Wednesday, September 8, 2010: Was the Man in the Leopard Coat the Inspiration for Jay Gatsby?
One of my favorite 1904 photos in my Vanderbilt Cup Race book showed this fashion conscious group of men. My caption began: "In the custom of the day, the crowds typically wore their finest clothes to great public events such as the Vanderbilt Cup Race..."
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The person who really stood out in this crowd was the "Man in the Leopard Coat". During my Vanderbilt Cup Race presentations, I had been asked many times to identify him. I was never able to...until now.
Tonight I came across an article published in the February 28, 2010 Hemmings Blog entitled Fast cars and beautiful women at Nirvana: W. Gould Brokaw, the real Jay Gatsby. The author makes the case that the inspiration for Jay Gatsby was the "now-forgotten Long Island socialite playboy and gentleman racer (sound familiar?) William Gould Brokaw." The accompanying photo of Brokaw at the 1904 Ormond Beach caught my attention. He looks very much like the "Man in the Leopard Coat".
I went to my W. Gould Brokaw file in my 24,0000 image collection and found this photo of Wiliam K. Vanderbilt, Jr. , Brokaw and race officials and owners at the 1904 Ormond Beach Race. Again, some compelling similarities with the "Man in the Leopard Coat.
Then, a Eureka moment..Check out the coat worn by Brokaw in this photo. It's a match...The "Man in the Leopard Coat" was Great Neck socialite W. Gould Brokaw!!!
Brokaw was at the 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race as the owner of the #11 Renault racer.
Brokaw's Renault finished 17th of the 18 entrants, twisting a shaft at Bethpage Road during lap 2.
Links to relevant posts:
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
Future Black Beast Events and Howard Kroplick Presentations
-Current September to October 2010 Schedule Updated: August 21, 2010
Automotive Events: September to October 2010
-Local Car Shows and Automotive Events Updated September 4, 2010
-Long Island Cruise Nights Updated: August 6, 2010
VanderbiltCupRaces.com Indexes (Updated: September 5, 2010)
Slideshows- 18 Black Beast Automotive Events
The Most Popular Posts on VanderbiltCupRaces.com
The Long Island Automotive Museum.
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
Tuesday, 9/7/10: Then and Now: The Jericho Turnpike Motor Parkway Bridge and the Mineola Lodge
Sara Danz comments: "I remember seeing a photo of the excavation of the LIMP UNDER Jericho Turnpike just south of this. Has anyone ever seen this photo? I haven't been able to find it again."
Sara, during 1909 the Motor Parkway was extended from Merrick Avenue in Westbury to Jericho Turnpike in Mineola. A banner on the Press Box/Officials' Stand for the 1909 Vanderbilt Cup Race proudly announced "Extension of the Parkway to Jericho Turnpike. Open For Traffic After the Race."
As seen in this 1910 photo view of the Jericho Turnpike Motor Parkway Bridge looking north, the parkway indeed went under the bridge. The small kiosk on the left was the "Jericho Turnpike Lodge" from 1910 to 1921. Although it was called a "lodge", the kiosk was used only to collect tickets and did not have living quarters. The photo is courtesy of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum.
Opened in May 1910, the Jericho Turnpike Lodge was the first of several attractive toll kiosks quarters that would be built on the Motor Parkway.
This is the same view of the Jericho Turnpike Motor Parkway Bridge as it looked in the 1950s, long after the parkway closed in 1938.
And here is the area as it looked this afternoon. Note the building on the left and the tower on the right were also present in the 1950s photo. Jericho Turnpike was widened in the 1960s and the bridge was taken down. At that time, the parkway right-of-way was filled in and the site regraded to conform with the surrounding area.
In 1921, the Motor Parkway built a new lodge with living quarters and was named the Mineola Lodge. As seen here in 1929, the lodge was moved to this location to accomodate an initial widening of Jericho Turnpike and the new porte-cochere.
And here is the same view as seen today. The Mineola Lodge is still standing as part of a private home.
A close-up of the Mineola Lodge as seen in 1945 after it had been converted into a private home owned by its last toll-takers, Barbara and James Scheuer.
The porte-cochere was taken down in 1951 but the basic "V" frame of the lodge can still be seen today. The same building plan was used for the Ronkonkoma Lodge built in 1923.
New VanderbiltCupRaces.com Feature: Easy links to relevant posts:
Long Island Motor Parkway Bridges
Sunday, September 5, 2010: A Tour of the 1909 Vanderbilt Cup Race Course with the #14 FIAT
Request from Penny: " I am looking for information on a car pictured in the Westbury Turn. I believe it is in 1909. The image has 2 words at the bottom 'Parker Fiat' and the radiator features a large black '14'. Any information you could give me on this vehicle, driver, and mechanician would be greatly appreciated."
Penny, the car you are referring is the #14 Fiat driven by Eddie Parker with mechanician Tony Scudelari in the 1909 Vanderbilt Cup Race. The 4 cylinder, 40-HP car finished second, only firve minutes behind the Alco-6 Black Beast.
The #14 Fiat competed on the 12.64 mile course, primarily running through Hempstead Plains (Levittown), Plainedge, Hicksville, Westbury and East Meadow. Here are images of the #14 Fiat as seen throughout the course:
In front of the Press Box/Officials' Stand on the Long Island Motor Parkway in the Hempstead Plains. The course included 5.18 miles of the Long Island Motor Parkway.
Approaching the Jersusalem Avenue Motor Parkway Bridge. Note: The small grandstand on the right and the larger grandstand with a capacity of 5,000 spectators in the background on the left.
Just after the Massapequa Lodge, the Fiat left the Motor Parkway and headed toward Massapequa-Hicksville Road.
Spectators continued to crowd the course without regard for their safety.
Mechanician Scudelari leaned in as the Fiat made the turn from Broadway to Old Country Road in Hicksville
After completing the banked turn, Parker heads west on Old Country Road.
The next turn was the banked Westbury Turn at the intersection of Old Country Road and Elliston Road. Penny, this photo may match your image.
A different view of #14 Fiat at the Westbury Turn from the west side of Elliston Road.
Here, the Fiat passed until the Stewart Avenue Motor Parkway Bridge in East Meadow.
The Fiat completed all 278.06 miles of the race, averaging 61.6 MPH. The Fiat and the winning Alco were the only cars to complete the total 22 laps before the race was called.
Saturday, September 4, 2010: Long Island Automotive News and Updates on Car Shows & Events
Below is an update of Long Island automotive news, car shows and events including; the recent availability of personalized plates for historical cars, Nassau County County Executive Mangano's support for an Autoseum, the latest newsletter from the Mustang Shelby Club of Long Island and the return of the Americana Manhasset Concours d'Elegance.
Enjoy the Labor Day Weekend,
Howard Kroplick
Long Island Automotive News
Queens Courier: August 17, 2010 "Personalized plates for historical cars"
New York State DMV Historical License Plate Registration Form
Pony Express, September 2010, Mustang Shelby Club of Long Island newsletter features Mustang event updates, my 1966 Shelby Mustang GT-350H and the racing history of the Alco-6 Black Beast
Long Island Press, August 28, 2010: "Mangano: "Autoseum” May Come To Long Island"
Automotive Events and Car Shows
Friday, September 3, 2010 to Monday, September 6, 2010
-Lime Rock Park Historical Festival, Lime Rock Conneccticut
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
Friday, September 10, 2010
-East Northport Cruise & Car Show, East Northport Volunteer Fire department, One Ninth Avenue, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Sunday, September 12, 2010
-The LI Moose Classic Car Club's 10th Anniversary Show*, Mattituck. To benefit the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge, #1742.
-Bright Bay Mustang & All Ford Car Show, 1174 Sunrise Highway, Bay Shore, 9;00 AM to 3:30 PM
-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
Saturday, September 18, 2010
-Corvair Car Show, Long Island Maritime Museum, West Sayville, Hosted by Corvair Association, Contact: Cathy Sunden 1-631-981-0568, 9:00 AM
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
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 by Peconic Bay Region AACA, Contact George: 1-631-727-3097
Tuesday, October 6, 2010 to Saturday, October 9, 2010
--Hershey Region AACA Flea Market, Hershey , Pennsylvania
Sunday, October 10, 2010
-The 6th Annual Americana Manhasset Concours d'Elegance, Northern Boulevard at Searingtown Road, Manhasset, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
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, 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.
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!!
Index: Vanderbilt Cup Races
Below is an index to posts related to the Vanderbilt Cup Races (Updated September 3, 2010):
1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Long Island, New York
1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Long Island, New York
1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Long Island, New York
1908 Motor Parkway Sweepstakes, Long Island, New York
1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Long Island, New York
1909 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Long Island, New York
1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Long Island, New York
1911 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Savannah, Georgia
1912 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
1914 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Santa Monica, California
1915 Vanderbilt Cup Race, San Francisco, California
1916 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Santa Monica, California
1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Roosevelt Raceway, Westbury, New York
1937 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Roosevelt Raceway, Westbury, New York
1960 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Roosevelt Harness Raceway, Westbury, New York
1965 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Bridgehampton, New York
Starting Lineups of the Vanderbilt Cup Races and Associated Sweepstakes
Broadway Musical "The Vanderbilt Cup
Book "Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island"
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 Williston
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.
Index: Long Island Motor Parkway- Toll Lodges
General
The 20 Toll Collection Structures of the Motor Parkway
16 Photos of Motor Parkway Lodges, Gates, Kiosks and Entrances/Exits
The Toll Kiosks of the Motor Parkway
The Prototype for the LIMP Toll Lodges?
The Motor Parkway Tollgate Inns That Were Never Built
From the Pardington Papers: Original Parkway Names and Toll Gate Locations
Nassau Boulevard Lodge- Fresh Meadows, Queens
In search of the Nassau Boulevard Toll Booth
Lake Success- Great Neck Lodge
The Great Neck Lodge in Lake Success
Mineola Lodge
The Mineola Lodge and the Long Island Motor Parkway
Garden City- Garden City Lodge
The Day the Garden City Lodge Moved- March 19, 1989
Westbury- Meadow Brook Lodge
Entrance to the Meadow Brook Lodge from Merrick Avenue
Bethpage- Bethpage Lodge
The Bethpage Toll Lodge (1908-1960)
Deer Park
The Mystery of the “Deer Park Lodge”
Lake Ronkonkoma- Ronkonkoma Lodge
Index: Long Island Motor Parkway- Bridges
General
The Intact Long Island Motor Parkway Bridges
The Elusive Bridges of the Motor Parkway
The Vanderbilt Cup Race Bridges
Rare 1930s Photos of Two Motor Parkway Bridge Accidents
Queens
The Four-Lane Motor Parkway and a 1924 Aerial View of Queens
Hit One Over the Motor Parkway Bridge!
The Lost Bridge of the Motor Parkway: The Wheeler Farmway Bridge in Queens
Lake Success
The Motor Parkway Bridges Over the Northern State Parkway The Northern State Motor Parkway Bridge in Lake Success Williston Park The LIMP Bridge over Willis Avenue East Willston Garden City Rare 1930s Photos of Two Motor Parkway Bridge Accidents Mineola/Carle Place The Motor Parkway Bridge Under Old Country Road, Mineola East Meadow Rare 1930s Photos of Two Motor Parkway Bridge Accidents Bethpage A Postcard View from a Motor Parkway Bridge The LIMP Bridge over Stewart Avenue in Bethpage Melville
Index: Long Island Motor Parkway- Nassau County
General
A Nassau County Tour of the Long Island Motor Parkway A Postcard from a Motor Parkway Worker The Vanderbilt Cup Races, LIMP and LILCO Amazing Photos from the Archives of the Nassau County Division of Museum Services Lake Success The Motor Parkway Bridges Over the Northern State Parkway The Great Neck Lodge in Lake Success The Northern State Motor Parkway Bridge in Lake Success Williston Park The LIMP Bridge over Willis Avenue East Williston 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 Mineola The Motor Parkway Bridge Under Old Country Road, Mineola The Mineola Lodge and the Long Island Motor Parkway Garden City 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 Rare 1930s Photos of Two Motor Parkway Bridge Accidents Stewart School Blog “The Long Island Motor Parkway: Garden City’s Hidden History ” The Day the Garden City Lodge Moved- March 19, 1989 Westbury and East Meadow Entrance to the Meadow Brook Lodge from Merrick Avenue Levittown The Vanderbilt Cup Race Grandstand in Levittown Views of the Motor Parkway in the Hempstead Plains Then and Now: The Long Island Aviation Country Club on the Motor Parkway Bethpage A Postcard View from a Bethpage Motor Parkway Bridge Historic Motor Parkway Sites in Bethpage The Bethpage Toll Lodge (1908-1960) The Two Deadman’s Curves in Bethpage (Central Park)
Index: Long Island Motor Parkway-Ground-Breaking Ceremony (June 6, 1908)
Speakers at the 1908 Motor Parkway Ground-Breaking
The Ground-Breaking Ceremony for the Long Island Motor Parkway- June 6, 1908
Index: Long Island Motor Parkway-General
The Pioneering Road Features of the Long Island Motor Parkway
Article “Car Island: The Intersection of Automobile and Long Island History”
Index: Book “The Long Island Motor Parkway”
“The Long Island Motor Parkway” & “Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island” Sell Out
Radio Interview with Howard Kroplick on “The Long Island Motor Parkway”
Large Crowd Attends Book-Signing
Arcadia Publishing Issues a Press Release on “The Long Island Motor Parkway”
Arcadia Publishing Announces a New Long Island Motor Parkway Book
Index: Long Island Motor Parkway- License Plates
Matching a Motor Parkway License Plate to Its Original Owner
Article “The License Plates of the Vanderbilt Long Island Motor Parkway”
Film- The First “E-Z” Passes- The Porcelain Plates of the Motor Parkway
The first “E-Z” pass-Another Motor Parkway pioneering innovation
The Long Island Motor Parkway Porcelain Plates
The First "E-Z" Passes- The Plates of the Motor Parkway
Original Artwork “E-Z-Pass #1”
Favorite Website: Porcelainplates.net-Motor Parkway License Plates
Index: Long Island Motor Parkway- Films, Videos and Slideshows
Video “The Queens Motor Parkway Bike Path”
The First "E-Z" Passes- The Plates of the Motor Parkway
Howard Kroplick Interview "The Vanderbilt Cup Races and the Long Island Motor Parkway"
The Long Island Motor Parkway:100 Years Later
The Long Island Motor Parkway with Robert Miller
2008 Suffolk County Celebration of the Long Island Motor Parkway
Index: Long Island Motor Parkway- Articles
Newsday Publishes Special Pullout on the Long Island Motor Parkway: October 20, 2008
New York Times Article “First Auto Parkway: From Road to Ruin”, October 12,2008
Article “The License Plates of the Vanderbilt Long Island Motor Parkway”
Index: Long Island Motor Parkway- Preservation & History
Then and Now: Potential Nassau Historical Markers on the Motor Parkway Trail
Long Island Business News Article “Hope for the Vanderbilt”
The Long Island Motor Parkway Trailway Update
Motor Parkway Makes News (NY Times 4/04/2008)
From the Pardington Papers: Original Parkway Names and Toll Gate Locations
Index: Long Island Motor Parkway- Suffolk County
General
A Suffolk County Map of the Motor Parkway
Long Island Motor Parkway Suffolk County Mystery Photo
A Motor Parkway Sign in Suffolk County
Melville
The LIMP Bridge over Broad Hollow Road in Melville
1951 Aerial View of LIMP Right-Of-Way and Edith P’s Home in Melville
Central Islip/Hauppauge
A Motor Parkway Sign in Suffolk County
Lake Ronkonkoma
Index: Long Island Motor Parkway- Queens
General
A Queens Tour of the Long Island Motor Parkway Video “The Queens Motor Parkway Bike Path” The New NYC Parks & Recreation Motor Parkway Historical Marker in Queens The Proposed Motor Parkway Monorail Queens Chronicle reports “Land Grab” along the Long Island Motor Parkway City to warn Oakland Gardens homes that encroach on Long Island Motor Parkway Current Views of the Motor Parkway in Queens County The Four-Lane Motor Parkway and a 1924 Aerial View of Queens The Lost Bridges of the Motor Parkway: The Wheeler Farmway Bridge in Queens Fresh Meadows The Long Island Motor Parkway Survey Index: Fresh Meadows- The Western Terminus The Planned Fresh Meadows Motor Parkway Western Terminus in 1912 In search of the Nassau Boulevard Toll Booth The opening of the Motor Parkway Bilke Path A Fresh Meadows view of the western LIMP terminus Hit One Over the Motor Parkway Bridge! A Rare Photo of the North Hempstead Turnpike LIMP Bridge Hollis Hills The Motor Parkway in Hollis Hills, Queens Aerials of the Motor Parkway in Hollis Hills, Queens Little Neck The Long Island Motor Parkway Bridge Over Little Neck Parkway
Index: Long Island Motor Parkway- Today
Today: Motor Parkway and Vanderbilt Cup Race Course Scenes
Opportunity to Provide Input on the Motor Parkway Trailway
The Long Island Motor Parkway Trailway Update
Original Survey Maps of the Long Island Motor Parkway Discovered!
Garden City News “Quest Students are History Detectives”
Aerial View of the LIMP: Follow the yellow-lined path
The Stimulus Bill and the Motor Parkway
A Nassau County Tour of the Long Island Motor Parkway
A Queens Tour of the Long Island Motor Parkway
Newsday Publishes Special Pullout on the Long Island Motor Parkway: October 20, 2008
New York Times Article “First Auto Parkway: From Road to Ruin”, October 12,2008
New York Times slide show "From Road to Ruin"
Queens Chronicle reports “Land Grab” along the Long Island Motor Parkway
City to warn Oakland Gardens homes that encroach on Long Island Motor Parkway
The Lost Bridge of the Motor Parkway: The Wheeler Farmway Bridge in Queens
Views of the Motor Parkway in the Hempstead Plains
Current Views of the Motor Parkway in Queens County
How much of the Long Island Motor Parkway still exists?
Index: Then and Now- Vanderbilt Cup Races
Then and Now: Lake Success during the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Then and Now: The Massapequa Lodge
Then and Now: The Hairpin Turn in Old Westbury
Then and Now: The Railroad Bridge on Ellison Road in Westbury
Index: Courses
Today: Motor Parkway and Vanderbilt Cup Race Course Scenes
The Vanderbilt Cup Race Bridges
The 30-Mile Course for the 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race Course
The Public Roads of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race Course
The Two Deadman’s Curves in Bethpage (Central Park)
Film “Krug’s Hotel: The Best Accommodations on the Course”
Film “The Levittown Vanderbilt Cup Race Grandstand”
Great Neck and Lake Success’ Role in the Vanderbilt Cup Races & the Motor Parkway
Where in the stands is Horace A. Beale, Jr?
The Vanderbilt Cup Races, LIMP and LILCO
Linking the Vanderbilt Cup Race Course from Ellison Road to the Motor Parkway
Index: Drivers and Mechanicians
Calling All Vanderbilt Cup Race families
The Eight Winning Drivers of the Vanderbilt Cup Races (1904-1916)
Driver Profile: George Arents, Jr.
Chevrolet-The most famous name in the Vanderbilt Cup Races
Louis Chevrolet and the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Louis Chevrolet and the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Louis Chevrolet and the End of the Long Island Vanderbilt Cup Races
John Walter Christie: Front-Wheel Drive Pioneer
Edward Hawley: A Great-Great-Granddaughter Seeks Information on a 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race Driver
Driver Profile: George Heath- The First Vanderbilt Cup Race Winner
Driver Profile: Victor Hemery- The 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race Winner
Foxhall Keene: Chicken à la King and the Vanderbilt Cup Races
Driver Profile: Vincenzo Lancia
Summary: Entrants and the Countries They Represented
Driver Profile: William Luttgen
A Request from the Son of the Winner of the First Motor Parkway Race: Herb Lytle
Dario Resta and the Peugeot- Repeat Winner of the Vanderbilt Cup Race
Joe Tracy Honored By Race Fans
Austin Clark, Joe Tracy, Otis Chandler and the 1904 Sports Touring Mercedes
Eddie Rickenbacker: America’s Ace of Aces and Vanderbilt Cup Race Participant
Driver Profile: George Robertson
The great mechanician Tony Scudelari
The dangerous role of the mechanician
“Babe” Stapp: Driver of the Topping-Miller Special and Maserati V8Ri
Index: 1960 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Newsreel "1960 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Roosevelt Raceway, New York"
The Dagradas and the 1960 Cornelius Vanderbilt Cup Race at Roosevelt Raceway
Index: 1915 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Newsreel "1915 Vanderbilt Cup Race, San Francisco, California"
The Peugeot EX3- Winner of the 1915 Vanderbilt Cup Race in San Francisco
The 1914-1915 Ono Combination of a Fiat Chassis & Pope-Hartford Engine
Index: 1937 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Newsreel "1937 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Roosevelt Raceway, New York"
Film “Rosemeyer’s Victory in the 1937 Vanderbilt Cup Race”
The revival of the Vanderbilt Cup Races in 1936 and 1937
Favorite Website: The Golden Era of Grand Prix Racing
George Vanderbilt Cup Race Tickets and Passes
From the Drennan Collection: 1937 Roosevelt Raceway “Australia” Mystery Solved
“Babe” Stapp: Driver of the Topping-Miller Special and Maserati V8Ri
The Maserati V8RI Vanderbilt Cup Racer at the Saratoga Automobile Museum
Index: 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Newsreel "1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Roosevelt Raceway, New York"
The Great Tazio Nuvolari in the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Lou Meyer's crash during the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race
The revival of the Vanderbilt Cup Races in 1936 and 1937
Favorite Website: The Golden Era of Grand Prix Racing
1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race: Photos from the Nassau County Division of Museum Services
George Vanderbilt Cup Race Tickets and Passes
Vanderbilia: The Entry Form for the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race
From the Drennan Collection: The Roosevelt Raceway Bar & Restaurant
From the Drennan Collection: The 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race Awards Ceremony
In Search of Master Mechanic Charlie Kirschhoffer
“Babe” Stapp: Driver of the Topping-Miller Special and Maserati V8Ri
1931 Bugatti Type 51 George Vanderbilt Cup Racer To Be Auctioned at Monterey
The Maserati V8RI Vanderbilt Cup Racer at the Saratoga Automobile Museum
Index: 1916 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Newsreel "1916 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Santa Monica, California"
Dario Resta and the Peugeot- Repeat Winner of the Vanderbilt Cup Race
Index: Alco-6 Racer Returns to Long Island (2008-2009)
December 6, 2008: Looking for the Alco-6 Racer
December 21, 2008: Alco-6 purchased
December 24, 2008: Alco-6 makes news
January 13, 2009: Alco-6 arrives back in the US
January 15,2009: Alco-6 arrives on Long Island
January 25, 2009: Video: Alco-6 gets fired up
January 27, 2009: Newsday reports "Beast" race car on display
February 3, 2009: A Fun Alco gathering
May 14, 2009 restoration update
May 22, 2009: Film "The Alco-6 Black Beast Racer Restoration- May 8, 2009"
May 31, 2009: Film "Experience the Alco-6's First Road Test"
July 29, 2009: The New York Times Article "1909 Alco-6 Racer Still Roars" July 29, 2009
August 31, 2009: Newsday article "Black Beast Returns" August 31, 2009
October 4, 2009: Film "LI News Tonight: Vanderbilt Cup Racer Returns to Long Island"
October 17, 2009: Cablevision Editorial gives the Black Beast a Thumbs-Up
Index: 1914 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Newsreel "1914 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Santa Monica, California"
Chaplin, Normand, Sennett and the 1914 Vanderbilt Cup Race
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)
Index: 1909 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Starting Lineup: The 1909 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Index: Alco-6 Black Beast Racer
Promoting the 1909 Vanderbilt Cup Race Victory
Index: 1912 Vanderbilt Cup Race
<--back to blog index
Index: 1911 Vanderbilt Cup Race
<--back to blog indexIndex: Book “Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island”
“The Long Island Motor Parkway” & “Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island” Sell Out
First Edition of “Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island” Sells Out
Book Review: Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island
Arcadia Publishing releases “Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island”
Roslyn News "Remembering the Vanderbilt Races"
New York Times “Long before NASCAR, Dirt-Road Daredevils”
Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island selected as book of the month
Index: 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Starting Lineup-The 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Index: Alco-6 Black Beast Racer
Louis Chevrolet and the End of the Long Island Vanderbilt Cup Races
Approaching the Merrick Avenue Bridge during the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race
New photos of the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race Discovered
Ray Harroun in the Vanderbilt Cup Races
Then and Now: The Massapequa Lodge
A cup of coffee at the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup
Parking on the Pratt Farm for the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race
The Massapequa Sweepstakes Trophy Makes an Appearance
The Official Poster for the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race
The Royal Tourist in the Vanderbilt Cup Races (1904-1910)
The Corbin “Cannonball” and the Alco “Black Beast” to Meet on Saturday
Index: Then and Now- Long Island Motor Parkway
Then and Now: Potential Nassau Historical Markers on the Motor Parkway Trail
Then and Now: The Long Island Aviation Country Club on the Motor Parkway
Then and Now: The Motor Parkway Office/General Manager’s Home in Garden City
Index: Vanderbilia
Vanderbilia to be Displayed at Upcoming Museum of the City of New York Exhibition
Locomobile Vanderbilt Cup Radiator Mascot Sold on EBay for $1,225
Locomobile Vanderbilt Cup Paperweight Sells for $2,550 on Ebay
Film “Treasures of the Vanderbilt Cup Races”
The beautiful 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race poster
Vanderbilt Cup Race Pennants Sold for $1,743 on Ebay
Vanderbilt Cup Race Art from West Wales
The Vanderbilt Cup Race Brassards
Five Locomobiles with Vanderbilt Cup Mascots
The Elusive Sterling Silver Locomobile Vanderbilt Cups
Can You Help Identify This 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race Brass Box?
An Armband Discovery and a Lantern Mystery
A Tribute to Peter Helck (1893-1988), the Great American Artist
Index: The Vanderbilt Cup
<--back to blog index
Index: Vanderbilt Cup Race Centennial Events
2004 Vanderbilt Cup Race Centennial Celebration
2007 Vanderbilt Cup Race Centennial Celebration
Highlights of the 2008 Centennial Celebrations
Newsday article "Black Beast Returns" for the 2009 Vanderbilt Centennial (August 31, 2009)
Index: 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Starting Lineup for the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race
The Amazing and Continuing Saga of the 1906 Locomobile Twins- Part I
The Public Roads of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race Course
The Vanderbilt Cup Race Bridges
Louis Chevrolet and the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Film “Old 16: An American Racing Legend”
Video: Old 16 Rides Again in Dearborn
Linking the Vanderbilt Cup Race Course from Ellison Road to the Motor Parkway
An Exclusive Rare View of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Film “The Levittown Vanderbilt Cup Race Grandstand”
Film “The Last Race for Old 16 and Joe Tracy?” (1946)
Louis Chevrolet, Joe Tracy and the 1908 Matheson Team
Willie K Helping to Start the 1908 Renault Racer
The 1907 Renault Vanderbilt Racers
Guy Frost’s Favorite Vanderbilt Cup Race Photo
Old 16 at the 1952 Bridgehampton Road Race
The beautiful 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race poster
“Old 16” Tin Can Art by David Wasserman
The Locomobile Factory in Bridgeport
Article “Driving The Ford” & the Future of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race Winner
Then and Now: the Woodbury Turn of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race
The Amazing and Continuing Saga of the 1906 Locomobile Twins- Part II
VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: Rare 1908 PAL Race Painting Discovered?
Heritage Museums Blog: “American Speed, the Vanderbilt Cup and the Mysterious FIC”
Then and Now: The Railroad Bridge on Ellison Road in Westbury
Nunley’s Carousel and the Vanderbilt Cup Races
The Pits of the 1908-1910 Vanderbilt Cup Races
Index: Alco Films and Videos
January 25, 2009: Video: Alco-6 gets fired up
May 31, 2009: Film "Experience the Alco-6's First Road Test"
July 22, 2009: Film "Alco Cars 1908-1913"
July 30, 2009: Video "The Alco-6 Racer and the Second Annual Vanderbilt Autocross"
September 8, 2009: Film "Black Beast" on the Lime Rock Park Course
September 9, 2009 Film "Black Beast" at the 2009 Lime Rock "Sunday in the Park" Vintage Car Festival
October 4, 2009: Film "LI News Tonight: Vanderbilt Cup Racer Returns to Long Island"
October 11, 2009: Film "Reporter Larry Hoff Blown Away by the Black Beast"
October 13, 2009: Film "Black Beast at the 2009 Great Neck Plaza Autofest"
October 17, 2009: Cablevision Editorial gives the Black Beast a Thumbs-Up
Index: 1908 Motor Parkway Sweepstakes
Starting Lineup: The 7 “P” Cars for the Motor Parkway Sweepstakes
Starting Lineup: The 7 “G” Cars of the Garden City Sweepstakes
Starting Lineup - The 1908 Meadow Brook Sweepstakes
A Request from the Son of the Winner of the First Motor Parkway Race: Herb Lytle
Index: American Locomotive Company
Article “Schenectady’s Contributions to the History of Automobiles”
Then and Now: The American Locomotive Company Plant in Providence, Rhode Island
The 1911 Alco Dealership Photos
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
Index: Broadway Musical “The Vanderbilt Cup”
Film "Hear and See the 1906 Broadway Musical "The Vanderbilt Cup"
Vanderbilt Cup Race Drivers on the Broadway Stage in 1906
Hear the Star of the Broadway Musical “Vanderbilt Cup” Sing!
Index: Alco Black Beast Events (2009-2010)
2009 Events
June 7, 2009: Alco-6 Captures a "Most Outstanding" Award at the Greenwich Concours
July 30, 2009: The Alco-6 Black Beast Racer at the Second Annual Vanderbilt Autocross
Video "The Alco-6 Racer and the Second Annual Vanderbilt Autocross"
Hear "The Black Beast" roar at the Second Annual Vanderbilt Autocross"
September 8, 2009: Film "Black Beast" on the Lime Rock Park Course
September 9, 2009 Film "Black Beast" at the 2009 Lime Rock "Sunday in the Park" Vintage Car Festival
October 11, 2009: Film "Reporter Larry Hoff Blown Away by the Black Beast"
October 13, 2009: Film "Black Beast at the 2009 Great Neck Plaza Autofest"
October 25, 2009: The “Black Beast” at the 2009 Hallockville Car Show"
November 11, 2009: Black Beast a Hit on Broadway
2010 Events
January 9, 2010: “Black Beast” Featured in “Old Cars Weekly” Article April 13, 2010: Photos from the St. Patrick’s Fifth Annual Spring Car Show Fundraiser
May 16, 2010: The “Black Beast” at the Nassau County Police Department’s Family Day May 30, 2010: "Black Beast” at the Wounded Warrior Project Car Show in Riverhead June 18, 2010: “Black Beast” Returns to Garden City June 20, 2010: Article “Black Beast Roars” & a Klingberg Vintage Motorcar Festival Highlight June 26, 2010: Garden City News “The Board and the Beast” July 2, 2010: “Black Beast” Roars on Fifth Avenue at the Museum of the City of New York July 13, 2010: The “Black Beast” at The Show at Castle Gould July 16, 2010: Film “Around the Block in the Black Beast” July 18, 2010:The “Black Beast” at Sunday’s Port Jefferson Hill Climb and Hicksville NY Autofest July 27, 2010: “Black Beast” Returns to the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum August 20, 2010: The Black Beast returns to the former Alco Headquarters in Schenectady Today August 22, 2010: The Black Beast Returns to Schenectady and Saratoga Springs August 27, 2010: Times Union Blog: “Serendipity and the Black Beast”
Index: 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race
The Amazing and Continuing Saga of the 1906 Locomobile Twins- Part I
The 17 Cars of the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race
The Christie Returns to the 1906 Races
The 16 Cars of the 1906 American Elimination Race
The Twin Locomobile Vanderbilt Cup Racers
The Amazing and Continuing Saga of the 1906 Locomobile Twins- Part II
An Amazing Discovery from the Pickering Collection- The #10 Apperson
The 1906 Air-Cooled Frayer-Millers
Film "1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Long Island, New York"
The most dramatic image of the Vanderbilt Cup Races
Anderson Cooper’s Grandfather at the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Spectators at the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Then and Now: The Hairpin Turn in Old Westbury
Exclusive- A Vanderbilt Cup Race Winner for Sale
The Michelin Men at the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Clarence Mackay, the Vanderbilt Cup Races, a Horse and Newsday
The 1906 Accident That Changed Long Island Auto Racing
The 1906 Westbury Grandstand & the Current Battle over the Hitchcock Property
Jay Leno & the 1906 Stanley Steamer Vanderbilt Racers
Vincenzo Lancia in Action During the 1905 and 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Races
Driver Profile: William Luttgen Part III-The 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Found-The 1906 George McKesson Brown Scrapbook
From the George McKesson Scrapbook: Preparing the #7 Mercedes for the 1906 Race
Index: 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Driver Profile: Victor Hemery- The 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race Winner
The 12 Cars of the 1905 American Elimination Trial
The 19 Cars of the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Then and Now: Lake Success during the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race
The Christie Front-Wheel Drive Car in the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Louis Chevrolet and the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race
An Amazing Discovery from the Pickering Collection
The “X” Mercedes Racer in the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race
The “X” Mercedes Comes to Roslyn for the 1905 Race
Chevrolet Challenges Heath during the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race
The Italian Team for the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race
The Royal Tourist in the Vanderbilt Cup Races (1904-1910)
Vincenzo Lancia in Action During the 1905 and 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Races
Driver Profile: William Luttgen Part II: The 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Index: Alco-6 Racing History (1909-1911)
General
Film: The Alco-6 Black Beast Racing History
Harry Grant
1909 Races
Film " 100th Anniversary of the 1909 Vanderbilt Cup Race
1910 Races
The Alco “White Beast” at the 1910 Worcester Dead Horse Hill Climb
1911 Races
When the Alco-6 warmed up for the Indy 500
The Alco-6 at the first Indy 500 Race
Film -The Inaugural Indy 500 Race-May 30,1911
Why the Alco-6 Racer was Assigned #19 for the First Indy 500 Race
Index: 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Starting Lineup
Starting Lineup: The 18 Cars of the 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Entrants and Results
Course
Film “The 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race Course”
Another View of the Westbury 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race Grandstand
The Location of the 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race Grandstand in Westbury
A VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: 1910 Plans for the Ronkonkoma Motor Speedway
Drivers
Driver Profile: George Heath- The First Vanderbilt Cup Race Winner
Driver Profile: William Luttgen Part I: Racing for the Cup
A Great-Great-Granddaughter Seeks Information on a 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race Driver
Cars
The Premier Vanderbilt Cup Racer that Did Not Race
The Royal Tourist in the Vanderbilt Cup Races (1904-1910)
Recent Photos from the Indy 500 Hall of Fame Museum
Three More Spectacular 1904 Photos
Rare Photos of the 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race Discovered
Images
Never Before Published Vanderbilt Cup Race Photos from a 1904 A.L.A.M. Scrapbook
Films and Videos
Film "1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Long Island, New York"
One of the Earliest Sports Films Ever Made
Film “The 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race Course”
Vanderbilia
The Drop Box Mystery at The Henry Ford Museum
Articles
The First International Auto Race-In West Hempstead
Index: Vanderbilt Cup Races-General
Search Engines for Vanderbilt Cup Races
Film “The Long Island Vanderbilt Cup Races (1904-1937)”
Howard Kroplick Interview: The Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island
Fatalities during the 1904-1910 Vanderbilt Cup Races
Five More Vanderbilt Cup Race Photos from the Pickering Collection
An Amazing Discovery from the Pickering Collection
Six Degrees of Separation: The Vanderbilt Cup Races and the New York Mets
Electric timing of the Vanderbilt Cup Races
The Vanderbilt Cup Race Pits: An American Innovation
Vanderbilt Cup Race Courses: Then and Now
The Checkered Flags of the Vanderbilt Cup Races
The Six Winners of the Vanderbilt Cup Races (1904-1910)
Amazing Photos from the Archives of the Nassau County Division of Museum Services
Innovations and Significance of the Vanderbilt Cup Races
Searching for the Renault Vanderbilt Racers- the Ferrari Enzos of Their Day
Index: Alco-6 Black Beast Racer
Links to posts on the Alco-6 Black Beast Racer Updated September 5, 2010:
The Alco-6 Racer Returns to Long Island (2008-2009)
The Alco-6 Racing History (1909-1911)
Index: Old 16
The Amazing and Continuing Saga of the 1906 Locomobile Twins- Part I
Film “Old 16: An American Racing Legend”
Video: Old 16 Rides Again in Dearborn
Film “The Last Race for Old 16 and Joe Tracy?” (1946)
“Old 16” Tin Can Art by David Wasserman
The Locomobile Factory in Bridgeport
Article “Driving The Ford” & the Future of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race Winner
The Amazing and Continuing Saga of the 1906 Locomobile Twins- Part II
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.
Categories
Recent Entries
- Wednesday, September 8, 2010: Was the Man in the Leopard Coat the Inspiration for Jay Gatsby?
- Tuesday, 9/7/10: Then and Now: The Jericho Turnpike Motor Parkway Bridge and the Mineola Lodge
- Sunday, September 5, 2010: A Tour of the 1909 Vanderbilt Cup Race Course with the #14 FIAT
- Saturday, September 4, 2010: Long Island Automotive News and Updates on Car Shows & Events
- 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
Feature
Below is an update of Long Island automotive news, car shows and events including; the recent availability of personalized plates for historical cars, Nassau County County Executive Mangano's support for an Autoseum, the latest newsletter from the Mustang Shelby Club of Long Island and the return of the Americana Manhasset Concours d'Elegance.
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