Vanderbilt Cup Races

Oct 27 2009
Film “Ursula’s Ride”

On October 9, 2009, I presented the Vanderbilt Cup Races/Long Island Motor Parkway section of "Racing on Long Island: Horses to Horsepower" at the Long Island Library Resources Council 14th Annual Archives Month Conference. Prior to the start of the conference, I gave rides in the "Black Beast" in front of the beautiful Hoffman Center mansion. Videographer Barry Rivadue captured the action in this 3-minute film entitled "Ursula's Ride". (0 comments)

Oct 24 2009
The “Black Beast” at the 2009 Hallockville Car Show

The weatherman says the sun will come out today and the Alco-6 "Black Beast" will roar at the historic Hallockville Museum Farm (6038 Sound River, Riverhead). The Peconic Bay Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America will hold its 11th annual meet from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please stop by and say hello. (1 comments)

Oct 23 2009
Garden City News “Stewart School Quest Students Capture Archive Award”

Congratulations to the Quest students of the Stewart School of Garden City. The Garden City News reports the students have been awarded Certificates of Merit for their research film on the Long Island Motor Parkway. (1 comments)

Oct 22 2009
The Motor Parkway Bridges over the Northern State Parkway

Ron, with the construction of the Northern State Parkway in the early 1930s, Robert Moses agreed to build two Motor Parkway bridges over the new parkway, one just west of Lakeville Road and another west of New Hyde Park Road. At this section of the Motor Parkway, the right-of way did not cross the Long Island Expressway. Here's the amazing supporting photos. (4 comments)

Oct 21 2009
The “X” Mercedes Comes to Roslyn for the 1905 Race

Only one of the 116 cars that participated in the six Long Island Vanderbilt Cup Races did not have a number...the "X" Mercedes driven by Al Campbell in the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race. Campbell used the "X" instead of the unlucky 13 which he had drawn as the number and starting position for his car. (3 comments)

Oct 17 2009
The Motor Parkway in Hollis Hills, Queens

Art, one of the best preserved sections of the Motor Parkway is near your parent's home in Hollis Hills, Queens. When the parkway closed on April 17, 1938, Robert Moses created a bike path over the first two and half miles in Queens. The bike path is still very active today and includes three well-preserved, original Motor Parkway bridges over Hollis Hills Terrace (see above), 73rd Avenue and Springfield Boulevard. (3 comments)

Oct 16 2009
Video “Cablevision Editorial Gives the “Black Beast” a Thumbs-Up”

Last month, Peter Kohler, VP of Editorial Services for Cablevision, gave a thumbs up to the "Black Beast".Cablevision has sent me this two-minute video of the editorial. The "Black Beast is the last thumbs-up. (0 comments)

Oct 16 2009
The Mayor and the “Beast”

Among the many people who gave a thumbs-up in the "Black Beast" at last Sunday's Autofest and Street Festival was Jean Celendar, Mayor of Great Neck Plaza. Mayor Celendar sent me the following email: (0 comments)

Oct 14 2009
Motor Parkway from Little Neck Parkway to Marcus Avenue Part II

Joe, thanks for the comment and excellent observation. LIMP expert Sam Berliner agrees with you and suggested the Motor Parkway bridge that I labeled Little Neck Parkway actually went over Hewlett Avenue. To determine the facts, I called in the LIMP CSI Team and requested a Concrete Scene Investigation. (9 comments)

Oct 12 2009
Film “The “Black Beast” at the 2009 Great Neck Plaza Autofest/Festival”

It was a wonderful day in Great Neck Plaza on a beautiful Sunday. Over 10,000 people enjoyed music, food, antiques, entertainment and vintage cars. This 3-minute film features the reactions to seeing, hearing and sitting in the "Black Beast". (6 comments)