Vanderbilt Cup Races

Without searching, and if memory hasn’t burned out like the Christmas tree lights this year, it’s the Great Neck lodge just east of Lakeville Rd in Lake Success. We’re looking NE, during Ron’s infamous Motor Parkway tour in 1984. This photo shows the lodge in it’s near original configuration. Today, it’s barely recognizable with extensive renovations. Guessing it was constructed in 1909 during second phase of LIMP construction, where it also served as the western terminus near Willie K’s Deepdale estate. The Motor Parkway is just on the other side of that fence between the lodge and fence. It’s still there today and remains one of the most preserved stretches of the roadway. It was great seeing the video of the Black Beast roaring through there recently, just like the ol’ days.

Happy Holidays to all and hoping for a blizzard very soon.

From Mystery Foto #51 Solved: The Former Great Neck Lodge in Lake Success in 1981

I think we’re looking northeast on the LIMP slightly east of Lakeville Road. The building was constructed in 1909 as the Great Neck toll lodge. Photo was probably taken in 1981 during Ron’s “walking tour” of the LIMP. Not sure, but I think the berm was created when the roadway was re-graded lower to allow access directly from Lakeville Road to the athletic fields of Great Neck High School.

From Mystery Foto #51 Solved: The Former Great Neck Lodge in Lake Success in 1981

This is the lodge and toll gate for the Lakeville Rd., looking northeast.  Next to this photo is a well kept 1/3 mile section of OMP thru the old Phipps Estate, now Great Neck MIddle School complex.

From Mystery Foto #51 Solved: The Former Great Neck Lodge in Lake Success in 1981

My old friend and former co-worker posted a good one.  Looks like the Great Neck Lodge
off Lakeville Road, built about 1908 with this photo from the 1980s, looking northeast.
It was at one time the LIMP western terminus.
Merry Christmas to Howard and everyone on this website.

From Mystery Foto #51 Solved: The Former Great Neck Lodge in Lake Success in 1981

The photographer is on the re-graded LIMP looking northeast at the Great Neck Lodge in Lake Success (built 1909?).  Don’t know when they started building the new super house onto it, but the low (4 ft) chain link fence was put in front of the house by the school in either 1957 or 8 so this could easily be any time in the 1960s, 70s or even early 80s depending on when that red/orange roof went on.

Since you ask, I’m assuming there’s a definitive answer to the berm, that I’m curious to find out, but in the meantime…guesses on the berm: 
a) The berm might have been at the original grade to the Lakeville Road bridge?? 
b) It coulda just been earth bulldozed up when re-grading down to meet level with Lakeville Rd.?? 
c) If it was purposely added, it might be because eastbound on LIMP over the diagonally crossing bridge with a continuing eastward curve east of Lakeville Rd, the cars (at 1 time with NO speed limit) would have been pointing right at the lodge…a protective measure?? 
d) North of the lodge is very steeply uphill. It may be to channel water runoff east-west instead of flooding over LIMP??
...And just for laughs…my most outrageous theory…they buried the bridge there (break out the metal detectors!)
—Merry Christmas & the very best new year to all—

From Mystery Foto #51 Solved: The Former Great Neck Lodge in Lake Success in 1981

The photographer is taking the photo from the middle of the LIMP facing northeast towards the old Great Neck Lodge.  The photographer is just west of the lodge on the LIMP.
The building was constructed for taking tolls and for the lodge keeper to live in when the parkway opened.
The photo was taken sometime in the 1980’s
The berm in front of the lodge was created when the Lakeville Rd bridge and overpass was removed.  The new section of roadway was graded to match the new road grade at Lakeville Rd.

From Mystery Foto #51 Solved: The Former Great Neck Lodge in Lake Success in 1981

Great Neck lodge.  One of the original 6 designed by John R Pope.  Just east of where the LIMP crossed over Lakeville Rd.  Berm is the entrance portico.  Picture is probably from 1981, since that is when Ron took many of his pictures.  The old lodge is not been assimilated into a much larger home.

From Mystery Foto #51 Solved: The Former Great Neck Lodge in Lake Success in 1981

Forgot to answer the lodge was built in 1909

From Mystery Foto #51 Solved: The Former Great Neck Lodge in Lake Success in 1981

Originally the Great Neck toll lodge looking East along the LIMP/ now Great Neck South HS jogging path.

Taken by Ron Ridolf in the 70’s before the 80’s and later expansions. I’ll guess the berm was from removal of the bridge embankment and provide privacy to the home.

From Mystery Foto #51 Solved: The Former Great Neck Lodge in Lake Success in 1981

Fantastic detective work.

From VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: The Lost East Wing of the Long Island Aviation Country Club

East and West wings makes up for most of this home, very cool. 2 Ranch Style Homes connected together. Wonder if the current owners realize the back story of the home?
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Howard Kroplick

Great minds think alike!

From VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: The Lost East Wing of the Long Island Aviation Country Club

Nice work Howard & Al. Any idea if the current owner knows the history of the structure?
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Howard Kroplick

I am going to send the owner documentation and images of the Long Island Aviation Country Club.

From VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: The Lost East Wing of the Long Island Aviation Country Club

Howard, how long did the Chrysler take for the award wining restoration.
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Howard Kroplick

The restoration began in February 2013 and was completed in August 2014 (18 months).

From Video of the Week: Tucker Torpedo by Ida Automotive

Love watching the process… so exciting!!

From Tucker 1044 Conservation Report I: The Original Andante Green Uncovered

Was it metallic paint? It’s hard to tell from the lighting.
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Howard Kroplick

Not sure. I will check with Rob Ida.

From Tucker 1044 Conservation Report I: The Original Andante Green Uncovered

http://www.oldlongisland.com is a great site, but he hasn’t made a post since July and there is no back and forth discussions on anything really on the site. We have more back and forth on this post then they have all year! Monica’s book is great but the site isn’t really on the same level. We can have posts, discuss it, explore it, trespass, and have Sam III come bail us out of prison! This is a great group that would produce alot of discussion and education.

From Update: Mystery Foto #47 Solved: Long Island Estate of Virginia "Birdie" Graham Fair Vanderbilt

I don’t think i would have had the courage to push that 70 year old engine even on a Dyno.  Will definitely try to make the presentation at Ida’s facility.

From Road and Track & Jalopnik: Watch a Barn-Find Tucker Lay Numbers on a Dyno

Well done Howard !!

From 1937 Chrysler's Chrysler Honored with National Awards By The Antique Automobile Club of America

I would have to say that the driver looks like Harry Grant.

From Mystery Foto #50 Solved: Harry Grant at the 1914 Indy 500 Race

Thanks, Howard.  Horrors!  Those are the bastards that destroy perfectly good old cars!  Hate ‘em.  Sam (the purist), III

From 1937 Chrysler's Chrysler Honored with National Awards By The Antique Automobile Club of America