Vanderbilt Cup Races

I was told it was on about a 9 acre parcel by an RE agent. Perhaps it is still in the clark family?

I too believe the property is still in the Clark family. I had many great times at the museum with Austin (he always referred to himself as Austin, not Austie)as did Walter McCarthy. We had great lunches at John Duck’s restaurant, and were well lubricated by the time we left at the end of the day. Austin was a loyal friend and had a wicked sense of humor.

Hi Walter:

Thanks for the insight! Much appreciated.

Howard

As a kid, I always enjoyed visiting Mr. Clark’s auto collection and getting a ride on the antique fire engines through the woods at the rear of the property. Probably even more fun was the opportunity of poking through the storage buildings and the unrestored stuff stored outside. One of the cars that was relegated to the “junk yard” was a 4-cylinder Dodge Brothers sedan (?) that had the rear body removed and converted into a farm truck. As I recall, it had a 1947 license plate. I bought the Dodge from Mr. Clark for $20 and he personally delivered it to my home in Riverhead for another $25. I did manage to get it running.

Hi George:

I appreciate another Austin Clark recollection. By the way, I have been told the Southampton property is still owned by the Clark family.

Howard

The Long Island lesson in history, once enjoyed..now destroyed.

I never knew it existed sad it wasn’t kept up.

I wonder what be done for this. Can we contact the Clark family to clean-up the overgrowth and other issues on the property and building?

I volunteer to be part of the leanup crew, I’d love to help.

I’d help with a cleanup also and will bring my son. I think if the word went out we could get many people to help.

This would be a major win for the Motorsports community cleaning up this prperty and reopening the building.

I would love to help.

Find out more if you can.

Mike

I am sure it would get good press and would make a nice place to rally our efforts for LI Motorsports.

I’ll give a hand also.

I’ll help.

I would be willing to help. I was involved in the new museum in Springfield Ma. and I would be happy to help out.
Keith Korbut
Duryea Transportation Society

Dear All,
Prior to cleaning up the site, Has anyone considered the consequences? My questions are 1.) is the brush “protecting” the buildings and 2.) would it invite vandalism if the building were now prominently visible? The sentiment to help preserve the site is exemplary and noble. Perhaps the best way would be to form a group and approach the owners with a plan to preserve the edifice. Then, approach the town for a tax exempt status and raise funds with matching grants from private philanthropies and the Federal/ State governments.

There seems to be sufficient interest to try to resurrect this site. Finding and working with owner first priority.  Austin invited me to store and display there my 1962 Corvette ex-Frank Dominianni SCCA 1964 BP Natnl Champ #69 for several years.  When vintage racing came along we restored, prepped and raced it from 1987 to 2002. The car’s second life was as good as its first.  Car now in Midwest part of prominent Corvette collection.

If the family were interested and the politicians cooperated do the collectors among us wish to install their vehicles there.There’s insurance concerns,security and all that goes with establishing this type of operation.I feel it is a noble cause as the concept and history of motorsports has almost brought to extinction here,but as a blue collar worker the best I can offer is my time which is limited.
I grew up in Northport and never heard of this place prior to this.
Once again thank you Howard for all you do to preserve the dream and keep alive the history.

Jan Hyde’s comments are worth considering.  A clean up while very desirable should include some long range maintenance plans.  I would be very willing to lend a hand with a clean up and bring the activity to the attention of my fellow car club members. A restored facility would be a great destination for club events and might be a venue for occasional car shows? Can a committee be formed to explore sponsorship and necessary steps to contact owners and the town/county and possible corporate philanthropic sponsors?

Ken Wiebke

As i said on the first posting of this museum Sue and I visited Austin at the museum ages ago… and yes he and it is missed. On LI Oddities someone said that it was owned by Liberty Ironworks, who has a business about a mile east on County Road 39. Someone else here they thought it was still in the Clark family. I know Austin had property in Glen Cove at Winter Garden (or something like that). Another good point is that brought up by “joseph”
  :“Prior to cleaning up the site, Has anyone considered the consequences? My questions are 1.) is the brush “protecting” the buildings and 2.) would it invite vandalism if the building were now prominently visible? The sentiment to help preserve the site is exemplary and noble. Perhaps the best way would be to form a group and approach the owners with a plan to preserve the edifice. Then, approach the town for a tax exempt status and raise funds with matching grants from private philanthropies and the Federal/ State governments.”:

if somone wants to restore the Long Island Automotive Museum to the glory of Henry Austin clark’s time.. some modern ammenities would have to happen. Even the museum that used to be in Lancaster County (where I was thrilled to see a real Tucker 48) is gone. Somehow I dont think a Quonset Hut would be the right place.  Yes i have fond memories of there and of Austin.. but I also think someone should get the ‘rights’ to the place first.

I suggest you find out if the owner wants it cleaned up.  And if he does, does he want amateur help doing it.
Are you talking about the grounds or the buildings too?
Lots of questions to be answered.

Thanks for the great response and excellent suggestions. Clearly, the first step is to locate the current owner of the property and determine if they want the area cleaned up. I have left a message for Austin Clark’s son and will report back when we make contact.

Enjoy,

Howard

Henry Austin Clark saved many early automobiles that were left in carriage houses,barns etc. in Long Island and elsewhere in New York.  It would take a lot of $$$ and time, but I would like to see this museum preserved in memory of this pioneer car collector

Thanks again for all the comments on the Long Island Automotive Museum.

I spoke to a representative of the Clark family today. Due to legal and insurance concerns, they do not wish to disturb the property at this time.

If the situation changes, I will let people know.

Howard

Hi,
Found this in a 1957/1958 NY Daily News Almanac and Guide to NYC in the “Scientific Museums Outstanding Exhibits” section:

Long Island Automotive Museum.
“Rt. 39, Southampton, SO 1-1880.  Open Daily, June-Sept., week ends late May, Oct., 9-5.  Adults 50 cents, children 25 cents.  Largest museum in world devoted exclusively to history of the automobile.  Henry Austin Clark, Jr. collection of 100 antique cars, trucks, fire engines, including steam, electric and gasoline models dating from 1896.

Hi Art:
Very neat!

Howard

I remember visiting the museum in the summer of 1964, or thereabouts, with my parents. We were returning from a trip to Montauk Point. I believe there was at least one Fiat Abarth (Red) in front, which caught my eye as we drove by, unaware of the museum. I asked ny father to turn around and investigate.
I especially remember the Adams Farwell auto powered by a radial engine. Very powerful imagery, the museum was quite an addition to my life experience, and we came upon it by accident. What a pity that the museum no longer exists.

Bill P.

Hi Art:

Thanks for the information. Here is a link to more posts on the Long Island Automotive Museum:

http://www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/index.php/blog/article/tuesday_june_15_2010_postcards_from_the_long_island_automotive_museum

Howard

I am the first employee of Austie Clark.I worked for him before he opened the museum.Me and Norris Hopping moved the cars to the museum from many locations.If anyone wants info contact me at email. As far as I kmow the museum is still in the Clark family.

We will offer at auction March 2nd 2012 material from the Henry Austin Clark Jr.‘s museum including uniforms, pennats etc. http://www.weissauctions.com