Kleiner’s Korner: And now for something completely different #4- Willie K.
The next segment of this series provides items about Willie K. that give a glimpse into his day-to-day life. This is certainly a very brief review of Willie's activities and does not portend to be an exhaustive look into his life.
Art
1902 Cars
A 55 hp Daimler.
The Red Devil is sold! (Automobile Topics May 3, 1902)
Vanderbilt putting up the financing to build popular type touring autos for Mercedes. Is this true? (Motor Cycling Oct. 1, 1902)
Vanderbilt giving up his automobiles was certainly not the case. (Motor Cycling Sept. 17, 1902)
A Bicycle Enthusiast
At a 1901 bicycle meet at Aquidneck Park in Newport, RI. Willie provided a winner's cup and officiated some races while also competing. (Bicycle World and Motorcycle Review Sept. 5, 1901)
In 1904 he demonstrated his ability as a cyclist in Palm Beach. (Bicycle World and Motorcycle Review Feb. 6, 1904)
An Automobile Enthusiast and Speedster
In this 1902 interview in Automobile Topics, Willie gives his opinions on his newly acquired Renault, speed limits, racing, roads in America and the building of a speedway from Brooklyn to Roslyn. (Automobile Topics Sept. 13, 1902)
Speeding
Caught speeding in Long Island City.
Breaking the speed record on the Vanderbilt Cup Race course. (The Enterprise Aug. 7, 1909)
A Class Photo
Where in the world is Willie K.?
The Vanderbilt Family Tree
Willie K. at the top of this family tree!
Comments
Very cool and interesting to read…He had fun during his time on earth . RIP !
Thank you Howard for bringing this article series to all of us and William K. for bringing the Cup to American auto racing fans then and now.
What a most-fascinating man of so many, many venues and of such markableness!
Seems that A. R. Pardington also had problems with the police regarding speeding. Fined $10 and bail of $100 for going 30 mph! From the “Brooklyn Home” of Sept. 11, 1907.
Interesting read. Was Pardington’s unsuccessful attempt to obtain a guard of militiamen in 1907 the only reason for the absence of the 1907 Vanderbilt Cup Race?