Frank Lee’s Great-Grandson Visits the Alco Black Beast
Rich Lee, the great-grandson of the Alco Black Beast's mechanician Frank Lee, traveled down from Maine to visit the Black Beast tonight at the Waterfront at Roslyn garage.
Here are some highlights and several of my favorite Frank Lee images.
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
In honor of Rich's visit, I gave him two photos of his great-grandfather.
Rich and his friend Carolyn
Rich and Carolyn's daughter Amber
A selfie of Rich and me.
Images of Frank Lee
Frank Lee (Circa 1918) Courtesy of Rich Lee
1909 Fairmont Park
Driver Harry Grant (left) and mechanician Frank Lee (right)
Note the matching mustaches of Frank and Rich Lee.
1909 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Winning the 1909 Vanderbilt Cup Race
1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Winning the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race
1911 Indy 500 Race
Harry Grant and Frank Lee can be seen at the 55 second mark of this film of the 1911 Indy 500 Race.
1911 Elgin Race
The Alco team. Frank Lee is standing on far right. Harry Grant is standing in the middle.
Comments
Thank you so much for the history on the Black Beast and opening up the garage for us on such short notice and giving us the opportunity to experience a once in a lifetime experience. And the history you have is so very much appreciated with the vehicles you have, Thanks again.
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Howard Kroplick
It was a pleasure hosting Rich, Amber and you at the Waterfront at Roslyn garage last night. Lots of fun!
This is cool, Howard. Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful to read this and see all of you made the connection! Super.
thanks for posting this.
i just love the fact that my great grandfather was part of two victories in the Vanderbilt Cup Races of 1909 ( which this “Alco” car is the 1909 model) and 1910. Carolyn is holding a brass pump which supplied the fuel to the car. Special thanks to Howard Kroplick for opening his shop for us in no time at all so i could see a car that I’ve only heard of or seen pictures for 54 years. It was an honor i will never forget.
I really enjoyed the personal tour of your museum space and your collection of unique motor vehicles. Your dedication for perseving these beautiful cars is outstanding and I can honestly say I’ve never felt a euphoric feeling as the one I had when I was there in the Black Beast… thank you Howard.