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The six Vanderbilt Cup Races held on Long Island from 1904 to 1910 were the greatest sporting events of their day, and the first international automobile road races held in the United States. The races had a far-reaching impact on the development of American automobiles and parkways. This site provides comprehensive information on the races, the Long Island Motor Parkway and current Long Island automotive events, car shows and news.
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Recent Comments
Place is easy - Krug’s Corner in Mineola, standing in the middle of Willis Avenue looking due (LI) south across Jericho Turnpike, with 136 Jericho Turnpike just out of sight around to the left still standing and possibly either today’s Lutheran Church of Our Saviour at 132 Jefferson or Grace International Assembly of God church at 172 Willis in the far left distance or Corpus Christi at 155 Garfield in the far right. Krug’s and the building at the far left of the corner are long gone and the two frame stuctures to the right (west) of Whelan’s-cum-Wireless would have had to have been be drastically extended and modified from the tower building. The only other possibility I can see is the two frame buildings to the right (west) of Whelen’s but they would have had to have been incorporated into the tower-cum-Whelan’s building. Cong. Beth Sholom Chabad is where the frame structure south of the tower sits. Sure hope you didn’t mean 136! Can’t say it’s “surprising” but the open spaces in old Mineola are the most dramatic change to me (other than paving). Prexy - TR; see the teddy bear on the radiator cap in the third close-up. Purpose - showing off expensive toys, as usual back then. Cars - dunno. Sam, III
Jan 31 2012
Then & Now: Krug’s Corner in Mineola
From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course
It didn’t occur to me to comment but it seemed to me the the lone cycle up front was an unpowered bicycle. It still does but I can’t get a good view. Sam, III
From Motorcycles of the Vanderbilt Cup Races Updated: 4/28/2016
Didn’t remember beans about Charles Burman but racer Bob Burman (23 Apr 1884 Imlay City, Michigan - 08 Apr 1916 ), who you’ve featured, has been well-known to me all my adult life. Burman not being the most common name around, might they have been related? Sam, III
From In Search of Driver/Mechanician Charles Burman Updated: 10/30/2019
The photo is looking east on Jericho Tnpk. The cross street is Willis Ave. Krugs was on the northwest corner of the intersection. It was the headquarters for automobilists at the time. They may have been touring the hotels on the race course. The Teddy bear on the car is for Theodore Roosevelt, President in 1908. I think there is an REO Speedwagon in the photo. Perhaps surprising are the phone wires, and the fact that there are no lanes for traffic. Lastly, the building still standing is the brick one on the northeast corner of Jericho and Willis, facing Jericho.
From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course
What is the exact location and orientation of the photo?
This is the intersection of Jericho Turnpike and Willis Ave looking East down Jericho Turnpike in 1908.
Which building in this photo is still standing?
The long-gone Krugs is on the left edge of the photo, but, the ‘A’ frame building standing in the center/left of the photo (Northeast corner of Jericho and Willis) is still there. On Google Earth, 136 Jericho Turnpike houses Atlantic Travel with a new brick facade.
What is the most surprising aspect of this photo in comparison with its current view?
Traffic! At what is now one of the busiest intersections of Long Island, cars can stop, leisurely gather, take photos and talk!
What is your best guess for the purpose of this cruise? Provide a rationale.
Due to it being a Presidential reelection year (1908), the cars adorned with American flags and the Teddy Bear, maybe this was a political rally and/or vehicle tour for Teddy Roosevelt.
Where is a symbol of the 1908 President of the United States?
A Theodore Roosevelt ‘Teddy Bear’ is on the hood of the left vehicle of the two vehicles directly in the center of the photo.
Identify the automobiles in the photos
I’ll go for the easy one and say the second one in from the right can clearly be ID’d as an REO (Model C) on the radiator. I’ll continue looking for a further possible guess on some of the others.
From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course
Wow, This is the first time I have heard of Charles Burman. I would like to thank Charles M. Illgen and Howard Kroplick for bringing this American Automotive Pioneer to light. Thanks to all for keeping American Automotive History Alive! Barney Oldfield, Master Driver of the World & America’s Legendary Speed King Great Great Nephew
From In Search of Driver/Mechanician Charles Burman Updated: 10/30/2019
Location: Jericho Tpke at Willis Ave Mineola looking east.
The building is the left center looks like the Present day Atlantic Travel Agency.
The surprising element is that cars could actually park in the middle of the Jericho Tpke.
The purpose of the cruise might be a rally for the presidential campaign.
The car in the center has a teddy bear fastened over the radiator (Teddy Roosevelt’s symbol).
From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course
Great photos, don’t have a clue where they taken.
From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course
Location: Jericho Tpke. looking East at Willis Ave. Trolley wire over Willis Ave. can be seen. Krug’s Hotel on N/W corner. The dark colored house on north side of Jericho is still standing, has different facade. The current Mineola Diner now occupies the property to the west of that structure. The Teddy Bear on car with the right hand drive and female passenger would be a symbol for President Teddy Roosevelt. As for the reason for the outing, possibly a group of prospective real estate investors or folks looking for a new home in suburbia. Newly planted trees on south side of Jericho, east of Willis, may indicate recent land development. The ladies being along for the ride might, also, be indicative of such a venture. I can only ID on car for sure, a REO, possibly a 1905. Great Mystery Photo…Thanks!
From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course
Let’s see how I do this week. The location,Krugs Corner,a dead give away,the sign,Frank P Krugs. The building still standing,Atlantic Travel. The symbol for the President is the,Bull Dog. I think that’s better than what I’ve been doing,what do you think?
From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course
The photo’s location is the intersection of Jericho Turnpike and Willis Avenue, Mineola. You are looking east down the Jericho Tpke. The building on the left (NW corner of Jericho & Willis) is Frank P. Krug’s East Williston Hotel. Advertising on the signs on the building are for “Lion Brewery” and “Pilsener Beer”.
The building 2nd from the left still stands on Jericho Turnpike today.
The most surprising aspect of this photo is the lack of development in the area.
Since you state the photo is a Summer 1908 touring cruise, from a LIMP album, my guess is that the date is June 6, 1908, and they are on their way to the ceremony on the Barnes Tract, Jerusalem Road, Central Park [Bethpage] where the first spadesful of earth will be turned starting the construction of the LIMP.
On the hood of the car in the middle of the photo sits a Teddy Bear – named for Oyster Bay resident & U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt.
The 2nd automobile from the right is a Reo.
Also located in the photo is one of the poles used by the New York and North Shore Traction Company for their trolley line (which had opened on November 16, 1907). It is located with a cross arm hanging over Willis Ave. (in between 2 of the windows along side of the brick building still standing today).
From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course
Fantastic picture of Krugs Korner looking east down Jericho Tpk from Willis Ave, dont know what the purpose of the cruise was, probably people getting ready to travel to the new grandstand in Levittown. The house still standing is the one next to Mr. Cheapos record store on the north side and the Mineola Diner would have been right in front of that, KFC across the street caddy corner to Krugs was that big hotel. Sorry i have no clue about the Presidential reference or the makes of the cars but i go to this intersection quite often, watching people going by with no clue of how that corner was so important years ago. I would love some then and now pictures with tuesday’s answer.
From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course
So we’re not able to answer all of your questions but here’s our answers for most of them.
What is the exact location and orientation of the photo?
Looking East on Jericho Turnpike in Mineola just West of the intersection of Willis Ave.
Which building in this photo is still standing?
The building just to the left of center in the photo. It stands close to the Northwest corner of Willis Ave and Jericho Turnpike in Mineola. Most recently it was occupied by Atlantic Travel Agency.
What is the most surprising aspect of this photo in comparison with its current view?
Where is a symbol of the 1908 President of the United States?
The Teddy Bear on the hood of the vehicle just to the left of the center of the photo. In honor of Teddy Roosevelt
From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course
Looking East, Krug’s Corner, Willis Avenue crossing Jericho Tpke. 136 Jericho Tkpe still standing, and looks very much the same as it did, for the most part.
Not really surprised. The background is so empty. Jericho tkp is rural and residential.
From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course
Love the Teddy Bear….. On the radiator cap!
T R’s is still there!
From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course
Love the Teddy Bear….. On the radiator cap!
From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course
Is the Tim Ivers who has replied to a number of your Mystery Photos the same Tim Ivers who grew up in Uniondale on Park Place???
From Mystery Foto #16 Solved: Two Winning Racers at the Plainview Road Curve in Bethpage
Nice find on the pics and info guys. These may be the first attempts towards motorized cycling. That 1908 model is crude and really resembles a modified bicycle. It seems the moped of the 70s, 70 years later, borrowed the same idea integrating pedalpower with horsepower.
From Motorcycles of the Vanderbilt Cup Races Updated: 4/28/2016
We drove to Montreal a few months ago for a family event and stopped at SAM on the way home; what a great choice! Really nice museum with a great collection. I happen to work for Sears, and was surprised to find an early Sears car there in the collection. And I was very surprised to see exhibits about Long Island there.
From Amazing Photos of the Alco Black Beast During the 1909 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Always has a great show, but with you their it made it even better, as always. at any show you go to, your cars are all unique, nothing else can be said about them.
From The 1963 Mustang III Concept Show Car a Showstopper at the 11th Annual St. Patrick's Car Show
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