About
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.
All Content © 2026 VanderbiltCupRaces.com
Co-Founder and Writer: Howard Kroplick
Co-Founder: Dana Kroplick
Website by Eric Miller Design
Site maintained by Hop Studios
Recent Comments
John P:
Congrats on your impressive run as town historian. Better balance is a worthy goal, especially at our age.
I hope there aren’t any health issues lurking behind your decision…
JRP
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John, knock on wood, I am in excellent health! This May while celebrating my 70th birthday, a woman in her 30s tried to guess my age. I told her to give an honest guess and not to be concerned about hurting my feelings. She responded” You are 43 years old!” I told her “You are a little off, since I have been married for 47 years!!”
From Howard Kroplick Leaves His Town Historian Position After 7 & 1/2 Years
Walt Gosden:
Hi Howard
I just read your post about stepping down as Town of North Hempstead Historian. I can well understand your decision with all you are involved with the LIMP association and the Roslyn Landmarks Society as President. You mentioned when we were at lunch you were trying to step back and have a more balanced life. Bravo for you, and sincere thanks for all you have done and inspired others to do for preservation.
Walt
From Howard Kroplick Leaves His Town Historian Position After 7 & 1/2 Years
Bill Murray:
Howard, after reading your latest newsletter, I hope all is well with your/family’s health. The LI Community needs you! If there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know. Bill Murray (Long Island Motor Touring Club (LIMTC)
PS throughout the preceding years I have enjoyed parking my 1929 REO next to your Work Of Art at various shows - whether it be your Vanderbilt racer, mustang prototype, Chrysler, ...(OK Tucker too) what I enjoyed most was listening to you describe the vehicle of interest, your talks at the Bethpage library, etc. (someday I hope to visit your garage…as well)
Yes, you have also trained your staff (wow and to think one of them has recently retired) to fill in when you could not make the show…
I & others truly appreciate all you have done for the local community…again, hope all is well with you & yours, Bill
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Howard Kroplick
Bill, thanks for the kind words and offer.
Not to worry, I am in excellent health as I celebrated my 70th birthday in May… Just need more family and “me” time.
From Howard Kroplick Leaves His Town Historian Position After 7 & 1/2 Years
Natalie Naylor:
Howard,
I’m sorry that you’ve resigned as Historian of North Hempstead Town. You’ve been an excellent town historian and leader in the Long Island history community as well. I hope you’ll continue to lend your talents to the Roslyn Landmark Society (I have no doubts that you’ll continue with the Vanderbilt Cup Races).
Natalie
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Howard Kroplick
Natalie, yes, I am still president of the Roslyn Landmark Society and still posting away on this website.
From Howard Kroplick Leaves His Town Historian Position After 7 & 1/2 Years
We’ll miss you in that capacity, Howard.
JF Purcell
Nassau County Photo Archives
From Howard Kroplick Leaves His Town Historian Position After 7 & 1/2 Years
Still President of L.I. Motor Parkway Preservation Society, I hope??
More quality time with your sweetie Roz hopefully??
The historical marker in your office?, not in your ‘Trophy Room’ with your many other
awards?? BE WELL HOWARD!!
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Howard Kroplick
Yes, still president of the Long Island Motor Parkway Preservation Society.
From Howard Kroplick Leaves His Town Historian Position After 7 & 1/2 Years
My wife ( maiden - Paula Ventimiglia ) remembers Wayne Wink from Uniondale High School Class of 1984.
From Howard Kroplick Leaves His Town Historian Position After 7 & 1/2 Years
LIMP crossing Stewart Ave, just a bit east of the turn north into Dead Man’s Curve.
From Updated: Mystery Foto #28 Solved: Bethpage's Important Section of the Motor Parkway & Zorn's
Awesome James, stay tuned for the next post. Your input will be helpful!
From Sam & Dave’s “Excellent 2019 Vanderbilt Day”- #10 Bethpage #1
Good luck to the Town of North Hempstead. It’s not going to be easy to replace Howard with his amazing knowledge and passion for LI history.
You do great work Howard. Thank you.
From Howard Kroplick Leaves His Town Historian Position After 7 & 1/2 Years
one more set. If you are ever out that way take a look of what it might have been like to visit. Unfortunately I never had the opportunity!
From Sad News: The buildings of the Long Island Automotive Museum are gone
more . . . just noticed that a couple more letters on the sign are missing!
From Sad News: The buildings of the Long Island Automotive Museum are gone
more . . .
From Sad News: The buildings of the Long Island Automotive Museum are gone
Was in Southampton on July 13 and took a trip to the museum grounds. Not much different from Howard’s visit in March but sure are lots of trucks. And fire truck is still there. And there’s a snowman across the street watching out for trespassers. I must have hidden myself well.
From Sad News: The buildings of the Long Island Automotive Museum are gone
Congratulations Howard… Job will done… awesome sign… It was fun!!
Sincerely
John
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Howard Kroplick
John, you are always my right-hand guy! Thanks!
From Howard Kroplick Leaves His Town Historian Position After 7 & 1/2 Years
The dedication, enthusiasm and skill that Howard has devoted to the Town Historian position is immense. Our town owes him an enormous debt of gratitude. And besides that he is just such a nice guy.
Thank you Howard!
From Howard Kroplick Leaves His Town Historian Position After 7 & 1/2 Years
Good job Howard!
From Howard Kroplick Leaves His Town Historian Position After 7 & 1/2 Years
i can only guess the houses built in a place called Levittown, NY. the rest i can not figure out.
From Updated: Mystery Foto #28 Solved: Bethpage's Important Section of the Motor Parkway & Zorn's
-What is the location of this Mystery Foto?
Looking SW over Bethpage just slightly West of Dead Man’s curve
-Identify the location of the Motor Parkway and the major roads in the aerial
LIMP located diagonally across the lower left hand corner of the photo. Stewart Ave (Lower) and Broadway (Upper) intersecting the LIMP
-What important event occurred in this section of the Motor Parkway?
Groundbreaking for the start of the LIMP construction
-What commercial entity is located in the upper section of the aerial?
St. Joseph Hospital and maybe just a tiny glimpse of Zorns!
-Date the Mystery Foto. Provide a rationale.
1951 based upon construction dates of various homes.
From Updated: Mystery Foto #28 Solved: Bethpage's Important Section of the Motor Parkway & Zorn's
You are an inspiration to many for your respect for the history that surrounds you - the Long Island Motor Parkway, the autos that ran the race, your enthusiasm and to share your love for vintage automobiles, to the documentation of the Town of North Hempstead history. Job well done and to be proud of.
From Howard Kroplick Leaves His Town Historian Position After 7 & 1/2 Years
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