Vanderbilt Cup Races

Thanks for the memories (no I’m not Bob Hope). I remember visiting the Museum in Southampton a few times and enjoyed every minute of it. I was always interested in history and old cars were a part of that. What a shame the museum is gone. Wish we had something like that again. Maybe a museum on L.I. of historic cars could get the younger generation interested in the hobby.

From 1960 Photos from the Long Island Automotive Museum in Southampton

The other Vanderbilt property is called Croton on the Hudson, it is located in Hyde Park, NY. Similarities between the two properties are incredible.

From Was the "Bagatelle" Mansion in Half Hollow Hills Built by a Vanderbilt?

Hello,  I have a unique perspective on the mansion, as I am currently employed by the company who operates a school for girls there. I do believe that it was once a Vanderbilt property . The similarities in the two properties are way beyond coincidence, the architectural style, moldings, millwork and original lighting and early electrical I have seen in the Bagatelle mansion are a sure give away that at least the same builders were responsible for both. As my job as a maintenance technician brings me in to this part of the campus quite often, I am constantly reminded of the amazing history of this place. For example in the great room on the main floor there is a magnificent limestone fireplace that depicts the virgin Mary and baby jesus. This limestone fireplace was brought here specifically by the Medici family of Florence , Italy and donated to the Baruch family. It is amazing how much history here . I wish that somehow it would be possible to refurbish this magnificent structure and use it to benefit the residents of the program, Perhaps a Culinary school teaching a life changing skill to its population and simultaneously serving the needs of the community. So anyone looking for a truly divine cause or if you have any thoughts on this I’m quite sure it would be something the girls deserve, miracles have happened here before.

From Was the "Bagatelle" Mansion in Half Hollow Hills Built by a Vanderbilt?

Did Austie Clark also own that yellow Ferrari? It looks like one my Dad, Walt Luftman, owned around that time. If I recall correctly it was a 275 or a 330 GTC. My Dad used to race at Bridgehampton and knew Austie.

From Road & Track September 1966: Henry Austin Clark, Jr. and his 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa

Yes Lee, excellent research thanks to you. Your dad has been blessed with longevity.

From Hot Post Alert & Update: Beneath the shadow of wings: Mitchel Field and the Motor Parkway (1924-1948)

Thank you Lee for sharing your photos.  And good luck Paul on the new book!

From Hot Post Alert & Update: Beneath the shadow of wings: Mitchel Field and the Motor Parkway (1924-1948)

Great pictures, Thank You.

From Hot Post Alert & Update: Beneath the shadow of wings: Mitchel Field and the Motor Parkway (1924-1948)

Photos dated 10/09/39 and 09/26/40 originated on the Mitchel Field Memories.com site and are copyrighted by me personally:

http://mitchelfieldmemories.com/aerial_shot_1939_10_09th.html

http://mitchelfieldmemories.com/polo_field_in_1940_09_26th.html

In 1966 upon his retirement from the Air Force, Col. Robert F. Schirmer who had served on the Base in various capacities before, during and after WWII created a pictorial history of the air field and environs for posterity and presented it to my father, Dr. George F. Chambers who was the President of Nassau Community College at the time. 

Many more of the photographs Col. Schirmer used in that work can be found here:

http://mitchelfieldmemories.com/

Also of interest, numerous ‘Then & Now’ photos including modern day photos I took in March, 2002 can be viewed here:

http://mitchelfieldmemories.com/mitchel_field_then_and_now.html

I painstakingly took shots of the same buildings from the days when Mitchel was active as a flying field from the same perspective as the originals had been captured between 1937 - 1961. 

Finally, I also had access to the NCC Master Plan from March of 1970 before it had been revealed to the public detailing the ‘new’ campus which was constructed on the former Polo Grounds during my father’s tenure as President:

http://mitchelfieldmemories.com/#NCCMasterPlanMarch1970

BTW, my Dad is still ticking at the ripe old age of 94!

From Hot Post Alert & Update: Beneath the shadow of wings: Mitchel Field and the Motor Parkway (1924-1948)

I too have recently started a collection of Tucker cars. Would you happen to have a list of all the colors made for the Tucker so I can start a record of mine?
Thank you,
Gary

From Special Guest Post by Meredith Jaffe: Boyd’s Crystal Art Glass Tucker Figurines

Gary is correct the English Austin taxi is posed in the front of Austin’s house in Meadow Spring in Glen Cove. The green signs with white lettering were painted on pieces of masonite. The two fellows working on a car under the photo of the Simplex speed car are working on the type 35 Mercer raceabout. that is the 4th photo down. I had a ride in that many times, the most memorable was the day before lunch ( at John Duck’s restaurant) he drove it up and back North Sea Road with me as passenger , to “show you what it can do”. We got clocked by a police radar gun on that road at over 100 mph. Austin knew / was friendly with the police , so although we got stopped ( took a while to stop on those narrow tires and marginal brakes) they just wanted us to look at the radar gun to prove the speed we were going at. I was told by Austin before that adventure to turn half way around and hold on to the filler cap on the tank behind us since there was no doors, windshield, seat belt etc if I didn’t, it would be easy to fall out of the car at speed if we hit a bump. Gave new meaning to the phrase ” white knuckle ride”.

From 1960 Photos from the Long Island Automotive Museum in Southampton

I see Hillside Ave in East Williston looking east.  Towards Wheatley Hills Golf Club, and the spot the LIMP crossed over.  Further south we can see the bridge under Jericho Turnpike.  Great find.

From Mystery Foto #10 Solved: A 1953 East Williston aerial from the Cradle of Aviation Archives

1950 Photo

From Mystery Foto #10 Solved: A 1953 East Williston aerial from the Cradle of Aviation Archives

East Williston, looking east towards Old Westbury, Westbury and Carle Place
Hillside Avenue, Jericho Turnpike, Northern State Parkway, Glen Cove Road
Wheatley Hills Golf Club
North Side Elementary School (built in 1917)
The Motor Parkway ran through the golf course south towards Hillside Avenue and Jericho Turnpike.  The Motor Parkway “highway” bridge (upper right corner of main photo).
Jericho Turnpike used in the VCR races of 1904, 1905 and 1906.  Glen Cove Road used in the 1906 VCR. 
Date: 1952-1954 Homes in the Treadwell tract (between Motor Parkway and Northern State Parkway were not built until 1952).  No Meadowbrook Parkway.

From Mystery Foto #10 Solved: A 1953 East Williston aerial from the Cradle of Aviation Archives

Viewing East over East Williston & Westbury. Wheatley Hills Golf Club left side of foto. Large building is the Northside School off of Hillside Ave. The LIMP HWY Bridge below Jericho Tpke is seen at the upper right of the foto. Jericho Tpke was part of the 1904,05 &06; VCR. Guessing this is dated 1954. A 1950 aerial doesn’t yet show the housing development between the LIMP & Northern State Pkwy. No Meadowbrook Pkwy tying in yet with the Northern State also, not until 1956. Most of my answers are on the maps below.

From Mystery Foto #10 Solved: A 1953 East Williston aerial from the Cradle of Aviation Archives

Looks like it might be Hillside by the Northern State in East Williston/Roslyn Heights by the Wheatley Hills Golf Course, looking East. I think I recognize that infamous, sharp turn made by the Northern State (that darn Bob Moses and his love for being bribed)! Therefore it would have to be after the Northern State was built and before the Meadowbrook was extended northwards. I’m guessing this was taken in the early 1930s. That building in question would be the North Side School. I think I can make out the LIMP and the structure by Guinea Woods Road (Glen Cove Road).

From Mystery Foto #10 Solved: A 1953 East Williston aerial from the Cradle of Aviation Archives

Awesome as always Art!
It’s always amazing when you start researching something and before you know it, you’re reading and learning something completely different and unrelated.

From Kleiner's Korner: And Now For Something Completely Different: Part 1 (Motor Parkway 1906 - 1910)

Always interesting Art, thank you. Vineola ( Mineola ), typo for sure.

From Kleiner's Korner: And Now For Something Completely Different: Part 1 (Motor Parkway 1906 - 1910)

That was Great, Thanks

From Kleiner's Korner: And Now For Something Completely Different: Part 1 (Motor Parkway 1906 - 1910)

Finally, photo # 6 shows the 1911 American LaFrance Hose Truck in front of the Sandy Hollow Fire Dept. Headquarters.
The 1st postcard I believe shows Clark’s wife at the wheel.
The 2nd postcard shows the Southampton Dixie, Racing and Clambake Society Jazz Band on board - I also attached the reverse of the card with all the Band members names.

From 1960 Photos from the Long Island Automotive Museum in Southampton

Photo # 5 shows the 1906 Studebaker Touring Car (see attached postcard)
Also it shows the 1911 Stanley Steamer Touring Car - both are shown in HAC, Jr.‘s Antique Cars booklet which was sold at the Museum (see attached)
I forgot to mention that I believe the Taxi postcard was shot in front of HAC’s Meadow Spring, Glen Cove home.

From 1960 Photos from the Long Island Automotive Museum in Southampton