Vanderbilt Cup Races

I want to thank those people who mentioned my great-grandfather, JJ Lannin, in their comments.

JJ was the proprietor of the Garden City Hotel, Salisbury Links and Clubhouse,he also owned large tracts of land in Long Island, owner of The Granada Hotel in Brooklyn, and he also owner of Roosevelt Field (airport); among many other resorts and properties throughout the NorthEast.

JJ was also owner of the Boston Red Sox and he’s credited with signing “the Babe” to play first for his Providence Gray team and then the Red Sox. He also owned the Buffalo Bisons.

Please note that my website LanninWalk.com is undergoing a major facelift currently in preparation for The Lannin Walk 2 “Bringing Hannah Home”. So, please follow my adventure on Twitter @LanninWalk and @JJLanninGhost.

Deepest regards,
Christopher Lannin Tunstall

From Mystery Foto #11 Revealed & Updated: Barbot's Flying Flivver Over Merrick Avenue in 1923

What is the exact location and orientation of the photo?  Corner of Willis Avenue and Jericho Turnpike, Mineola.  Northwest looking across from Krug’s Hotel. 

Which building in this photo is still standing?  The building across from Krug’s on left side of the picture - now “Atlantic Travel” (136 Jericho Turnpike).  According to Town of Hempstead records the building was built in 1890. 

What is the most surprising aspect of this photo in comparison with its current view?  Autos were able to stop in traffic for a photo.  Wouldn’t try that today.  Also, without the diner that’s on the corner today, where did everyone meet for breakfast before the auto tour?  lol

What is your best guess for the purpose of this cruise? Provide a rationale.  Seeing that it was the summer of 1908, and several flags were out, the cruise could have been part of sort of campaign rally.  (see next answer).

Where is a symbol of the 1908 President of the United States?  A teddy bear, symbol of Teddy Roosevelt was mounted as a hood ornament on an auto. Wonder what our current crop of presidential candidates would use as an ornament.  Any suggestions?

Identify the automobiles in the photos.  Can see a Reo and possibly an Atlas RunAbout. 

From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course

Based on a Feb. 7, 1907 Brooklyn Daily Eagle article, a motor scooter club was to be headquartered in Patchogue, with none other than Jefferson De Mont Thompson and A.R. Pardington as the club’s originators.  “With a motor scooter club on Long Island for the winter months and the parkway course for summer automobile racing, the motor speeding enthusiast will be kept busy throughout the entire year.”

From Motorcycles of the Vanderbilt Cup Races Updated: 4/28/2016

“Theme From a Summer Place.” Love this village scene. I’m focused on that kid at the right playing on the sidewalk with all the empty lots of space surrounding him/her. This place has begun to grow yet still unrecognizable today.
It’s famous Krug’s Corner, popular spot for viewing the races and for gatherings. This intersection is today’s Willis Ave and Jericho (Jerico) Tpke in Mineola, looking east towards Jericho. (Howard, sending an attachment of same intersection but looking north towards Willis). It is fantastic the house on the left at today’s 136 Jericho Tpke still stands intact with little change; today appears to have received just a brick facelift, with its front porch and center chimney removed (should this be a historic landmark??). Looking at the zoom through the car’s rear window, on the right seems a speck of the white RR crossing diamond sign, when the railroad crossed at grade level (the tracks are not visible but a dip in the road apparent). Today, Jericho dips under the RR.
Wouldn’t have guessed the cruise’s purpose without the presidential hint (great catch!).
The opossum doll strapped on the hood (teddy bear ears are larger) was ‘Billy Possum’, Pres. William Taft’s answer to Pres. Teddy Roosevelt’s teddy bear. Toy manufacturers believed with Roosevelt’s departure, the teddy bear would soon become unpopular and therefore needed a replacement. The 300+ lb. Taft likened the idea to one of his favorite dishes. Roosevelt keeping his promise not to run a third term supported Taft for president (his Secretary of War), winning the election favorably. Roosevelt and Taft would again run in 1912 but both were defeated by Pres. Woodrow Wilson. I’m guessing the cruise’s purpose was to help support Taft’s election throughout the island’s two cities, villages, and hamlets. With those roads depicted in the mystery photo, I doubt they covered them all. Teddy bears still rule!!
http://mentalfloss.com/article/51030/billy-possum-president-tafts-answer-teddy-bear

Leaving the cars to the buffs. I always learn something from them. Thanks for the song guys. 

From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course

Howard, apologies on the timing of the Robertson photo, Bourque is in the pits, so not the checker but should be simple to figure the lap.  Again, apologies.  Chuck

From Motorcycles of the Vanderbilt Cup Races Updated: 4/28/2016

You’re looking east on Jericho Turnpike in Mineola at the intersection of Willis Avenue, the famous Krug’s Corners, with Krug’s Hotel on the left. The building to the right of Krug’s Hotel is still there today. It’s 136 Jericho Turnpike, currently occupied by Atlantic Travel. To me, the most surprising aspect is the width of Jericho Turnpike. It’s not that much wider today than it was 108 years ago. Since there is a “Teddy” bear on the radiator of one of the cars in the center of the photo, I’m guessing the group is on its way to Oyster Bay to hear President “Teddy” Roosevelt give a speach to the U.S. Olympic team, which he did on August 31, 1908. Other than the REO (second car from the right), I have no clue for the remainder of the cars. I’ll leave that for the Brass Era experts.

From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course

It is said all true stories end in death.  This book is a true story about Charles Balke.

In 2004 in an attic in Kentucky a family member of a recently deceased widow found a cache of newspaper clippings of a distant relative the them, but the husband of the widow.  She was the wife of Charles “Fearless” Balke who was Indian’s top driver for a short time.  So many in those day had that title, for a short while.  It is a quick read and well worth the look back from his career starting in 1908 and ending in 1914.  He raced at the first event at Indy in 1909.  The end of the book shows the different style of racing bikes of the day which is quite informative. 

The book is simply named “Fearless-The Lord of the Murderdrome” by Rick and Lane Ongstad.  It does fit in so well to the time of the Vanderbilt races.  It can be found on Ebay but often in European dealers.  I enjoyed learning a lot of what it took to be a short-lived star on the board tracks of 1910.

From Motorcycles of the Vanderbilt Cup Races Updated: 4/28/2016

What can I say?  The photos are incredible and so is his story.
Rog

From In Search of Driver/Mechanician Charles Burman Updated: 10/30/2019

Whoops!  Forgot to credit your 31 Jan 2012 Then & Now: Krug’s Corner in Mineola.  Sam, III

From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course

Place is easy - Krug’s Corner in Mineola, standing in the middle of Willis Avenue looking due (LI) south across Jericho Turnpike, with 136 Jericho Turnpike just out of sight around to the left still standing and possibly either today’s Lutheran Church of Our Saviour at 132 Jefferson or Grace International Assembly of God church at 172 Willis in the far left distance or Corpus Christi at 155 Garfield in the far right.  Krug’s and the building at the far left of the corner are long gone and the two frame stuctures to the right (west) of Whelan’s-cum-Wireless would have had to have been be drastically extended and modified from the tower building.  The only other possibility I can see is the two frame buildings to the right (west) of Whelen’s but they would have had to have been incorporated into the tower-cum-Whelan’s building.  Cong. Beth Sholom Chabad is where the frame structure south of the tower sits.  Sure hope you didn’t mean 136!  Can’t say it’s “surprising” but the open spaces in old Mineola are the most dramatic change to me (other than paving).  Prexy - TR; see the teddy bear on the radiator cap in the third close-up.  Purpose - showing off expensive toys, as usual back then.  Cars - dunno.  Sam, III

Jan 31 2012
Then & Now: Krug’s Corner in Mineola

From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course

It didn’t occur to me to comment but it seemed to me the the lone cycle up front was an unpowered bicycle.  It still does but I can’t get a good view.  Sam, III

From Motorcycles of the Vanderbilt Cup Races Updated: 4/28/2016

Didn’t remember beans about Charles Burman but racer Bob Burman (23 Apr 1884 Imlay City, Michigan - 08 Apr 1916 ), who you’ve featured, has been well-known to me all my adult life.  Burman not being the most common name around, might they have been related?  Sam, III

From In Search of Driver/Mechanician Charles Burman Updated: 10/30/2019

The photo is looking east on Jericho Tnpk. The cross street is Willis Ave. Krugs was on the northwest corner of the intersection. It was the headquarters for automobilists at the time. They may have been touring the hotels on the race course. The Teddy bear on the car is for Theodore Roosevelt, President in 1908. I think there is an REO Speedwagon in the photo. Perhaps surprising are the phone wires, and the fact that there are no lanes for traffic. Lastly, the building still standing is the brick one on the northeast corner of Jericho and Willis, facing Jericho.

From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course

What is the exact location and orientation of the photo?

This is the intersection of Jericho Turnpike and Willis Ave looking East down Jericho Turnpike in 1908.

Which building in this photo is still standing?

The long-gone Krugs is on the left edge of the photo, but, the ‘A’ frame building standing in the center/left of the photo (Northeast corner of Jericho and Willis) is still there. On Google Earth, 136 Jericho Turnpike houses Atlantic Travel with a new brick facade.

What is the most surprising aspect of this photo in comparison with its current view?

Traffic! At what is now one of the busiest intersections of Long Island, cars can stop, leisurely gather, take photos and talk!

What is your best guess for the purpose of this cruise? Provide a rationale.
Due to it being a Presidential reelection year (1908), the cars adorned with American flags and the Teddy Bear, maybe this was a political rally and/or vehicle tour for Teddy Roosevelt.

Where is a symbol of the 1908 President of the United States?

A Theodore Roosevelt ‘Teddy Bear’ is on the hood of the left vehicle of the two vehicles directly in the center of the photo.

Identify the automobiles in the photos

I’ll go for the easy one and say the second one in from the right can clearly be ID’d as an REO (Model C) on the radiator. I’ll continue looking for a further possible guess on some of the others.

From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course

Wow, This is the first time I have heard of Charles Burman. I would like to thank Charles M. Illgen and Howard Kroplick for bringing this American Automotive Pioneer to light. Thanks to all for keeping American Automotive History Alive! Barney Oldfield, Master Driver of the World & America’s Legendary Speed King Great Great Nephew

From In Search of Driver/Mechanician Charles Burman Updated: 10/30/2019

Location: Jericho Tpke at Willis Ave Mineola looking east.
The building is the left center looks like the Present day Atlantic Travel Agency.
The surprising element is that cars could actually park in the middle of the Jericho Tpke.
The purpose of the cruise might be a rally for the presidential campaign.
The car in the center has a teddy bear fastened over the radiator (Teddy Roosevelt’s symbol).

From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course

Great photos, don’t have a clue where they taken.

From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course

Location: Jericho Tpke. looking East at Willis Ave.  Trolley wire over Willis Ave. can be seen.  Krug’s Hotel on N/W corner.  The dark colored house on north side of Jericho is still standing, has different facade.  The current Mineola Diner now occupies the property to the west of that structure.  The Teddy Bear on car with the right hand drive and female passenger would be a symbol for President Teddy Roosevelt.  As for the reason for the outing, possibly a group of prospective real estate investors or folks looking for a new home in suburbia.  Newly planted trees on south side of Jericho, east of Willis, may indicate recent land development.  The ladies being along for the ride might, also, be indicative of such a venture.  I can only ID on car for sure, a REO, possibly a 1905.  Great Mystery Photo…Thanks!

From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course

Let’s see how I do this week. The location,Krugs Corner,a dead give away,the sign,Frank P Krugs. The building still standing,Atlantic Travel. The symbol for the President is the,Bull Dog. I think that’s better than what I’ve been doing,what do you think?

From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course

 The photo’s location is the intersection of Jericho Turnpike and Willis Avenue, Mineola.  You are looking east down the Jericho Tpke.  The building on the left (NW corner of Jericho & Willis) is Frank P. Krug’s East Williston Hotel.  Advertising on the signs on the building are for “Lion Brewery” and “Pilsener Beer”.
 The building 2nd from the left still stands on Jericho Turnpike today.
 The most surprising aspect of this photo is the lack of development in the area.
 Since you state the photo is a Summer 1908 touring cruise, from a LIMP album, my guess is that the date is June 6, 1908, and they are on their way to the ceremony on the Barnes Tract, Jerusalem Road, Central Park [Bethpage] where the first spadesful of earth will be turned starting the construction of the LIMP.
 On the hood of the car in the middle of the photo sits a Teddy Bear – named for Oyster Bay resident & U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt.
 The 2nd automobile from the right is a Reo.
 Also located in the photo is one of the poles used by the New York and North Shore Traction Company for their trolley line (which had opened on November 16, 1907).  It is located with a cross arm hanging over Willis Ave. (in between 2 of the windows along side of the brick building still standing today).

From Mystery Foto #17 Solved: A Summer 1908 Touring Cruise to Krug's Corner and the 1908 Race Course