Vanderbilt Cup Races

Conviction Overturned!

As a follow up to a story reported in my June, 1926 look back, the manslaughter conviction of 18 year-old Everett Williams was reversed early in July.   Williams was convicted of causing the death of Mary Wasservogel while traveling on the Motor Parkway near Central Park.  No reason was given for the reversal.  (Brooklyn Eagle Jul. 2, 1926)

Jake Becker - Motor Parkway Visionary

This paragraph was part of a larger article that detailed the life of Jake Becker of Brooklyn.   Born in 1837, according to the article Becker is credited with the idea in 1894 of a road from Brooklyn to the end of Long Island "that eventually developed in part into the Long Island Motor Parkway".   While I've found other roads suggested prior to the Motor Parkway, this is the first mention of Jake Becker.  I'll definitely do more research on this one!  (Brooklyn Daily Times Jul. 26, 1926)

Motoring on the Motor Parkway

Long Island newspapers, particularly "The Chat" often highlighted the motoring activities of residents including their time on the Motor Parkway.   (The Chat Jul. 3, 1926)

A favorite destination was the end of the Parkway, Lake Ronkonkoma.  (The Chat Jul. 31, 1926)

Lake Ronkonkoma

A fitting tribute to Lake Ronkonkoma was given in the "Brooklyn Eagle" in July.  It included a description of the area, a mention of the Motor Parkway and ads for local businesses, some with the word "parkway" in their names.   (Brooklyn Eagle Jul 18, 1926)

The parkway's Ronkonkoma Lodge was mentioned in this ad for West Park Beach.  (Brooklyn Eagle Jul 18, 1926)

A 1923 photo of the Ronkonkoma Lodge.  

Commemorating the parkway's eastern terminus with an appropriate automobile overseeing the ceremony.  

A local hotel, 100' south of the Motor Parkway.  (The Tablet, Jul. 31, 1926)

Similar to other establishments in the 1920s, the Parkway Pavilion welcomed "Basket Parties".   

This referred to groups of picnickers or beachgoers who brought their own food packed in baskets to public venues like amusement parks, private groves, summer pavilions or beach resorts.   Often times the establishment would require the party goers to purchase refreshments for a nominal fee.  Almost like the tailgate parties of today!   (Brooklyn Eagle Jul 18, 1926)

The Parkway Garage noting its 10 year history of servicing automobiles, many of which probably travelled on the Motor Parkway.  The name obviously was due to the garage being at the end of the parkway.  (Brooklyn Eagle Jul 18, 1926)

That's owner Frank Rummel on the right pumping gas using bicycle power in 1938 due to a hurricane knowing out electric power for weeks.    (Ed Keenen, Vintage Service Stations & Car Dealerships, Facebook, 2024)

The garage also sold Ford automobiles in the 1940s as this invoice indicates a sale of a Super Deluxe Convertible Coupe bought by Stuart Raynor for under $1.800 - not bad!    (Ed Keenen, Vintage Service Stations & Car Dealerships, Facebook, 2024)

According to Haggerty.com the model bought today has a median price of $25,000 - $32,000.   However, the "woodie" version can go for much higher.  

This map accompanied the "Brooklyn Eagle" article but doesn't necessarily indicate its the Motor Parkway.  What do you think? (Brooklyn Eagle Jul 18, 1926)

More Motor Parkway Literary Mentions

Every once in a while I come across the Motor Parkway in syndicated stories appearing in newspapers.  This one appeared in British Columbia, Canada in a story titled "The Radio Detective" by Arthur B. Reeve (1880 – 1936).  Reeve was born in Patchogue so he probably was very familiar with the Parkway and the establishments on it.   Previous posts have also mentioned Reeve.  (The Cumberland, BC, Islander Jul. 9, 1926)

Was there a garage by the name the "Rendezvous Garage" on the Motor Parkway!   Probably not, but in other areas there were.  A Georgia newspaper in 1955 noted the move of the "Rendezvous Garage" to a new location.  (Ledger-Enquirer Aug. 6, 1955).  

And here's a picture of a garage of that name in I believe England.  

The "The Radio Detective" was made into a silent film in 1926 by Universal Pictures with "the co-operation of the Boy Scouts of America" and showcased "boy scout activities and radio adventure".    Might this poster of the same year depict the Motor Parkway on which one adventure is taking place? 

The film was shown to 1,000 Boy Scouts and officials who gave it their resounding approval. 

I don't believe copies of the movie still exist and although the book might still be available I haven't found a copy yet.  I've also seen mentions that scenes of the movie might also be found somewhere.   Would be great to track this down as possibly the Motor Parkway might be shown.   (Moving Picture World Oct. 16, 1926).