Kleiner’s Korner: From the Helck Family Collection: Al Poole Wins at Brighton Beach in 1910 with a Little Known Mechanic
Al Poole drove a Simplex to the winner's circle at Brighton Beach, New York in May of 1910. With co-driver Charles Basle they completed the 24-hour battle with 1,145 miles accumulated. The team's mechanic appears to be little known Ulbert Schulchtner, as found in Al Poole's documents housed in the Helck Family Collection.
Art Kleiner
Brighton Beach 1910
Racemaker Press
Brooklyn Daily Eagle, May 15, 1910
Shorpy, George Granthan Bain)
Mechanic Ulbert Schulchtner
Al Poole's letter to Schulchtner noting the latter's employment as mechanic. Since the mechanic didn't complete the terms of employment, Poole wanted to cut his pay. But since it was in Peter Helck's possession, Poole probably never sent the letter.
And the actual check from Poole was for the entire amount of $100.
And cashed at an appropriately named bank!
Little is known about Schulchtner but here is where the correspondence was addressed to.
It appears he operated a auto servicing business in conjunction with a partner. (Brooklyn Daily Eagle, July 13, 1910)
Brooklyn Daily Eagle, April 23, 1913
And his sister got married in 1914. (Brooklyn Daily Eagle, June 7, 1914)
Based on his letter, we can also determine that Poole lived or worked at 225 W. 57th Street, which was part of NYC's Automobile Row in years gone by.
Today the location is the site of the world's tallest residence, Central Park Tower and one of the most expensive. Sales prices have ranged from $6.9 million for a two-bedroom to $63 million for a five-bedroom.
The site was argued to be a landmark, however the designation did not come to be and the building continued.
Wonderful views I'm certain Poole never saw!
Comments
So very interesting details…Even the cashed check etc…
Art, Since you stated that little is known about Schluchtner, I had to check out Ancestry, and I came up with a few things (see attached). Ubert Carl Schluchtner was born June 6, 1886 in N.Y. He was one of 5 children born to Charles William and Jennie A. Schluchtner. He would get married on Oct. 20, 1927. The earliest mention I could find was the 1892 NYS Census where 5 yr old Ubert & family lived at 257 Hooper St, Brooklyn. His Dad’s occupation was in Iron. In the 1900 U.S. Census 14 year old Ubert was living with his family at 55 Bedford St., Brooklyn. The 1913 Brooklyn Directory listed him as: “Schluchtner Ubert auto supplies 1455 Bedford av H 551 Bedford av”. The 1917 Draft Reg. lists him as still living at 551 Bedford av, but his occupation is now Vaudeville artist! In 1920 he’s an Actor, and 5 years later listed as a Professional Actor, living at 2574 Bedford Ave.
Additional attachments!!!
Appears Ulbert wasn’t cut out to be a mechanic after all : )
Thanks for the additional information, Gary.
With a name like Schulchtner he should have changed it to a better screen name, perhaps Shatner? lol