. Also when I was much younger and able to bike from Foxcroft Rd., I think the lodge was painted yellow. This was in the late 50’s. Thanks for the memories. Wish I was with ya.
Sorry….maybe I’m not explaining this properly. See my attached sketch.
As you all know, typically the posts run in line with the LIMP. Whatever direction the LIMP is heading, Posts can be on either side.
In this location, posts run AWAY from the LIMP. My guess is it’s outlining the lodge property line? But I don’t know and you don’t see this at any other lodge location.
Bob, so you didn’t mention…did you ever ask the homeowner of the lodge anything about the LIMP?? Did you even know about it at the time??
Dave - understood. So the N-S running posts (here running perpendicular to the LIMP) are ONLY on the south side of the LIMP. Those posts must be indicating the “S property line” labeled on the attached 1909 survey. It’s possible there could be more N-S running posts on the north side of LIMP at the “N property line” (further east by the lodge), as Croyden Ct today occupies only half of this former property line. That’ll be worth a visit soon.
Clear, sharp pictures, nice job guys!