Vanderbilt Cup Races

I wrote “because it’s the only such view” but completely forgot to mention my all-too-oft-noted missing pix of the same area taken several years later when the HHB verges were just being paved and planted.  I didn’t take those pix (too young) and so SOMEONE other than I must also have them.  If I ever find those fool photos, I will be even-more-insufferable on this subject!  Sam (the Hyphen-King), III

From Updated: Mystery Foto #40 Solved: A Historic 1938 Ground-Level View of the Western Terminus in Fresh Meadows

The Greco family told me on Monday that they really appreciate all your tributes to Sam. He will be missed.

From Sad News: We Lost a Good Friend and Master Mechanic

This an amazing historical Queens photo

From Updated: Mystery Foto #40 Solved: A Historic 1938 Ground-Level View of the Western Terminus in Fresh Meadows

Missed this week’s mystery photo, but an amazing and actual view of the Motor Parkway entrance, as it appeared to motorist heading east on Nassau Blvd (LIE & Peck Av today). This semi-secluded entrance lacked a bigger sign for motorist to engage, and also needing a reduced fare to accommodate all motorists. Thanks Howard for discovering and sharing this gem to all.

From Updated: Mystery Foto #40 Solved: A Historic 1938 Ground-Level View of the Western Terminus in Fresh Meadows

This is the entrance to the Motor Parkway from Horace Harding Boulevard,looking eastward.It appears to be not long after the parkway’s closing judging from lack of activity or upkeep.The billboards advertised the parkway itself and a pending real estate development locally. Today’s view would feature the LIE in place of The Horace Harding/Nassau Boulevard and St.Francis Prep High School on the near right side. The intersection in the distance is probably Hollis Court Boulevard;it does not appear that Francis Lewis Boulevard has been constructed yet. Time period:1939 approximately

From Updated: Mystery Foto #40 Solved: A Historic 1938 Ground-Level View of the Western Terminus in Fresh Meadows

Howard, So sorry to hear the news about Sam’s passing.  Our sincere condolences.
Judy & Rich

From Sad News: We Lost a Good Friend and Master Mechanic

Having lost a close friend myself at Sam’s age I understand the sadness and shock of his passing. May he rest in peace and may you Howard and his family cherish his memory.

From Sad News: We Lost a Good Friend and Master Mechanic

So sorry to hear. Some great memories there.

From Sad News: We Lost a Good Friend and Master Mechanic

Nick Greco, I went to GC schools with your Dad. I am so terribly sorry for your sudden loss. It is very hard to lose a loved one, but a parent is the worst. All of our hearts from the GC Class of 1983 go out to you and your family. In the pictures, he looks like he Truly Lived his Dream! Not too many folks can say that. He was blessed.

From Sad News: We Lost a Good Friend and Master Mechanic

I’m so sorry to hear this. Rest In Peace Sam.

From Sad News: We Lost a Good Friend and Master Mechanic

Terrible news. Condolences to the Greco family, and to many associated with Sam. A rare powerhouse loss today

From Sad News: We Lost a Good Friend and Master Mechanic

This would appear to be looking to the east at the western entrance to the LIMP along Horace Harding Boulevard. The first bill board with the lattice bottom is announcing the parkway “50 miles.”

Billboard lattice has been documented in these pages here: https://www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/images/blog/107aR.jpg

From Updated: Mystery Foto #40 Solved: A Historic 1938 Ground-Level View of the Western Terminus in Fresh Meadows

The photographer is looking east on Horace Harding Blvd. (Nassau Blvd.) in the Fresh
Meadows area. The photo is historic because this is the site of the entrance and western terminus of the LIMP. The large billboard, although in neglected condition, appears to be advertising the LIMP. I can only determine a few words like “50 miles of paved__?___” and “__?___ miles per hour” and “admission 40 cents”. The other sign is advertising “Sterlingshire” by United Associates which might be a housing development or apartment complex. Based on the vehicles and the condition of the LIMP sign and what looks like preparations for the widening of Horace Harding Blvd., I’ll guess the date to be around 1940-1941.

From Updated: Mystery Foto #40 Solved: A Historic 1938 Ground-Level View of the Western Terminus in Fresh Meadows

Condolences!  Memories live on forever!

From Sad News: We Lost a Good Friend and Master Mechanic

For some reason I didn’t see the last “issue,” asking readers to identify the L. Aviation Country Club.  I know the exact spot where that photog stood when he took that photo of the swimming pool.
  Amelia and ruckenbacher definitely went there. She was I believe a charter member. There are pics and film of her arriving and departing by plane and sitting poolside having tea(!) with 3 people, 2 of whom are identified but I forget their names. One was another aviatrix . Rickenbacker did tricks at the club’s air shows.
  I think it can now be told publicly here that the Town of Hempstead Landmarks Preservation. Commission overwhelmingly agreed after hearing my presentation to erect a historical roadside marker on the site of the club’s clubhouse. They even approved my suggested wordage. I also showed them the two most appropriate and practical spots for the sign. Frank Femalina (sp?) confirmed and enhanced my visual that showed the commissioners exactly where on today’s aerial photos exactly where the club stood. ( I was only off by about 75-100 feet!) I’m sure you’ve all seen his great work on this.That was just around 3 years ago! A year ago they told me they decided to redo all of their existing signs to make them bigger, with larger letters, to make them readable from cars. That would cost a lot of money. It discouraged me. They have not been in touch with me since then, despite my calls and messages.  A couple of weeks ago they erected a larger than usual sign but with the same tiny print, marking some historic site; I forget what it is. Laura Curran spoke at the sign’s unveiling. I have given up trying to reach   them and have lost all hopes after 3 years that the marker will ever be erected. Oh, well, I did all I could. I move on.

From Mystery Foto #39 Solved: The Long Island Aviation Country Club (Circa 1940-1945)

HOWARD, JUST RECEIVED YOUR NOTIFICATION,  SAM IS REAL CAR COLLECTOR AND I FOR ONE WILL MISS HIM AS WILL MANY OTHER FRIENDS FROM THE GREATER NEW YORK REGION AACA WILL.  REST IN PEACE SAM.  ARTIE.

From Sad News: We Lost a Good Friend and Master Mechanic

That short time period is so rich with stories and achievements! Very fascinating to learn about.

From Newsday: Soaring Success In 1939, Port Washington's Place in Aviation History Took Off

I am very saddened over this news I’m at least 20 years his senior but yet when I was around him and he worked on my 30 Ford roadster I was the son and he was the father that’s how I felt when I was around him he was a great guy on top of being a great mechanic he’ll be sorely missed by me ,my love goes to his family it is hard to lose I loved one

From Sad News: We Lost a Good Friend and Master Mechanic

Howard so sorry for your loss and our condolences to his family Jerry and Rita

From Sad News: We Lost a Good Friend and Master Mechanic

Howard, Sad to hear about the passing of Sam Greco. I turned to him on several occasions when I was restoring my Fulton truck, extremely knowledgeable, always helpful. The hobby will miss him.

From Sad News: We Lost a Good Friend and Master Mechanic