Vanderbilt Cup Races -

William K. Vanderbilt, Jr.

Sep 30 2009
Film: “Willie K’s Eagle Nest Mansion"and a Request for Feedback

As part of the LI News Tonight series on Long Island Gold Coast mansions, Chris Collora produced this 3-minute tour of Wiliam K. Vanderbilt, Jr's Eagle Nest mansion located in Centerport. Stephanie Gress, Director of Curatorial Affairs at the museum, provides a wonderful comentary on the manison. Watch for Willie K. and his wife Rosamund also make an appearance on their yacht "Alva".

Jun 26 2009
18-Year Old Willie K.

William K. Vanderbilt Jr. was educated by private tutors and then attended St. Mark's Preparatory School in Southborough, Massachusetts, from 1894 to 1896.

May 27 2009
The Vanderbilts on their 1907 Palm Beach Vacation

In the winter of 1907, 29-year old William K. Vanderbilt, Jr. and his 32-year old wife Virginia "Birdie" went on vacation at the most luxurious hotel in Florida, The Breakers in Palm Beach.

May 19 2009
Willie K Helping to Start the 1908 Renault Racer

In addition to donating the trophy for the Vanderbilt Cup Races, William K, Vanderbilt, Jr. was a very active referee for all six races held on Long Island. As shown in this photo of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race, he was always willing to assist when needed.

May 19 2009
The 1907 Renault Vanderbilt Racers

The first Grand Prix was held on a 60-mile course near LeMans, France over a two-day period in June 1906. The winner was Ferenc Szisz in a new Renault Type AK powered by a large 13-liter, four-cylinder drive with a shaft drive. William K. Vanderbilt Jr. was so impressed with the performance of this racecar that he requested Renault to build smaller versions for him and his friends. A total of 10-15 Renault Vanderbilt Racers were produced with five known to exist today.

May 09 2009
Anderson Cooper’s Grandfather at the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race

CNN journalist Anderson Cooper's grandfather Reginald Vanderbilt was William K.Vanderbilt Jr's cousin. In this photo, Reggie Vanderbilt (second from the left) can be seen speaking to Willie K. at the start of the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race. The man with the binoculars is Jefferson De Mont Thompson, chairman of the Vanderbilt Cup Commission. Note the brassards (armbands) which allowed them on the course.

Apr 25 2009
Guy Frost’s Favorite Vanderbilt Cup Race Photo

Guy Frost, chairman of the Vanderbilt Centennial Celebrations, has selected this photo as his favorite Vanderbilt Cup Race image. Taken during the 1908 race, referee William K. Vanderbilt Jr. is seen discussing the action with retired driver Joe Tracy. Joe drove in three Vanderbilt Cup Races (1904, 1905 and 1906) and two American Elimination Races (1905 and 1906).

Apr 09 2009
Willie K. Sets Land One-Mile Speed Record in 1904

Before helping to organize the Vanderbilt Cup Races, William K. Vanderbilt, Jr. was a pioneer race car driver, competing in Europe and Newport, Rhode Island from 1901 to 1903.

Feb 22 2009
The Vanderbilt Cup Race Brassards

During every Vanderbilt Cup Race, all officials wore silk brassards (armbands) to allow them on the course. This latest acquistion to my Vanderbilia collection was a brassard worn by two officials.

Feb 18 2009
Newsday “Vanderbilt Museum gets a donation from a Vanderbilt”

Bill Bleyer of Newsday reported on Tuesday that Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney Conner of Mahattan, a cousin of Willie K., has contributed $10,000 to help the "financially troubled institution keep its doors open".