Vanderbilt Cup Races

In my previous comment, I referred to walking along the N/S of the lake ( which I’ve had ). I also walked along the W/S of the lake, just not up to this location. The W/S has the abrupt drops from land to shoreline. And it gets a bit hairy on the W/S.

From Femenias' Findings:Finding Petit Trianon, the Annex & the Petit Trianon's Lake Stairway Updated 3/12

I’m observing Ron’s 1st and 4th photo circa 1981. The crumbling steps in the 4th photo appear to be ending at the shoreline. They don’t look to be a continuation of the steps from the 1st photo. In the rear of the Petit Trianon, the land is sloped to the lake.

The 2 curved pathways meet into 1 short pathway. After this short pathway, the 9 steps are quite clear in the last comparison photo. And then a flat pathway continues on. Not too confuse anyone ( counting myself ), it seems like Ron’s 4th photo ( crumbling steps ) is/was a 2nd stairway that immediately led to the shoreline. It’s not too hard to imagine these crumbling steps to be of cinderblock construction filled in with cement/concrete mix, and then smoothed over with the mix. Maybe these steps are not original from the operational years? A straight path right to the lake continuing after the 9 steps could’ve been utilized as a boat launch? As Harold was saying, the path was removed by the area residents. And perhaps the steps in Ron’s 4th photo were installed afterwards to make it easier to access the shoreline. I’ve walked along the N/S of the lake, but not in this area. There’s quite a drop from the land to the shoreline I remember.

From Femenias' Findings:Finding Petit Trianon, the Annex & the Petit Trianon's Lake Stairway Updated 3/12

Dave,  The entrance to the Petit Trianon completely flat, no walls. However, there were entrances to the basement on both the north and south side of the Inn. Perhaps they were the side walls of one on the stair wells to the basement. Al Velocci.

From Sam & Dave's Excellent "Lost" Motor Parkway Adventure IV: The Eastern Terminus of the Motor Parkway

Hi Dave Russo, For more information regarding the Ronkonkoma Lodge, see my book. Al Velocci.

From Sam & Dave's Excellent "Lost" Motor Parkway Adventure IV: The Eastern Terminus of the Motor Parkway

That’s Pinelawn Cemetery at the bottom (starting at the upper right of the circle) and the land just above it became LI National Cemetery in 1936. So This has to be pre-1936.

The upper left is here Wellwood Ave and Little Neck Road meet just south of Melleville.

Not sure about the bridges.

From Mystery Foto #5 Solved: A Long Island Motor Parkway Aerial Near Pinelawn Cemetery Circa 1928-1930

Identify the location of this aerial
-Long Island Motor Parkway in Melville and Wyandanch.

Identify the Motor Parkway bridges
-not seen, but on the very left edge would be the Rutland Rd bridge, then the Wellwood Ave bridge, and finally, the Little East Neck Rd. Bridge.

What is the year of the aerial. Provide a rationale.
-1928. I have this aerial in my archives, but also found it used for the Little East Neck Rd post on this site.

What other significant landmark is in the aerial?
-Pinelawn Cemetery and the Long Island National Cemetery.

From Mystery Foto #5 Solved: A Long Island Motor Parkway Aerial Near Pinelawn Cemetery Circa 1928-1930

Pinelawn Cemetery, Colonial Springs Road Area.

From Mystery Foto #5 Solved: A Long Island Motor Parkway Aerial Near Pinelawn Cemetery Circa 1928-1930

Ron’s 5th picture down is the exact same spot as my picture - 35 years earlier.

From Femenias' Findings:Finding Petit Trianon, the Annex & the Petit Trianon's Lake Stairway Updated 3/12

Fantastic work Frank. I love the different levels of exploration from initial discovery, inquisitive thought/idea/picture to extensive research to ultimate conclusion. Awesome stuff.

Harold—-there absolutely were steps in back of the Petit. Frank just forwarded a very clear old picture of the back of the Petit clearly showing steps which to me look exactly like Ron’s first picture posted above. I’m hoping Howard will post this picture that was just sent by Frank.

After studying Franks overlay on the current Google map the location where he shows the walkway is EXACTLY where I took my picture of what remains, right behind the easternmost house that is just south of North Drive. Now you might be correct, it might not have been “steps” in this exact location of my picture (Ron’s picture of the steps was right next to the Petit, further away from the water) which is very close to the water but clearly there was a retaining wall here (and is still here) and perhaps this was just part of the cement sloped path leading to the water at this spot. Perhaps my picture of the concrete on the sand is part of this walkway?

And clearly there were concrete blocks used as they are still there! These are certainly remnants from the Petit.

Was there any historical discussion with the homeowner of the Ronkonkoma Lodge prior to the extensive renovation making the house completely unrecognizable to it’s historical past? Were there any findings/relics inside?

From Femenias' Findings:Finding Petit Trianon, the Annex & the Petit Trianon's Lake Stairway Updated 3/12

Many thanks to Frank and Ron!

From Femenias' Findings:Finding Petit Trianon, the Annex & the Petit Trianon's Lake Stairway Updated 3/12

Getting more interesting all the time. After reading Harold’s comment I was convinced and disappointed that no rear steps ever existed. Then I came across a 1911 photo and there they are! It appears the rear walkway was replaced at some point including the elimination of steps. But all debris would’ve been entirely removed from the site. So where do today’s steps come from?
The low wall out front on Lake Dr may not have belonged to the LIMP. Although it lines up perfectly towards the former main entrance, another 1911 photo reveals grass where the corner wall should’ve stood (28 feet before the “This Way” entry sign). The space in the photo is greater. Perhaps Motor Parkway installed the wall sometime after? Also revealed in the photo is an earlier diagonal road heading towards the main entrance that no longer exists. That’s about where the wall should be on the left. 
Hard to come to a conclusion as things may have changed over the years while still in operation.

From Femenias' Findings:Finding Petit Trianon, the Annex & the Petit Trianon's Lake Stairway Updated 3/12

I remember Pine beach, Joan’s beach and Duffield’s beach all around the buildings at the end of Motor Parkway but don’t recall any steps. The lake was a beautiful resort at that time.

From Femenias' Findings:Finding Petit Trianon, the Annex & the Petit Trianon's Lake Stairway Updated 3/12

I visited the Petit Trianon many times in the 1940s and 1950s…inside and out.  The stairs shown are not from this…and there were never any cement blocks used .  The concrete walkway went directly from the rear of the Inn ...right into the lake when the water level was high…..no steps ever..and the trees shown are not on the site of the inn, near the beach. 
  I am very involved in not only the history of Lake Ronkonkoma but am also very active in the Lake Ronkonkoma Improvement Group which has been revitalizing and cleaning the shores of the lake.  The homeowners that own the land where the Petit Trianon once stood have destroyed what was left of the original walkway..and dumped it into the lake.  We have removed some of it…still have more to do.  These people also claimed to own the beach..but we have proven them to be wrong and are proceeding with our clean up all around the lake.  To avoid any confusion..there are SOME properties that DO go into the lake…nine in total…and those people have been cooperating with us fully.  It was a very sad loss when that beautiful inn was burned…it could have been a wonderful treasure from the Golden era of Lake Ronkonkoma…Thank you, Howard…please don’t take this as criticism…I enjoy all the information you put out and know you try to be as accurate as possible ...and I again thank you for it…

From Femenias' Findings:Finding Petit Trianon, the Annex & the Petit Trianon's Lake Stairway Updated 3/12

Cool!  You’re going to need another garage soon!

From From Scottsdale to Roslyn: The Journey of Tucker 1044

Well,another car to your collection of the best you can get. Can’t pick which one is the best out of the 4,I would have to see the Tucker live,which I’m sorry to say probably won’t happen,unless for some reason I have to come to N.Y.or you come to Florida,somewhere nearby me to a show. I guess time will tell.Anyhow enjoy it.Hope you enjoyed the pics I sent.

From From Scottsdale to Roslyn: The Journey of Tucker 1044

My family and I visited the museum in 1953, as it was in process of closing to go to Florida—Model Trains, mostly standards, along with a Connecticut Company open car were part of the exhibits.  Memorable, especially to a 9 year old.

From The Melton Museum of Norwalk, Connecticut (1948-1953)

Glad the trip went well Howard! Following any work you want to do on it maybe you could take it to the Greenwich Concours. I can’t recall ever seeing a Tucker there. Something to think about. Enjoy the car!

From From Scottsdale to Roslyn: The Journey of Tucker 1044

You are the fortunate caretaker to another amazing piece of history!  It is an absolute beauty.  Enjoy!

From From Scottsdale to Roslyn: The Journey of Tucker 1044

I gather that this rare auto will take its place among the Black Beast, the first Mustang and Chrysler’s Chrysler which if accurate is most fortunate for Long Island. You are a collector of very high quality cars but the way you take the time to share them with the public so selflessly is to be commended.  BIGLY.

From Images of the Tucker 1044

That is one clean engine! Good luck with her. That must’ve been a nerve racking few days while en route home.

From From Scottsdale to Roslyn: The Journey of Tucker 1044