The Amazing Roslyn Estate of a 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race Spectator
Clarence Mackay (1874-1938) was the heir to the Comstock silver fortune and was a major figure in the development of the international telegraph business. Before and after the Vanderbilt Cup Races, Mackay would host huge parties for his friends and business associates at his 648-acre estate overlooking the village of Roslyn.
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
Following the conclusion of the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race, William K. Vanderbilt Jr. was asked to address his friends and race officials at the Westbury grandstand. Clarence Mackay was standing to Willie K's left.
The Harbor Hill Estate
Mackay's Harbor Hill estate was one of the largest on Long Island with formal gardens and terraces surrounding the main house designed by Stanford White. This previously published 1920 aerial captured the gardens nearing completion.
The Mackay Horse Statues
Mackay commissioned two 25-ton, 40- foot replicas of the famous Champs-Elysees Marley Horse statues for the west garden. Amazingly, the workers were just ready to hoist one of the horses and the groomsmen on to their pedestals.
In 2009, the south statue was still in its place on Harbor Hill in East Hills.
The statue is currently being restored by the Roslyn Landmark Society assisted by a grant from the Gerry Charitable Trust.
Next week, you can relive the days of the Vanderbilt Cup Races and see the Alco Black Beast roar at this special Roslyn Landmark Society event.
Comments
Love the Harbor Hill tie-in with the Cup races/LIMP! My 2 favs! Can’t wait to see the H.H. gatehouse restored!
John Wm Mackay [pronounced Mackee] started the family fortune in 1859 making $4 a day as a miner in Virginia City NV. He was one of the richest men in America by the time he was in his mid-30s. He invested in the Trans-Atlantic telegraph cable with part of his silver mining fortune. Clarence was born when John was 43 years old. John Mackay past on in 1902 leaving his business’ for Clarence to build on.
From Robert R:
“Wow, what an estate!
Just sent it to my wife and her sister, who grew up on Morgan’s Island.”
The Mackay estate contained numerous trees transplanted by Hicks Nursery. These photos are from the firm’s promotional booklets published in 1907 and 1910.
One more Hick’s pic!