The Vanderbilts
The Family that Built a Transportation Empire
The Vanderbilts were one of the oldest and best-known families in America. Jan Aertsen van der Bilt emigrated from Holland around 1650. Although his descendants prospered as farmers on Staten Island, New York, they lived modestly; it was only during the lifetime of Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877), known as the “Commodore,” that the family name became synonymous with extraordinary wealth.
Related Posts
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Apr 08
2026
NewYorkSocialDiary.com: A Vanderbilt Homecoming: The Restoration of 60 East 93rd Street
Online site, Newyorksocialdiary.com has done an article on the restoration of Viginia 'Birdie' Vanderbilt's 93rd St. mansion
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Dec 26
2025
Video of the Week: Moments in History - Alva Vanderbilt Belmont
The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum has posted this 6-minute film on Willie K's mother Alva Vanderbilt Belmont.
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Dec 23
2025
Mystery Foto #61 Solved: Willie K deeds the Motor Parkway to the people of Long Island
Did you identify this weekend's Mystery Foto?
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Nov 29
2025
Newsday LI Life cover article: A need for Speed: LI’s Motor Parkway was a road like no other for racers with the right plates
The November 30, 2025 issue of Newsday's LI Life section features a cover article on the Long Island Motor Parkway.
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Nov 11
2025
Mystery Foto #55 Likely Solved: A William K. Vanderbilt, Sr. “No Trespassing” Sign located on his Oakdale “Private Park” Property
This weekend's Friday Foto did not have a definitive answer. What were your best guesses?
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Sep 20
2025
An Al Velocci Special: The Garden City Headquarters of the Long Island Motor Parkway
Motor Parkway guru and master historian Al Velocci recounts the history of the Motor Parkway headquarters.
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Jul 31
2025
The Glitter and The Gold: The Gilded Age and Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan- Formerly Duchess of Marlborough
Fans of HBO's "The Gilded Age" will easily recognize that Gladys Russell was based primarily on the true life story of Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan(1877-1964). Hoping to learn more about Willie K's sister, I found my copy of Consuelo's 1952 autobiography "The Glitter and The Gold".
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Jul 25
2025
Highlights from a Special Evening with the Honorable John LeBoutillier: The Vanderbilts, Whitneys and The Gilded Age
The Long Island Motor Parkway Preservation Society meeting last Wednesday with guest speaker John LeBoutillier was a great success with a standing room only crowd of over 40 new and old members in attendance.
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Jul 23
2025
A Special Evening with the Honorable John LeBoutillier at 150 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge
The Long Island Motor Parkway Preservation Society is pleased to announce a special evening with the Honorable John LeBoutillier, a descendant of William K. Vanderbilt, Jr. and great grandson of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney.
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May 13
2025
Mystery Friday Foto #19 Solved: A Crowd Gathers at the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Did you identify this crowd gathered for a speech?
