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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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Co-Founder and Writer: Howard Kroplick
Co-Founder: Dana Kroplick
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Recent Comments
It is the 1907 Thomas Flyer. It won the New York to Paris race. The driver was George Schuster. The car was for some years in Austin Clark’s collection in Southampton.
From Mystery Friday Foto #52: Solved; The 1907 Thomas Flyer in the Snow
As pointed out, collector/historians like Howard with the money and desire to share are a rare treasure. Visited Howard’s emporium in Roslyn. Same applies to Rob Ida and his crew. I would trust them with any project they were willing to take on. Visited their shop in Morganville.
From InstaGRAM Report: Rob Ida Shares the Tucker 1044 Restoration Backstory
George Schuster
From Mystery Friday Foto #52: Solved; The 1907 Thomas Flyer in the Snow
1908 New York to Paris Winner
From Mystery Friday Foto #52: Solved; The 1907 Thomas Flyer in the Snow
1907 Thomas Flyer
From Mystery Friday Foto #52: Solved; The 1907 Thomas Flyer in the Snow
James, Eddie Murray - the newspaper aerial indicate body location “X” just north of today’s 67Av and just feet east off the Motor Pkwy, in the wooded area beyond the parkway posts (red circle below). This area is the beginning of the ascent towards the 73Av (Black Stump Rd) bridge located just to the south. The North Hemp Tpke bridge doesn’t exist anymore
A safe and healthy 2024 to all!
From Murder on the Motor Parkway!
Though with out hard evidence, the Sawmill may have been linked to the Wheeler Brothers that owned land near the parkway.
It’ll be 2024 tomorrow, Happy New Year All!
From Murder on the Motor Parkway!
I have to correct myself, “north Hempstead tpk “ is 73ave as you can see the motor parkway bridge crossing over, the body would’ve been found south of 73ave & east of the motor parkway most likely where present day Francis Lewis Blvd is.
From Murder on the Motor Parkway!
I love reading true crime! I figure this happened in the area of St Francis prep/or across Francis Lewis Blvd and a little south of the school, in the park area.
From Murder on the Motor Parkway!
One of my K-12 classmates had an uncle who nearly became a Tucker dealer in Hillsdale, Michigan. His family remembers having the use of a Tucker for a few days. No one seems to remember the color to better figure out which one it was.
From InstaGRAM Report: Rob Ida Shares the Tucker 1044 Restoration Backstory
We enjoy the wardrobe and the correct use of the horse drawn carriages. Many period productions do not go to the extent of researching that aspect. Many of our friends can be seen riding or driving and we would be there with them if we could. The proper settings, superb acting and attention to detail is what attracts us to the show and we look forward to more seasons.
From Collider.com: The Real-Life Socialite Who Inspired 'The Gilded Age's Bertha Russell
Mystery Foto #52: The photo is of the Thomas Flyer during the 1908 New York to Paris race. Montague Roberts was the driver in this photo probably taken during a blizzard that the race went through from western New York to Chicago. Roberts who finished 5th in the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup race left this race in Wyoming with his place being taken by George Schuster who went on to win in Paris. Here is another photo taken at the same time as the Mystery Foto along with a booklet that the Thomas Co. put out and books by three of the race drivers, Schuster, Scarfoglio and Koeppen..
From Mystery Friday Foto #52: Solved; The 1907 Thomas Flyer in the Snow
History of the Thomas Race . . .
From Mystery Friday Foto #52: Solved; The 1907 Thomas Flyer in the Snow
Thomas Flyer
1908 New York - Paris Race: after numerous mishaps, adventures and extensions the car won the race, arriving in Paris July 30, 1908.
While Montague Roberts started the race, much of it was raced by George Schuster.
Roberts drove in the 1905 and 1906 American Eliminated Races, but never in the actual Vanderbilt Cup Race. The car was eventually auctioned off in 1913.
Documents from the Detroit Public Library Digital Collection and vanderbiltcupraces.com
From Mystery Friday Foto #52: Solved; The 1907 Thomas Flyer in the Snow
Some more research should be done on Mary Williams the first female lodgekeeper. I had heard she ran an after hours speakeasy and “club” after the Volstead act was passed. Neighboring farmers were supposedly complaining to the local police about the late-nite ruckus and noise coming from the property. Eventually they stopped complaining when she invited them into the “parties”. It can’t be verified bu5 makes for a good backstory.
From Mystery Friday Foto #51; Snow on the Meadow Brook Motor Parkway Lodge
Montaque Robert’s driving the Thomas Flyer
in the 1906 race around the world which as
America’s entrant won the race.
From Mystery Friday Foto #52: Solved; The 1907 Thomas Flyer in the Snow
Maybe you guys could solve this as a cold case and win a Pulitzer.
From Murder on the Motor Parkway!
The Thomas Flyer in an early part of the race as it still has the original front axle which was change to the flat axle early on in the race to Paris.
From Mystery Friday Foto #52: Solved; The 1907 Thomas Flyer in the Snow
The 1907 Thomas Speedway Flyer, preparing for the 1908 New York to Paris race. This photo was most likely taken in Buffalo as the car was being set up. The front fenders are still in place, and other views taken at the same time show the fenders with factory-shiny paint, and the factory chain boxes still in place. It also shows no mountings for the canvas top frame that was on the car in Times Square, but soon discarded.
George Schuster drove for most of the race, because starting driver Montague Roberts had to leave the car at Cheyenne to return and drive in the Briarcliff race. Roberts is in the driver’s seat, as Schuster at this moment was finishing up the Buffalo-to-Boston exploratory run in a new Thomas Model F.
Thomas entered a 6-cylinder car in the 1905 Vanderbilt, and did well in the elimination trial until there was trouble with the battery box - the mechanician ended up holding the battery and getting acid burns. It placed 5th among the 5 finishers. However, organizers selected another marque, that had not run the trial, because they thought it would be “more reliable.”
Thomas developed a completely different car for the 1906 race, unlike any other Thomas before or after. Three were built, and Hubert LeBlon drove one to 8th place
For the 1907 race (which did not run), they remodeled the three, eliminating the wraparound gas tank, shortening the frame, and making other mechanical changes. George Salzman drove one to 5th place in the 1908 race. A 60hp Thomas also ran, finishing 8th.
From Mystery Friday Foto #52: Solved; The 1907 Thomas Flyer in the Snow
My wife Kristen and I had the privilege of accompanying Gram on this interview outing to Rob’s restoration facility. It is an amazing place. Ida is an amazing person. It is an honor knowing him and his ongoing generosity and friendship with our Son is treasured.
Great job here Gram. We are so proud of you.
From InstaGRAM Report: Rob Ida Shares the Tucker 1044 Restoration Backstory
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