Friday, September 3, 2010: Willie K.‘s Cars #1: The 23-HP 1900 Daimler White Ghost
From 1900 to 1905, William K. Vanderbilt , Jr was a pioneering race car driver, competing succesfully in the United States and Europe. Willie's K's racing career and his racing cars will be documented in a new VanderbiltCupRaces.com series "Willie K.'s Cars".
For the first installment, this excellent article "Hunting for Records- William K. Vanderbilt Jr."posted on the Daimler global media website is featured, supplemented with images from my collection.
Hunting for Records- William K. Vanderbilt Jr
William Kissam Vanderbilt Jr. – known as Willie K. among his friends – was born in 1878 as one of three children of extremely well-to-do parents. His grandfather had laid the foundations for the wealth of one of the richest families in America with his railway and shipping businesses; his father had successfully increased the family's fortune. Initially, William ran several of his family's businesses together with his brother Cornelius before he retired from management in 1903. He was a philanthropist with a wide range of social and sporting interests.
Willie K.’s childhood was unspectacular. He was intrigued by technical matters and had access to the cars of his parents’ friends and acquaintances from an early stage onwards. The excursions on which he was taken must have left a great impression on him, as his great enthusiasm for cars proved in later years. In 1888 he spent time in France to get to know the Old World. Albert Jules Count de Dion, a friend of the family, automotive pioneer and manufacturer, invited Willie K., who was nine years old at the time, to a trip in his steam-powered three-wheeler. Together they traveled from Beaulieu to Monte Carlo. Vanderbilt remembered that "he steered with one hand and controlled the steam pressure with the other. More than anything else, I was impressed ... by the enormous speed at which we were traveling. Count de Dion was a very courageous man." But it was to take a while before Vanderbilt owned his own car.
Fast cars from an early age
In July 1899, Vanderbilt bought his first car – one with electric drive, as was not uncommon at the time – three months after his wedding with Virginia Graham Fair, daughter of a former Californian senator. He was not satisfied with the car's performance, however, and soon exchanged it for a steam-powered Stanley. "The boiler was thirstier than a stranded sailor," he wrote at a later stage. "We had to top up water continually. What was worse, the vapor occasionally escaped in uncontrolled fashion and prompted curious onlookers to seek cover until the commotion had settled again." Vanderbilt decided in favor of a gasoline-engined car, initially for a British three-wheeler which he sold again immediately, however, because he simply found it to be too slow. In 1899 he bought a French 6 hp Mors at a price of 5,000 dollars. This car already had a top speed of 32 km/h. Immediately after taking delivery of the car while being in Europe at the time, he covered the distance from Paris to Nice – more than 900 kilometers – in less than 40 hours.
In June 1900, Vanderbilt bought a Daimler Phoenix, his first Daimler and his first racing car for which he had to pay the impressive price of 10,000 dollars. This car – nicknamed "White Ghost" and powered by a 23 hp engine which accelerated the car to a top speed of just under 100 km/h – was at last completely to Vanderbilt's liking.
In this car, he cut the speed record between Newport and Boston to about half the previously recorded speed and remained only slightly above the railways' driving time – because he was arrested for speeding and not released until an hour later and only after putting up 25 dollars bail. "Otherwise I would have been faster than the railways!" he explained. The penalty of 15 dollars didn't really hurt. Slowly but gradually, more Americans took a liking to sporty cars. But who was the fastest? Several, purely privately organized races were staged, with Vanderbilt being a frequent competitor.
On September 6, 1900, Vanderbilt and his society sporting friends gathered at a half-mile Aquidneck Park horse track near Newport, Rhode Island, for a series of automobile races. Willie K. was the star of the meet with the White Ghost, winning three of the featured five mile races, averaging 33.7 mph.
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
Tracking Hurricane Earl: Distance from Long Island 479 Miles at 12:00 AM September 3, 2010
Future Black Beast Events and Howard Kroplick Presentations
-Current August to October 2010 Schedule Updated: August 21, 2010
Automotive Events: August to October 2010
-Local Car Shows and Automotive Events Updated August 28, 2010
-Long Island Cruise Nights Updated: August 6, 2010
VanderbiltCupRaces.com Indexes (Updated: August 2, 2010)
The Most Popular Posts on VanderbiltCupRaces.com
The Long Island Automotive Museum.
Slideshows- 18 Black Beast Automotive Events
Blog Highlights
Blog Updates
-September 1, 2010: The Bugatti Type 51 (lot #343) did not sell at the RM Auctions in August.
-August 29, 2010: Jerry Helck connects the Breeses
-Recent updates (Latest: September 1, 2010)
Long Island Car Clubs
Links to 57 Car Clubs (Updated: July 20, 2010)
Red Light Camera Locations
Thursday, September 2, 2010: Maseratis in Action at the 1939 to 1948 Indy 500 Races
George Jasberg has provided this information as a follow-up to the August 25th post on the Maserati V8RI currently on display at the Saratorga Automobile Museum:
I saw the Ex-Weaver V8R1, the only pre-war "Maser" to compete in the early SCCA road races at Watkins Glen for the Seneca Cup, a Formula Libre race which always opened the day's racing there; and once (in '52) on the original Bridgehampton course, south of Montaulk Highway... It was awesome to the nth. degree! It may also have run in the vintage and antique exhibitions during the mid-day intermissions at "The Bridge", 1949-'51.
A later, purpose-built 3-liter supercharged Maserati won the Indy 500 in 1939 and 1940, driven by Wilbur Shaw, who crashed the car in '41 while leading.
That car returned and was driven by Ted Horn to 3rd. place in '46 and '47, 4th in '48. In those three races it ws the fastest car on the track, but also the thirstiest since it was supercharged and burning methanol while the 4.5 liter "Blue Crown Special" Offenhausers were not and ran on gasoline, making less pit stops... Horn never won the 500 but was never worse than 4th. in 10 consecutive starts!
Two similar Masers also ran at 1940 Indy 500 Race. One was that of Raoul Riganti of Argentina, he was out after only 60 miles. That car appeared at Lime Rock in 2004. On that day the car was in the Argentine national colors (with no advertising permitted) and bore it's '40 Indy number, 29. Here are my photos:
Take care, keep the Beast on its' favorite diet and take it for frequent runs!
George Jasberg
Howard Kroplick Note: Maseratis in action: The tragic 1939 Indy 500 Race won by Wilbur Shaw (incorrectly identifed as Mauri Rose in the second film segment) and the 1941 Indy 500 Race won by Mauri Rose. Warning: This film includes a horrific fatal accident during the 1939 race.
George, great job! Thanks for your contribution to VanderbiltCupRaces.com!!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010: VanderbiltCupRaces.com Sets New Monthly Record in August 2010
VanderbiltCupRaces.com recorded its highest average monthly viewership ever in August 2010 with 4,512 unique visitors. This represented a daily unique visitor average of 146 and a 63% increase over August 2010. For the first eight months of 2010, a total of 31, 213 unique viewers (a daily average of 128) have visited VanderbiltCupRaces.com, a 58% increase over 2009. Thanks for stopping by!
VanderbiltCupRaces.com retained its #1 ranking for all five leading search engines for "Vanderbilt Cup Races":
Google: Ranked #1 of 190,000 websites
Yahoo!: Ranked #1 of 1.63 million websites
Bing: Ranked #1 of 1.660 million websites
Ask: Ranked #1
AOL Search: Ranked #1 of 156,000 websites
VanderbiltCupRaces.com also received a top 11 ranking for all five leading search engines for "Long Island Motor Parkway":
Google: Ranked #7 of 71,100 websites
Yahoo!: Ranked #11 of 1.11 million websites
Bing: Ranked #11 of 881,000 websites
Ask: Ranked #6
AOL Search: Ranked #7 of 64,500 websites
Below is a summary of the posts placed on the website during August 2010.
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
Vanderbilt Cup Races
The Maserati V8RI Vanderbilt Cup Racer at the Saratoga Automobile Museum
A Mystery Photo from the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Nunley’s Carousel and the Vanderbilt Cup Races
The Pits of the 1908-1910 Vanderbilt Cup Races
The Curious Map Scoreboard at the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Long Island Motor Parkway
Then and Now: The Motor Parkway in Wheatley Hills Golf Club, East Wlliston
The Motor Parkway and the Wheatley Hills Golf Club in East Williston
The Intact Long Island Motor Parkway Bridges
Alco-6 Black Beast Racer
Times Union Blog: “Serendipity and the Black Beast”
The Black Beast Returns to Schenectady and Saratoga Springs
The Black Beast returns to the former Alco Headquarters in Schenectady Today
Film "The Black Beast’s Four-Mile Cruise to the Show”
The Black Beast at Sunday’s “Nassau County Executive’s Cruise to the Show"
“Black Beast” to Parade Down Stewart Avenue on Sunday & Updated Car Shows
The “Black Beast” at Last Sunday’s Roosevelt Field Celebration
Garden City Patch “‘Black Beast’ Returns to Garden City for Encore”
“Black Beast” Roars at Oyster Bay Cruise Night
Long Island Automotive Museum
Postcards from the Long Island Automotive Museum (#13-17)
Presentations
Presentation Tonight in Brentwood “The Incredible Vanderbilt Cup Races
Car Shows and Automotive Events
Mystery Mascot Contest #1 and Update of Local Automotive Events & Car Shows
Times Union Blog: “Serendipity and the Black Beast”
The Black Beast Returns to Schenectady and Saratoga Springs
The Black Beast returns to the former Alco Headquarters in Schenectady Today
Film "The Black Beast’s Four-Mile Cruise to the Show”
The Black Beast at Sunday’s “Nassau County Executive’s Cruise to the Show"
“Black Beast” to Parade Down Stewart Avenue on Sunday & Updated Car Shows
The “Black Beast” at Last Sunday’s Roosevelt Field Celebration
Garden City Patch “‘Black Beast’ Returns to Garden City for Encore”
“Black Beast” Roars at Oyster Bay Cruise Night
Videos and Films
Times Union Blog: “Serendipity and the Black Beast”
Film "The Black Beast’s Four-Mile Cruise to the Show”
Film “Speedy” - Featuring Harold Lloyd, Babe Ruth and 1928 cars
Favorite Websites
Favorite Website: American-Automobiles.com
Tuesday, 8/31/10: Then and Now: The Motor Parkway in Wheatley Hills Golf Club, East Wlliston
Last Sunday, we explored the history of the Motor Parkway right-of-way that virtually split the Wheatley Hills Golf Course in East Williston. In order to obtain this East Williston right-of-way, the Motor Parkway purchased the entire 68-acre farm of William Titus in 1909. Four years later, the property was sold or leased to develop a golf club which became Wheatley Hills. For many years, LIMPers asked the question, do any remnants of the Motor Parkway still remain on this private property?
A comparison of the 1928 aerial (top) and 1984 aerial (bottom; courtesy of the Village of East Williston) indiicates that not much of the original Motor Parkway remains. The highest probable remnant areas are the very northerly area that goes east/west, the middle area where a farmway bridge connected the split golf course and the southernly area near East Williston Road . Remember the click on the image to enlarge it.
With the approval of the Wheatley Hills Golf Club and with the assistance of East Williston Mayor Nancy Zolezzi and her husband Joe Zolezzi, Al Velocci and I received permission to tour the course in search of the Parkway. Here are our findings of the journey that Al and I took with Joe Zolezzi earlier this month:
We first headed north in our two expedition golf carts. Al and I were quite pleased to find out the Club had honored the Long Island Motor Parkway with a plaque.
The plaque reads:
HISTORICAL SITE
A portion of the original Vanderbilt Motor Parkway still exists at this location. The Motor Parkway constructed during the years 1906-1910 was closed on Easter Sunday 1938 as the Northern and Southern State parkways became available to Long Island motorists.
As seen here, the cart path near the plaque was built right over the Motor Parkway roadway. Note behind the cart path, the ever-present LIPA utility lines, which follow a good portion of the Motor-Parkway right-of way throughout Nassau County.
Although Al and I found no remnants of the Motor Parkway bridge that connected the middle sections of the golf course, as we headed south towards the clubhouse, the cart path was once again directly placed on the Motor Parkway roadway.
Once again, the LIPA utility tower and lines help to spot the Motor Parkway right-of-way.
Finally, Joe, Al and I explored the southern area where the above Motor Parkway bridge went over East Williston Road (Hillside Avenue). Photo circa 1930s courtesy of Bob Valentine.
As seen here, the bridge embankment on the north side of East Williston Road is still there with several relocated Motor Parkway concrete posts marking the spot.
Thanks again to the Wheatley Hills Golf Club, Mayor Nacy Zolezzi and Joe Zolezzi for helping to make a wonderful research day for Al and me!
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
Future Black Beast Events and Howard Kroplick Presentations
-Current August to October 2010 Schedule Updated: August 21, 2010
Automotive Events: August to October 2010
-Local Car Shows and Automotive Events Updated August 28, 2010
-Long Island Cruise Nights Updated: August 6, 2010
VanderbiltCupRaces.com Indexes (Updated: August 2, 2010)
The Most Popular Posts on VanderbiltCupRaces.com
The Long Island Automotive Museum.
Slideshows- 18 Black Beast Automotive Events
Blog Highlights
Blog Updates
-August 29, 2010: Jerry Helck connects the Breeses
-Recent updates (Latest: August 29, 2010)
Long Island Car Clubs
Links to 57 Car Clubs (Updated: July 20, 2010)
Red Light Camera Locations
Sunday, August 29, 2010: The Motor Parkway and the Wheatley Hills Golf Club in East Williston
The Long Island Motor Parkway changed directions in East Williston from Roslyn Road (East/West) towards East Williston Road (North/South). As seen in this 1940 map, the parkway split the Wheatley Hills Golf Club in half. Several questions immediately come to mind in looking at this section: Which came first the parkway or the golf club? How did members enter the club from the Motor Parkway? Are there any parts of the parkway still existing today? Here are some answers:
This is a March 1909 Motor Parkway survey of the East Williston section from my map collection. It indicates that the Motor Parkway purchased 68.114 acres of the William Titus farm in order to build the road through this section. Accordingly, the Motor Parkway was built before the Wheatley Hills Golf Club was established.
A 1928 aerial clearly shows how the Motor Parkway split the Wheatley Hills Golf Club. Note halfway in the north/south section there was a bridge over the Motor Parkway connecting the two sections of the course.
According to my favorite co-author Al Velocci, the Wheatley Hills Golf Club was established four years after the Motor Parkway purchased this section in 1913 as the Midland Golf Club with the old Titus house as the clubhouse. This Wheatley Hills Golf Club brochure (circa 1920s, courtesy of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum) noted: "the course is divided into two almost equal parts by the Long Island Motor Parkway which...will be attraction rather than a detriment both by the reason of the way it divides the land and by reason of the facilities which it offers for access to the club house."
This photo shows the private entrance for club members from the Long Island Motor Parkway.
In his excellent book The Toll Lodges of the Long Island Motor Parkway, and Their Gatekeepers' Lives, Al Velocci provided this Wheatley Hills toll ticket with this description:
..the Club functioned as a quasi-lodge in that discounted toll tickets were printed with the Wheatley Hills Golf Club designation and sold to Club members. The Club steward collected tolls from members and guests issuing toll tickets as they left the golf course to re-enter the Parkway. A condition of the sale was that the tickets were good only going west, and only to the Mineola gate if going east..."
In this photo, the Motor Parkway can be seen behind the golfer in the middle to just above the golfer on the right.
This is a view of the Motor Parkway bridge over East Williston Road looking east. The Wheatley Hills Golf Club would be on the left.
Finally, do any remnants of the Motor Parkway still remain in the still very active Wheatley Hills Golf Club? Since the club is private property, this question has vexed LIMPers for years. With the approval of the Wheatley Hills Golf Club and with the assistance of East Williston Mayor Nancy Zolezzi and her husband Joe Zolezzi, Al Velocci and I received permission to tour the course in search of the Parkway. Check back next week to discover the results of our East Williston adventure.
August 31, 2010 Update: Now and Then: The Motor Parkway in Wheatley Hills Golf Club, East Wlliston
Today, the Black Beast will be on display at the 3rd Annual Hot Rods & Race Cars Show & Cacklefest* East Neck Auto Service, 89 Rt. 109, West Bablyon. Cars arrive at 8:00 AM, show begins at 10:00 AM
Saturday, 8/28/10: Mystery Mascot Contest #1 and Update of Local Automotive Events & Car Shows
John Torani of Saratoga Springs asks for your help to identify this hood mascot. It appears to be a ram or goat figurine. Be the first to win our Mystery Mascot Contest by placing your answer in the Comments section!
It will be a busy week for car shows on Long Island with several rainouts from last Sunday. I will be bringing my 1996 Shelby GT-350H and 2006 Shelby Mustang GT-H to Saturday's Port Jefferson Mustang Show. The Alco Black Beast will be exhibited at East Neck Auto Service, West Babylon throughout the weekend. Here's a complete update of car shows and events for this weekend and through October.
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
August 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
-Annual Mustang Car Show at the Port Jefferson Village Center, Port Jefferson, New York. Hosted by the Mustang and Shelby Club of Long Island. Park and display your car at the Village Center and enjoy the amenities of the "Village on the Sound".
-Demonstration Day "Bentley Boys", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Saturday, August 28, 2010 to Sunday, August 29, 2010
-Hollywood Star Car Show, Cradle of Aviation Museum, East Garden City, Sponsored by the Cradle of Aviation and the Autoseum, featuring George Barris. 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday, August 29, 2010
--3rd Annual Hot Rods & Race Cars Show & Cacklefest* East Neck Auto Service, 89 Rt. 109, West Babylon. Hosted by Pacers Car Club and East Neck Auto. Contact: John Carrechia, 631-321-7434 sales@eastneckautoservicepacersauto@gmail.com, Cars arrive at 8:00 AM, show begins at 10:00 AM.
-Rain Date for 30th Annual Vanderbilt Invitational Concours, Suffolk Conty Vanderbilt Museum, Centerport, Hosted by: MG Car Club, Long Island Centre, For info contact: Vince Pina, 516-293-4951, vping@optonline.net
-2nd Annual All American Car Show, Tanger Outlets, Deer Park, NY, Hosted by LI Street Machines, to benefit Multiple Scherosis Society of Long Island, Contact: Joe Guercio, 516-652-7174 LT1V8@man.com, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
-Antique Car Show and Flea Market, presented by the Long Island Motor Touring Club, Josephson Garage Complex, 45 Burch Ave., Amityville, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 1-631-842-3028
-Classic Car Show, Heckscher Ball Park, Bohaty Field, Sabbath Day Path and Route 25A, Huntington, NY, Sponsored by the Northport-Centerport Lions Club, hosted by Fabulous 50‘s & 60’s Nostalgia Car Club. Contact: Howie 631-269-1091, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
-AACA Car Show, Cedarhurst Park, Cedarhurst. Hosted by Hempstead Plains Region AACA , Information: 1-516-295-5770, 10:00 AM
-LI Racing Museum Annual Open House, 15 O'Neill Ave, Bay Shore, featuring racing personalities from freeport, Islip and Riverhead Speedways, Information: 1-631-666-4912, 10:00 AM to Dusk
September 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
-St. Albans Veterans Hospital Car Show, Linden Blvd, Queens. Hosted by Greater NY Region AACA. Contact: Paul Parnes, 718-217-2220 ppa090544@verizon.net , 9:00 AM
Saturday, September 4, 2010
-Boy Scout Car Show, Peconic Lane Shool, Peconic, Rain Date: September 5th
Sunday, September 5, 2010
-Blast from the Past 7th Annual Car Show, West Islip Library Field, 3 Higbie Lane, West Islip. Hosted by: LI Road Gents, Contact: Ray Rendina, 516-523-7130 Rayr1953@yahoo.com, 8:00 AM
Sunday, September 12, 2010
-The LI Moose Classic Car Club's 10th Anniversary Show*, Mattituck. To benefit the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge, #1742.
-L.I. Cruizin' for a Cure 2010, Capital One Bank, 275 Broadhollow Road, Melville, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
-Sagamore Hill Car Show, Horseless Carriage Club, Contact Ed Labounty 1-631-751-6173
-Car Show/Swap Meet & Fire Truck Muster, Tanner Park, hosted by Kiwanis Club of Copaigue, Contact: Phil Guerra, 561-647-2754 philcarshow@optonline.net
Sunday, September 19, 2010
-Orchard Beach Classic Car & Motorcycle Show, Orchard Beach Parkling Lot, Bronx, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday, September 25, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Bugatti Day", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, September 26, 2010
-Great Neck Autofest*, Great Neck Plaza
October 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010
-7th Annual Bridgehampton Road Rally*, Sponsored by the Bridgehampton Historical Society, Featuring cars that raced on the streets of Bridgehampton and classic pre-1959 cars.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
-Hallockville Car Show*, Hallockville Farm, Sound Avenue, Riverhead, Hosted byPeconic Bay Region AACA, Contact George: 1-631-727-3097
Saturday, October 23, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 1*:Street Rods, Modifieds, Customs, and Motorcycles, Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by Vanderbilt Centennial Celebrations and the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745. Vendors welcome, contact Seamus Keane at COA 516-572-4111.
-Demonstration Day "Nurburging", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, October 24, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 2*: Vintage cars, Classic cars and Pre-War Trucks, Fire Trucks and Police Cars, Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by Vanderbilt Centennial Celebrations and the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745. Vendors welcome, contact Seamus Keane at COA 516-572-4111.
Riverhead Raceway 2010 Schedule
Friday, August 27, 2010: Times Union Blog: “Serendipity and the Black Beast”
Author and Schenectady County historian Don Rittner has written an article on his timesunion.com blog on his experiences last week with the Black Beast. Here are some highlights:
"My interest peaked when I learned they made racing cars and in particular one called the Black Beast. I have written about this already in a couple of blog posts so won’t rehash it here (just do a search here on Black Beast). Like most history lessons, it was all about yesteryear, old photos, and published sources. If you told me only a few months ago that I would be riding IN the Black Beast AT the ALCO plant, I would have asked you what kind of cool aid you were drinking – and yet that is exactly what happened last Friday."
"...if you came to the monthly Schenectady Roundtable at Schenectady City Hall last Friday, the 20th, you saw the Black Beast up close and personal. It was a huge hit. For me, it was one of those defining moments in your life when you think life is good, real good....
"...So around 1PM on Friday, Howard pulls up with the Black Beast at City Hall and thanks to the Schenectady Police Department (and the Commissioner) we had a police escort over to the former ALCO site off Erie Blvd to take some pictures of the car in front of the building that has American Locomotive painted on it. Dave Buicko, the new owner of ALCO graciously gave me permission to bring the BB over to the site. I thought it would be a good idea for the BB to come visit “mommy,” after all it is here in the main office where the decision to make the car took place...Howard asked me if I wanted to take a ride (does the sun shine!!!) and I jumped in and we did two laps around the building at about 30 mph (it can do over 100 mph). It’s hard to describe the feeling of being in a car that you only knew about through history and photographs. I took video so I could prove to myself the next day it wasn’t all a dream. I have posted it on Youtube so you can share the feeling – watch my ride."
Don, excellent summary of a real fun day!
Thursday, August 25, 2010: The Maserati V8RI Vanderbilt Cup Racer at the Saratoga Automobile Museum
Four racing cars were built by Maserati of Modena in 1935 to compete with the German racers. Designed by Ernesto Maserati, the Maserati V8RI had a supercharged V8 engine and an independent suspension. Last Saturday, I spotted one of four Maseratis on display in the "Racing in New York" exhibit at the Saratoga Automobile Museum.
The "Poison Lil" (chassis #4504) is on loan to the Saratoga Automobile Museum from Barbara Weaver and Valerie Clark. Barbara Weaver is the widow of George Weaver who owned and raced the car in the 1940s and 1950s.
The museum's description of "Poison Lil" notes "this remarkable Maserati has had an amazingly long career competing, first internationally in the Grand Prix circuit, the the Vanderbilt Cup Races of 1936-1937, the Indianapolis 500 of 1938-1939 and Watkins Glen from 1948 to 1955." Driving "Poision Lil", George Weaver won the 1949 and 1951 Seneca Cup Races at Watkins Glen.
For the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race, the #29 Maserati qualified 13th. During the race, the car spun out on lap 9 and later was disqualified for a push start.
The racer returned for the 1937 Vanderbilt Cup Race and was driven by the reigning American champion Mauri Rose. The #1 Maserati was running sixth after 85 laps before dropping out with a universal-joint failure with only five laps remaining. The racer finished 15th.
For more information on the Maserati V8RIs:
Wednesday, August 25, 2010: A Mystery Photo from the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race
_edited-1-1.jpg "1906 BLM -Marie Foster")
One of the many nice people that I met last Friday at the Saratoga Automobile Museum was Marie Foster of Champlain Canal Tour Boats. Marie brought along this photo with the caption "1906 Vanderbilt Racer, NYC." One of her favorite vintage car photos for years, no one had ever been able to identify the car. Since I always enjoy a Vanderbilt Cup Race challenge, here is my attempt to solve the mystery:
A close-up of the photo (click on the photo to enlarge it) does not reveal the all-important race number on either the radiator or hood. But, key identifying features include; the logo on the radiator, the distinctive radiator design, the rectangular-shaped gas tank and the unusal alignment of the four exhaust pipes. A review of the 17 cars that started the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race did not reveal a match. However, a check of the 16 cars that entered the 1906 American Elimination Trial did point to one possible car...the #15 B-L-M racer.
The initials for the B.L.M. stood for the three owners of the company founded in 1906, Sidney Breese, Charles Lawrence and Andrew Moulton. Their initial idea was a race car based on an experiemental model put together by Breese and Lawrence in 1905. It had 4-cylinders and 85 HP and was built to qualify for the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race. As seen here, the gas tank and hood design matched the car in Marie's photo. But, what about the distinctive exhuast side?
Eureka! As seen by the placement of the four exhaust pipes, the racer in Marie's photo was the #15 B.L.M. that was entered by Sidney Breese in the 1906 American Elimination Trial.
Unfortunately, the B.L.M. never raced in either the American Elimination Race or the Vanderbilt Cup Race. While being driven on race day to the Westbury starting line, the car broke a cylinder and would not start. Despite the disappointment, the car was written up in the October 18, 1906 issue of The Automobile in this article "The Elimination Car That Did Not Start".
Tuesday, August 24, 2010: Nunley’s Carousel and the Vanderbilt Cup Races
For several generations of children on Long Island, a fond memory was riding Nunley's Carousel on Sunrise Highway in Baldwin. Closed in 1995, Nunley's Carousel was restored and relocated to the Cradle of Aviation in East Garden City in 2009. While attending a Thursday cruise night at the museum, Bruce Latten checked out the carousel and noticed a link to the Vanderbilt Cup Races.Click on the photos to enlarge them.
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Two of the paintings on the carousel's rounding boards depicts scenes from the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race! Were they original to the 1912 carousel or part of the recent restoration?
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The answer is provided in this June 2009 article published in Carousel News & Trader.
It was determined early on that instead of replicating the old scenery, new scenery would be used that highlights the history and points of interest in Nassau County. The artwork on the rounding boards and scenery panels were in very poor condition and in many cases beyond restoration. So now the rounding boards have paintings like Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis flight, Belmont Park racetrack and Teddy Roosevelt’s home, Sagamore Hill to name a few.
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In this carousel's painting, the Locomobile "Old 16" is depicted on Elliston Road in Westbury.
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In this painting, "Old 16" wins the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race in front of the Hempstead Plains press box/officials stand.
For more information on Nunley's Carousel:
-Cradle of Aviation's History of the Carousel
-Photos from the National Carousel Association
-1982 film of Nunley's Carousel in Baldwin
Enjoy
Howard Kroplick
Future Black Beast Events and Howard Kroplick Presentations:
-Current August to October 2010 Schedule Updated: August 21, 2010
Automotive Events: August to October 2010
-Local Car Shows and Automotive Events Updated August 21, 2010
-Long Island Cruise Nights Updated: August 6, 2010
VanderbiltCupRaces.com Indexes (Updated: August 2, 2010)
The Most Popular Posts on VanderbiltCupRaces.com
The Long Island Automotive Museum.
Slideshows- 18 Black Beast Automotive Events
Blog Highlights
Blog Updates
-Recent updates (Latest: August 14, 2010)
Long Island Car Clubs
Links to 57 Car Clubs (Updated: July 20, 2010)
Red Light Camera Locations
Sunday, August 22, 2010: The Black Beast Returns to Schenectady and Saratoga Springs
It has been a wonderful two days in the Schenectady and Saratoga Springs area... great shows, friendly people, beautful weather, newspaper coverage and great fun!
Friday, August 20, 2010: Visit to the Former Alco Plant in Schenectady, New York
The Black Beast parked in front of a former American Locomotive Company plant. Although all Alco automobiles, trucks and the four racing cars were manufactured in Providence, Rhode Island, decisions concerning the automobile product line were made at their Schenectady headquarters.
The Alco plants were closed in Schenectady in 1969. The American Locomotive logo can still be seen on the top of this building.
One of the former huge Alco plants has been converted into a manufacturing facility for STS, makers of steel beams.
The Black Beast always draws a crowd.
The Black Beast did several laps in the "Alco" parking lot with Saratoga County Historian Don Rittner.
Saturday, August 21, 2010: Update of Local Automotive Events and Car Shows
Greetings from Schenectady- the parent headquarters for the American Locomotive Company from 1901 to 1969. After visiting the former Alco plant (seen here), the Black Beast was exhibited in front of City Hall as part of Art Night Schenectady. Great crowd and great fun! A full-report with details and photos will be posted on Sunday.
Today, the Black Beast will be one of the featured cars at the ATA British Motorfest to be held at the Sarotaga Autombile Museum. At 1:00 PM, I will be presenting a slide presentation on the racer. Here's a complete update of car shows and events for this weekend and through October:
Enjoy
Howard Kroplick
August 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
-Annual Mustang Car Show at the Port Jefferson Village Center, Port Jefferson, New York. Hosted by the Mustang and Shelby Club of Long Island. Park and display your car at the Village Center and enjoy the amenities of the "Village on the Sound". Contact Rich Carlsen 631-988-0988
-Demonstration Day "Bentley Boys", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Saturday, August 28, 2010 to Sunday, August 29, 2010
-Hollywood Star Car Show, Cradle of Aviation Museum, East Garden City, Sponsored by the Cradle of Aviation and the Autoseum, featuring George Barris. 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday, August 29, 2010
--3rd Annual Hot Rods & Race Cars Show & Cacklefest* East Neck Auto Service, 89 Rt. 109, West Bablyon. Hosted by Pacers Car Club and East Neck Auto. Contact: John Carrechia, 631-321-7434 sales@eastneckautoservicepacersauto@gmail.com, Cars arrive at 8:00 AM, show begins at 10:00 AM
-Rain Date for 30th Annual Vanderbilt Invitational Concours, Suffolk Conty Vanderbilt Museum, Centerport, Hosted by: MG Car Club, Long Island Centre, For info contact: Vince Pina, 516-293-4951, vping@optonline.net
-2nd Annual All American Car Show, Tanger Outlets, Deer Park, NY, Hosted by LI Street Machines, to benefit Multiple Scherosis Society of Long Island, Contact: Joe Guercio, 516-652-7174 LT1V8@man.com, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
-Antique Car Show and Flea Market, presented by the Long Island Motor Touring Club, Josephson Garage Complex, 45 Burch Ave., Amityville, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 1-631-842-3028
-Classic Car Show, Heckscher Ball Park, Bohaty Field, Sabbath Day Path and Route 25A, Huntington, NY, Sponsored by the Northport-Centerport Lions Club, hosted by Fabulous 50‘s & 60’s Nostalgia Car Club. Contact: Howie 631-269-1091, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
-AACA Car Show, Cedarhurst Park, Cedarhurst. Hosted by Hempstead Plains Region AACA , Information: 1-516-295-5770, 10:00 AM
-LI Racing Museum Annual Open House, 15 O'Neill Ave, Bay Shore, featuring racing personalities from freeport, Islip and Riverhead Speedways, Information: 1-631-666-4912, 10:00 AM to Dusk
September 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
-St. Albans Veterans Hospital Car Show, Linden Blvd, Queens. Hosted by Greater NY Region AACA. Contact: Paul Parnes, 718-217-2220 ppa090544@verizon.net , 9:00 AM
Sunday, September 5, 2010
-Blast from the Past 7th Annual Car Show, West Islip Library Field, 3 Higbie Lane, West Islip. Hosted by: LI Road Gents, Contact: Ray Rendina, 516-523-7130 Rayr1953@yahoo.com, 8:00 AM
Sunday, September 12, 2010
-The LI Moose Classic Car Club's 10th Anniversary Show*, Mattituck. To benefit the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge, #1742.
-L.I. Cruizin' for a Cure 2010, Capital One Bank, 275 Broadhollow Road, Melville, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
-Sagamore Hill Car Show, Horseless Carriage Club, Contact Ed Labounty 1-631-751-6173
-Car Show/Swap Meet & Fire Truck Muster, Tanner Park, hosted by Kiwanis Club of Copaigue, Contact: Phil Guerra, 561-647-2754 philcarshow@optonline.net <?P>
Sunday, September 19, 2010
-Orchard Beach Classic Car & Motorcycle Show, Orchard Beach Parkling Lot, Bronx, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday, September 25, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Bugatti Day", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, September 26, 2010
-Great Neck Autofest*, Great Neck Plaza
October 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010
-7th Annual Bridgehampton Road Rally*, Sponsored by the Bridgehampton Historical Society, Featuring cars that raced on the streets of Bridgehampton and classic pre-1959 cars.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
-Hallockville Car Show*, Hallockville Farm, Sound Avenue, Riverhead, Hosted byPeconic Bay Region AACA, Contact George: 1-631-727-3097
Saturday, October 23, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 1*:Street Rods, Modifieds, Customs, and Motorcycles, Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by Vanderbilt Centennial Celebrations and the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745. Vendors welcome, contact Seamus Keane at COA 516-572-4111.
-Demonstration Day "Nurburging", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, October 24, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 2*: Vintage cars, Classic cars and Pre-War Trucks, Fire Trucks and Police Cars, Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by Vanderbilt Centennial Celebrations and the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745. Vendors welcome, contact Seamus Keane at COA 516-572-4111.
Riverhead Raceway 2010 Schedule
Friday, August 20, 2010:The Black Beast returns to the former Alco Headquarters in Schenectady Today
The Alco "Black Beast" racer returns to the Schenectady area for a series of events on Friday and Saturday. Although the racer was manufactured in Providence, Rhode Island, the headquarters for American Locomotive Company was in Schenectady, New York. Here are several articles describing the events:
Daily Gazette, August 19, 2010 "Return of "The Beast"
The Black Beast will be on display Friday from 5-9 PM at Schectady's City Hall amd Saturday from 1-3 PM at the Saratoga Automobile Museum
Times-Union, August 19, 2010 "The Black Beast is Coming to Schenectady!"
Where? Schenectady City Hall, 105 Jay Street.
When? Friday, August 20, 2010
Time? 5PM to 9PM
Lecture? 7 PM in the City Council Chambers. Howard Kroplick on the Vanderbilt Cup Races and ALCO.
This month’s Schenectady Roundtable is a double header as local cartoonist John Caldwell is featured along with the ALCO built Black Beast racer built in 1909.
Thursday, August 19, 2010: Film ” The Black Beast’s Four-Mile Cruise to the Show”
This seven-minute film documents the four- mile ride of the Alco "Black Beast" at the Nassau County Executive's 1st Annual Cruise to the Show Parade held on August 15, 2010. The "Black Beast" was the lead car of over 500 vintage and classic cars that participated. It covered the four-mile course from Garden City to East Meadow in less than 8 minutes, an average over 30 mph in first and second gear.
This weekend's Black Beast events:
-Friday, August 20, 2010: Art Night Schenectady, The "Black Beast" returns to the headquarters of the American Locomobile Company, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
-Saturday, August 21, 2010: ATA British Motorfest ,Saratoga Automobile Museum, Saratoga, NY, Presented by the Adirondack Triumph Association, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Wednesday, August 18, 2010: Presentation Tonight in Brentwood “The Incredible Vanderbilt Cup Races”
Tonight, I will be presenting "The Incredible Vanderbilt Cup Races" at the Brentwood Public Library located at 34 Second Avenue. The presentation will begin at 7:00 PM and will include a Q&A session on the races and the Long Island Motor Parkway. All honorarium and book proceeds will be donated to Child Prevention Services (CAPS).
Come on out and find out the releance of these images to the races, the Motor Parkway and Brentwood:
Tuesday, August 17, 2010: The Black Beast at Sunday’s “Nassau County Executive’s Cruise to the Show”
The "Black Beast" lined up to lead the parade of 500 Long Island cars.
County Executive Ed Mangano with the "Black Beast".
News 12's Jackie Lukas tries out the "Beast".
The "Black Beast" roared every hour...when the band took a break.
One spectator thought the "Beast" was a bit loud.
A father and son enjoy the Alco.
My friend Jerry Rokoff takes the wheel.
The "Black Beast" was awarded first place in "Special Interest Class-All".
Sunday, 8/15/10: Film “Speedy” - Featuring Harold Lloyd, Babe Ruth and 1928 cars
Here is a real treat that I found on the H.A.M.B. website ...a five-minute clip of Harold Lloyd's 1928 film "Speedy". The film was Lloyd's last silent film and one of his best. Although, it is a bit off-topic, it does combine two of my passions, cars and baseball.
Shot on location in Manhattan and Los Angeles, it centers on Lloyd's bespectacled "Everyman" Harold "Speedy" Swift, an absolute Yankee baseball nut who tries to save the last horse-drawn trolley bus in New York, operated by his girlfriend's grandfather.
Look for these highlights:
-6 seconds: A 1928 view of the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge
-20 seconds: The Manhattan streets and traffic as seen in 1928
-1 minute, 36 seconds: Babe Ruth has a wonderful cameo as a nervous passenger in Speedy's "The Only One" taxicab being driving to "the Yankee Stadium".
-3 minutes, 5 seconds:The original Yankee Stadium which opened five years earlier.
-3 minute, 10 seconds: Look quick, that's Lou Gehrig in the background looking back towards Babe Ruth!
-3 minutes, 35 minutes: A wild ride in a horse-drawn trolley through Manhattan. I don't have a clue how they were able to film this
-4 minutes, 21 seconds: The ride ended in an unplanned crash into a pole. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt. The driver was thrown from the trolley and the "uniformed person" riding in the front was a mannequin.
-4 minutes, 29 seconds: A bus ride through Los Angeles in 1928
Other segments from the film "Speedy"
-Babe Ruth's trip to "the Yankee Stadium"
-Harold Lloyd and Jane Dillon at Coney Island
-Harold Lloyd keeps score of the Yankee game using food
Today's event:, Nassau County Executive's 1st Annual Cruise to the Show Parade & Car Show, 9:00 AM Cruise south on Washington Avenue and East on Stewart Avenue toward Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Car Show at Eisenhower Park
Saturday, August 14, 2010: “Black Beast” to Parade Down Stewart Avenue on Sunday & Updated Car Shows
The Alco "Black Beast" will be one of the first of an expected 500 cars to parade down Stewart Avenue this Sunday. The organizers of the event have issued this press release "Managano Announces Nassau County Executive's First Annual "Cruise to the Show" Parade and Car Show".
The parade will begin at 9:00 AM starting at Washginton Avenue and then East on Stewart Avenue. A car show will be held in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow beginning at 11:00 AM. Details are available at cruisetotheshow.com .
Here's an updated list of local car shows and automotive events through October 2010. Alco "Black Beast" events are marked with an *.
.August 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
- Nassau County Executive's 1st Annual Cruise to the Show Parade & Car Show*, 9:00 AM Cruise south on Washington Avenue and East on Stewart Avenue toward Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Car Show at Eisenhower Park
-Frank Bigelow Memorial Car Show & Fundraiser, St. John the Baptist, Montauk Highway, West Islip. Hosted by Still Cruisin’ Car Club. Contact: Ish Castillo, 631-205-0510 mrish1947@yahoo.com, 9:00 AM
Friday, August 20, 2010
-Art Night Schenectady*, The "Black Beast" returns to the headquarters of the American Locomobile Company, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
-ATA British Motorfest* ,Saratoga Automobile Museum, Saratoga, NY, Presented by the Adirondack Triumph Association, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
-Caring Bridge Show, PEP Boys, Sunrise Highway, Patchogue. Hosted by Impressive & Aggressive Motor Club, Contact: Tom Driscoll 631-902-1522 tdriscoll@optonline.net, 9:00 AM
-Classic Car Show, Sponsored by Southampton Historical Museum, Meeting House Lane, 11:00 PM to 4:00 PM
-Mount Equinox Hill Climb, Manchester, Vermont
Sunday, August 22, 2010
-30th Annual Vanderbilt Invitational Concours, Suffolk Conty Vanderbilt Museum, Centerport, Hosted by: MG Car Club, Long Island Centre, For info contact: Vince Pina, 516-293-4951, vping@optonline.net
-Car Show ,Hosted by LI Chevy Owners Association, VFW Post 8300, 330 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue.Contact: Waren 631-879-5139 wd50@optonline.net , Noon
-Car Show, Hosted by Wantagh Hook, Ladder & Engine Co #1, Wantagh LIRR parking lot @ Park Avenue. Contact: Joe Gross, 516-216-2721 pepzfmm@optonline.net, 9:00 AM
-Mount Equinox Hill Climb, Manchester, Vermont
Saturday, August 28, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Bentley Boys", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Saturday, August 28, 2010 to Sunday, August 29, 2010
-Hollywood Star Car Show, Cradle of Aviation Museum, East Garden City, Sponsored by the Cradle of Aviation and the Autoseum, featuring George Barris. 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday, August 29, 2010
-Car Show, Tanger Outlets, Deer Park, NY, Hosted by LI Street Machines , Contact: Joe Guercio, 516-652-7174 LT1V8@man.com, 9:00 AM
-Swap Meet/Car Show, Bohaty Field Sagath Day Path, Huntington, NY (Lions Northport/Centerport) hosted by Fabulous 50‘s & 60’s Nostalgia Car Club. Contact: Howie 631-269-1091, 8:00 AM
-Car Show, Cedarhurst Park. Hosted by Hempstead Plains Region AACA , 10:00 AM
--3rd Annual Hot Rods & Race Cars Show & Cacklefest* East Neck Auto Service, 89 Rt. 109, West Bablyon. Hosted by Pacers Car Club and East Neck Auto. Contact: John Carrechia, 631-321-7434 sales@eastneckautoservicepacersauto@gmail.com, Cars arrive at 8:00 AM, show begins at 10:00 AM
September 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
-St. Albans Veterans Hospital Car Show, Linden Blvd, Queens. Hosted by Greater NY Region AACA. Contact: Paul Parnes, 718-217-2220 ppa090544@verizon.net , 9:00 AM
Sunday, September 5, 2010
-Blast from the Past 7th Annual Car Show, West Islip Library Field, 3 Higbie Lane, West Islip. Hosted by: LI Road Gents, Contact: Ray Rendina, 516-523-7130 Rayr1953@yahoo.com, 8:00 AM
Sunday, September 12, 2010
-The LI Moose Classic Car Club's 10th Anniversary Show*, Mattituck. To benefit the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge, #1742.
-L.I. Cruizin' for a Cure 2010, Capital One Bank, 275 Broadhollow Road, Melville, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
-Sagamore Hill Car Show, Horseless Carriage Club, Contact Ed Labounty 1-631-751-6173
-Car Show/Swap Meet & Fire Truck Muster, Tanner Park, hosted by Kiwanis Club of Copaigue, Contact: Phil Guerra, 561-647-2754 philcarshow@optonline.net <?P>
Sunday, September 19, 2010
-Orchard Beach Classic Car & Motorcycle Show, Orchard Beach Parkling Lot, Bronx, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday, September 25, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Bugatti Day", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, September 26, 2010
-Great Neck Autofest*, Great Neck Plaza
October 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010
-7th Annual Bridgehampton Road Rally, Sponsored by the Bridgehampton Historical Society, Featuring cars that raced on the streets of Bridgehampton and classic pre-1959 cars.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
-Hallockville Car Show, Hallockville Farm, Sound Avenue, Riverhead, Hosted byPeconic Bay Region AACA, Contact George: 1-631-727-3097
Saturday, October 23, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 1*:Street Rods, Modifieds, Customs, and Motorcycles, Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by Vanderbilt Centennial Celebrations and the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745. Vendors welcome, contact Seamus Keane at COA 516-572-4111.
-Demonstration Day "Nurburging", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, October 24, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 2*: Vintage cars, Classic cars and Pre-War Trucks, Fire Trucks and Police Cars, Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by Vanderbilt Centennial Celebrations and the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745. Vendors welcome, contact Seamus Keane at COA 516-572-4111.
Exhibits
Ongoing until August 8, 2010, Exhibition "Cars, Culture and the City", Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St.
Riverhead Raceway 2010 Schedule
Friday, August 13, 2010: Favorite Website: American-Automobiles.com
Looking for a website that provides a comprehensive listing of American automobile manufacturers? Check out American-Automobiles.com.
The website also also provides profiles and photos of several hundred American manufacturers including these Vanderbilt Cup Race participants:
Alco-Providence Rhode Island, 1908-1913
Thomas, Buffalo, 1902-1911
-Thomas Flyer and the E.R. Thomas Company
-1909 Thomas Flyer Sales Brochure
Simplex, New Yrork, NY & New Brunswick, NJ, 1907-1917
-The Simplex Automobile Company
Cole, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1909-1918
Frayer-Miller, Springfield & Columbus, Ohio, 1904-1910
Royal Tourist, Cleveland, Ohio, 1904-1911
Thursday, August 12, 2010: The Pits of the 1908-1910 Vanderbilt Cup Races
Robert Richer comments: "Yes, there was a time when the “pit men” who serviced the cars were actually in a pit below the racing surface. What a terrifying view it must have been."
Robert, one of the innovations of the first races held on the Long Island Motor Parkway in 1908 was the supply pits in front of the Hempstead Plains grandstand. Here is how the pits were described in the October 15, 1908 issue of The Automobile:
The most novel and interesting part of the homestretch equipment was the row of supply pits that stretched in front of the grandstand for its entire length. There was space enough between the pits and the track for racing cars to stop for their supplies. Mountains of tires were dumped into the pits in the aggregrate, to say nothing of the rivers of gasoline and oil. It was very highly interesting to watch the crews take on supplies and make their adjustments.
Each car had its designated section of the supply pit. As seen here, the M34 Lancia driven by William Hilliard made a "pit" stop during the 1908 Meadow Brook Sweepstakes.
For the 1908 and 1909 races, only the driver and mechanician were allowed to work on the car. The pit crew could only pass along the supplies. Here, driver William Luttgen refueled the #5 Mercedes as referee William K. Vanderbilt Jr. watched during the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race.
Another view of Luttgen and his mechanician Marx refueling at the service pits.
George Robertson and Glenn Ethridge refueling "Old 16" at the Locomobile pit.
For the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race, the pit rules were revised allowing two of the pit crew to assist and driver and mechanician. However, this assistance was limited to the replenishment of water, oil, and fuel and the replacement of tires. These crew members could also crank start the car.
Robert, here is the view that the #6 Simplex crew had during the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race.
Does anyone know when the first below-ground service "pits" were used for auto races in Europe and the United States?
August 14, 2010 Update: Based on the comments below, it appears that the Targa Florio held on May 18, 1908 was the first race that had below-ground pits. However, I can not find any images to document it. This photo was from the French Grand Prix de l'ACF held in Dieppe on July 7, 1908. The 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race was likely the first use of pits in the United States.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010: The Intact Long Island Motor Parkway Bridges
Question from Charlie S: "How many original Long Island Motor Parkway bridges are still standing and intact?"
Charlie, between 1908 and 1926, 65 Motor Parkway bridges were built to bypass major roads, rail lines and to provide access to farmland split by the road. A total of eight bridges are still standing and intact; five in Queens, two in Nassau County and one in Suffolk County:
73rd Avenue, Queens
Hollis Hills Terrace, Queens
Springfield Boulevard, Queens
Wheeler Farmway Bridge, Queens
Alley Pond Park, Queens
Old Courthouse Road, Manhasset Hills, Nassau County
Old Bethpage Restoration Village, Old Bethpage, Nassau County
Sandpits, Melville, Nassau County. 1972 image courtesy of Margaret and George Vitale.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010: The “Black Beast” at Last Sunday’s Roosevelt Field Celebration
Although the official Vanderbilt Celebration at Roosevelt Field was cancelled, the Alco "Black Beast" and several impressive vintage cars generated excitement from over 100 people at the informal gathering. Some highlights:
Sam Greco in his 1903 Curved Dash Oldsmobile.
My 1966 Shelby Mustang GT-350 H Hertz Rent-A-Racer meets its cousin, a 2007 Shelby Mustang GT-H convertible
Gram gives the Black Beast a thumbs up.
A brother/sister team recreate the 1909 Vanderbilt Cup Race.
Several people went for rides in the "Black Beast".
Sunday, August 8, 2010: The Curious Map Scoreboard at the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race
No one had the correct answer to last week's Mystery Photo Contest #5. The answer is the map scoreboard was used for the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race... a first time feature for the Vanderbilt Cup Races that was never repeated. Click on the images to enlarge.
The green map scoreboard was located over the back of the grandstand in front of the officials/press box. The grandstand was located on the south side of Jericho Turnpike in Westbury.
This photo shows tha location of the map scoreboard in comparison to the starting line. As seen here, the the eventual winner #10 Darracq was ready to start its run, followed by the #12 Itala.
Willie K's wife, "Birdie" Vanderbilt, can be seen in the first row wearing a white dress and black hat with a veil.
The map scoreboard included a schematic of the 1906 course with color-coded icons of race cars to indicate where the cars were on the course as the race progressed. The map was a real curiosity in that it was printed backward, as a comparison with the the course map proves. For example, East Norwich, located on the east section of the course, was shown on the west side of the map. It must have been very confusing for the spectators.
The icons were moved around the map on wooden pegs and were color coded for the manufacturer's country- red for USA, blue for France, white for Germany and yellow for Italy.
The scoreboard also listed the top three leaders. During lap 8, the #10 Darracq driving by Louis Wagner was first, followed by the #4 FIAT driven by Vincenzo Lancia and the #3 Mercedes driven by Camille Jenatzy
The map scoreboard was updated throughout the race using a telephone network set up around the course.
Today's Vanderbilt Timed Demonstration Runs and Concours de Provenance has been cancelled. However, I will still be bringing the "Black Beast" and my 1966 Shelby Mustang GT-350H to the Roosevelt Field Mall parking lot (near the Stewart Avenue entrance) beginning at 9:30 AM. All cars are welcome for an informal celebration!
Saturday, August 7, 2010: Updates: News Articles and Local Car Shows & Automotive Events
This Sunday's event: Vanderbilt Timed Demonstration Runs and Concours de Provenance has been cancelled. However, I will still be bringing the "Black Beast" and my 1966 Shelby Mustang GT-350H to the Roosevelt Field Mall parking lot (near the Stewart Avenue entrance) beginning at 9:30 AM. All cars are welcome for an informal celebration!
News Article
Newsday August 5, 2010 article "Buckle-Up"- A review of five Long Island Cruise Nights
Local Car Shows and Automotive Events
Here's an updated list of local car shows and automotive events through October 2010. Alco "Black Beast" events are marked with an *.
.August 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
-Car Show, at Briarcliffe College, next to Firehouse, 1055 Steward Ave., Bethpage, Hosted by Bethpage Fire Department, Contact: Bob Jeeper 516-433-7930 , 9:00 AM.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
-Informal Vanderbilt Centennial Car Show*, southwest parking lot of Roosevelt Field Mall, near the Stewart Avenue entrance. 9:30 AM to ?
-Sayville Village Main Street Festival & Car Show. Hosted by Still Cruisin’ Car Club & Greater Sayville Chamber of Commerce. Contact: Ish Castillo 631- 205-0510 mrish1947@yahoo.com, 7:00 AM
-Car Show, Hagerman Fire Department, Montauk Highway, East Patchogue. Hosted by East End Olds Club. John Kleedorfer 631-208-9444 max22447@optonline.net , 9:00 AM
Sunday, August 15, 2010
- Nassau County Executive's 1st Annual Cruise to the Show Parade & Car Show*, 9:00 AM Cruise south on Washington Avenue and East on Stewart Avenue toward Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Car Show at Eisenhower Park
-Frank Bigelow Memorial Car Show & Fundraiser, St. John the Baptist, Montauk Highway, West Islip. Hosted by Still Cruisin’ Car Club. Contact: Ish Castillo, 631-205-0510 mrish1947@yahoo.com, 9:00 AM
Friday, August 20, 2010
-Art Night Schenectady*, The "Black Beast" returns to the headquarters of the American Locomobile Company, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
-ATA British Motorfest* ,Saratoga Automobile Museum, Saratoga, NY, Presented by the Adirondack Triumph Association, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
-Caring Bridge Show, PEP Boys, Sunrise Highway, Patchogue. Hosted by Impressive & Aggressive Motor Club, Contact: Tom Driscoll 631-902-1522 tdriscoll@optonline.net, 9:00 AM
-Classic Car Show, Sponsored by Southampton Historical Museum, Meeting House Lane, 11:00 PM to 4:00 PM
-Mount Equinox Hill Climb, Manchester, Vermont
Sunday, August 22, 2010
-30th Annual Vanderbilt Invitational Concours, Suffolk Conty Vanderbilt Museum, Centerport, Hosted by: MG Car Club, Long Island Centre, For info contact: Vince Pina, 516-293-4951, vping@optonline.net
-Car Show ,Hosted by LI Chevy Owners Association, VFW Post 8300, 330 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue.Contact: Waren 631-879-5139 wd50@optonline.net , Noon
-Car Show, Hosted by Wantagh Hook, Ladder & Engine Co #1, Wantagh LIRR parking lot @ Park Avenue. Contact: Joe Gross, 516-216-2721 pepzfmm@optonline.net, 9:00 AM
-Mount Equinox Hill Climb, Manchester, Vermont
Saturday, August 28, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Bentley Boys", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Saturday, August 28, 2010 to Sunday, August 29, 2010
-Hollywood Star Car Show, Cradle of Aviation Museum, East Garden City, Sponsored by the Cradle of Aviation and the Autoseum, featuring George Barris. 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday, August 29, 2010
-Car Show, Tanger Outlets, Deer Park, NY, Hosted by LI Street Machines , Contact: Joe Guercio, 516-652-7174 LT1V8@man.com, 9:00 AM
-Swap Meet/Car Show, Bohaty Field Sagath Day Path, Huntington, NY (Lions Northport/Centerport) hosted by Fabulous 50‘s & 60’s Nostalgia Car Club. Contact: Howie 631-269-1091, 8:00 AM
-Car Show, Cedarhurst Park. Hosted by Hempstead Plains Region AACA , 10:00 AM
-Car Show & Nitro Cacklefest,West Babylon, East Neck Auto Service, 89 Rt. 109. Hosted by Pacers Car Club and East Neck Auto. Contact: John Carrechia, 631-321-7434 sales@eastneckautoservicepacersauto@gmail.com, 10:00 AM
September 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
-St. Albans Veterans Hospital Car Show, Linden Blvd, Queens. Hosted by Greater NY Region AACA. Contact: Paul Parnes, 718-217-2220 ppa090544@verizon.net , 9:00 AM
Sunday, September 5, 2010
-Blast from the Past 7th Annual Car Show, West Islip Library Field, 3 Higbie Lane, West Islip. Hosted by: LI Road Gents, Contact: Ray Rendina, 516-523-7130 Rayr1953@yahoo.com, 8:00 AM
Sunday, September 12, 2010
-The LI Moose Classic Car Club's 10th Anniversary Show*, Mattituck. To benefit the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge, #1742.
-L.I. Cruizin' for a Cure 2010, Capital One Bank, 275 Broadhollow Road, Melville, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
-Sagamore Hill Car Show, Horseless Carriage Club, Contact Ed Labounty 1-631-751-6173
-Car Show/Swap Meet & Fire Truck Muster, Tanner Park, hosted by Kiwanis Club of Copaigue, Contact: Phil Guerra, 561-647-2754 philcarshow@optonline.net <?P>
Sunday, September 19, 2010
-Orchard Beach Classic Car & Motorcycle Show, Orchard Beach Parkling Lot, Bronx, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday, September 25, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Bugatti Day", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, September 26, 2010
-Great Neck Autofest*, Great Neck Plaza
October 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010<?P>
-7th Annual Bridgehampton Road Rally, Sponsored by the Bridgehampton Historical Society, Featuring cars that raced on the streets of Bridgehampton and classic pre-1959 cars.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
-Hallockville Car Show, Hallockville Farm, Sound Avenue, Riverhead, Hosted byPeconic Bay Region AACA, Contact George: 1-631-727-3097
Saturday, October 23, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 1*:Street Rods, Modifieds, Customs, and Motorcycles, Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by Vanderbilt Centennial Celebrations and the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745. Vendors welcome, contact Seamus Keane at COA 516-572-4111.
-Demonstration Day "Nurburging", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, October 24, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 2*: Vintage cars, Classic cars and Pre-War Trucks, Fire Trucks and Police Cars, Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by Vanderbilt Centennial Celebrations and the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745. Vendors welcome, contact Seamus Keane at COA 516-572-4111.
Exhibits
Ongoing until August 8, 2010, Exhibition "Cars, Culture and the City", Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St.
Riverhead Raceway 2010 Schedule
Friday, August 6, 2010: Garden City Patch “‘Black Beast’ Returns to Garden City for Encore”
The Garden City Patch has posted an article on the Alco Racer's Wednesday's visit to the Garden City Toll Lodge. Here are highlights and some photos:
For folks who missed viewing the renowned 1909 Alco-6 "Black Beast" racer when it was exhibited at Garden City Village Hall before the board of trustees meeting June 17, the Garden City Chamber of Commerce provided those interested another opportunity Wednesday.The "Black Beast" was on display under the canopy at the historic Garden City Toll Lodge, home of the chamber, between 10 a.m. and noon.
.It seems fitting that the "Black Beast" should be displayed at the Garden City Toll Lodge, originally located on Vanderbilt Court (east of Clinton Road) where the "Beast" entered the Motor Parkway. The Chamber of Commerce had moved the Toll Lodge to 230 Seventh Street (across from AAA) where it has served as its office for the past 21 years.
Howard Kroplick gives Althea Robinson, Executive Director of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce, a ride in the Alco "Black Beast".
Al Velocci, Howard Kroplick and Garden City resident Cyril Smith.
Assemblyman Tom McKevitt gives a thumbs up in the "Black Beast".
Having fun in the "Beast".
Thursday, August 5, 2010: Informal Vanderbilt Celebration be held at Roosevelt Field Mall on Sunday
August 5, 2010 Update: According to Guy Frost, this Sunday's Vanderbilt Timed Demonstration Runs and Concours de Provenance has been cancelled. However, I will still be bringing the "Black Beast" and my 1966 Shelby Mustang GT-350H to the Roosevelt Field Mall parking lot beginning at 9:30 AM. All cars are welcome for an informal celebration!
The Third Annual Vanderbilt Concours de Provenance and Timed Demonstration Runs at Roosevelt Field Mall will be held this Sunday, August 8, 2010 from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Guy Frost, Executive Director of Vanderbilt Cup Races, Inc. has issued this recent press release:
This year we again celebrate repatriation of the ALCO RACER that won the 1909 and 1910 Vanderbilt Cup races for the USA. Howard Kroplick will be there to demonstrate his "Black Beast" at speed. Timed Demonstration Runs for cars with a racing heritage and a display of exotic vehicles are the highlights of the day. Provenance Judging will be based on live broadcast interviews with the owners of all entered cars based on special significance, not spit and polish. Display cars are invited to try the Demonstration Run course after the Timed Runs are completed at 3:30PM. All vehicles may be entered in both the Display and Demonstration Runs and will be eligible for Provenance Awards. Competition vehicles and car club groups are invited to participate in the Timed Demonstration Runs and Concours de Provenance at the southwest corner of Roosevelt Field near the Stewart Avenue entrance.
For more information, contact Guy Frost at 1-516-621-2745. Click here for a registration form for late entries. Here is a film of the 2009 event.
News Articles
.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010: “Black Beast” Roars at Oyster Bay Cruise Night
The "Black Beast" went cruising last night in Oyster Bay. It was particularly great fun to drive the Alco up and down Audrey Avenue. Here are some highlights from another marvelous Oyster Bay Cruise Night:
Last night's cruise was well-attended with over 200 cars and more than 1,000 spectators...a great time was had by all.
The "Black Beast" was once again a crowd pleaser.
The "Black Beast" always brings a smile to both young and old.
Howard Kroplick discussed the car with Alex Puhls, the chief mechanic for Billly Joel's vintage motorcycle collection.
The crowd heard the "Beast" roar several times during the night.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010: Postcards from the Long Island Automotive Museum (#13-17)
_(3).jpg "Long Island Automotive Museum 1950s")
The Long Island Automotive Museum offered a wide array of related merchandise including; jewelry, label buttons, photos, model car kits, china and series of postcards. As described in this brochure , provided by Walter McCarthy, there were at least four series of postcards published featuring the cars of "Henry Austin Clark, Jr. and other noted collections". Here are five more postcards (#13-17) from one of the series. Remember to click on the image to enlarge it.
#13: 1906 Locomobile, Vanderbilt Cup Racer, 4 cylinders, 120 HP, Price new: $18,000
#14: 1906 Studebaker, Touring Car, 4 cylinders, 30 HP, Model G, Price new: $3,750
#15: 1907 Ford, Touring Car, 6 cylinders, 40 HP, Model K , Price new: $3,000
#16: 1909 Jackson, Touring Car, 4 cylinders, 30 HP, Model H, Price new: $1,650
#17: 1910 Buick, Toy Tonneau, 4 cylinders, 18 HP, Model 10, Price new: $1,150
Watch for more Long Island Automotive Museum postcards to be posted this summer.
Links to other posts on the Long Island Automotive Museum on VanderbiltCupRaces.com
News Article
August 1, 2010: Garden City Patch "'Black Beast' Returns to Garden City for Encore"
For folks who missed viewing the renowned 1909 Alco-6 "Black Beast" racer when it was exhibited at Garden City Village Hall before the board of trustees meeting June 17, the Garden City Chamber of Commerce is providing another opportunity! The "Black Beast" will be on display under the canopy at the historic Garden City Toll Lodge, home of the Chamber, Wednesday, Aug. 4 between 10 a.m. and noon.
This week's "Black Beast" Events
-Weather permitting, the "Black Beast" will be at tonight's Oyster Bay Cruise Night.
Sunday, August 1, 2010: July 2010 Highlights on VanderbiltCupRaces.com
Viewership on VanderbiltCupRaces.com contined to grow with a July average daily unique visitor average of 115, a 31% increase over June 2009. For the first seven months of 2010, a total of 26,700 unique viewers have visited VanderbiltCupRaces.com. The daily average of 125 represents a 58% increase over 2009. Thanks for stopping by!
The website retained its #1 ranking among the 192,000 websites that appear for a Google search on "Vanderbilt Cup Races" and also ranked #1 among 2.03 million websites that appear on a similar Bing.com search. VanderbiltCupRaces.com is also currently ranked #9 of 63,300 websites that appear for a Google search on "Long Island Motor Parkway" and ranked #9 among the 1.48 million websites that appear on a similar Bing.com search.
New Features on VanderbiltCupRaces.com:
-Links to slide shows of "Black Beast" 2010 Automotive Events
-Links to Helpful Internet Links: #1 Amazing tricks with Google Search
Below is a summary of the posts placed on the website during the last month.
Enjoy the summer,
Howard Kroplick
Vanderbilt Cup Races
Starting Lineup - The 1908 Meadow Brook Sweepstakes
1931 Bugatti Type 51 George Vanderbilt Cup Racer To Be Auctioned at Monterey
From the George McKesson Scrapbook: Preparing the #7 Mercedes for the 1906 Race
Found-The 1906 George McKesson Brown Scrapbook
Heritage Museums Blog: “American Speed, the Vanderbilt Cup and the Mysterious FIC”
Starting Lineup-The 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race
The 1914-1915 Ono Combination of a Fiat Chassis & Pope-Hartford Engine
The Two Pope-Hartfords in the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Long Island Motor Parkway
The Long Island Motor Parkway Survey Index: Fresh Meadows- The Western Terminus
Alco-6 Black Beast Racer
“Black Beast” Returns to the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum
The 1911 Alco Dealership Photos
The “Black Beast” at Sunday’s Port Jefferson Hill Climb and Hicksville NY Autofest
Film “Around the Block in the Black Beast”
The “Black Beast” at The Show at Castle Gould
“Black Beast” Roars on Fifth Avenue at the Museum of the City of New York
Long Island Automotive Museum
Inside the Long Island Automotive Museum
Austin Clark Jr’s Sandy Hollow Fire Department Badges
Film “50 Years of Automotive Progress” Featuring Henry Austin Clark, Jr.
Favorite Websites
Favorite Website: Historicracing.com Driver Profiles
Historic Races on Long Island
The “Sensational” 1910 Port Jefferson Hill Climb
Port Jefferson to Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Hill Climb on Sunday
Long Island Motorsports
North Shore Sun Article “Motorsports just seem to be more ‘us’ ” & Speakeasy Night
Car Shows and Automotive Events
“Black Beast” Returns to the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum
The “Black Beast” at Sunday’s Port Jefferson Hill Climb and Hicksville NY Autofest
The “Black Beast” at The Show at Castle Gould
“Black Beast” Roars on Fifth Avenue at the Museum of the City of New York
Videos and Films
Film “Around the Block in the Black Beast”
Film “50 Years of Automotive Progress” Featuring Henry Austin Clark, Jr.
“Black Beast” Roars on Fifth Avenue at the Museum of the City of New York
Saturday, 7/31/10: Updates: Mystery Photo Contest # 5, News and Local Car Shows & Automotive Events
Mystery Photo Contest #5
Can you identify the year of this Vanderbilt Cup Race scoreboard and the glaring error on the map? Place your answer in the Comments section in the Blog.
News Articles
Garden City News, July 30, 2010, "Black Beast" 1909 Alco Racer at Toll Lodge"
For folks who missed viewing the renowned 1909 Alco-6 “Black Beast” racer when it was exhibited at Village Hall before the Board of Trustees meeting on June 17, the Garden City Chamber is providing another opportunity! The “Black Beast” will be on display under the canopy at the historic Garden City Toll Lodge, home of the Chamber next Wednesday, August 4 between 10 a.m. and Noon.
Roslyn News, July 29, 2010, "Vanderbilt Demonstration Runs, August 8"
This year’s Vanderbilt Demonstration runs will once again celebrate the repatriation of the Alco Racer that won the 1909 and 1910 Vanderbilt Cup races for the USA. ...The Vanderbilt Timed Demonstration Runs and Concours de Provenance take place at the southwest parking lot of Roosevelt Field near the Stewart Avenue entrance. Spectators are welcome at no charge. Directions: Take Meadowbrook Parkway Exit M2 West to the southwest parking lot from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
New Feature: Helpful Internet Links
#1: Amazing tricks with Google Search
An updated list of local car shows and automotive events through October 2010. *Alco "Black Beast" events
.August 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
-Car Show, at Briarcliffe College, next to Firehouse, Steward Ave., Bethpage. , Hosted by Bethpage Fire Department, Contact: Bob Jeeper 516-433-7930 , 9:00 AM.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
-Vanderbilt Timed Demonstration Runs and Concours de Provenance*, southwest parking lot of Roosevelt Field Mall, near the Stewart Avenue entrance.
-Sayville Village Main Street Festival & Car Show. Hosted by Still Cruisin’ Car Club & Greater Sayville Chamber of Commerce. Contact: Ish Castillo 631- 205-0510 mrish1947@yahoo.com, 7:00 AM
-Car Show, Hagerman Fire Department, Montauk Highway, East Patchogue. Hosted by East End Olds Club. John Kleedorfer 631-208-9444 max22447@optonline.net , 9:00 AM
Sunday, August 15, 2010
- Nassau County Executive's 1st Annual Cruise to the Show Parade & Car Show*, 9:00 AM Cruise south on Washington Avenue and East on Stewart Avenue toward Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Car Show at Eisenhower Park
-Frank Bigelow Memorial Car Show & Fundraiser, St. John the Baptist, Montauk Highway, West Islip. Hosted by Still Cruisin’ Car Club. Contact: Ish Castillo, 631-205-0510 mrish1947@yahoo.com, 9:00 AM
Friday, August 20, 2010
-Art Night Schenectady*, The "Black Beast" returns to the headquarters of the American Locomobile Company, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
-ATA British Motorfest* ,Saratoga Automobile Museum, Saratoga, NY, Presented by the Adirondack Triumph Association, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
-Caring Bridge Show, PEP Boys, Sunrise Highway, Patchogue. Hosted by Impressive & Aggressive Motor Club, Contact: Tom Driscoll 631-902-1522 tdriscoll@optonline.net, 9:00 AM
-Classic Car Show, Sponsored by Southampton Historical Museum, Meeting House Lane, 11:00 PM to 4:00 PM
-Mount Equinox Hill Climb, Manchester, Vermont
Sunday, August 22, 2010
-30th Annual Vanderbilt Invitational Concours, Suffolk Conty Vanderbilt Museum, Centerport, Hosted by: MG Car Club, Long Island Centre, For info contact: Vince Pina, 516-293-4951, vping@optonline.net
-Car Show ,Hosted by LI Chevy Owners Association, VFW Post 8300, 330 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue.Contact: Waren 631-879-5139 wd50@optonline.net , Noon
-Car Show, Hosted by Wantagh Hook, Ladder & Engine Co #1, Wantagh LIRR parking lot @ Park Avenue. Contact: Joe Gross, 516-216-2721 pepzfmm@optonline.net, 9:00 AM
-Mount Equinox Hill Climb, Manchester, Vermont
Saturday, August 28, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Bentley Boys", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Saturday, August 28, 2010 to Sunday, August 29, 2010
-Hollywood Star Car Show, Cradle of Aviation Museum, East Garden City, Sponsored by the Cradle of Aviation and the Autoseum, featuring George Barris. 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday, August 29, 2010
-Car Show, Tanger Outlets, Deer Park, NY, Hosted by LI Street Machines , Contact: Joe Guercio, 516-652-7174 LT1V8@man.com, 9:00 AM
-Swap Meet/Car Show, Bohaty Field Sagath Day Path, Huntington, NY (Lions Northport/Centerport) hosted by Fabulous 50‘s & 60’s Nostalgia Car Club. Contact: Howie 631-269-1091, 8:00 AM
-Car Show, Cedarhurst Park. Hosted by Hempstead Plains Region AACA , 10:00 AM
-Car Show & Nitro Cacklefest,West Babylon, East Neck Auto Service, 89 Rt. 109. Hosted by Pacers Car Club and East Neck Auto. Contact: John Carrechia, 631-321-7434 sales@eastneckautoservicepacersauto@gmail.com, 10:00 AM
September 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
-St. Albans Veterans Hospital Car Show, Linden Blvd, Queens. Hosted by Greater NY Region AACA. Contact: Paul Parnes, 718-217-2220 ppa090544@verizon.net , 9:00 AM
Sunday, September 5, 2010
-Blast from the Past 7th Annual Car Show, West Islip Library Field, 3 Higbie Lane, West Islip. Hosted by: LI Road Gents, Contact: Ray Rendina, 516-523-7130 Rayr1953@yahoo.com, 8:00 AM
Sunday, September 12, 2010
-The LI Moose Classic Car Club's 10th Anniversary Show*, Mattituck. To benefit the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge, #1742.
-L.I. Cruizin' for a Cure 2010, Capital One Bank, 275 Broadhollow Road, Melville, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
-Sagamore Hill Car Show, Horseless Carriage Club, Contact Ed Labounty 1-631-751-6173
-Car Show/Swap Meet & Fire Truck Muster, Tanner Park, hosted by Kiwanis Club of Copaigue, Contact: Phil Guerra, 561-647-2754 philcarshow@optonline.net <?P>
Saturday, September 25, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Bugatti Day", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, September 26, 2010
-Great Neck Autofest*, Great Neck Plaza
October 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010<?P>
-7th Annual Bridgehampton Road Rally, Sponsored by the Bridgehampton Historical Society, Featuring cars that raced on the streets of Bridgehampton and classic pre-1959 cars.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
-Hallockville Car Show, Hallockville Farm, Sound Avenue, Riverhead, Hosted byPeconic Bay Region AACA, Contact George: 1-631-727-3097
Saturday, October 23, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 1*:Street Rods, Modifieds, Customs, and Motorcycles, Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by Vanderbilt Centennial Celebrations and the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745. Vendors welcome, contact Seamus Keane at COA 516-572-4111.
-Demonstration Day "Nurburging", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, October 24, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 2*: Vintage cars, Classic cars and Pre-War Trucks, Fire Trucks and Police Cars, Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by Vanderbilt Centennial Celebrations and the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745. Vendors welcome, contact Seamus Keane at COA 516-572-4111.
Exhibits
Ongoing until August 8, 2010, Exhibition "Cars, Culture and the City", Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St.
Riverhead Raceway 2010 Schedule
Friday, 7/30/10: The Long Island Motor Parkway Survey Index: Fresh Meadows- The Western Terminus
One of the treasures of my original Motor Parkway survey collection and a key to to the survey maps is a 48-page 1928 "Index" documenting the right-of way, the original property owners, and the corresponding survey plan #s.The index includes the entire 44-mile right-of-way with surveyor notes added in 1929 and 1930. Starting from west (Fresh Meadows) going east (Lake Ronkonkoma), here is the first page of the Index with an accompanying aerial and photos (click to enlarge).
This is the Fresh Meadows page of the Atlas. I have added captions for the key Motor Parkway structures including the Nassau Boulevard terminus and kiosk, the North Hempstead Turnpike Bridge and the 73rd Avenue Bridge (then called Black Stump Road). Note the two Motor Parkway curves at the bottom of the page. The first curve was the planned original western terminus that was to end at 73rd Avenue.
The location of the Motor Parkway western terminus at Nassau Boulevard as seen on July 9, 1938- the opening of Queens bike path after the parkway was closed.
The Motor Parkway bridge that went over North Hempstead Turnpike as seen in the early 1950s.
The Motor Parkway bridge over 73rd Avenue was built in 1926 and is still standing.
The beautiful Motor Parkway bridge over Hollis Hills Terrace in 2008. It is the second of three identical Motor Parkway bridges still standing in Queens.
Off-Topic: Nice win by the Mets yesterday...the "Flag Man" makes an appearance at the 30 second mark of this video highlight.
Thursday, July 29, 2010: Starting Lineup - The 1908 Meadow Brook Sweepstakes
On September 10, 1908, the AAA Race Commission announced plans to christen the Motor Parkway with an event called, “The Long Island Motor Parkway Sweepstakes.” Five concurrent stock car races were scheduled for October 10, 1908. The idea was to create an opportunity to test the new course, timing systems, and crowd control for the Vanderbilt Cup Race scheduled two weeks later.
The cars in the Sweepstakes Races were classified by their sales price. Only four cars participated in the "Meadow Brook Sweepstakes", the race for the stock cars selling between $2,001 and $3,000. A fifth car, Louis Chevrolet driving a Cleveland, was entered in the race. However, Chevrolet on his way to the starting line tangled with a touring car and slipped into a ditch. His team was unable to extract the car from this predicament until well after all the cars were underway.The four cars in the Meadow Brook Sweepstakes raced nine laps for a total of 211.14 miles.
#M32 Rainier driven by Louis Disbrow. Finished 2nd.
#M34 Lancia driven by W.M. Hilliard. Finished 3rd. The Lancia cars were promoted as "Built by the Man Who Knows"- Vincenzo Lancia
#M35 Allen-Kingston driven by Hughie Hughes. Finished 1st, averaging 52.6 MPH.Check out the four spare tires in the back of the car.
M36 Rainier driven by Axel Peterson. Finished 4th.
1908 Sweepstakes results as published in Automobile Topics
-Links to the Starting Lineups of the Vanderbilt Cup Races and Associated Sweepstakes
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
Future Howard Kroplick and Black Beast Events
-Next Scheduled Black Beast Event: Third Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Meet-Roosevelt Field, Sunday, 8/08/2010
-Current July to October 2010 Schedule Updated: July 27, 2010
Automotive Events: July to October 2010
-Local Car Shows and Automotive Events Updated: July 27, 2010
VanderbiltCupRaces.com Indexes (Updated: July 23, 2010)
The Most Popular Posts on VanderbiltCupRaces.com
The Long Island Automotive Museum.
Slideshows-"Black Beast" Automotive Events
Blog Highlights
Blog Updates
Recent updates (Latest: July 24, 2010)
-July 24, 2010:Time Beacon Record's Juy 22, 2010 article on the Port Jefferson Hill Climb
-July 23, 2010: Solution to the Mystery Photo Contest #4
-July 12, 2010: Six Degrees of Separation between Howard Kroplick and the Old 16 Tin Can Artist
Long Island Car Clubs
Links to 57 Car Clubs (Updated: July 20, 2010)
Red Light Camera Locations
Wednesday, July 28, 2010: Inside the Long Island Automotive Museum
_edited_.jpg "Long Island Automotive Museum 1950s")
Tom commented: "Does anyone actually have any interior shots of the L.I. Auto museum? I have never had the chance to visit when it was open and I have not ever seen any interior shots. Perhaps no inside photos were allowed. But would be interesting to see if some interior shots exist." Tom, Walter McCarthy has forwarded these additional interior photos of the museum:
The inside of the Long Island Automotive Museum in the 1950s.
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Austin Clark, his wife and daughter with Montague Roberts, one of the winning drivers of the 1908 New York to Paris Race. The 1907 Thomas Flyer was purchased by Austin Clark for $3,000 in 1948 and sold to William Harrah in the early 1960s. The car is currently exhibited at the National Automobile Museum in Reno Nevada. Although Roberts never participated in a Vanderbilt Cup Race, he drove Thomas cars in both the 1905 American Elimination Trial and 1906 American Elimination Trial.
_001_(2).jpg)
The 1910 Hudson Roadster and the 1902 Curved Dash Oldsmobile as seen before the 1979 auction.
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The "Iron Range" of the museum after it closed in 1980.
Links to other posts on the Long Island Automotive Museum on VanderbiltCupRaces.com:
-Postcards from the Long Island Automotive Museum (#7-11)
-Postcards from the Long Island Automotive Museum (#1-6)
-What was the Long Island Automotive Museum?"
Tuesday, July 27, 2010: “Black Beast” Returns to the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum
As described in the Huntington Patch, The Alco "Black Beast" returned to the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum last Sunday. Despite the heat and the approaching thunderstorm, a great time was had by all. Here are some highlights:
The "Black Beast" is always a crowd pleaser.Click on the image to enlarge.
Carol Ghiorsi Hart, Executive Director of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum
Maryann Zakshevsky, Curatorial Assistant of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum
Over $150 was raised for museum through the sales of "Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island" and "The Long Island Motor Parkway.
The "Black Beast" received one of the Platinum Awards by Long Island Vettes.
Sunday, July 25, 2010: 1931 Bugatti Type 51 George Vanderbilt Cup Racer To Be Auctioned at Monterey
A few days ago the car in our Mystery Photo Contest #4 was identified as "Halley's Comet", a Mercedes-Miller owned by McClure Halley. The car was entered in the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race but replaced by Halley with a Bugatti Type 51. Looking for information on McClure Halley, I surprisingly discovered that this Bugatti will be auctioned by RM Auctions on Saturday, August 14, 2010.
This is a description of the 1931 Bugatti Type 51 by RM Auctions:
Sports and racing cars are prominently featured at RM’s 2010 Monterey sale. Joining the diverse roster of previously announced Ferraris signed to the event is an authentic and original 1931 Bugatti Type 51, chassis number 51132 (Estimate available upon request). Recently discovered documentation has now confirmed that 51132 was raced extensively in period, including at Targa Florio in the early 30’s, closely followed by the ARCA USA Grand Prix in 1935 with McClure Halley behind the wheel. In addition, 51132 was also raced at the inaugural George Vanderbilt Cup in 1936, driven by Dave Evans. Ranked by noted Bugatti specialist, David Sewell, as among ‘the finest surviving examples of the highly desirable T 51 Grand Prix Bugattis’, 51132 is expected to garner significant interest from discerning collectors.
According to the auction spec sheet, RM Auctions expects the car to be sold from $3.5 million to $4.5 million.
In this photo, Halley's Bugatti was being prepared for the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race.
Halleys' Bugatti completed all 75 laps of the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race, finishing 14th of the 45 cars that raced.
Here are links to additional information on the Bugatti Type 51:
Bugatti Type 51 Specifications
Photos of the Bugatti Type 51 (#51132)
24 Photos of the Bugatti Type 51 from RM Auctions
Newsreel of the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race
September 1, 2010 Update: The Bugatti (lot #343) did not sell at the RM Auctions. The high bid was apparently $2.75 million.
Today, the Alco "Black Beast" will return to the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum for the Vanderbilt Auto Show, "Celebrating the American Automobile Through the Decades". Hope to see you in the museum courtyard.
Saturday, July 24, 2010: Updates: News Articles, Local Car Shows and Automotive Events
News Articles
The Exhibit "Cars, Culture and the City" was selected as a best bet by Bloomberg.com this week.
The exhibit and the Long Island Motor Parkway were discussed in the July 19th New York Times article "The Anatomy of a Citywide Traffic Jam".
New Website Feature
Index: Slideshows- "Black Beast" Automotive Events
Blog Updates
-July 24, 2010:Time Beacon Record's Juy 22, 2010 article on the Port Jefferson Hill Climb
-July 23, 2010: Solution to the Mystery Photo Contest #4
An updated list of local car shows and automotive events through October 2010. *Alco "Black Beast" events
.July/August 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
-Huntington Porsche & Metro NY Porsche Club of America Annual Concours d'Elegance & Barbecue,855 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Sunday, August 1, 2010
-Bald Hill New York AutoFest , Bald Hill, Farmingville. To benefit Nassau County Sheriff Officers Widow's and Children's Fund. 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM
-Flowerfield Summer Car Show and Swap Meet, 199 Mills Pond Road, St. James, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
-Advance Auto Car Show, 56 Merrick Rd., Valley Stream, Hosted by Hempstead Plains Region AACA, Contact: Bobby Wright 516-889-1089,10:00 AM
-Boy Scout Troop 800 Third Annual Car Show & Craft Fair Fundraiser, Knights of Columbus Hall, 313 Frowein Road, Center Moriches, 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM
-Police Surgeons Benevolent Car Show benefitting St. Anthony's High School and Knights of Columbus charities, St. Anthony's High School, 275 Wolf Hill Road, S. Huntington, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
-The Alco "Black Beast" will be on display at the Garden City Toll Lodge, home of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce building, 230 Seventh Street, Garden City, from 10:00 AM to Noon.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
-Car Show, at Briarcliffe College, next to Firehouse, Steward Ave., Bethpage. , Hosted by Bethpage Fire Department, Contact: Bob Jeeper 516-433-7930 , 9:00 AM.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
-Vanderbilt Timed Demonstration Runs and Concours de Provenance*, southwest parking lot of Roosevelt Field Mall, near the Stewart Avenue entrance.
-Sayville Village Main Street Festival & Car Show. Hosted by Still Cruisin’ Car Club & Greater Sayville Chamber of Commerce. Contact: Ish Castillo 631- 205-0510 mrish1947@yahoo.com, 7:00 AM
-Car Show, Hagerman Fire Department, Montauk Highway, East Patchogue. Hosted by East End Olds Club. John Kleedorfer 631-208-9444 max22447@optonline.net , 9:00 AM
Sunday, August 15, 2010
- Nassau County Executive's 1st Annual Cruise to the Show Parade & Car Show*, 9:00 AM Cruise south on Washington Avenue and East on Stewart Avenue toward Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Car Show at Eisenhower Park
-Frank Bigelow Memorial Car Show & Fundraiser, St. John the Baptist, Montauk Highway, West Islip. Hosted by Still Cruisin’ Car Club. Contact: Ish Castillo, 631-205-0510 mrish1947@yahoo.com, 9:00 AM
Friday, August 20, 2010
-Art Night Schenectady*, The "Black Beast" returns to the headquarters of the American Locomobile Company, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
-ATA British Motorfest* ,Saratoga Automobile Museum, Saratoga, NY, Presented by the Adirondack Triumph Association, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
-Caring Bridge Show, PEP Boys, Sunrise Highway, Patchogue. Hosted by Impressive & Aggressive Motor Club, Contact: Tom Driscoll 631-902-1522 tdriscoll@optonline.net, 9:00 AM
-Classic Car Show, Sponsored by Southampton Historical Museum, Meeting House Lane, 11:00 PM to 4:00 PM
-Mount Equinox Hill Climb, Manchester, Vermont
Sunday, August 22, 2010
-30th Annual Vanderbilt Invitational Concours, Suffolk Conty Vanderbilt Museum, Centerport, Hosted by: MG Car Club, Long Island Centre, For info contact: Vince Pina, 516-293-4951, vping@optonline.net
-Car Show ,Hosted by LI Chevy Owners Association, VFW Post 8300, 330 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue.Contact: Waren 631-879-5139 wd50@optonline.net , Noon
-Car Show, Hosted by Wantagh Hook, Ladder & Engine Co #1, Wantagh LIRR parking lot @ Park Avenue. Contact: Joe Gross, 516-216-2721 pepzfmm@optonline.net, 9:00 AM
-Mount Equinox Hill Climb, Manchester, Vermont
Saturday, August 28, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Bentley Boys", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Saturday, August 28, 2010 to Sunday, August 29, 2010<?P>
-Hollywood Star Car Show, Cradle of Aviation Museum, East Garden City, Sponsored by the Cradle of Aviation and the Autoseum, featuring George Barris. 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday, August 29, 2010
-Car Show, Tanger Outlets, Deer Park, NY, Hosted by LI Street Machines , Contact: Joe Guercio, 516-652-7174 LT1V8@man.com, 9:00 AM<?P>
-Swap Meet/Car Show, Bohaty Field Sagath Day Path, Huntington, NY (Lions Northport/Centerport) hosted by Fabulous 50‘s & 60’s Nostalgia Car Club. Contact: Howie 631-269-1091, 8:00 AM
-Car Show, Cedarhurst Park. Hosted by Hempstead Plains Region AACA , 10:00 AM
-Car Show & Nitro Cacklefest,West Babylon, East Neck Auto Service, 89 Rt. 109. Hosted by Pacers Car Club and East Neck Auto. Contact: John Carrechia, 631-321-7434 sales@eastneckautoservicepacersauto@gmail.com, 10:00 AM
September 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
-St. Albans Veterans Hospital Car Show, Linden Blvd, Queens. Hosted by Greater NY Region AACA. Contact: Paul Parnes, 718-217-2220 ppa090544@verizon.net , 9:00 AM
Sunday, September 5, 2010
-Blast from the Past 7th Annual Car Show, West Islip Library Field, 3 Higbie Lane, West Islip. Hosted by: LI Road Gents, Contact: Ray Rendina, 516-523-7130 Rayr1953@yahoo.com, 8:00 AM
Sunday, September 12, 2010
-The LI Moose Classic Car Club's 10th Anniversary Show*, Mattituck. To benefit the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge, #1742.
-L.I. Cruizin' for a Cure 2010, Capital One Bank, 275 Broadhollow Road, Melville, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
-Sagamore Hill Car Show, Horseless Carriage Club, Contact Ed Labounty 1-631-751-6173
-Car Show/Swap Meet & Fire Truck Muster, Tanner Park, hosted by Kiwanis Club of Copaigue, Contact: Phil Guerra, 561-647-2754 philcarshow@optonline.net <?P>
Saturday, September 25, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Bugatti Day", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, September 26, 2010
-Great Neck Autofest*, Great Neck Plaza
October 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010<?P>
-7th Annual Bridgehampton Road Rally, Sponsored by the Bridgehampton Historical Society, Featuring cars that raced on the streets of Bridgehampton and classic pre-1959 cars.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
-Hallockville Car Show, Hallockville Farm, Sound Avenue, Riverhead, Hosted byPeconic Bay Region AACA, Contact George: 1-631-727-3097
Saturday, October 23, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 1*:Street Rods, Modified, Custom, Motorcycles Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by Vanderbilt Centennial Celebrations and the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745. Vendors welcome, contact Seamus Keane at COA 516-572-4111.
-Demonstration Day "Nurburging", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, October 24, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 2*: Vintage, Classic and Pre-War Trucks, Fire Trucks and Police Cars, Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by Vanderbilt Centennial Celebrations and the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745. Vendors welcome, contact Seamus Keane at COA 516-572-4111.
Exhibits
Ongoing until August 8, 2010, Exhibition "Cars, Culture and the City", Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St.
Riverhead Raceway 2010 Schedule
Friday, July 23, 2010: The 1911 Alco Dealership Photos
To promote their 1911 Alco product line, American Locomotive Company provided four large photos to all their dealerships of their Vanderbilt Cup Race winner. In this dealership photo, the #18 Alco was making the Westbury Turn from Old Country Road to Ellison Road. Click on the photos to enlarge them
Here, driver Harry Grant and mechanician Frank Lee can be seen in the #8 Alco at the same Westbury turn during the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race.
In this dealership photo, the tires of the #18 Alco were being changed at the service "pits" at the grandstand on the Long Island Motor Parkway. In front of the racer, starter Fred Wagner (left) was speaking to referee William K. Vanderbilt Jr (right).
The fourth dealership poster captured the Alco winning the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race. The photographer was located on top of the Hempstead Plains (now Levittown) grandstand. Note Harry Grant's signature on the photo.
Index to other posts on the Alco-6 Racer.
Thursday, July 22, 2010: Austin Clark Jr’s Sandy Hollow Fire Department Badges
_001_edited-1-1_.jpg "Long Island Automotive Museum Fire Truck")
Here's a guest post from Walter McCarthy, a Long Island vintage car collector and a friend of Henry Austin Clark, Jr.:
Hi Howard, I read with interest your information on the Long Island Automotive Museum and some of the old stories and experiences of various people. Here is another. Austin Clark had 50 Captains' badges made for his friends by a fire department badge supply company. He also had one chief's badge made for himself. He mentioned that the company called and questioned his order and said that there must be a mistake as the only department ever ordering such a large number of Captain's badges was the FDNY, and they were not familiar with the Sandy Hollow Fire Department. I am the lucky owner of a badge with its many memories.
He also had a number of car badges cast in aluminum.
Walter, thanks again for your contributions to VanderbiltCupRaces.com !
Links to other posts on the Long Island Automotive Museum:
-What was the Long Island Automotive Museum?"
-Film “The Long Island Automotive Museum”
-More on the Long Island Automotive Museum
-Film “50 Years of Automotive Progress” Featuring Henry Austin Clark, Jr.
-A Research Challenge: The 1902 Curved Dash Oldsmobile on Austin Clark’s Roof"
Wednesday, 7/21/10:From the George McKesson Scrapbook: Preparing the #7 Mercedes for the 1906 Race
As posted last week, pharmacuetical magnate George McKesson purchased a Mercedes racer just ten days before the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race. Brown immediately commissioned photographers Spooner & Wells to document his car before and during the race. The following photos show driver William Luttgen and his mechanican Marx preparing the car prior to the race.
Here Luttgen and Marx pose with the #7 Mercedes. The car had already been accepted as a 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race entrant before being purchased by McKesson Brown.
Close-ups of both sides of the Mercedes 120 HP 4-cylinder engine.
During the week prior to the race, Luttgen and Marx were seen practicing on the course. Here they are making the turn by Krug's Corner Hotel at the intersection of Willis Avenue and Jericho Turnpike in Mineola.
This 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race film shows the #7 Mercedes in action. The car finished 11th of the 17 entrants.
Tuesday, 7/20/10:The “Black Beast” at Sunday’s Port Jefferson Hill Climb and Hicksville NY Autofest
Last Sunday was a very busy day for the "Black Beast" team with two events; the Port Jefferson Hill Climb in the morning and the New York Autofest in Hicksville in the afternoon. Here are the highlights:
Sunday Morning
It was wonderful morning in Port Jefferson celebrating the centennial of the 1910 Port Jefferson Hill Climb. The Alco "Black Beast" was exhibited in front of the beautiful Village Center, made a parade lap and then raced part way up the hill before overheating. I learned the "Black Beast" doesn't like to idle in 90 degree heat. Overall, it was great fun!
Several of the beautiful vintage cars that arrived via ferry from Connecticut.
The "Black Beast" waiting in line to start the climb.
The crowd at the starting line.
A classic photo of the Alco "Black Beast" racing Manny Dragone's 1907 Fiat. Note the steam coming out of the Alco's radiator. Was the Port Jefferson Hill the cause? Oh no, it was a "beauty" of a heat spell that killed the "Beast". Photo courtesy of Fuzzygalore.com... where more photos from the event have been posted.
Sunday, July 18, 2010: The “Sensational” 1910 Port Jefferson Hill Climb
Today the first Port Jefferson Hill Climb held 100 years ago will be re-enacted at Port Jefferson Village Center. At 10:00 AM, come see the Alco "Black Beast" and many other vintage cars climb the same hill as the early racing greats. To celebrate the Port Jefferson Hill Climb, here are some images taken from 1910 automobile trade journals (click on the images to enlarge them):
The Hill
The starting point for the climb.
A band entertained the crowd.
The hill is 2,000 feet long featuring an elbow turn.
The finish line at the top of the hill. I believe this house is still standing.
The Cars and Drivers
A total of 67 cars competed in 16 different races. The featured event was the "Free-For-All" won by Ralph DePalma in a Fiat, climbing the hill in 20.48 seconds. DePalma would go on to win both the 1912 and 1914 Vanderbilt Cup Races.
Fred Belcher won the event for "Gasoline Stock Cars, $2,001 to $3,000" in a Knox and finished third in the "Free-For-All". Belcher also drove in the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race held four months later.
Driver Stanley Martin won the "Gasoline Stock Cars $4,000 and over" event in a Houpt-Rockwell.
B. Holt won the "161-300 Cubic Inches" event in a Pope-Hartford.
J. Taylor winning the "Gasoline Stock Cars $1,201 to $1,600" event in a Correja.
The crowd's favorite car was the one-cylinder Only car manufactured near the Port Jefferson hill. The Only, with "only" one cylinder, finished with the 10th best time in the "Free-For-All".
R. C. Vandeventer won the event for "Amateurs, Class B cars, $1,201 to $2,000" in a Velie.
Automobile Trade Journals
Horseless Age June 29, 1901: "Sensational Climb at Port Jefferson's Premier- DePalma Gets Record"
The Automobile" June 30, 1910: "Knox Win Feature Events on Port Jeff Hill"
The Knox Automobile Company promoted its Port-Jefferson results in this full-age ad.
The July 2, 1910 issue of Automobile Topics provided a three-page summary of the event Port Jefferson Climb Has a Big Entry List.
Hope to see you in Port Jefferson in the morning and Hicksville in the afternoon.
-Port Jefferson Hill Climb, Port Jefferson, Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the 1910 Port Jefferson Hill Climb. "Black Beast" will be appearing in the morning.
-New York AutoFest 3, Hicksville. To benefit St. Paul the Apostle Knights of Columbus Council 6802.8:00 AM- 5:00 PM. "Black Beast" will be appearing in the afternoon.
Saturday, July 17, 2010:Update of Local Car Shows and Automotive Events & Mystery Photo Contest #4
Here is an updated list of local car shows and automotive events through October 2010 is provided below. The Alco "Black Beast" will be appearing at those automotive events marked with an * .
Mystery Photo Contest #4: Here's another image from the recently discovered Drennan Collection. Can you identify the driver and car from the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race? Place your answer in the Comments section at the end of this post.
July 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Le Mans in the 1930s", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, July 25, 2010
-Vanderbilt Auto Show*, "Celebrating the American Automobile Through the Decades", Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport, Presented by Long Island Vettes, Inc. 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
-Car show, Port Jeff Elks Lodge, Rt. 112, South of Rt. 347 , Port Jefferson. 8 A.M. Contact: Ed Reinhardt, 631-921-1591 eddiereinhardt@optonline.net
August 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
-Bald Hill New York AutoFest , Bald Hill, Farmingville. To benefit Nassau County Sheriff Officers Widow's and Children's Fund. 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM
-Flowerfield Summer Car Show and Swap Meet, 199 Mills Pond Road, St. James, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
-Advance Auto Car Show, 56 Merrick Rd., Valley Stream, Hosted by Hempstead Plains Region AACA, Contact: Bobby Wright 516-889-1089,10:00 AM
Saturday, August 7, 2010
-Car Show, at Briarcliffe College, next to Firehouse, Steward Ave., Bethpage. , Hosted by Bethpage Fire Department, Contact: Bob Jeeper 516-433-7930 , 9:00 AM.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
-Third Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Meet-Roosevelt Field*, East Garden City.
-Sayville Village Main Street Festival & Car Show. Hosted by Still Cruisin’ Car Club & Greater Sayville Chamber of Commerce. Contact: Ish Castillo 631- 205-0510 mrish1947@yahoo.com, 7:00 AM
-Car Show, Hagerman Fire Department, Montauk Highway, East Patchogue. Hosted by East End Olds Club. John Kleedorfer 631-208-9444 max22447@optonline.net , 9:00 AM
Sunday, August 15, 2010
- Nassau County Executive's 1st Annual Cruise to the Show Parade & Car Show*, 9:00 AM Cruise south on Washington Avenue and East on Stewart Avenue toward Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Car Show at Eisenhower Park
-Frank Bigelow Memorial Car Show & Fundraiser, St. John the Baptist, Montauk Highway, West Islip. Hosted by Still Cruisin’ Car Club. Contact: Ish Castillo, 631-205-0510 mrish1947@yahoo.com, 9:00 AM
Friday, August 20, 2010
-Art Night Schenectady*, The "Black Beast" returns to the headquarters of the American Locomobile Company, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
-ATA British Motorfest* ,Saratoga Automobile Museum, Saratoga, NY, Presented by the Adirondack Triumph Association, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
-Caring Bridge Show, PEP Boys, Sunrise Highway, Patchogue. Hosted by Impressive & Aggressive Motor Club, Contact: Tom Driscoll 631-902-1522 tdriscoll@optonline.net, 9:00 AM
-Classic Car Show, Sponsored by Southampton Historical Museum, Meeting House Lane, 11:00 PM to 4:00 PM
-Mount Equinox Hill Climb, Manchester, Vermont
Sunday, August 22, 2010
-30th Annual Vanderbilt Invitational Concours, Suffolk Conty Vanderbilt Museum, Centerport, Hosted by: MG Car Club, Long Island Centre, For info contact: Vince Pina, 516-293-4951, vping@optonline.net
-Car Show ,Hosted by LI Chevy Owners Association, VFW Post 8300, 330 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue.Contact: Waren 631-879-5139 wd50@optonline.net , Noon
-Car Show, Hosted by Wantagh Hook, Ladder & Engine Co #1, Wantagh LIRR parking lot @ Park Avenue. Contact: Joe Gross, 516-216-2721 pepzfmm@optonline.net, 9:00 AM
-Mount Equinox Hill Climb, Manchester, Vermont
Saturday, August 28, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Bentley Boys", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Saturday, August 28, 2010 to Sunday, August 29, 2010<?P>
-Hollywood Star Car Show, Cradle of Aviation Museum, East Garden City, Sponsored by the Cradle of Aviation and the Autoseum, featuring George Barris. 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday, August 29, 2010
-Car Show, Tanger Outlets, Deer Park, NY, Hosted by LI Street Machines , Contact: Joe Guercio, 516-652-7174 LT1V8@man.com, 9:00 AM<?P>
-Swap Meet/Car Show, Bohaty Field Sagath Day Path, Huntington, NY (Lions Northport/Centerport) hosted by Fabulous 50‘s & 60’s Nostalgia Car Club. Contact: Howie 631-269-1091, 8:00 AM
-Car Show, Cedarhurst Park. Hosted by Hempstead Plains Region AACA , 10:00 AM
-Car Show & Nitro Cacklefest,West Babylon, East Neck Auto Service, 89 Rt. 109. Hosted by Pacers Car Club and East Neck Auto. Contact: John Carrechia, 631-321-7434 sales@eastneckautoservicepacersauto@gmail.com, 10:00 AM
September 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
-St. Albans Veterans Hospital Car Show, Linden Blvd, Queens. Hosted by Greater NY Region AACA. Contact: Paul Parnes, 718-217-2220 ppa090544@verizon.net , 9:00 AM
Sunday, September 5, 2010
-Blast from the Past 7th Annual Car Show, West Islip Library Field, 3 Higbie Lane, West Islip. Hosted by: LI Road Gents, Contact: Ray Rendina, 516-523-7130 Rayr1953@yahoo.com, 8:00 AM
Sunday, September 12, 2010
-The LI Moose Classic Car Club's 10th Anniversary Show*, Mattituck. To benefit the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge, #1742.
-L.I. Cruizin' for a Cure 2010, Capital One Bank, 275 Broadhollow Road, Melville, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
-Sagamore Hill Car Show, Horseless Carriage Club, Contact Ed Labounty 1-631-751-6173
-Car Show/Swap Meet & Fire Truck Muster, Tanner Park, hosted by Kiwanis Club of Copaigue, Contact: Phil Guerra, 561-647-2754 philcarshow@optonline.net <?P>
Saturday, September 25, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Bugatti Day", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, September 26, 2010
-Great Neck Autofest*, Great Neck Plaza
October 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010<?P>
-7th Annual Bridgehampton Road Rally, Sponsored by the Bridgehampton Historical Society, Featuring cars that raced on the streets of Bridgehampton and classic pre-1959 cars.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
-Hallockville Car Show, Hallockville Farm, Sound Avenue, Riverhead, Hosted byPeconic Bay Region AACA, Contact George: 1-631-727-3097
Saturday, October 23, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 1*:Street Rods, Modified, Custom, MotorcyclesCradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745. Vendors welcome, contact Seamus Keane at COA 516-572-4111.
-Demonstration Day "Nurburging", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, October 24, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 2*: Vintage, Classic and Pre-War Trucks, Fire Trucks and Police Cars, Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745. Vendors welcome, contact Seamus Keane at COA 516-572-4111.
Exhibits
Ongoing until August 8, 2010, Exhibition "Cars, Culture and the City", Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St.
Riverhead Raceway 2010 Schedule
Friday, July 16, 2010: Film “Around the Block in the Black Beast”
In preparation for this Sunday's Port Jefferson Hill Climb, a racing video camera has been attached to the side of the Alco "Black Beast". In a test run, a three-minute ride up and down "East Hills" was dcoumented in this three-minute film.
Index to other VanderbiltCupRaces.com posts on the Alco-6 Racer.
Come to Port Jefferson at 10:00 AM to see the Alco "Black Beast" and many other vintage cars climb the hill to honor Long Island's rich racing history.
Thursday, July 15, 2010: Port Jefferson to Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Hill Climb on Sunday
During the first decade of the 1900s, there were three types of automobile competitions; road racing to evaluate speed and endurance, long-distance tours to determine durability and hill-climbs to measure strength and torque. This Sunday, the Village of Port Jefferson will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of one of the most famous Long Island hill climbs.
The history of the Port Jefferson Hill Climb and the upcoming celebration was recently described in northshoreoflongisland.com.
The 1910 Port Jefferson Hill Climb consisted on 67 cars competing in 16 different events (determined by car type, cost of the car and amateur or professional status of the driver). The feature event was the free-for-all won by Ralph DePalma in a 190 HP Fiat. DePalma climbed the 2,000 foot hill in 20.48 seconds. Caleb Bragg was second in a Fiat followed by Fred Belcher in a Knox. DePalma went on to win the 1912 and 1914 Vanderbilt Cup Races. Bragg and Belcher both competed in the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race.
Another participant was the one-cylinder Only car manufactured in Port Jefferson (seen here). The Only, with "only" one cylinder, finished with the 10th best time.
The July 2, 1910 issue of Automobile Topics provided a three-page summary of the event Port Jefferson Climb Has a Big Entry List.
Come out to Port Jefferson on Sunday morning at 10:00 AM and see the Alco "Black Beast" and many other vintage cars climb the hill to honor Long Island's rich racing history.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010: Found-The 1906 George McKesson Brown Scrapbook
Just ten days before the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race, pharmaceutical magnate George McKesson Brown of Huntington purchased the #7 Mercedes to compete in the race. He selected veteran driver William Luttgen (left) and his mechanician Marx (right) to lead his racing team. Brown also commissioned photographers Spooner and Wells to document his new Mercedes in a scrapbook with photos taken before and after the race. This scrapbook remained in the McKesson Brown family for the last 104 years until purchased by a collector last month. The scrapbook's 22 never-before published photos (including this photo of Luttgen and Marx) and three pieces of Vanderbilia will be featured on VanderbiltCupRaces.com throughout the summer.
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The first item from the scrapbook is this box seat ticket for the "William K. Vanderbilt Jr. Cup International Automobile Race" held on Sunday, Ocotber 6, 1906. The cost of the ticket was $10 equivalent to $236 today. The box seat location was Box 22, Row B, Seat 5. The ticket looks like it was printed last week.
The Official Program Guide for the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race provided this list of box holders. It confirms that the box at Row B, Box 22 was purchased by George McKesson Brown.
This Spooner & Wells photo was taken from the roof of the Officials' Stand/Press Box across from the 1906 grandstand. I believe George McKesson Brown (middle of photo) is the gentleman wearing the tie in the second row looking down at a program. Brown was the half-brother of David Bruce Brown who competed in the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race. His family was one of the founders of McKesson Corporation.
This 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race film shows McKesson Brown's #7 Mercedes in action. The car finished 11th of the 17 entrants.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010: The “Black Beast” at The Show at Castle Gould
Another fun car show last Sunday at "The Show at Castle Gould" at the beautiful Sands Point Preserve. Here are some highlights:
The Long Island Sound served as a beautiful setting for the show.
The "Black Beast" gave rides around Castle Gould to a few lucky people including:
Leo Cerruti-Autofest Chairman
Dr. Mark DeSantis
Julius Freeman- a Tuskegee Airman and a Congressional Medal of Honor awardee
Sunday, July 11, 2010: Film “50 Years of Automotive Progress” Featuring Henry Austin Clark, Jr.
Today's post is a real treat.... a seven-minute film that has not been seen by the public for over 52 years. "Fifty Years of Automotive Progress" was created by independent film maker Scudder Boyd and featured Henry Austin Clark, Jr and several of his vintage cars from the Long Island Automotive Museum including these six:
1905 Pierce Great Arrow Touring Car
1904 Knox Surrey
1902 Oldsmobile Curved-Dash Runabout
1911 Mercer Runabout
1914 Pierce-Arrow Touring Car
1916 Packard Twin-Six Touring Car
Based on the two "modern" cars featured in the film, a 1957 Oldsmobile and a 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, General Motors likely commisioned this project to promote their 1957 product line.
The original 16mm print was discovered in the archives of the Long Island Old Car Club by Walter McCarthy. With his permission, the film is being shown on VanderbiltCupRaces.com. Thanks, Walter for sharing this treasure!
July 12, 2010 Update: The film was probably shot near the Long Island Automotive Museum in Southampton. The golf course in one scene may be the famous Shinnecock Hills Golf Club.
Links to VanderbiltCupRaces.com posts on the Long Island Automotive Museum.
Saturday, July 10, 2010: Update of Local Car Shows and Automotive Events: July 16, 2010
A comprehensive list of local car shows and automotive events through October 2010. The Alco "Black Beast" will be appearing at those automotive events marked with an *.
July 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010 to Sunday, July 18, 2010
-Annual Truck Show and Tractor Pull, sponsored by LI Chapter of American Truck Historical Society and LI Antique Power Association. Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Avenue, Riverhead. 10:00 AM Contact: Denis Ryan, 631-821-4845 gmcwatertruck@aol.com
Saturday, July 17, 2010
-Charity Classic Car Show, St. Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Chrurch, 1 Shrine Pl., Greenlawn, Contact: 1-631-261-7272, 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Sunday, July 18, 2010
-Port Jefferson Hill Climb Centennial*, Port Jefferson, Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the 1910 Hill Climb. "Black Beast" will be appearing in the morning.
-New York AutoFest 3*, Hicksville. To benefit St. Paul the Apostle Knights of Columbus Council 6802.8:00 AM- 5:00 PM. "Black Beast" will be appearing in the afternoon.
-All Ford Car Show, , Syosset Ford, 240 Jericho Turnpike, Syosset, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Saturday, July 24, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Le Mans in the 1930s", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, July 25, 2010
-Vanderbilt Auto Show*, "Celebrating the American Automobile Through the Decades", Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport, Presented by Long Island Vettes, Inc. 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
-Car show, Port Jeff Elks Lodge, Rt. 112, South of Rt. 347 , Port Jefferson. 8 A.M. Contact: Ed Reinhardt, 631-921-1591 eddiereinhardt@optonline.net
August 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
-Bald Hill New York AutoFest , Bald Hill, Farmingville. To benefit Nassau County Sheriff Officers Widow's and Children's Fund. 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM
-Flowerfield Summer Car Show and Swap Meet, 199 Mills Pond Road, St. James, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
-Advance Auto Car Show, 56 Merrick Rd., Valley Stream, Hosted by Hempstead Plains Region AACA, Contact: Bobby Wright 516-889-1089,10:00 AM
Saturday, August 7, 2010
-Car Show, at Briarcliffe College, next to Firehouse, Steward Ave., Bethpage. , Hosted by Bethpage Fire Department, Contact: Bob Jeeper 516-433-7930 , 9:00 AM.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
-Third Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Meet-Roosevelt Field*, East Garden City.
-Sayville Village Main Street Festival & Car Show. Hosted by Still Cruisin’ Car Club & Greater Sayville Chamber of Commerce. Contact: Ish Castillo 631- 205-0510 mrish1947@yahoo.com, 7:00 AM
-Car Show, Hagerman Fire Department, Montauk Highway, East Patchogue. Hosted by East End Olds Club. John Kleedorfer 631-208-9444 max22447@optonline.net , 9:00 AM
Sunday, August 15, 2010
- Nassau County Executive's 1st Annual Cruise to the Show Parade & Car Show*, 9:00 AM Cruise south on Washington Avenue and East on Stewart Avenue toward Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Car Show at Eisenhower Park
-Frank Bigelow Memorial Car Show & Fundraiser, St. John the Baptist, Montauk Highway, West Islip. Hosted by Still Cruisin’ Car Club. Contact: Ish Castillo, 631-205-0510 mrish1947@yahoo.com, 9:00 AM
Friday, August 20, 2010
-Art Night Schenectady*, The "Black Beast" returns to the headquarters of the American Locomobile Company, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
-ATA British Motorfest* ,Saratoga Automobile Museum, Saratoga, NY, Presented by the Adirondack Triumph Association, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
-Caring Bridge Show, PEP Boys, Sunrise Highway, Patchogue. Hosted by Impressive & Aggressive Motor Club, Contact: Tom Driscoll 631-902-1522 tdriscoll@optonline.net, 9:00 AM
-Classic Car Show, Sponsored by Southampton Historical Museum, Meeting House Lane, 11:00 PM to 4:00 PM
-Mount Equinox Hill Climb, Manchester, Vermont
Sunday, August 22, 2010
-30th Annual Vanderbilt Invitational Concours, Suffolk Conty Vanderbilt Museum, Centerport
-Car Show ,Hosted by LI Chevy Owners Association, VFW Post 8300, 330 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue.Contact: Waren 631-879-5139 wd50@optonline.net , Noon
-Car Show, Hosted by Wantagh Hook, Ladder & Engine Co #1, Wantagh LIRR parking lot @ Park Avenue. Contact: Joe Gross, 516-216-2721 pepzfmm@optonline.net, 9:00 AM
-Mount Equinox Hill Climb, Manchester, Vermont
Saturday, August 28, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Bentley Boys", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Saturday, August 28, 2010 to Sunday, August 29, 2010<?P>
-Hollywood Star Car Show, Cradle of Aviation Museum, East Garden City, Sponsored by the Cradle of Aviation and the Autoseum, featuring George Barris. 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday, August 29, 2010
-Car Show, Tanger Outlets, Deer Park, NY, Hosted by LI Street Machines , Contact: Joe Guercio, 516-652-7174 LT1V8@man.com, 9:00 AM<?P>
-Swap Meet/Car Show, Bohaty Field Sagath Day Path, Huntington, NY (Lions Northport/Centerport) hosted by Fabulous 50‘s & 60’s Nostalgia Car Club. Contact: Howie 631-269-1091, 8:00 AM
-Car Show, Cedarhurst Park. Hosted by Hempstead Plains Region AACA , 10:00 AM
-Car Show & Nitro Cacklefest,West Babylon, East Neck Auto Service, 89 Rt. 109. Hosted by Pacers Car Club and East Neck Auto. Contact: John Carrechia, 631-321-7434 sales@eastneckautoservicepacersauto@gmail.com, 10:00 AM
September 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
-St. Albans Veterans Hospital Car Show, Linden Blvd, Queens. Hosted by Greater NY Region AACA. Contact: Paul Parnes, 718-217-2220 ppa090544@verizon.net , 9:00 AM
Sunday, September 5, 2010
-Blast from the Past 7th Annual Car Show, West Islip Library Field, 3 Higbie Lane, West Islip. Hosted by: LI Road Gents, Contact: Ray Rendina, 516-523-7130 Rayr1953@yahoo.com, 8:00 AM
Sunday, September 12, 2010
-The LI Moose Classic Car Club's 10th Anniversary Show*, Mattituck. To benefit the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge, #1742.
-L.I. Cruizin' for a Cure 2010, Capital One Bank, 275 Broadhollow Road, Melville, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
-Sagamore Hill Car Show, Horseless Carriage Club, Contact Ed Labounty 1-631-751-6173
-Car Show/Swap Meet & Fire Truck Muster, Tanner Park, hosted by Kiwanis Club of Copaigue, Contact: Phil Guerra, 561-647-2754 philcarshow@optonline.net <?P>
Saturday, September 25, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Bugatti Day", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, September 26, 2010
-Great Neck Autofest*, Great Neck Plaza
October 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010<?P>
-7th Annual Bridgehampton Road Rally, Sponsored by the Bridgehampton Historical Society, Featuring cars that raced on the streets of Bridgehampton and classic pre-1959 cars.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
-Hallockville Car Show, Hallockville Farm, Sound Avenue, Riverhead, Hosted byPeconic Bay Region AACA, Contact George: 1-631-727-3097
Saturday, October 23, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 1*:Street Rods, Modified, Custom, MotorcyclesCradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745. Vendors welcome, contact Seamus Keane at COA 516-572-4111.
-Demonstration Day "Nurburging", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, October 24, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 2*: Vintage, Classic and Pre-War Trucks, Fire Trucks and Police Cars, Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745. Vendors welcome, contact Seamus Keane at COA 516-572-4111.
Exhibits
Ongoing until August 8, 2010, Exhibition "Cars, Culture and the City", Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St.
Riverhead Raceway 2010 Schedule
Friday,7/9/10: Heritage Museums Blog: “American Speed, the Vanderbilt Cup and the Mysterious FIC”
As a follow-up to our May 23, 2010 post, Heritage Museums & Gardens posted this article on their 1908 PAL oil painting and new exhibit "American Speed". Some highlights:"
... a huge painting of an early auto race, has hung in the J.K. Lilly III Automobile Museum for decades, but no one knew anything about the history of the piece or the identity of the artist. Staff could find no records on it. The only clue was that the work was signed “PAL/08.”
This spring brought a stroke of luck, though. The new auto exhibit this season, American Speed, focuses on racing history. Naturally, we thought this dramatic painting of an early car race should be included. But what could we say about it? Staff had attempted to research this painting before, but had no luck. We turned to the internet for another try and came across an extensive website devoted to the Vanderbilt Cup (www.vanderbiltcupraces.com). Better still, just three days earlier the site had posted an article regarding the promotional poster for the 1908 race, revealing that the artist of the poster was Jean de Paléologue (1860-1942), who used the pseudonym “PAL.” Jackpot! After some discussion with the historian who operates the website, it was determined that the painting Heritage owns is in fact the long-lost original artwork that was used for the 1908 poster!
You can see the original painting and a reproduction of the resulting poster (not to mention six fantastic race cars!) in the American Speed exhibit, running from July 7 - October 31 in the J.K. Lilly III Automobile Museum at the Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich, Massachusetts.
Thursday, July 8, 2010: Favorite Website: Historicracing.com Driver Profiles
Historicracing.com provides brief profiles of hundreds of prominent race drivers. These are the profiles of the eight drivers who won the 11 William K. Vanderbilt Jr. Cup Races from 1904 to 1916:
-George Heath- 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race champion
-Victor Hemery-1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race champion
-Louis Wagner- 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race champion
-George Robertson- 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race champion
-Harry Grant- 1909 and 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race champion
-Ralph Mulford- 1911 Vanderbilt Cup Race champion
-Ralph DePalma-1912 and 1914 Vanderbilt Cup Race champion
-Dario Resta-1915 and 1916 Vanderbilt Cup Race champion
Also check out this website's racing website links.
Off-Topic: A crazy fan (me) waving a Met flag at the 16 second mark of this New York Mets' highlight.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010: Starting Lineup-The 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race
A large field of 30 cars raced in the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race held on October 1, 1910. The race was run on the same course as in 1909- a total of 12.64 miles including 5.15 miles of the Long Island Motor Parkway. The winner needed to complete 22 laps of the course for a total of 278.08 miles. Remember to click on the images to enlarge them:
#1 National (USA) driven by Al Livingston. Finished 13th. Flagged while running during lap 21 when race was called.
#2 Lozier (USA) driven by Ralph Mulford. Finished 5th. Completed 22 laps averaging 63.1 MPH.
#3 Marquette-Buick (USA) driven by Arthur Chevrolet (Louis Chevrolet's brother). Finished 25th. Broke driving chain during lap 8. Arthur Chevrolet was shown here "in despair" when forced to quit.
#4 Mercedes (Germany) driven by Spencer Wishart. Finished 17th. Flagged during 18th lap.
#6 Simplex (USA) driven by Ralph Beardsley. Finished 15th. Broke steering gear during 19th lap.
#7 Benz (Germany) driven by Eddie Hearne. Finished 8th. Led most number of laps. Completed 22 laps averaging 61.2 MPH.
#8 Benz (Germany) driving by Franz Heim. Finished 27th. Caught fire during lap 6.
#9 Amplex (USA) driven by Walter Jones. Finished 14th. Flagged while running during lap 20 when race was called.
#10 National (USA) driven by Johnny Aiken. Finished 3rd. Completed 22 laps averaging 64.7 MPH.
#11 Simplex (USA) driven by Leland Mitchell. Finished 7th. Completed 22 laps averaging 61.30 MPH.
#12 Columbia (USA) driven by Harrold Stone. Finished 30th. Car ran off the Newbridge Road Bridge during lap 1, killing mechanician William Bacon..
#14 Corbin (USA) driven by Joe Matson. Finished 24th. Radiator problems during lap 10.
#15 Stoddard-Dayton (USA) driven by Hugh Harding. Finished 9th. Completed 22 laps averaging 60.09 MPH.
#16 Benz (Germany) driven by David Bruce-Brown. Finished 12th. Flagged while running during lap 22 when race was called.
#17 Pope-Hartford (USA) driven by Jack Fleming. Finished 6th. Completed 22 laps averaging 62.5 MPH.
#18 Alco (USA) driven by Harry Grant and mechanician Frank Lee. Finished 1st for second consecutive year. Completed 22 laps averaging 65.18 MPH.
#19 Jackson (USA) driven by E.F. Scheifler. Finished 20th. Radius rod problem during lap 15.
#20 Oldsmobile (USA) driven by Harry Stillman. Finished 11th. Flagged while running during lap 22 when race was called.
#21 Marmon (USA) driven by Ray Harroun. Harroun won the first Indy 500 Race in a Marmon. Finished 21st. Broken crankshaft during lap 14.
#22
#23 American (USA) driven by William Wallace who also competed in the 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race. Finished 26th. Cracked cylinder during lap 7.
#24 Stooddard-Dayton (USA) driven by Tobin DeHymel. Finished 22nd. Broke steering knuckle during lap 12.
#25 Marmon (USA) driven by Joe Dawson. Finished 2nd. Only 26 seconds behind Alco. Completed 22 laps averaging 65.07MPH.
#26 Houpt-Rockwell (USA) driven by Carl Limberg. Finished 18th. Flagged while running during lap 19 when race was called.
#27 Marquette-Buick (USA) driven by Bob Burman. Finished 23rd. Driving chain broke and hit ditch during lap 10.
#28 Apperson (USA) driven by Harris Hanshue. Finished 16th. Flagged while running during lap 18 when race was called.
#29 Marquette-Buick (USA) driving by Louis Chevrolet. Led first 8 laps. Finished 19th. Broke steering knuckle during lap 16. Crashed into parked touring car killing mechanician Charles Miller. Deaths of two mechanicians and spectator injuries during the 1910 race put an end to the Vanderbilt Cup Races on Long Island.
#30 Royal Tourist (USA) driven by P.H. Jardine. Finished 29th. Broke camshaft during lap 1.
#31 National (USA) driven by Louis Disbrow. Finished 4th. Completed 22 laps averaging 63.60 MPH.
#32 Knox (USA) driven by Fred Belcher. Finished 28th.Valve problem during lap 4.
-Links to the Starting Lineups of the Vanderbilt Cup Races and Associated Sweepstakes
Tuesday, 7/6/10:The 1914-1915 Ono Combination of a Fiat Chassis & Pope-Hartford Engine
In response to last Sunday's post on the two Pope-Hartfords that ran in the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Randy Reed of La Mesa, California has provided this information and photos:
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"Car #28 is the Ono (Fiat/Pope Hartford) and it finished 10th in the 1915 Vanderbilt Cup Race held in San Francisco. It would appear that Bert Dingley's #22 Pope may have been scavenged for the engine and radiator to create the Ono using the Fiat S74 chassis. Dingley drove the Ono in at least 2 races in 1914. This car is still in it's restored Ono configuration."
Randy, thanks for the contribution. Here, driver Hughie Hughes can be seen driving the #28 Ono during the 1915 Vanderbilt Cup Race. That's our friend Harry Grant in the #8 Stuz inf ront of the Ono.The race results and car specifications are provided in this champcarstats.com summary.
Other posts concerning the 1915 Vanderbilt Cup Race on VanderbiltCupRaces.com
Newsreel "1915 Vanderbilt Cup Race, San Francisco, California"
The Peugeot EX3- Winner of the 1915 Vanderbilt Cup Race in San Francisco
Sunday, July 4, 2010: The Two Pope-Hartfords in the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race
A leading manufacturer of bicycles in the 1890s, the Pope Manufacturing Company began making automobiles at the turn of the century. Their cars were branded according to the location of the manufacturing plant and style; Pope-Robinson (Hyde Park, Massachusetts), Pope-Waverly Electric (1904-1908,made in Indianapolis), Pope-Tribune (Hagerstown, Maryland, 1904-1908), Pope-Toledo (1904-1909, Toledo, Ohio) and Pope-Hartford (1904-1914, Hartford, Connecticut).
During its short ten year lifespan, Pope-Hartford produced some of the most exciting, high-quality cars of the period including two racers that participated in the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race. As seen at their training headquarters with an assistant, the Pope-Hartford drivers Jack Fleming and Bert Dingley gave a shout-out to Dingley's native California.
A close-up of the team.
The drivers and their mechanicians in front of one of the 1910 Pope-Hartford racers.
The #17 Pope-Hartford, driven by Jack Fleming, making a service stop on the Long Island Motor Parkway in front of the Officials Stand/Press Box.
Fleming's car completed all 22 laps of the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race. Averaging 62.5 MPH, the #17 Pope-Hartford finished a strong 6th among the 30 participating cars.
The #22 Pope-Hartford, driven by Bert Dingley, seen here making a "pit" stop.
Dingley on the Westbury Turn located at Old Country Road and Ellison Road. Note the banking on the curve that was built for the race.
The #22 Pope-Hartford on the temporary road connecting Ellison Road and the Long Island Motor Parkway. Dingley's racer also completed all 22 laps of the race and finished 10th, averaging 59.9 MPH.
This beautiful 1909 Pope-Hartford made an appearance at last month's Klingberg Vintage Motorcar Festival. Owned by Jerry and Joyce Chase of Middletown, Connecticut, this 40 HP Model S touring car was previously part of Harrah's Automobile Collection. Note the similarity of the car's bell-shaped radiator as compared to the two 1910 racers.
Saturday, July 3, 2010: June 2010 Highlights on VanderbiltCupRaces.com
Viewership on VanderbiltCupRaces.com remained strong with a June average daily unique visitor average of 130, a 40% increase over June 2009. For the first half of 2010, a total of 23,210 unique viewers have visited VanderbiltCupRaces.com. The daily average of 127 represents a 63% increase over 2009. Thanks for stopping by!
The website retained its #1 ranking among the 284,000 websites that appear for a Google search on "Vanderbilt Cup Races" and also ranked #1 among 1.86 million websites that appear on a similar Bing.com search. VanderbiltCupRaces.com is also currently ranked #7 of 99,000 websites that appear for a Google search on "Long Island Motor Parkway" and also ranked #8 among the 1.31 million websites that appear on a similar Bing.com search. Below is a summary of posts that were placed on the website during the past month:
Enjoy the Fourth,
Howard Kroplick
Vanderbilt Cup Races
The Italian Team for the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Then and Now: The Railroad Bridge on Ellison Road in Westbury
The Corbin “Cannonball” and the Alco “Black Beast” to Meet on Saturday
Vincenzo Lancia in Action During the 1905 and 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Races
The Royal Tourist in the Vanderbilt Cup Races (1904-1910)
The Five Drivers in the 1940 Mystery Photo
“Babe” Stapp: Driver of the Topping-Miller Special and Maserati V8Ri
Film “Rosemeyer’s Victory in the 1937 Vanderbilt Cup Race”
Long Island Motor Parkway
Stewart School Blog “The Long Island Motor Parkway: Garden City’s Hidden History ”
The Day the Garden City Lodge Moved- March 19, 1989
Alco-6 Black Beast Racer
“Black Beast” Roars on Fifth Avenue at the Museum of the City of New York
Then and Now: The American Locomotive Company Plant in Providence, Rhode Island
Garden City News “The Board and the Beast” & Update of Local Automotive Events
Article “Black Beast Roars” & a Klingberg Vintage Motorcar Festival Highlight
“Black Beast” Returns to Garden City
Car Shows and Events
North Shore Sun Article “Motorsports just seem to be more ‘us’ ” & Speakeasy Night
Garden City News “The Board and the Beast” & Update of Local Automotive Events
Highlights of the “Black Beast ” at the Klingberg Vintage Motor Car Festival
“Black Beast” Returns to Garden City
The 2010 Greenwich Concours D’Elegance
Press Release “Black Beast” at Klingberg in June”
“Black Beast” at the 2010 Old Westbury Gardens Show
Long Island Motorsports
North Shore Sun Article “Motorsports just seem to be more ‘us’ ” & Speakeasy Night
Long Island Automotive Museum
A Research Challenge: The 1902 Curved Dash Oldsmobile on Austin Clark’s Roof
Postcards from the Long Island Automotive Museum (#7-11)
Postcards from the Long Island Automotive Museum (#1-6)
Videos and Films
“Black Beast” Roars on Fifth Avenue at the Museum of the City of New York
Film “Rosemeyer’s Victory in the 1937 Vanderbilt Cup Race”
VanderbiltCupRaces.com
VanderbiltCupRaces.com Sets Viewership Record in May 2010
Slideshows: 18 Alco “Black Beast” 2010 Automotive Events
Below are slideshows of 2010 Long Island car shows and automotive events:
ATA British Motorfest, Saratoga Automobile Museum, Saratoga Springs, New York, August 21, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010: “Black Beast” Roars on Fifth Avenue at the Museum of the City of New York
Two nights ago, the Alco "Black Beast" lit up Fifth Avenue as part of the Museum of the City of New York's first 2010 "Speakeasy Night". Check out the fire coming out of the exhuast pipes in this two-minute film. Speakeasy guests, museum staff and families in the community all gave the "Black Beast" a big thumbs up:
Index: Long Island Automotive Museum
Links to posts on the Long Island Automotive Museum on VanderbiltCupRaces.com (Updated: August 1, 2010):
-What was the Long Island Automotive Museum?"
-Film “The Long Island Automotive Museum”
-More on the Long Island Automotive Museum
-Film “50 Years of Automotive Progress” Featuring Henry Austin Clark, Jr.
-A Research Challenge: The 1902 Curved Dash Oldsmobile on Austin Clark’s Roof"
-Postcards from the Long Island Automotive Museum (#1-6)
Starting Lineups- Vanderbilt Cup Races and Associated Sweepstakes
-1905 American Elimination Trial
-1906 American Elimination Race
-1908 Motor Parkway Sweepstakes
-1908 Meadow Brook Sweepstakes
Thursday, 7/1/10 :North Shore Sun Article “Motorsports just seem to be more ‘us’ ” & Speakeasy Night
Hats off to Michael White for supporting the development of motorsports facility on Long Island in the June 25, 2010 issue of Riverhead's North Shore Sun. Highlights of Michael's column are as follows:
It was a time when Long Island was the mecca for Northeast motorsports fans, from what I understand. Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn and Queens once played host to some 40 racetracks, with families regularly packing Islip Speedway with over 10,000 people every Friday night. Bridgehampton had a famous track on the CanAm circuit. Some argue the modern American sport actually began right here on Long Island, with the storied Motor Parkway. Now there's just one track, Riverhead Raceway, hardly enough to distract the region's young people from doing what some of them do best -- nothing.
I've always had a feeling in my gut that motorsports are in our blood out here. And that it should be again. In a big way. I'm talking Dover National Speedway-type big, 130,000 fans and every hotel and campgrounds across Suffolk County packed once a year. Local eateries changing their names to the Monte Carlo Deli or the Speedway Diner. That big.
Let's go back to square one and start thinking again about a track worthy of hosting at least one big NASCAR event in Yaphank or Calverton. Surround it with hotels and then campgrounds and preserve some woods. I'm not saying it's definitely the right fit for the area. As always, we'll have to wait for the experts to conduct their $400,000 studies before making those judgments.
But one thing I do know for sure is we and our elected leaders should be using some common sense. And that should start by taking a look at who we really are, and where we came from.
Here is a link to the entire column. Michael White is a North Shore Sun editor and can be reached at mwhite@timesreview.com or 631-298-3200, ext. 152.
Another fun event last night at the Museum of the City of New York's "Speakeasy Night". Photos from the evening will be posted later this week.
Wednesday, 6/30/10:The Italian Team for the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race & Tonight’s “Black Beast” Event
The Italian Team for the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race consisted of five Fiats. The team represented the Automobile Club of Turin and was managed by Fiat's American agents, Hollander & Tangeman. Three of the drivers were prominent Italian racers selected by Fiat; Vincenzo Lancia, Felice Nazzaro and Emanuel Cedrino. Hollander & Tangeman selected the other two drivers, Louis Chevrolet and Paul Sartori. Fiat proudly promoted the team in this poster.
The 1905 Program Guide provided these technical specifications on the five FIATs. A fascinating aspect of the team is that three of the drivers went on to design cars and have automobile marques named for them; Chevrolet, Lancia and Nazzaro. The Fiats placed four cars among the top ten in the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race:
#4 Fiat (Italy) driven by Vincenzo Lancia, 120 HP. Finished 4th. Fortunes of race changed when Lancia collided with Christie who was only on Lap 4 at I.U. Willets Road at Michelin Tire Station in Albertson. Broke rear wheel. Delayed 30 minutes and lost by 24 minutes and 23 seconds.
#8 Fiat (Italy) driven by Felice Nazzaro, 120 HP. Finished 6th. Still running in Lap #9 when race was called. Averaged 58.2 mph.
#12 Fiat (Italy) driven by Emanuel Cedrino. 90 HP. Finished 18th. Damaged steering gear during Lap 3 after hitting telegraph pole in Lakeville.
#16 Fiat (Italy) driven by Louis Chevrolet. 90 HP. Finished 10th. Ran into telegraph pole at the S curve at Willis Avenue and broke front wheel and bent front axle during Lap 7.
#20 Fiat (Italy) driven by Paul Sartori. 90 HP. Finished 7th.Broke crankshaft during Lap 9
The "Black Beast" wil roar tonight on Fifth Avenue.
The Alco "Black Beast will be parked outside the Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St., NYC, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM tonight for "Speakeasy Night". The museum's exhibitions including "Cars, Culture and the City" will stay open late and cocktails and music from the Prohibition Era will be offered.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010: A Research Challenge: The 1902 Curved Dash Oldsmobile on Austin Clark’s Roof
Don M. has emailed this research challenge to the many fans of the Long Island Automotive Museum: "Do you have have any information about the history of the 1902 Curved Dash Oldsmobile that was on the roof, over the front door of the Henry Austin Clark Museum entrance? I am trying to find out the vehicle history prior to Austin selling the vehicle in 1965. I'm currently at a dead end with my research, so I hope you will be able to help me".
Here the Southampton Dixie, Racing and Clambake Society performed in front of the entrance. Photos courtesy of Walter McCarthy.
A close-up of the museum's 1902 Oldsmobile.
The 1902 Oldsmoble can also be seen at the 2 minute 20 second mark of this film.
Links to other Long Island Automotive Museum posts on VanderbiltCupRaces.com:
-Postcards from the Long Island Automotive Museum (#7-11)
-Postcards from the Long Island Automotive Museum (#1-6)
Sunday, 6/27/10: Then and Now: The American Locomotive Company Plant in Providence, Rhode Island
The American Locomotive Company, often shortened to Alco, was created in 1901 with the merger of eight locomotive manufacturers including the Rhode Island Locomotive Works located in Providence as seen in this photo. In the early 1900s, all the company's locomotive manufacturing was moved to Schenectady, New York and all the other plants were closed. Alco, now based in Schenectady, became the second largest steam locomotive builder in the US and went on to build the famous "Big Boy" locomotives, the largest successful engine ever created.
Then: The company diversified into the automobile field in 1906 with production located in their Providence plant. It is here where the "Black Beast" and over 1,100 cars and trucks were built. But, as reported in the August 22, 1913 issue of the New York Times, American Locomotive Company decided to quit automobile and truck manufacturing and close down the Providence plant. At that time, American Locomotive was the third largest car manufacturer in the US. The Providence plant was then taken over in 1918 by US Rubber which ran the plant until the mid-1970s.
Now: Seeking all information about Alco, I was curious to find out more about the birthplace of the "Black Beast". According to this 2006 Master Development Plan and the leasing brochure, the Alco and US Rubber buildings were to be "revitalized" into a 22-acre mixed used community including office, retail and residential space. The project was later described in this 2008 New York Times article. Last Tuesday, returning from a trip from Boston, I could not resist paying homage to Alco's Providence plant. It was pretty exciting to see the large "American Locomotive Works" sign on the restored buildings.
Even more exciting, the original Alco plant (on the right) is still standing and has been beautifully restored as office space.
Another restored building features a huge sign with the Alco train logo on its roof.
A closer look.
Reflecting the poor economy, the project has been scaled back as evidenced by this advertising sign in front of an empty unrestored building.
Rhode Island "Art in Ruins" created this website page providing historical photos and updates on the American Locomotive Works project. Strange but true, the website notes that "general files, technical manuals and ALCO designs are located in George Arent(s) Research Library in Syracuse University. The very same George Arents was a driver in the 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race.
Saturday, 6/26/10: Garden City News “The Board and the Beast” & Update of Local Automotive Events
On Friday, the Garden City News published an article "The Board and the Beast" describing the recent Alco-6 racer visit to the Garden City Village Hall.
Here's a comprehensive listing of spring and summer automotive events scheduled to be held in the Long Island area over the next six months. The "Black Beast" is scheduled to appear at events marke with an *. Updated: July 4, 2010.
July 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
-St. Joseph's Church First Annual Car Show, 59 Church Street, Kings Park
Sunday, July 11, 2010
-The Show at Castle Gould* Presented by New York AutoFest,Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middleneck Road. 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM
-American Airpower Museum Corvette Show, Republic Airport, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale
-Sagtikos Manor Car Show, West Bay Shore, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
-Cutchogue Lion's Club Classic Car Show, Capital One Operations Center, Main Road, Route 25, Mattituck -9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
-Car Show for Veterans, Presented by Still Cruisin’ Car Club, Ronkonkoma VFW Post 9486, Lake Shore Rd. Ronkonkoma, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
-Car Show, Advanced Auto, 56 West Merrick Rd., Valley Stream, Hempstead Plains Region AACA , 9:00 AM
-American Airpower Museum Corvette Show, Republic Airport, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale
Saturday, July 17, 2010 to Sunday, July 18, 2010
-9th Annual Truck Show. Hosted by LI Chapter of American Truck Historical Society. Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Avenue, Riverhead. 10:00 AM Contact: Denis Ryan, 631-821-4845 gmcwatertruck@aol.com
Sunday, July 18, 2010
-Port Jefferson Hill Climb*, Port Jefferson, Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the 1910 Hill Climb. "Black Beast" will be appearing in the morning.
-New York AutoFest 3*, Hicksville. To benefit St. Paul the Apostle Knights of Columbus Council 6802.8:00 AM- 5:00 PM. "Black Beast" will be appearing in the afternoon.
-Syosset Ford Thunderbird/Ford Show, 240 Jericho Turnpike, Syosset
Saturday, July 24, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Le Mans in the 1930s", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, July 25, 2010
-Vanderbilt Auto Show*, "Celebrating the American Automobile Through the Decades", Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport, Presented by Long Island Vettes, Inc. 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
-Car show, Port Jeff Elks Lodge, Rt. 112, South of Rt. 347 , Port Jefferson. 8 A.M. Contact: Ed Reinhardt, 631-921-1591 eddiereinhardt@optonline.net
August 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
-Bald Hill New York AutoFest , Bald Hill, Farmingville. To benefit Nassau County Sheriff Officers Widow's and Children's Fund. 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM
-Flowerfield Summer Car Show and Swap Meet, 199 Mills Pond Road, St. James, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
-Advance Auto Car Show, 56 Merrick Rd., Valley Stream, Hosted by Hempstead Plains Region AACA, Contact: Bobby Wright 516-889-1089,10:00 AM
Saturday, August 7, 2010
-Car Show, at Briarcliffe College, next to Firehouse, Steward Ave., Bethpage. , Hosted by Bethpage Fire Department, Contact: Bob Jeeper 516-433-7930 , 9:00 AM.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
-Third Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Meet-Roosevelt Field*, East Garden City.
-Sayville Village Main Street Festival & Car Show. Hosted by Still Cruisin’ Car Club & Greater Sayville Chamber of Commerce. Contact: Ish Castillo 631- 205-0510 mrish1947@yahoo.com, 7:00 AM
-Car Show, Hagerman Fire Department, Montauk Highway, East Patchogue. Hosted by East End Olds Club. John Kleedorfer 631-208-9444 max22447@optonline.net , 9:00 AM
Sunday, August 15, 2010
- Nassau County Executive's 1st Annual Cruise to the Show Parade & Car Show*, 9:00 AM Cruise south on Washington Avenue and East on Stewart Avenue toward Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Car Show at Eisenhower Park
-Frank Bigelow Memorial Car Show & Fundraiser, St. John the Baptist, Montauk Highway, West Islip. Hosted by Still Cruisin’ Car Club. Contact: Ish Castillo, 631-205-0510 mrish1947@yahoo.com, 9:00 AM
Friday, August 20, 2010
-Art Night Schenectady*, The "Black Beast" returns to the headquarters of the American Locomobile Company, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
-ATA British Motorfest* ,Saratoga Automobile Museum, Saratoga, NY, Presented by the Adirondack Triumph Association, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
-Caring Bridge Show, PEP Boys, Sunrise Highway, Patchogue. Hosted by Impressive & Aggressive Motor Club, Contact: Tom Driscoll 631-902-1522 tdriscoll@optonline.net, 9:00 AM
-Classic Car Show, Sponsored by Southampton Historical Museum, Meeting House Lane, 11:00 PM to 4:00 PM
-Mount Equinox Hill Climb, Manchester, Vermont
Sunday, August 22, 2010
-30th Annual Vanderbilt Invitational Concours, Suffolk Conty Vanderbilt Museum, Centerport
-Car Show ,Hosted by LI Chevy Owners Association, VFW Post 8300, 330 Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue.Contact: Waren 631-879-5139 wd50@optonline.net , Noon
-Car Show, Hosted by Wantagh Hook, Ladder & Engine Co #1, Wantagh LIRR parking lot @ Park Avenue. Contact: Joe Gross, 516-216-2721 pepzfmm@optonline.net, 9:00 AM
-Mount Equinox Hill Climb, Manchester, Vermont
Saturday, August 28, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Bentley Boys", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Saturday, August 28, 2010 to Sunday, August 29, 2010<?P>
-Hollywood Star Car Show, Cradle of Aviation Museum, East Garden City, Sponsored by the Cradle of Aviation and the Autoseum, featuring George Barris. 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday, August 29, 2010
-Car Show, Tanger Outlets, Deer Park, NY, Hosted by LI Street Machines , Contact: Joe Guercio, 516-652-7174 LT1V8@man.com, 9:00 AM<?P>
-Swap Meet/Car Show, Bohaty Field Sagath Day Path, Huntington, NY (Lions Northport/Centerport) hosted by Fabulous 50‘s & 60’s Nostalgia Car Club. Contact: Howie 631-269-1091, 8:00 AM
-Car Show, Cedarhurst Park. Hosted by Hempstead Plains Region AACA , 10:00 AM
-Car Show & Nitro Cacklefest,West Babylon, East Neck Auto Service, 89 Rt. 109. Hosted by Pacers Car Club and East Neck Auto. Contact: John Carrechia, 631-321-7434 sales@eastneckautoservicepacersauto@gmail.com, 10:00 AM
September 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
-St. Albans Veterans Hospital Car Show, Linden Blvd, Queens. Hosted by Greater NY Region AACA. Contact: Paul Parnes, 718-217-2220 ppa090544@verizon.net , 9:00 AM
Sunday, September 5, 2010
-Blast from the Past 7th Annual Car Show, West Islip Library Field, 3 Higbie Lane, West Islip. Hosted by: LI Road Gents, Contact: Ray Rendina, 516-523-7130 Rayr1953@yahoo.com, 8:00 AM
Sunday, September 12, 2010
-The LI Moose Classic Car Club's 10th Anniversary Show*, Mattituck. To benefit the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge, #1742.
-L.I. Cruizin' for a Cure 2010, Capital One Bank, 275 Broadhollow Road, Melville, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
-Sagamore Hill Car Show, Horseless Carriage Club, Contact Ed Labounty 1-631-751-6173
-Car Show/Swap Meet & Fire Truck Muster, Tanner Park, hosted by Kiwanis Club of Copaigue, Contact: Phil Guerra, 561-647-2754 philcarshow@optonline.net <?P>
Saturday, September 25, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Bugatti Day", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, September 26, 2010
-Great Neck Autofest*, Great Neck Plaza
October 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010<?P>
-7th Annual Bridgehampton Road Rally, Sponsored by the Bridgehampton Historical Society, Featuring cars that raced on the streets of Bridgehampton and classic pre-1959 cars.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
-Hallockville Car Show, Hallockville Farm, Sound Avenue, Riverhead, Hosted byPeconic Bay Region AACA, Contact George: 1-631-727-3097
Saturday, October 23, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 1*:Street Rods, Modified, Custom, MotorcyclesCradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745. Vendors welcome, contact Seamus Keane at COA 516-572-4111.
-Demonstration Day "Nurburging", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, October 24, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 2*: Vintage, Classic and Pre-War Trucks, Fire Trucks and Police Cars, Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745. Vendors welcome, contact Seamus Keane at COA 516-572-4111.
Exhibits
-Ongoing until August 8, 2010, Exhibition "Cars, Culture and the City", Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St.
Riverhead Raceway 2010 Schedule
Friday, June 25, 2010: Postcards from the Long Island Automotive Museum (#7-11)
The Long Island Automotive Museum offered a wide array of related merchandise including; jewelry, label buttons, photos, model car kits, china and series of postcards. As described in this brochure , provided by Walter McCarthy, there were at least four series of postcards published featuring the cars of "Henry Austin Clark, Jr. and other noted collections". Here are five more postcards (#7-11) from one of the series. Remember to click on the image to enlarge it.
#7: 1903 Autocar, Type 8, 2 cylinders, 10 HP, Price new: $1,700 (less top)
#8: 1903 Ford, Model A Runabout, 2 cylinders, 8 HP, Price new: $750
#9: 1904 Knox, Surrey, Tuxedo Model, 2 cylinders, 16 HP, Price new: $2,500
#10: 1904 Winton, Roadster, 2 cylinders, 20 HP, Price new: $2,500 with tonneau
#11: 1905 Pierce Great Arrow, Touring Car, 4 cylinders, 28-32 HP, Price new: $4,250
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July 2, 2010 Update: Interior of the Long Island Automotive Museum at a 1978 auction (Courtesy of Walter McCarthy)
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Another view of the Long Island Automotive Museum's interior at a 1978 auction (Courtesy of Walter McCarthy).
Watch for more Henry Austin Clark, Jr. postcards to be posted this summer.
Links to other posts on the Long Island Automotive Museum on VanderbiltCupRaces.com:
-Postcards from the Long Island Automotive Museum (#1-6)
-What was the Long Island Automotive Museum?"
Thursday, 6/24/10: Then and Now: The Railroad Bridge on Ellison Road in Westbury
One of the most spectacular vantage points of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race course was the Long Island Rail Road Bridge on Ellison Road in Westbury. Drivers mounting the sharp grade of the bridge would often find the wheels of their cars lifting off the road as if they were about to launch into flight. Here' s proof (remember to click on the images to enlarge them):
The bridge over the Long Island Railroad is approximately one mile south of the Jericho Turnpike Turn. Here the #4 Chadwiick was seen approaching the bridge during the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race.
The #12 Thomas hits the bridge and the rear wheels go flying.
In one of the classic Vanderbilt Cup Race moments, all four wheels of the winning #16 Locomobile were off the road on top of the bridge.
After winning the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Locomobile promoted the victory in journal ads and a series of 12 postcards including the "flying Old 16". The copy reads: "Robertson in No.16 Locomobile at the Railroad Bridge at Westbury, all four wheels in the air. A unique speed picture from a genuine photograph. Copyright by R.W. Tebbs"
The Ellison "Avenue" Bridge Now in 2008 as compared to Then in 1908. Last week, the current safety of the Ellison Avenue Bridge with only a 3-ton limit was discussed on the Railroad.net blog.
The entire 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race course is shown in this slideshow. The Ellison Road Bridge appears at the 6 minute 51 second mark.
Wednesday,6/23/10:Stewart School Blog “The Long Island Motor Parkway: Garden City’s Hidden History ”
Last week teachers Mr. Schultz and Mrs. Tesoriero took their 4th grade Stewart School class on a walking trip to explore the remnants of the Motor Parkway in Garden City. The trip was documented in this
The students answered these two questions on the blog following the trip:
1) What is the most interesting thing you learned about the Motor Parkway?
2) Why is it important to know the history of the community you live in?
Here are the responses:
What is the most interesting thing you learned about the Motor Parkway? The most interesting thing that happened at the Motor Parkway was seeing what was left of the bridge. Why is it important to know the history of the community you live in? I learned that there was fewer cars, buildings, and fewer roads."
"The most interesting thing I learned was how some parts of the roads are still there. The highway is just North of Stewart School and you still can visit the highway.Its important to know aboutthe history about your community because teaches you interesting things before you moved into the community."
"The most interesting part about the Motor Parkway was that people from all over the world that are architects, engineers and drivers would come to study about Vanderbilt's design."
"The most interesting thing that I learned about the Long Island Motor Parkway was that the cement was still there from when they used it back in the 1900’s. It is important to know the history of your community you live in because you can pass the information to later generations."
"The most interesting thing that I learned was that there was a parkway near where the Stewart School was built. It is imporant to know the history of the community we live in because it helps us understand how and why it has developed and changed through the years."
"The most interesting thing I learned about the long island motor parkway was that it was that you had to pay a toll. It’s important to know the history of the community you live in so you know what’s around you."
"The most interesting thing that i learned about the motor parkway was that they knocked down a bridge. It is important to know about the history in our community we live in because when it all over we can tell people all about it and if you have to do a project about your community you would have a lot to say."
"It is important to know about our towns history because we can tell our kids if they have any questions."
"The most interesting thing thing about the trip was the piece of the highway still standing I want to walk the hole thing some time."
"It is important to know the history of the community because you can learn new things about your community and share the ideas with other people who do not live in GC."
"It is important to know about history of our community because it will teach you about the place you live in."
"1)The most interesting part was that there are still parts of the road standing that you can see. 2) It is important to know the history of our community because then we know more about the place that we live in. "
"The most interesting thing about the Motor Parkway is that there are still parts off the road and the bridge. Its important to learn about are community because it is teaching us that there is still stuff out there from many years ago."
"The most interesting thing I learned about the Motor Parkway was that part of it was in my neighborhood. My house was built were the Motor Parkway used to be. It is important to learn about the history of our community because it teaches us about what did happen back then and what cool and interesting things happened."
"Its important to know that in our community there is a really important place nearby. It is also good because you can take a walk on a site and wonder what it was like back then."
"The most interesting part was walking on the path which was the actual parkway 100 years ago. Things have really changed since then."<?P>
"I thought it was interesting to see what I was learning about."
"The most interesting thing I learned about the Motor Parkway was the edge we were standing on used to be attached to a bridge but then it got destroyed. It is important to know the history of the community we live in because if someone does not know we can tell them about it. "
"The most interesting thing that I learned is that someone was killed. It is important because you can teach others about it and it is Garden City's history. I'm glad that no one re-paved the concreate because then it would not really be that important. The trip was fun and very visual."
"The most interesting I learned about the motor parkway is that some of the pakrway is still used today.It is important to know about the history in your town because it can teach you many things that are important."
"I wonder why it had no speed limits???? The most interesting thing was to compare what it was back then and what it is now."
"The most interesting thing I learned was how much it costs it was more money back then then it is now.It is important to know our town history so we are aware of our surroundings."
"It's important to know our communities history because we can learn about the past. We can also talk to our family about it! The most interesting thing I learned about the motor parkway was that it had NO speed limits and had car races!"
"the most interesting thing i learned about the Long Island Motor Parkway is that it is still standing from over 100 years ago."
"Another reason it is important to know the history about the community we live in because we learn a lot especially when we take a walk to see it too."
"The most interesting thing I learned about the Motor Parkway was that there used to be bridge by the rocky hill that is there now. It is important to know the history the community we live in because we can teach people who are younger than us about it."
Links to other information on Garden City and the Long Island Motor Parkway:
-Charles Lindbergh and the Motor Parkway in 1927
-Keystone Bombers Over the Long Island Motor Parkway
-The Motor Parkway Around Roosevelt Field
-The Parkway Behind the Stewart School in Garden City
-Historic Views of Roosevelt Field, the Motor Parkway and Lindbergh’s Takeoff
-The Motor Parkway Weathervane
-Rare 1930s Photos of Two Motor Parkway Bridge Accidents
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
The Long Island Motorsports Association (LIMA) is planning a rally on Thursday, June 24, at 6:30 PM in Riverhead. Information is available on the LIMA website.
Future Howard Kroplick and Black Beast Events
-Next scheduled Black Beast event: Wednesday, June 30, 2010: The Alco "Black Beast will be parked outside the Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St., NYC, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for "Speakeasy Night". The museum's exhibitions including "Cars, Culture and the City" will stay open late and cocktails and music from the Prohibition Era will be offered.
-Current June to October 2010 Schedule
Automotive Events: June to October 2010
-Local Car Shows and Automotive Events and Mystery Photo Contest #3
VanderbiltCupRaces.com Indexes (Updated: 6/2/10)
The Most Popular Posts on VanderbiltCupRaces.com
Blog Highlights
Blog Updates
Recent updates (Latest: June 20, 2010)
-June 20, 2010: Mystery Photo #3 Solved
Long Island Car Clubs
Links to 48 Car Clubs (Updated: June 4, 2010)
Red Light Camera Locations
Tuesday, 6/22/10: Highlights of the “Black Beast ” at the Klingberg Vintage Motor Car Festival
As reported in the New Britain Herald, the 2010 Klingberg Vintage Motor Car Festival held last Saturday was a big success for both spectators and participants. Here are a few of the many highlights (click on the image to enlarge it):
Five Corbins were together at the festival. ...amazing, considering there are only six known existing completed Corbins in the world.
The Alco "Black Beast" and the Corbin "Cannonball" looking for the starting line. The Alco and the Corbin competed against each other in the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race.
The "Black Beast" roared throughout the event. Here, Mark Johnson, Vice President, Development of the Klingberg Family Centers, went for a ride. Congrats to Mark for organizing an outstanding event for a very worthy cause.
Sunday, June 20, 2010: Article “Black Beast Roars” & a Klingberg Vintage Motorcar Festival Highlight
On Friday, the online newspaper Garden City Patch published an article "The "Black Beast Roars at Village Hall" describing last week's visit to campaign for a local Motor Parkway parkland. The article features 21 photos, a video and a history of the "Black Beast".
What a great day at the Klingberg Vintage Motorcar Festival in New Britain, Connecticut on Saturday... huge crowd, amazing cars, beautiful weather and a wonderful cause. One highlight of the day was the Alco "Black Beast" lining up with the Corbin "Cannonball". More photos from the Festival will be posted next week.
Saturday, June 19, 2010: Update of Local Automotive Events and Mystery Photo #3
This is is a comprehensive listing of spring and summer automotive events scheduled to be held in the Long Island area over the next six months.Updated: June 19, 2010.
Mystery Photo #3: Identify this Vanderbilt Cup racer. Hint: It may be the only car that ran in the Vanderbilt Cup Races with a license plate. Place your answer in the Blog Comments section.
June 20, 2010 Update: As correctly identified by Jean-Yves L. of France, the car in the mystery photo is the #30 Royal Tourist that raced in the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race with Robert Jardine in the driver's seat. Check out the matching license plate seen when the Royal Tourist was at a pit stop. The photo was submitted by Royal Tourist owner Evan Price from the collection of Walter McCarthy.
June 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
-Gold Coast Cruisers Car Show By the Water, Morgan Park, Glen Cove
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
-The Alco "Black Beast will be parked outside the Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St., NYC, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for "Speakeasy" night. The museum's exhibitions including "Cars, Culture and the City" will stay open late and cocktails and music from the Prohibition Era will be offered.
July 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
-St. Joseph's Church First Annual Car Show, 59 Church Street, Kings Park
Sunday, July 11, 2010
-The Show at Castle Gould* Presented by New York AutoFest,Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middleneck Road. 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM
-American Airpower Museum Corvette Show, Republic Airport, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale
Sunday, July 18, 2010
- Port Jefferson Hill Climb*, Port Jefferson, Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the 1910 Hill Climb. "Black Beast" will be appearing in the morning.
-New York AutoFest 3*, Hicksville. To benefit St. Paul the Apostle Knights of Columbus Council 6802.8:00 AM- 5:00 PM. "Black Beast" will be appearing in the afternoon.
-Syosset Ford Thunderbird/Ford Show, 240 Jericho Turnpike, Syosset
Saturday, July 24, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Le Mans in the 1930s", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, July 25, 2010
-Vanderbilt Auto Show, "Celebrating the American Automobile Through the Decades", Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport, Presented by Long Island Vettes, Inc. 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
August 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
-Bald Hill New York AutoFest , Bald Hill, Farmingville. To benefit Nassau County Sheriff Officers Widow's and Children's Fund. 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM
-Flowerfield Summer Car Show and Swap Meet, 199 Mills Pond Road, St. James, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sunday, August 8, 2010
-Third Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Meet-Roosevelt Field*, East Garden City.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
- Nassau County Executive's 1st Annual Cruise to the Show Parade & Car Show*, 9:00 AM Cruise south on Washington Avenue and East on Stewart Avenue toward Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Car Show at Eisenhower Park
Friday, August 20, 2010
Art Night Schenectady, The "Black Beast" returns to the headquarters of the American Locomobile Company, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
-ATA British Motorfest* ,Saratoga Automobile Museum, Saratoga, NY, Presented by the Adirondack Triumph Association, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
-Mount Equinox Hill Climb, Manchester, Vermont
Sunday, August 22, 2010
-30th Annual Vanderbilt Invitational Concours, Suffolk Conty Vanderbilt Museum, Centerport
-Mount Equinox Hill Climb, Manchester, Vermont
Saturday, August 28, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Bentley Boys", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
September 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
-The LI Moose Classic Car Club's 10th Anniversary Show*, Mattituck. To benefit the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge, #1742.
-L.I. Cruizin' for a Cure 2010, Capital One Bank, 275 Broadhollow Road, Melville, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
-Sagamore Hill Car Show, Horseless Carriage Club, contact Ed Labounty at 1-631-751-6173
-Tappan Beach Volunteer Fireman's Car Show
Saturday, September 25, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Bugatti Day", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, September 26, 2010
-Great Neck Autofest*, Great Neck Plaza
October 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
-Peconic Bay Region AACA Hallockville Farm Meet
Saturday, October 23, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 1:Street Rods, Modified, Custom, MotorcyclesCradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745. Vendors welcome, contact Seamus Keane at COA 516-572-4111.
-Demonstration Day "Nurburging", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, October 24, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 2: Vintage, Classic and Pre-War Trucks, Fire Trucks and Police Cars, Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745. Vendors welcome, contact Seamus Keane at COA 516-572-4111.
Exhibits
-Ongoing until August 8, 2010, Exhibition "Cars, Culture and the City", Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St.
Riverhead Raceway 2010 Schedule
The Alco "Black Beast" will be apearing at those shows marked with a *. Please recommend any other Long Island automobile events in the Comments section below or sending an email to Howard@Kroplick.com .
Friday, June 18, 2010: “Black Beast” Returns to Garden City
In support of Cyril Smith's proposal to designate a section of the Motor Parkway as parkland, the Alco "Black Beast" visited the Garden City Village Hall last night. The event was described in Thursday's edition of the online newspaper the Garden City Patch.
Several Garden City officials and residents had the opportunity to try out the "Black Beast":
Thursday, June 17, 2010: The Corbin “Cannonball” and the Alco “Black Beast” to Meet on Saturday
In 1905, the American Hardware Corporation, makers of screws and locks, had a dream to make New Britain, Connecticut the automobile capital of the world by financing the Corbin Motor Vehicle Company. Their inital product line included two-air-cooled models that featured metal brake shoes, apparently a first for an American production car. To help promote their brand, the company entered a Corbin "Cannonball" racer in the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race.
Corbin selected Joe Matson, winner of the 1909 Massapequa Sweepstakes, to drive the "Cannonball". As seen in this photo, Matson and his race team posed at their headquarters at the Grand Central Hotel in Hicksville.
During the tenth lap of the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race, the Corbin's water pipe broke and left the race. The "Cannonball" finished 24th of the 30 cars entered. Over eight years, the Corbin Motor Vehicle Company hand built over 600 cars. However, unable to compete with the Detroit production lines, Corbin finally closed down in 1912.
This Saturday, history will be made as the Corbin "Cannonball" will be together with the Alco "Black Beast" at the Klingberg Vintage Motorcar Festival in New Britain, Connecticut from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Come hear the "Black Beast" roar and the "Cannonball" blast!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010: The 2010 Greenwich Concours D’Elegance
The 2010 Greenwich Concours D'Elegance held on June 5th and 6th drew large crowds and an amazing collection of unique cars including my 1966 Shelby Mustang GT-350H Hertz Rent-A- Racer.
Here is a sampling of the cars from the 2010 Concours D'Elegance and the Sunday Bonham's auction.
1910 Thomas Flyer offered by Bonhams valued at $700,000 to $800,000. Car did not sell.
1910 Ford Model T
1930 Packard 733
Highlights from the 2010 Greenwich Concours D'Elegance
Tuesday, June 15, 2010: Postcards from the Long Island Automotive Museum (#1-6)
The Long Island Automotive Museum in Southampton, New York was the foremost car museum on Long Island from 1948 to 1980...and is sadly missed. Founded and owned by the prominent collector and writer Henry Austin Clark, Jr., the museum featured a vast display of unique antique cars.
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As described in this brochure , provided by Walter McCarthy, the museum also offered a wide array of related merchandise including; jewelry, label buttons, photos, model car kits, china and series of postcards. There were at least four series of postcards published featuring the cars of "Henry Austin Clark, Jr. and other noted collections". Here are five postcards from one of the series. Remember to click on the image to enlarge it.
#1: 1896 Duryea, Road Wagon, 2 cylinders, 4 HP, Price new: $1,500
#2: 1899 Hertel, Runabout, 2 cylinders, 2 1/2 HP, Price new: $750
#3: 1899 Locomobile, Steam Stanhope, 2 cylinders, 4-5 HP, Style 1, Price new: $600
#4: 1900 Columbia, Electic Surrey, Mark XIX, Price new: $1,500
#6: 1902 Oldsmobile, Curved-Dash Runabout, 1 cylinder, 4-5 HP, Model R, Price new: $650
Watch for more Henry Austin Clark, Jr. postcards to be posted this summer.
Links to other posts on the Long Island Automotive Museum on VanderbiltCupRaces.com:
-What was the Long Island Automotive Museum?"
Sunday, June 13, 2010: Vincenzo Lancia in Action During the 1905 and 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Races
One of the most celebrated drivers to race in the Vanderbilt Cup Races was Italian Vincenzo Lancia. In both the 1905 and 106 races, he drove a Fiat...just missing winning both races,
During his racing career Lancia was frequently very fast but would almost as frequently fail to finish through mechanical breakdowns or accidents. Few better examples of his dominance and failure exist than Lancia’s drive for the first seven laps of the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race.
Vincenzo Lancia in action during the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Saturday, June 12, 2010:Mystery Photo Contest #2 and Update of Local Automotive Car Shows and Events
This is is a comprehensive listing of spring and summer automotive events scheduled to be held in the Long Island area over the next six months. Updated: June 17, 2010.
Mystery Photo Contest #2: Identify the race track, the race and the four upfront race cars. Place your answer in the Blog Comments section.
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
June 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
-Saturday, June 19, 2010, Klingberg Vintage Motorcar Festival*, New Britain, Connecticut, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
-Demonstration Day "Alfa Romeo Turns 100", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, June 20, 2010
-Father's Day Car Show, Cold Spring Harbor, Main Street, Noon to 5:00 PM
Sunday, June 27, 2010
-Gold Coast Cruisers Car Show By the Water, Morgan Park, Glen Cove
July 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
-St. Joseph's Church First Annual Car Show, 59 Church Street, Kings Park
Sunday, July 11, 2010
-The Show at Castle Gould* Presented by New York AutoFest,Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middleneck Road. 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM
-American Airpower Museum Corvette Show, Republic Airport, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale
Sunday, July 18, 2010
- Port Jefferson Hill Climb*, Port Jefferson, Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the 1910 Hill Climb. "Black Beast" will be appearing in the morning.
-New York AutoFest 3*, Hicksville. To benefit St. Paul the Apostle Knights of Columbus Council 6802.8:00 AM- 5:00 PM. "Black Beast" will be appearing in the afternoon.
-Syosset Ford Thunderbird/Ford Show, 240 Jericho Turnpike, Syosset
Saturday, July 24, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Le Mans in the 1930s", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, July 25, 2010
-Vanderbilt Auto Show, "Celebrating the American Automobile Through the Decades", Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport, Presented by Long Island Vettes, Inc. 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
August 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
-Bald Hill New York AutoFest , Bald Hill, Farmingville. To benefit Nassau County Sheriff Officers Widow's and Children's Fund. 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM
-Flowerfield Summer Car Show and Swap Meet, 199 Mills Pond Road, St. James, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sunday, August 8, 2010
-Third Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Meet-Roosevelt Field*, East Garden City.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
- Nassau County Executive's 1st Annual Cruise to the Show Parade & Car Show*, 9:00 AM Cruise south on Washington Avenue and East on Stewart Avenue toward Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Car Show at Eisenhower Park
Saturday, August 21, 2010
-Mount Equinox Hill Climb, Manchester, Vermont
Sunday, August 22, 2010
-13th Annual Vanderbilt Invitational Concours, Suffolk Conty Vanderbilt Museum, Centerport
-Mount Equinox Hill Climb, Manchester, Vermont
Saturday, August 28, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Bentley Boys", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
September 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
-The LI Moose Classic Car Club's 10th Anniversary Show*, Mattituck. To benefit the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge, #1742.
-L.I. Cruizin' for a Cure 2010, Capital One Bank, 275 Broadhollow Road, Melville, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
-Sagamore Hill Car Show, Horseless Carriage Club, contact Ed Labounty at 1-631-751-6173
-Tappan Beach Volunteer Fireman's Car Show
Saturday, September 25, 2010
-Demonstration Day "Bugatti Day", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, September 26, 2010
-Great Neck Autofest*, Great Neck Plaza
October 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
-Peconic Bay Region AACA Hallockville Farm Meet
Saturday, October 23, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 1, Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745
-Demonstration Day "Nurburging", Simeone Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Noon to 1:20 PM
Sunday, October 24, 2010
-7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 2, Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745
Exhibits
-Ongoing until August 8, 2010, Exhibition "Cars, Culture and the City", Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St.
Riverhead Raceway 2010 Schedule
The Alco "Black Beast" will be apearing at those shows marked with a *. Please recommend any other Long Island automobile events in the Comments section below or sending an email to Howard@Kroplick.com .
Friday, June 11, 2010: The Royal Tourist in the Vanderbilt Cup Races (1904-1910)
In 1903 Edward Schurmer acquired control of the Hoffman Automobile and Manufacturing Company based in Cleveland, Ohio. He reorganized the company as the Royal Motor Company for the production of a new car called the Royal Tourist. As with many other automobile companies, Royal promoted their cars by entering the Vanderbilt Cup Races of 1904 , 1905 and 1910.
For the 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race, the Royal Motor Company entered a 4-cylinder 35 HP Royal Tourist driven by Joe Tracy. The car was "a stock car changed to a racing car".
The company proudly promoted their entry in the automobile trade journals.
Joe Tracy and the #3 Royal Tourist at the Westbury starting line on Jericho Turnpike.
The Royal Tourist twisted its propeller shaft during the second lap and left the 1904 race. Reflecting its 17th place finish of the 18 cars entered, Royal ran this ad.
Royal Motor returned the following year for the 1905 American Trial to determine the five American entries for the Vanderbilt Cup Race. Royal's chief engineer Robert Jardine designed and built the car noting; “It is one of our regular models…We picked out one, slapped a racing seat on it and it was ready for the race.”
Since Joe Tracy was hired to drive a Locomobile for the Trial, engineer Jardine was also the #7 Royal Tourist's driver.
Although the Royal Tourist finished third in the Trial, it was not selected to compete in the Vanderbilt Cup Race. Royal Motor ran this ad in the 1905 Program Guide as a modest protest.
Royal encountered financial problems and manage to survive a receivership in 1907. Their final Vanderbilt Cup Race entry was this #30 Royal Tourist in the 1910 Race.
Driven by "P.H." Jardine, the Royal Tourist again broke down during second lap finishing 29th of the 30 cars. Financial problems continued and in 1911 the company merged with Croxton of Cleveland and the Acme Body & Veneer Company. Within months, the merger collapsed and the Royal Tourist marque was gone....and until last Sunday forgotten.
At last week's AACA Old Westbury Gardens Car Show, a beautiful blue touring car was parked four cars form the "Black Beast"...a 1910 Royal Tourist!
The 7-passenger Royal Tourist Model M-2 touring car is owned by Evan Price of Bellmore, New York who has provided these photos of his impressive car.
Thanks Evan for your contribution to VanderbiltCupRaces.com!
Thursday, June 10, 2010: The Five Drivers in the 1940 Mystery Photo
Congratulations to Michael Ferner of Bitburg, Germany for correctly identifying the drivers in VanderbiltCupRaces.com's first Mystery Photo Contest. Here are the five drivers who posed at an Automobile Oldtimers Club meeting in November 1940.
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George Robertson was the first American driver to win the Vanderbilt Cup Race in an American car. Robertson can be seen here at a pit stop on his way to victory in the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race.
Wilbur Shaw won the 1937,1939 and 1940 Indy 500 Races and helped save the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from becoming an industrial park. Shaw also drove in the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race (finishing only 2 laps in a Gilmore-Offy Special) and the 1937 Vanderbilt Cup Race (finishing 9th in a Maserati V8Ri). This film documented Shaw's 1939 Indy 500 Race victory in the Maserati.
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Montague Roberts was the initial American driver in the Thomas Flyer that won the 1908 New York to Paris Race. Roberts was the driver of the Thomas racers in the 1905 American Trial (seen here) and the 1906 American Trial. Both cars were not selected to represent the United States in the Vanderbilt Cup Races.
Ralph DePalma was winner of the 1912 and 1914 Vanderbilt Cup Races.
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Erwin "Cannonball" Baker was a pioneering motorcyclist and automobile race driver known for his long-distance endurance runs. His driving inspired the Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, better known as the "Cannonball Run", which itself inspired at least five movies and a television series.
For winning the first Mystery Photo Contest, Michael Ferner will receive signed copies of "The Long Island Motor Parkway" and "Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island" and a reproduction of the 1905 Program Guide for the Vanderbilt Cup Race.
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
Blog Updates
Recent updates (Latest: June 10, 2010)
-Thursday, June 3, 2010: A color PDF of the 1911 brochure "Grant's Own Story" has been added.
Future Howard Kroplick and Black Beast Events
Current June to October 2010 Schedule
VanderbiltCupRaces.com Indexes (Updated: 6/2/10)
The Most Popular Posts on VanderbiltCupRaces.com
Blog Highlights
Automotive Events: June to October 2010
Local Car Shows and Automotive Events (Updated June 7, 2010)
Long Island Car Clubs
Links to 48 Car Clubs (Updated: June 4, 2010)
Red Light Camera Locations
Wednesday, June 9, 2010: Press Release “Black Beast” at Klingberg in June”
The "Black Beast" will be making its third trip to Connecticut over the last two years with an appearance at the Klingberg Vintage Motorcar Festival in New Britain on Saturday, June 19, 2010. The festival has recently issued a press release on the race car.
Michael Ferner of Bitburg, Germany has solved 80% of the current Mystery Photo Contest. New hints have been provided for the final unknown driver.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010: “Black Beast” at the 2010 Old Westbury Gardens Show
A great Old Westbury Gardens Car Show last Sunday....over 300 cars, a great setting and no rain! Hats off to the Greater New York Region of the AACA for a big success. Some highlights, featuring my favorite race car:
Over 60 Alfa Romeos participated in the show as the featured car.
The "Black Beast" received its share of attention.
Award-winning Cord and Rolls Royce
Sam Greco and his 1907 Buick.
A 1936 Packard Phaeton with an authentic #25 Motor Parkway license plate.
A beautiful1902 Oldsmobile Curved Dash Runabout.
More thumb-ups for the "Black Beast".
The "Black Beast" roared again at the awards ceremony.
You can view and download individual photos from the Old Westbury Gardens Show at this Photobucket.com website.
Sunday, June 6, 2010: The Day the Garden City Lodge Moved- March 19, 1989
The Garden City Lodge was the fifth toll lodge built for the Long Island Motor Parkway. It was one of the six toll lodges designed by John Russell Pope with living quarters for the toll-takers and their families.
When the Motor Parkway closed in April 1938, the toll-taker Christian Ernst and his wife Elizabeth purchased the lodge and its quarter acre. The Ernsts made it their home until 1977 when it was sold to a local realtor. Ownership ochanged several times over the next ten years with the building intact. However in 1987, new owners planned to tear down the toll lodge for the construction of a new home.
The Garden City Chamber of Commerce sprung into action and began a campaign to save the toll lodge and move it to a new location in Garden City.They issued this brochure to solicit funds for the project. With the donation of the lodge by the Taylor Warner Real Estate and community support, the toll lodge was saved by the Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Garden City.
The lodge was moved from its Clinton Road location to Seventh Street in the heart of Garden City on March 19, 1989.
The move was documented in several photos found in the archives of the Nassau County Police Department.
The lodge on Franklin Avenue in Garden City.
The front of the toll lodge.
A side view of the toll lodge.
The toll lodge reaching it new site on Seventh Street.
The restored Garden City Lodge as it looks today. It is the current home of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce, which maintains a small museum of parkway images and related memorabilia in the building's basement.
Hope to see you today in Old Westbury:
Old Westbury Gardens Car Show, Greater NY AACA, Old Westbury.The 1909 Alco "Black Beast" will be on the field.
Friday, June 4, 2010: “Babe” Stapp: Driver of the Topping-Miller Special and Maserati V8Ri
Elbert "Babe" Stapp (1904-1980) was an American driver active in racing from 1923 to 1940. He drove in 12 Indy 500s and both the 1936 and 1937 Vanderbilt Cup Races. Babe Stapp was inducted in the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1994.
Photographer John Drennan captured Babe Stapp preparing for the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Races as seen in the following images recently converted from their original glass negatives. (Courtesy of the Drennan Collection from the Cradle of Aviation.)
Stapp's Topping-Miller Special was owned by steel heir Henry "Bob" J. Topping, Jr. In 1948, Topping proposed to Lana Turner by dropping a diamond ring into her martini. Although worth millions when they married, Topping suffered heavy financial losses due to poor investments and excessive gambling. Turner finally divorced Topping when she realized she could no longer afford to keep them in the lavish lifestyle to which they had grown accustomed.
The Topping -Miller had a 233-cubic inch supercharged engine. The car was believed to have been built in South America.
On press day, Babe Stapp knew how to attract the media.
During the race, Stapp's fuel tank broke after the 48th lap and he finished 35th of the 45 starters.
Babe returned the next year and competed in the 1937 Vanderbilt Cup Race. Driving Topping's Maserati V8Ri , he left the race after 8 laps due to engine failure.
Stapp's Maserati V8Ri (chassis #4503) has been restored and currently owned and driven by a German collector.
June 10, 2010 Update: This film documented Wilbur Shaw's 1939 Indy 500 Race victory in the MaseratiV8Ri.
Links to information on the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race:
-The grid and results for this race can be found on The Golden Era of Grand Prix Racing website.
-This newsreel captured highlights of the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race.
Links to information on the 1937 Vanderbilt Cup Race:
-The grid and results for this race can be found on The Golden Era of Grand Prix Racing website.
-Newsreel "1937 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Roosevelt Raceway, New York"
-Film "“Rosemeyer’s Victory in the 1937 Vanderbilt Cup Race"
Thursday, June 3, 2010: Film “Rosemeyer’s Victory in the 1937 Vanderbilt Cup Race”
This one-minute film highlights Bernd Rosemeyer's victory at the 1937 Vanderbilt Cup Race at Roosevelt Raceway in Westbury, New York. Rosemeyer drove an Auto Union Type C averaging 82.564 MPH over the 300-mile race.
Note the very high banked curve at one of the Roosevelt Raceway turns at the 0:28 second mark of the film.
Other links concerning the1937 Vanderbilt Cup Race on VanderbiltCupRaces.com:
-The starters, grid and results
-Newsreel "1937 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Roosevelt Raceway, New York"
Wednesday, June 2, 2010: Then and Now: “The Most Difficult Turn” on the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Course
John M: "My family has a legend connected to the Cup races. My Grandmother's family at one time lived in the house on the triangle at Mineola Avenue and Old Northern Boulevard. One year the race went by the house and they supposedly did a good business selling sandwiches and allowing parking for a very high price to race goers out from the city."
John, the good news is your family's home is still standing at the intersection of Mineola Aveune and Old Northern Boulevard. Here's a "Then and Now" look.
The turn with the house in the background was featured in a Brooklyn Daily Eagle postcard as part of a series documenting the 1906 course.
The cover article in the August 23, 1906 issue of Automobile described this corner as "the most difficult turn" on the 1906 course.
During the race, Duray's Lorraine-Dietrich was seen overtaking Shepard's Hotchkiss at the turn.
Here's the turn as it looks today. The house is now a doctors' office in a section called "The Triangle".
A close-up shows that the 1906 stone wall surrounding the house is still there today!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010: VanderbiltCupRaces.com Sets Viewership Record in May 2010
VanderbiltCupRaces.com recorded its highest average monthly viewership ever in May with a daily unique visitor average of 140, a 44% increase over May 2009. For the first five months of 2010, a total of 19,335 unique viewers (a daily average of 128) have visited VanderbiltCupRaces.com, a 68% increase over 2009. Thanks for stopping by!
The website retained its #1 ranking among the 231,000 websites that appear for a Google search on "Vanderbilt Cup Races" and also ranked #1 among 1.68 million websites that appear on a similar Bing.com search. VanderbiltCupRaces.com is also currently ranked #9 of 66,100 websites that appear for a Google search on "Long Island Motor Parkway" and also ranked #9 among the 1.03 million websites that appear on a similar Bing.com search. Below is a summary of posts that were placed on the website during the past month:
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
_______________________________________Vanderbilt Cup Races
Vanderbilia: The Entry Form for the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race
From the Drennan Collection: 1937 Roosevelt Raceway “Australia” Mystery Solved
From the Drennan Collection: The Roosevelt Raceway Bar & Restaurant
From the Drennan Collection: The 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race Awards Ceremony
VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: Rare 1908 PAL Race Painting Discovered?
Vanderbilt Cup Race Pennants Sold for $1,743 on Ebay
In Search of Master Mechanic Charlie Kirschhoffer
The Dagradas and the 1960 Cornelius Vanderbilt Cup Race at Roosevelt Raceway
Searching for the Renault Vanderbilt Racers- the Ferrari Enzos of Their Day
William K. Vanderbilt Jr- “Un Millionaire Recordman” and Auto Race Driver
_______________________________________Long Island Motor Parkway
Rare 1930s Photos of Two Motor Parkway Bridge Accidents
Then and Now: Potential Nassau Historical Markers on the Motor Parkway Trail
Aerials of the Motor Parkway in Hollis Hills, Queens
_________________________________________Alco-6 Black Beast Racer
"Black Beast” at the Wounded Warrior Project Car Show in Riverhead
Alco Trucks and the First Transcontinental Delivery
The “Black Beast” at the Nassau County Police Department’s Family Day
_____________________________________William K. Vanderbilt, Jr.
William K. Vanderbilt Jr- “Un Millionaire Recordman” and Auto Race Driver
_______________________________________Car Shows
Hold the Dates: 7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration
"Black Beast” at the Wounded Warrior Project Car Show in Riverhead
_______________________________________Favorite Websites
Long Island Cruise Nights: Updated September 1, 2010
Mondays:
-Pep Boys, Sunrise Hwy-Lindenhurst, approx. 1/2 mile east of Wellwood Avenue
-Applebees,855 Montauk Highway, Shirley, supported by East End Hotrods Car and Truck Club, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
-Stop & Shop Shopping Center, Union Blvd, West Islip NY from 6pm on, sponsored by the Long Island Road Gents
Tuesdays:
-Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce Cruise Night, Main Street, $5 per car, 6:00 PM-10:00 PM (May - October)
-Bald Hill, County Road 83, Farmingville (Exit 63 Long Island Expressway), Opens at 5:00 PM .
-East Coast Car Association-Toys for Tots Cruise Nights, Queens
-Yaphank Fire Department Cruise Night, 31 Main Street, 5:30 PM
Wednesdays:
-Cedarhurst Cruise NightCedarhurst LIRR Train Station, 6:00 PM to 9:30 pm
- Levittown Car Cruise. Every 3rd Wednesday Of The Month Cruise To Empress Diner In East Meadow On Hempstead Turnpike, Following Monthly Meeting At VFW Club, 55 Hickory Lane, 7:30PM, All Cadillac Owners Welcome, Sponsored By Long Island Dream Boats, LI Region Cadillac-LaSalle Club, Contact: Fred Miceli (516) 796-7618, Ken Kanner (718) 224-5519 Or Andy Zizolfo (631) 205-0118, Visit the Web Site At: www.lidreamboats.org Or caddycoupe1960@cs.com
KFC-William Floyd Parkway, Shirley
Thursdays:
-Crusing at the Cradle, Cradle of Aviation Museum, East Garden City, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Village of Lynbrook Street Show, Atlantic Avenue
-Oakdale, Wendy's Parking Lot, Montauk Hwy-Oakdale, 1/4 east of Locust Ave, Starts at 5:00 PM
-Kings Park Cruise at Key Food shopping center on Indian Head Road just one block south of the Kings Park train station
-Riverhead, Maint Street (behind old Swezey's), Starts at 5:00 PM<?P>
Fridays
-Bellmore Cruise Night, LIRR Station, Sunrise Highway, 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
-Massapequa Cruise (Long Island Rail Road Station 8pm-10pm). Cars must stay the duration of the evening beginning at 7:15. Car owners are asked to donate two cans of food for admission. Live music on July 27, Aug.3, and Aug. 24. Contact info: (516) 797-4126.
-Meschutt Beach, Hampton Bays, 6:00 PM to Midnight
Fridays and Saturdays:
-Babylon Car Cruise to Cedar Beach
Saturdays:
-Smithtown Saturday Cruise Night, Super Stop N Shop, Jericho Turnpike, Route 25, 1/2 mile east of the Bull, Flyer
-Bob's Store Cruise, West Islip, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
-Pep Boys Parking Lot, Waverly Avenue & Sunrise Highway Service Road, Patchogue
Sundays
-Captree State Park, the old OBI parking lot just west on Ocean Parkway. All year, when the roads are dry and salt-free, hundreds (500+ on really nice days) of the incurably car-crazy show up. But, get there before 7:30 AM (before 7:00 to be safe) or you might not get in.
- Road Gents Morning Cruise, 8 AM till 12 PM at Bob's Shopping Center in West Islip Morning
-Islip Town Hall Cruise, 655 Main Street, Islip, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Newsday August 5, 2010 article "Buckle-Up"- A review of five Long Island Cruise Nights
Please recommend any other Long Island automobile events in the Comments section below or sending an email to Howard@Kroplick.com .
Sunday, May 30, 2010:“Black Beast” at the Wounded Warrior Project Car Show in Riverhead
What a wonderful day on Saturday at the Wounded Warrior Project Antique & Calssic Car Show at the Martha Clara Vineyard in Riverhead! Over 100 cars and more than 1,500 spectators turned out for a beautiful day for a wonderful cause.
You can view and download individual photos from the Wounded Warrior Project at this Photobucket.com website.
Future Howard Kroplick and Black Beast Events (Updated August 31, 2010)
-Sunday, September 12, 2010:The LI Moose Classic Car Club's 10th Anniversary Show, Mattituck. To benefit the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge, #1742.
-Sunday, September 26, 2010: Great Neck Autofest, Great Neck Plaza
-Saturday, October 2, 2010:7th Annual Bridgehampton Road Rally, Sponsored by the Bridgehampton Historical Society, Featuring cars that raced on the streets of Bridgehampton and classic pre-1959 cars.
Sunday, October 3, 2010: Hallockville Car Show, Hallockville Farm, Sound Avenue, Riverhead, Hosted byPeconic Bay Region AACA, Contact George: 1-631-727-3097
-Saturday, October 23, 2010: 7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 1, Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745
-Sunday, October 24, 2010: 7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 2, Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745
Friday, May 28, 2010: Vanderbilia: The Entry Form for the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race
A very unusual piece of Vanderbilia is the official entry form for the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race. This piece was originally in the collection of the prominent artist and "Old 16" owner Peter Helck. Remember to click on the images to enlarge them.
The cover of the entry form indicated that the race was planned to be 400 miles (100 laps). However, due to the lower than expected speeds during early practice runs, the race was reduced to 300 miles..
The first-place money was $20,000 with a total purse of $50,000.
The official entry submission form.
The entry form included a schematic of the proposed course.
Compare the schematic with this 1936 Drennan Collection aerial of the completed course
Thursday, 5/27/10: From the Drennan Collection: 1937 Roosevelt Raceway “Australia” Mystery Solved
Onelung: Question: "One of the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race photos in the April 9, 2010 post shows the Italian Alfa Romeo team in front of garages at Roosevelt Raceway. You can clearly see the beginning of the word ITALY above one of them. Can you explain why "Australia" appears on the door in the background of a 1937 Vanderbilt Cup Race photo that I found on the web?"
This is the 1937 Vanderbilt Cup Race photo posted by Onelung on jalopyjournal.com. It shows the eventual winner #4 Auto Union Type C racer driven by Bernd Rosemeyer at the Roosevelt Raceway garages. Note: The swastika that was present on all Auto Union and Mercedes cars for the 1937 race. The symbol was typically placed on cars for races held only within German borders. The reason for the offensive swastika at the Long Island race was unclear and, indicative of the calm before the storm, not protested by the media or track promoters.
A close-up of the copy above the garage door over the #4 Auto Union definitely reads "Australia". The mystery: There were no Australian cars or drivers entered in the 1937 Vanderbilt Cup Race. The solution lies in the 1936 Program Guide and another unpublished glass negative from the Drennan Collection.
As shown by the official program guide, the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race was promoted as a major international race. The flags of the US, France, Great Britain, Australia and Italy were prominently displayed on the cover. Although, no Australian cars were entered in this race, the inclusion of "Australia" is likely revealed in this previously unpublished image from the Drennan Collection discovered by the Cradle of Aviation.
This is the #12 Maserati 6CM driven by Frederick McElroy which finished 6th at the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race. Although its manufacturer was Italian and raced throughout Europe, the car had the Australian flag on its side simply because McElroy was born in Australia!
Accordingly, I believe the slightly faded copy "Australia" in the 1937 photo was neglected signage for the garage that was used by the "Australian" Frederick McElroy's Italian Maserati during the 1936 race.
Other photos from the Drennan Collection:
-The Roosevelt Raceway Bar & Restaurant
-A Treasure Box of Long Island Auto Racing Discovered by the Cradle of Aviation
Wednesday, May 26, 2010: Hold the Dates: 7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration
The 7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2010 and Sunday, October 24, 2010. The event will be returning to the Cradle of Aviation Museum located on Charles Lindbergh Boulevard in Garden City.
Among the activities currently being planned:
-A car show presented by the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA. All car clubs are welcome to park together. Contact Jim Barnes at 1-917-681-4274 or jimbarnes05@aol.com.
-Timed demonstration trials including runs by the Alco "Black Beast". Contact Guy Frost at 1-516-621-2745.
-A special Vanderbilt Cup Race Exhibit presented by Howard Kroplick in the museum's atrium.
-The Cradle of Aviation and Nunley's Carousel will be open for families.
VanderbiltCupRaces.com will be providing regular updates on this exciting event.
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
_____________________________________________________Future Howard Kroplick and Black Beast Events
-Ongoing until August 8, 2010, Exhibition "Cars, Culture and the City", Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St.
-Saturday, May 29, 2010, Car Show Benefitting Wounded Warrior Project, Martha Clara Vineyards*, 6025 Sound Avenue, Riverhead
-Saturday, June 5, 2010, Greenwich Concours 2010, Greenwich, CT My 1966 Shelby Mustang GT-350 H will be on the field.
-Sunday, June 6, 2010,Old Westbury Gardens Car Show*, Greater NY AACA, Old Westbury.
-Saturday, June 19, 2010, Klingberg Vintage Motorcar Festival, New Britain, Connecticut, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
-Wednesday, June 30, 2010, The Alco "Black Beast will be parked outside the Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St., NYC, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for "Speakeasy" night. The museum's exhibitions including "Cars, Culture and the City" will stay open late and cocktails and music from the Prohibition Era will be offered.
-Sunday, August 8, 2010: Third Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Meet-Roosevelt Field, East Garden City
-Wednesday, August 18, 2010: Presentation "The Incredible Vanderbilt Cup Races", Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Avenue, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
-Sunday, September 26, 2010: Great Neck Autofest, Great Neck Plaza
-Saturday, October 23, 2010: 7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 1, Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745
-Sunday, October 24, 2010: 7th Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Celebration- Day 2, Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Presented by the Long Island Sound Region of CCCA, 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM. Contact Jim Barnes 1-917-681-4274 and Guy Frost (Time Trial Demonstrations) 1-516-621-2745
___________________________________________________________________
VanderbiltCupRaces.com Indexes
The Most Popular Posts on VanderbiltCupRaces.com
28 Favorite Websites (Updated: May 5, 2010)
______________________________________________________Automotive Events: May to October 2010
Local car Shows, cruises and automotive events (Updated May 25, 2010)
______________________________________________________Long Island Car Clubs
Links to 47 Car Clubs (Updated: May 25, 2010)
______________________________________________________Blog Updates
Recent updates (Latest: May 17, 2010)
-Monday, May 17, 2010:Two articles posted on the 1960 Cornelius Vanderbilt Race
-Monday, May 17, 2010: More information on the official 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race poster
_______________________________________________________
Red Light Camera Locations
Tuesday, May 25, 2010: Alco Trucks and the First Transcontinental Delivery
In addition to automobiles, the American Locomotive Company manufactured over 1,000 Alco trucks from 1909 to 1913. A cab-over-the engine design was universal on the Alco trucks, ranging from 2 to 6 tons. Maximum speed ranged from 8 mph for the heaviest Alco to 17 mph for the 2-ton Alco. Customers included Singer Sewing Machine Company, Gimbels, and Henry Kroger.
2-Ton Alco
3.5-Ton Alco
5-Ton Alco
6.5-Ton Alco
Alco made history in 1912 when a group of five men from the Charles W. Young Soap Company drove their 3.5-ton Alco 4,145 miles to record the first-ever transcontinental delivery by a truck. The group set out on June 20th from New York hauling a 3-ton payload of soap consigned to the Carlson Currier Company in Petaluna, California. Despite the absence of roads throughout their journey, the crew and truck made the trick in 91 days.
Sunday, May 23, 2010: VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: Rare 1908 PAL Race Painting Discovered?
In respone to posts on the official posters for the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race and the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race, I received this email last week from Jennifer Madden, Director of Collections & Exhibitions for the Heritage Museums & Gardens of Sandwich, Massachusetts.
I was THRILLED to discover your website this morning as I am researching an upcoming exhibition about early American racing for Heritage Museums & Gardens.. .We have a Vanderbilt Cup painting (image attached) which we have been a quandary about for some time since we didn’t know who the artist was. Now we do thanks to your website! It looks to me like this is a copy of the poster Jean de Paleologue did for the 1908 race. The plaque on the frame says “George Robertson, driving a Locomobile, winning the fourth Vanderbilt Cup, held on Long Island, October 24, 1908. Presented to the club by Jefferson DeMont Thompson.” We do not know the name of the club referred to on the plaque. The painting is very large (about 4 feet by 6 feet, framed) and the medium is oil on canvas. I thought you would be interested in seeing this painting. Thanks for your terrific website!
Jennifer, I'm thrilled too! Your painting on the left almost matches the Jean Paleologue 1908 race poster (above) with very slight variations.
One clear difference is Paleologue's PAL signature on your painting (left) versus the PAL signatures on the lithograph and program guide (below).
In reference to the inscription on the painting, it is obvious the copy was wrong and did not depict "George Robertson, driving a Locomobile". The painting was completed prior to the 1908 race since it was used for the official program guide (left). Moreover, Robertson's winning Locomobile was "Old 16" not "Old 7". The rest of the inscription; "Presented to the club by Jefferson DeMont Thompson is intriguing.
Jefferson DeMont Thompson was a prominent New York real estate developer and served as president of the Broadway Association, which guided the development of the Times Square area. Similar to his friend, William K. Vanderbilt Jr., he had a passion for automobiles, racing and advancing transportation. In 1906, Thompson was chairman of the AAA Racing Board and chairman of the Vanderbilt Cup Commission. Here , he was seen on the 1906 course (right) conferring with Willie K. and A.R. Pardington (center).
Following the 1906 race, Thompson was also heavily involved in the planning and development of the Long Island Motor Parkway, serving as a director and its first treasurer. At the June 6, 1906 ground-breaking ceremony, Thompson was standing in the center of the podium wearing the long white coat.
For the 1908 race, Thompson returned as chairman of the Vanderbilt Cup Commission. In this capacity, it is quite possible that Thompson commissioned Paleologue to paint the official race poster and had the authorization to donate it to a "club". As a well-connected New Yorker, Thompson was involved with many clubs including; the Automobile Club of America and the Aero Club, where he also headed a special aviation section for the New York City Police.
___________________________________________
I have also discovered some amazing facts about the artist Jean de Paleologue. Here is his updated biography:
Jean de Paleologue (1860-1942) was born in Bucharest, Romania. He was a distant descendant of Manuel Paleologue (Palaiologos) who was brother of Constantine XI, the last of the Byzantine Emperors. Jean de Paleologue was a real prince! After living in London, he moved to Paris in 1893 and was known for his posters of beautiful women. In 1900 he moved to the United States and worked in applied graphics including Vanity Fair. Later he developed ads and publicity for the automobile, film and animation industries including his commission for the official poster for the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race . In November 1910, "Cycle and Automobile Trade Journal" called him "the greatest living poster artist". Prince Paleolgue died in Miami at the age of 82 leaving his fourth wife and a son, the last of the line, Prince Ion Alessandro Paleologue.
_________________________________________In conclusion, I believe the 1908 PAL oil painting at the Heritage Museums & Gardens was painted by Prince Jean de Paleologue. It was probably a preliminary painting that was used in the development of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race poster. It was also likely donated to an unknown club by Jefferson DeMont Thompson in his capacity as chairman of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Commission. I cannot wait to visit Cape Cod to see it!!
Friday, May 21,2010: Favorite Website: HistoricLongIsland.com
Yesterday, a new website HistoricLongIsland.com was officially launched. The website focuses on the historic museums and mansions of Long Island, including the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum. To celebrate the website launch and "Long Island History Month", a reception was held on Thursday afternoon at Oheka Castle in Huntington.
Several beautiful cars from the Ford Model A Club provided the right atmosphere on the Oheka lawn.
No, that's not the ghost of Otto Kahn...It's Long Island Motor Parkway enthusiast Bruce Adams!!
Developer Gary Melius, owner of Oheka Castle, being interviewed by LI News Tonight reporter Chris Collora.
Nelson DeMille, one of Long Island's favorite authors, made an appearance.
Thursday, May 20, 2010: Rare 1930s Photos of Two Motor Parkway Bridge Accidents
The Motor Parkway bridges in Nassau County were built from 1908 to 1911. The significant growth of traffic in the 1920s and 1930s was not anticipated in the design of the bridges and the openings for roads below were very narrow, typically only 22 feet wide. As a result, multiple car accidents occurred at the Motor Parkway bridges. Photos of two of these accidents in the 1930s were documented by the omnipresent photographer John Drennan and were discovered in the archives of Nassau County Police Department.
This 1930s collision occurred below the Merrick Avenue Motor Parkway Bridge in East Meadow. This view was to the south with the entrance to the parkway and the Meadow Brook Lodge beyond the bridge and to the right. The severity of any injuries are unknown.
Note the copy promoting the parkway; "MOTOR PARKWAY ENTRANCE Admission 75 Cents; New York Bklyn Tri-Boro Bridge ". The abutment copy read; "AVOID CONGESTION Shortest Route to New York Admission 75 cents " and "WARNING BLOW HORN MOTOR PARKWAY ENTRANCE".
Another view of this accident (this time looking north from the other side of the bridge) was originally posted last year. The north and south views confirmed the Merrick Avenue location of the accident since railroad tracks would have been seen at a similar bridge and parkway entrance at Massapequa-Hicksville Road.
This collision occurred on December 19, 1935 at the narrow, and very confusing, center opening of the Clinton Road Motor Parkway Bridge in Garden City. This photo was originally discovered by Ron Ridolph when he was a Nassau County police officer.
Accidents were fairly common at the Clinton Road location. Motorists preferred to use the center opening of the roadway, as the outer openings were not paved. There were only two bridges with three openings in Nassau County; the other was over Westbury Avenue in Mineola to accommodate a trolley line.
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May 31, 2010 Update: Al Velocci Question: "Howard, Didn't the bridges over Willis Avenue and Roslyn Road have three openings also?
Al, below are the only known images of these two bridges. Both bridges appear to have only one opening.
The Motor Parkway Bridge over Roslyn Road, East Williston
The Motor Parkway Bridge over Willis Avenue, Williston Park
Wednesday, 5/19/10: Then and Now: Potential Nassau Historical Markers on the Motor Parkway Trail
Nassau County is currently developing a master plan for a continuous multi-use Motor Parkway Trail. Part of the plan calls for the placement of markers "at the location of historical remnants and will serve as a way to educate the public on the history of the corridor as the original Long Island Motor Parkway..". These are my recommendations for 21 historic markers:
Lake Success
Great Neck Lodge -east of Lakeville Road 1910
Motor Parkway Right-Of-Way -east of Lakeville Road-2008
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Motor Parkway Right-Of-Way -Great Neck Neck South High School Athletic Fields-2008
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North Hills
New Hyde Park Road Motor Parkway Bridge-1910
Motor Parkway Right-Of-Way -New Hyde Park Road bridge abutment-2006
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Manhasset Hills
Old Courthouse Road Motor Parkway Bridge-2008
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Williston Park
Willis Avenue Motor Parkway Bridge -1930s
Motor Parkway Right-Of-Way -east of Willis Avenue- 2006
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East Williston
Roslyn Lodge and Roslyn Road Motor Parkway Bridge -1928
Motor Parkway Right-Of-Way -west of Roslyn Road-2007
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Mineola
Mineola Lodge -1930s
Motor Parkway Right-Of-Way -south of Jericho Turnpike- 2006
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Garden City
Clinton Road Motor Parkway Bridge -1930s
Clinton Road Motor Parkway Bridge abutment -2008
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Motor Parkway General Manager's Office -east of Clinton Road- 2008
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Garden City Lodge -1935
Garden City Lodge -relocated to Seventh Street- 2005
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East Meadow
Meadow Brook Lodge and Merrick Avenue Motor Parkway Bridge -1910
Motor Parkway Right-Of-Way -Merrick Avenue -2008
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Stewart Avenue Motor Parkway Bridge -1908
Motor Parkway Right-Of-Way -Salisbury Park Drive -2008
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View from Carman Avenue Motor Parkway Bridge- looking west -1908
Motor Parkway Right-Of-Way -Carman Avenue 2008
_________________________________________________Levittown
View from Jerusalem Avenue Motor Parkway Bridge -looking west towards Vanderbilt Cup Race grandstand and press box -1910
Motor Parkway Right-Of-Way -site of grandstand and press box -2005
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Long Island Aviation Country Club -1930s
Motor Parkway Right-Of-Way -site of LI Aviation Country Club -2006
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Plainedge
Massapequa Lodge -1909
Motor Parkway Right-Of-Way -site of Massapequa Lodge -west of Massapequa-Hicksville Road
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Bethpage
Motor Parkway Ground-Breaking Ceremony -June 6,1908
Motor Parkway Right-Of-Way -east of Stewart Avenue
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Deadman's Curve -1908
Motor Parkway Right-Of-Way -Deadman's Curve, Bethpage, 2008
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Bethpage Lodge and Round Swamp Road Motor Parkway Bridge -1910
Motor Parkway Right-Of-Way -east of Round Swamp Road- 2008
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Old Bethpage
Motor Parkway Right-Of-Way -Battle Row Campground -2008
Clody Farmway Motor Parkway Bridge -2008
Please suggest any other Nassau County Motor Parkway historical locations in the Comments section below.
Other posts on the Motor Parkway Trail:
-February 5, 2010: Motor Parkway Trail Update
-November 15, 2009: Opportunity to Provide Input on the Motor Parkway Trail
Tuesday, May 18, 2010: Aerials of the Motor Parkway in Hollis Hills, Queens
Howard Kroplick Replies:
Steve, this 1941 aerial shows the Motor Parkway in Hollis Hills looking east. The photo is courtesy of the Fairchild Collection at the Benjamin and Gladys Thomas Air Photo Archives located in the UCLA Department of Geography.
An uncropped version of the aerial shows Union Turnpike in the middle of the photo. The location of your home should be seen on the far left of the photo.
Here is another aerial of Hollis Hills looking east taken on June 24,1938. The severe 90-degree curve of the Motor Parkway can be seen in the lower left section of the aerial. Note that Union Turnpike was still under construction and Francis Lewis Boulevard still has not been built. This aerial was found in the archives of the New York City Parks Department.
This is one of my favorite UCLA Fairchild aerials of the Motor Parkway in Hollis Hills and Fresh Meadows. Taken on July 23, 1939 looking west, the World's Fair can be seen in the right corner of the photo.
Trylon and Perisphere of the 1939-1940 World's Fair in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
Other posts related to Hollis Hills:
-Sunday, October 18, 2009: The Motor Parkway in Hollis Hills, Queens
-Thursday, December 18, 2008: A Queens Tour of the Long Island Motor Parkway
Sunday, May 16, 2010: The “Black Beast” at the Nassau County Police Department’s Family Day
Police members and their families had a wonderful time at the Nassau County Police Department's Family Day yesterday in Mineola. The Alco "Black Beast" was just one of many activities featured at the event celebrating the 85th anniversary of the police department. Remember to click on the photo to enlarge it.
The Alco-6 was fired up throughout the day.
The Bureau of Special Operations conducted a head-turning rappelling display on the police headquarters buidling.
The Arson/Bomb Squad in action.
An impressive display of antique Nassau County police cars.
Police Academy instructers warming up the kids.
The Department Pipe Band put on a great show.
The police helicopter departs.
A record number of children, men and women sat in the Alco-6 yesterday. Here is proof that it is impossible not to smile while sitting in the "Black Beast". Photos from the Nassau County Police Department 's Family Day can also be found at this photobucket.com website:
Friday, May 14, 2010: William K. Vanderbilt Jr- “Un Millionaire Recordman” and Auto Race Driver
From 1902 to 1903, William K. Vanderbilt Jr. traveled throughout Europe. Here he found magnificent open roads to drive as fast as he dared and an education in the new sport of automobile racing. On May 2, 1902, he set the world’s kilometer record in a 40-horsepower Mercedes, averaging 110 kilometers per hour or 68.4 mph. He was hailed in the French magazine La Vie Au Grand Air as “Un Millionaire Recordman.”
In July 1902, he earned an impressive third place in the 311-mile Belgian Circuit des Ardennes Race in a 70-horsepower Mors. Vanderbilt competed against the world’s best road racers. (Courtesy of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum.)
Vanderbilt returned to Europe in May 1903 to compete among 216 cars in the infamous Paris-to-Madrid Race driving his 80-horsepower Mors. While it must have been disappointing at the time, a cracked cylinder on the first day of competition spared him exposure to the numerous accidents that earned the event the name “Race to Death.” At least eight people were killed during the race, including car maker Marcel Renault, ending the first great era of motor racing, the European city-to-city races on open roads.
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
_____________________________________________________Future Howard Kroplick and Black Beast Events
-Ongoing to August 8, 2010, Exhibition "Cars, Culture and the City", Museum of the City of New York
-Saturday, May 15, 2010, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM: National Police Week Family Day, 1490 Franklin Avenue, Mineola. To celebrate the 85th anniversary of the Nassau County Police Department. Open to police members and their families.
-Sunday, May 23, 2010, Roslyn Antiques Fair, Old Northern Boulevard, Roslyn, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
-Saturday, May 29, 2010, Car Show Benefitting Wounded Warrior Project, Martha Clara Vineyards*, 6025 Sound Avenue, Riverhead
-Saturday, June 5, 2010, Greenwich Concours 2010, Greenwich, CT My 1966 Shelby Mustang GT-350 H will be on the field.
-Sunday, June 6, 2010,Old Westbury Gardens Car Show*, Greater NY AACA, Old Westbury.
-Saturday, June 19, 2010, Klingberg Vintage Motorcar Festival, New Britain, Connecticut, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
-Sunday, August 8, 2010: Third Annual Vanderbilt Centennial Meet-Roosevelt Field, East Garden City
-Wednesday, August 18, 2010: Presentation "The Incredible Vanderbilt Cup Races", Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Avenue, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
-Sunday, September 26, 2010: Great Neck Autofest, Great Neck Plaza
___________________________________________________________________VanderbiltCupRaces.com Indexes
The Most Popular Posts on VanderbiltCupRaces.com
28 Favorite Websites (Updated: May 5, 2010)
_______________________________________________________Blog Highlights
______________________________________________________Automotive Events: May to October 2010
Local car Shows, cruises and automotive events (Updated May 4, 2010)
______________________________________________________Long Island Car Clubs
Links to 45 Car Clubs (Updated: May 14, 2010)
______________________________________________________Blog Updates
Recent updates (Latest: May 10, 2010)
-Monday, May 10, 2010: Entry list of the 1960 Vanderbilt Cup Race
_______________________________________________________Red Light Camera Locations
Thursday, May 13, 2010: Vanderbilt Cup Race Pennants Sold for $1,743 on Ebay
Two "vintage 1909 and 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race pennants" were auctioned on Ebay last week. The two pennants were sold together for $1,743 with 16 bidders participating. This was the description of the items by the seller:
"2 Vintage 1909 & 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race Felt Pennants. The large 1909 one measures 34 inches long x 15 inches tall, with colors of purple & white. The year 1909 and the makers name are in the lower left corner, which looks like Nempthorne??? All 3 fastening ties still remain. The stiched on Race Car measures about 11 inches long, showing both the driver & riding mechanic. It has soiling, tack holes and miscellaneous moth holes, but overall is still in good condition and displays well. The 1910 one measures about 24.5 inches long x 10 Inches tall, with colors of red, blue & white. The Race Car measures about 8 inches long, showing the driver & mechanic. It is in poor condition, with many holes, wear, soiling, stains, missing felt and missing one of its tie strings."
Wednesday, May 12, 2010: From the Drennan Collection: The Roosevelt Raceway Bar & Restaurant
For the 1936 and 1937 Vanderbilt Cup Races, a former huge hangar for Roosevelt Field was converted into the Administration Building for the new Roosevelt Racway. As shown in this 1936 aerial, the buidling was located south of Old Country Road and behind two grandstands. Glass negatives from the Drennan Collection provide insight into one use of the building.
This 1937 aerial shows the Roosevelt Raceway Administration building. Note: The white roof on the south side of the buidling.
Under this roof was the entrance to the Roosevelt Raceway Bar and Restaurant.
This photo is the only known image showing the bar and the inside of the restaurant. A large racing mural was painted on the wall behind the bar.
The copy below the mural read: "Toast! Here's to the Fastest Car on the Track and Here's to the Boys who Lost All This Jack!"
Other photos from the Drennan Collection:
-A Treasure Box of Long Island Auto Racing Discovered by the Cradle of Aviation
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Recent Entries
- Friday, September 3, 2010: Willie K.‘s Cars #1: The 23-HP 1900 Daimler White Ghost
- Thursday, September 2, 2010: Maseratis in Action at the 1939 to 1948 Indy 500 Races
- Wednesday, September 1, 2010: VanderbiltCupRaces.com Sets New Monthly Record in August 2010
- Tuesday, 8/31/10: Then and Now: The Motor Parkway in Wheatley Hills Golf Club, East Wlliston
- Sunday, August 29, 2010: The Motor Parkway and the Wheatley Hills Golf Club in East Williston
- Saturday, 8/28/10: Mystery Mascot Contest #1 and Update of Local Automotive Events & Car Shows
Feature
George Jasberg has provided this information as a follow-up to the August 25th post on the Maserati V8RI currently on display at the Saratorga Automobile Museum:
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