Sunday, Apr 02 2017

Presentation:“My Hunt for the Vanderbilt Cup Races & the Long Island Motor Parkway”, East Williston


Presentation: “My Hunt for the Vanderbilt Cup Races & the Long Island Motor Parkway"

“Chain your dogs and lock up your fowls!” heralded posters throughout Long Island in announcing the first international road race ever to be held in America. From 1904 to 1910, six Vanderbilt Cup Races were held on Long Island roads. Developed from the imagination of William K. Vanderbilt, Jr., great grandson of millionaire Cornelius Vanderbilt, these races were the most prestigious and thrilling auto races of their day, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators to Long Island. “The Incredible Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island,” will relive auto racing’s earliest triumphs including the development of the Long Island Motor Parkway- the first road built exclusively for the automobile.

The presentation "My Hunt for the Vanderbilt Cup Races & the Long Island Motor Parkway" will be given by Howard Kroplick, Town Historian for North Hempstead and will detail his 14-year research journey. His presentation will feature photos from the private archives of William K. Vanderbilt , Jr., rare race films and an assortment of “Vanderbilia”. Howard has extensively researched the races and written three books; The Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island, The Long Island Motor Parkway (co-authored with Al Velocci) and North Hempstead.

Sponsored by the Nassau County Historical Society, a book-signing will follow the 2:00 PM presentation with all proceeds going to Nassau County charities. All are welcome to attend.

Guests are welcome to attend; invite your friends. The program is free.

Ligh refreshments follow the program.



Location: Community Church of East Williston

Address: 45 East Williston Avenue, NY

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