Vanderbilt Cup Races

Walter, thanks for contributing your personal knowledge of the earliest era of the history of LI motor sports. Remember The Bridge (the last gasp?) Guy

From Vanderbilt Cup Race Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony to be Held on Saturday, April 26, 2014

This is going to be a very memorable and historic day for a lot of people, something not to missed

From Vanderbilt Cup Race Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony to be Held on Saturday, April 26, 2014

This looks like the bridge carrying Grand Central Parkway over the Motor Parkway in Queens. I believe the photo was taken in 1940 although it could have been taken shortly after the LIMP closed to vehicular traffic in April, 1938 and converted into a bicycle path. Technically, it could even have been taken as early as 1933 when that section of the G.C.P. was completed if some kids had dared to challenge the automobile traffic with their bikes. I think the photographer is facing east.

From Mystery Foto #62 Solved: The Grand Central Parkway Bridge over the Motor Parkway in Queens

-Identify the location of the photo

Immediately West of the Grand Central Pkwy on the LIMP bike path in Queens.

-What direction was the photographer facing?

East

-Identify the bridge

An original GCP Robert Moses bridge over the LIMP (before the GCP was widened in 1961 in preparation for the 1964 World’s Fair)

-What is the earliest date that this photo could have been taken? Why?

Due to the bicycles being on the LIMP in the photo, the earliest possible date would be July 9, 1938 when the LIMP section in Queens officially opened as a bike path. However, judging from the 2 cars on the GCP overpass, it appears the date for this photo is most likely in the early 1940’s.

Howard, were you or Al able to uncover any more information on the mystery ‘bikeway bridge’ in the foreground?

From Mystery Foto #62 Solved: The Grand Central Parkway Bridge over the Motor Parkway in Queens

The only question I can answer is about the date.  Since the parkway was closed in 1938, that would be the earliest date that would have bicyclists using it.

From Mystery Foto #62 Solved: The Grand Central Parkway Bridge over the Motor Parkway in Queens

This is a tricky one. First off riding bicycles on the parkway, since when? then the cars on the bridge, look to be like the late 30s early 40s, very questionable about that.

From Mystery Foto #62 Solved: The Grand Central Parkway Bridge over the Motor Parkway in Queens

Great job. The two best parts was when you said you didn’t know how to drive a stick shift, when you bought the Shelby, that was really a classic one. I learned before I got my license, on my parents 1948 Plymouth Deluxe, when I was able to reach the pedals, at about 8 or 9 years old, even before that, sitting in my dad’s lap shifting, the column shift. The second best was, how you bid for the Chrysler, how close was that not to getting it? Pure luck I’d say and much to your surprise.

From Presentation: "Chrysler's Chrysler: History, Discovery and Restoration", Malverne, NY

Nice photo, Frank. This has a “Queens” look to it. I believe this is Alley Pond Park. The photographer is looking east towards the bicyclists and the Grand Central Pkwy behind them. Has to be post 1938, or the bikes would’ntbe allowed on there. I like the side railings on both sides of the LIMP. Is it me, or is there possibly a path underneath the LIMP in the vicinity of the railings?

From Mystery Foto #62 Solved: The Grand Central Parkway Bridge over the Motor Parkway in Queens

The Grand Central Parkway bridge over the LIMP in Alley Pond Park taken in 1940.
The LIMP had been closed two years earlier and Queens was using it as a bikeway.
The widened shoulders are visible.

From Mystery Foto #62 Solved: The Grand Central Parkway Bridge over the Motor Parkway in Queens

LIMP crossing under the Grand Central Parkway.  Looking to the south, as the parkway heads east.  Bicycle path opened immediately after parkway closed, so 1938.

From Mystery Foto #62 Solved: The Grand Central Parkway Bridge over the Motor Parkway in Queens

Thanks for this short film and close up pictures, just to hear the questions he has, then the look of amazement on his face when you give him an answer

From Video: "The Vanderbilt Cup Races and the Black Beast"

Now I’m really interested in coming to the presentation tomorrow, more than I was before, just to hear more about the car. See ya

From Presentation: "Chrysler's Chrysler: History, Discovery and Restoration", Malverne, NY

Hi Howard:  Re:  Americarna TV Series

  Please include Time Warner Cable TV on the channel listings as it shows the
Americarna TV Series on their channel 754 !!!!!  I have watched the entire series
and some of the repeats including the Black Beast !!!!!

      Best Regards !!!!  Cordially,  Ron Ridolph
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Ron, thanks so much!

From Video: "The Vanderbilt Cup Races and the Black Beast"

Thanks for that answer

From Mystery Foto #61 Solved: The Nibbe Farmway Bridge in Central Park (Bethpage)

I think I did pretty good on this one. I mentioned the Nibbe Bridge and 1908. I always get confused with the direction, I need something to go by. By the way what is that house? I’ll see you at the presentation on Thursday
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Ted, it was one of the buildings on the Stymus Farm.

From Mystery Foto #61 Solved: The Nibbe Farmway Bridge in Central Park (Bethpage)

A very rare treasure find for Harry Bell! This does not happen often. The details of the ribbons are exquisite. I can’t help to look twice, and then again.

From Rare Vanderbilia Unveiled at Huntington Motor Parkway Lunch & Learn

Wait a minute, can it be the Round Swamp Road Bridge in 1908?

From Mystery Foto #61 Solved: The Nibbe Farmway Bridge in Central Park (Bethpage)

From Robert G:
What’s PS 20 in the photo?  Is that the Little Red Schoolhouse at Round Swamp Rd. and Schoolhouse Lane? 
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Robert, see the above close-up that I added to the post.

From Mystery Foto #60 Solved :Motor Parkway Near Round Swamp Road in Bethpage, Old Bethpage & Farmingdale

I’m going with Nibbes’ farmway bridge facing south, 1908. The house on the hill could be located on Stymus Ave. If facing south, the shadows in the photo indicate the time is afternoon.

From Mystery Foto #61 Solved: The Nibbe Farmway Bridge in Central Park (Bethpage)

Interesting to note that they seem to have alternated wood spoke and wire wheels.  Very few cars used wires back then, even though bicycle technology was well-proven.  Sam, III

From Images of Automobile Designer/Driver Lee Frayer For His Family