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.
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Co-Founder and Writer: Howard Kroplick
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Recent Comments
Thanks, Frank. One would have to be a regular traveler of the LIMP back then to know the tight curves, etc. Especially at night.
I started working for LILCO in 1987. I became familiar with the transmission rows since 1992, always on the lookout of LIMP and LIRR remnants. I’ve been out on disability for a few years now, so exploration has taken a backseat.
As far as that plane crash in 1939, if LILCO facilities were involved; the company may have an archived record of it. I would just have to ask the right person.
From The Day an Airplane Crashed Near the Plainview Road Motor Parkway Bridge Updated 3/19/16
Hi Brian,
Haven’t yet found any street lighting on the parkway. I don’t think there were any. To make matters worse, I’m told headlights back then were not as bright as today’s lamps. And with miles of fenced-out open spaces between miles of long exits, a breakdown would not be good. Check out these night shots of the LIMP - it looks pretty eerie up there.
http://www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/vcrsys/Images/Alco/Top-506_edited-1.jpg
http://www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/vcrsys/Images/Alco/Top-506_edited-3.jpg
http://www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/vcrsys/Images/Alco/Top-507_edited-2.jpg
The first two photos show a bicycle leaning on the top rail of the bridge. Or could that be Motor Pkwy Officer Zinze’s motorcycle?
I would also believe one would take it nice and slow, but after reading other stories besides rum runners; such as a speeding motorcyclist misjudging a curve at night, crashes into a barb-wired fence, and remains trapped all night before receiving assistance from an early morning passerby. If I recall correctly, he suffered broken bones (ribs?) and scrapes but survived. I’ll have to locate that story and the others.
From The Day an Airplane Crashed Near the Plainview Road Motor Parkway Bridge Updated 3/19/16
If anyone is listening, I sort of wonder how much night driving was done on the LIMP? Was there some system of parkway lighting? Or did everyone just sort of take it nice and slow.
Old timer I used to work with jokingly referred to the LIMP as “Rumrunners Rd”. I’m sure there’s some truth to that.
From The Day an Airplane Crashed Near the Plainview Road Motor Parkway Bridge Updated 3/19/16
That location’s pretty obvious - once it’s shown! But forget the LIMP and the bridge - I want to know how Durbin and Lewis managed to end up “beneath” the wreckage when the fuselage is upright and the greenhouse is not mashed flat (which would indicate to me that the wreck had not flipped and been uprighted). Sam, III
From Mystery Foto #11 Solved: Taking a Stroll on the Plainview Road Motor Parkway Bridge in Bethpage
From Frank Femenias:
This photo gives only 3 clues on location, the Huntington sign, the electric tower, and the winding Motor Parkway under the bridge. This is the Plainview Rd highway bridge once located in Bethpage Park (Central Park) looking east, just coming out of Deadman’s curve 3, then curves again after the bridge before heading northeast. The vehicle may be a ‘40’s model. The date could be after the LIMP’s closing in 1938, perhaps where the roadway remained open for park use only. I wonder what the larger white sign up ahead read. Could it be for the parking lot entrance coming up?
From Mystery Foto #11 Solved: Taking a Stroll on the Plainview Road Motor Parkway Bridge in Bethpage
I do have some updates / news. I will send all to Howard. Another great day with the little man!
From Sam & Dave’s “Excellent Motor Parkway Adventure” X: Battle Row Campground
How about the Powell Ave. highway bridge around 1930. Looking south?
From Mystery Foto #11 Solved: Taking a Stroll on the Plainview Road Motor Parkway Bridge in Bethpage
You guys rock!! Sounds like another ~38 miler. You picked a great day for it too. I understand there’s lots to investigate with limited time. This is a total 45mi. puzzle with lots of missing (or hiding) pieces, and with many twists involved. I wouldn’t have it any other way! Lol. Can’t wait to see the pics of this journey.
From Sam & Dave’s “Excellent Motor Parkway Adventure” X: Battle Row Campground
I believe this is the Plainview Road bridge with the camera facing east or northeast because the shadow of the sun under the bridge seems to indicate that. Also, the proximity of the Lilco tower along with the curve in the LIMP east of the bridge is another clue. As to the date, I’m going to guess around 1930-1931 since that’s when the phrase “No Parking West Of Huntington Lodge” first appeared on LIMP tickets.
From Mystery Foto #11 Solved: Taking a Stroll on the Plainview Road Motor Parkway Bridge in Bethpage
From John Wevers
Is that Little East Neck Road?
From Mystery Foto #11 Solved: Taking a Stroll on the Plainview Road Motor Parkway Bridge in Bethpage
Frank—nope, we did the Queens to Melville tour again. Great day. I’ve been to the locations you mention. They are ok and worth seeing but it’s hardly a “journey” like our trip along the more historic route.
From Sam & Dave’s “Excellent Motor Parkway Adventure” X: Battle Row Campground
Definitely Plainview Rd overpassing the LIMP here. Maybe it’s the image, but there seems to be quite a bit of sag in the transmission lines from the tower. Crash was worse enough, I hope the plane didn’t make an electrical contact.
From The Day an Airplane Crashed Near the Plainview Road Motor Parkway Bridge Updated 3/19/16
St Patricks Day parade soon to commence here in Lake Ronkonkoma! As far as this photo, I’m looking east on the LIMP with the Plainview Rd bridging north and south. Not quite sure when these transmission towers were initially erected, but I’ve seen the tower line here in some of your 1930ish images; Howard. So I’m guessing this image is in the early 1930’s. The tower that is seen appears to be in the approximate location of the present tower located near the curved access road into BSP.
From Mystery Foto #11 Solved: Taking a Stroll on the Plainview Road Motor Parkway Bridge in Bethpage
No clue but it sure looks like the same view as in the plane crash picture. Sam, III
From Mystery Foto #11 Solved: Taking a Stroll on the Plainview Road Motor Parkway Bridge in Bethpage
Howard, this accident occurred near the same bridge in this week’s mystery photo. The plane carrying two servicemen hit the power lines by Central Park near Caroline Street. Brian McCarthy may have more information on this. If I recall correctly, I don’t believe anyone survived here. These photos by Tim Ivers are new to me.
From The Day an Airplane Crashed Near the Plainview Road Motor Parkway Bridge Updated 3/19/16
My guess would be the Plainview Road bridge looking east, about 1935. The LILCO power lines are noted on the right.
From Mystery Foto #11 Solved: Taking a Stroll on the Plainview Road Motor Parkway Bridge in Bethpage
Sam and Dave, this is exciting. I’m guessing you guys will be traveling east from the Maxess Rd bridge. If so, an area of interest is north of Colonial Springs Rd, where the LIMP bridge once crossed over (never visited there). Lots of open space here, and away from residential development. This area appearing swampy, could be tough to navigate. Hopefully will be fun. Best wishes on this adventure and looking forward to the updates. Have fun!
From Sam & Dave’s “Excellent Motor Parkway Adventure” X: Battle Row Campground
Believe it or not, our second annual “Vanderbilt day” is upon us. We will be making the journey again tomorrow. If there are any locations that anyone feels needs further pics or investigation let me know today!
Don’t worry frank, the Caroline posts are on the list for more research.
From Sam & Dave’s “Excellent Motor Parkway Adventure” X: Battle Row Campground
Because this is a parkway bridge and the bend in the road is to the right and then to the left, my guess is the Plainview Road bridge looking East.
The no parking bridge warnings were placed on the bridges in 1930, so for a guess on the photo I’ll go with the early 30’s (1930-35)
From Mystery Foto #11 Solved: Taking a Stroll on the Plainview Road Motor Parkway Bridge in Bethpage
Got my copy Howard. Nice article!
From East Meadow Herald Cover Story: Racing through the Island's past
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