Vanderbilt Cup Races

Did you identify these spectators at a Vanderbilt Cup Race?

Identify;

• The likely race- provide a rationale

Based upon what appears to be a newly built Motor Parkway in the background, a safe assumption would be the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race.

• Likely year (Hint-This photo is often incorrectly captioned with the wrong year) 

This photo is very well known due to its very prominent photographer, however, it is often miscaptioned whenever it is seen. Most sources I have seen during research label it as 1906, with one Museum of the City of New York publication listing it as circa 1903! I think most who are familiar with Vanderbilt Cup race photos would agree this to be 1908. There is little to no vegetation on the road berms and overall, feels like a newly constructed road, but it still could be the 1909 or 1910 races as well.

• Kudos-The famous female photographer sitting on the fence post and the other woman

The famous, wealthy photographer on the pole is Alice Austen with her long-time partner of over 40 years, Gertrude Tate. Unknown who the gentleman may be.

Alice Austen (1866-1952) was a photographer of life in New York City. She was born on Staten Island, into a family that had money. Her father had left her mother before Alice was born, and she grew up living in the family home, Clear Comfort. She lived there for most of the rest of her life. Alice became interested in photography at a young age, aided by her uncle, Peter Austen, who was a chemistry professor at Rutgers College. Peter taught her how to process and print her photographs, and helped set up a darkroom in the house. By 1925 Alice had taken over 8000 photos, mostly of immigrants living in Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

'Fine, Bright Day: The Photography of Alice Austen'

In 1899, Alice met Gertrude Tate (1871-1962). They fell in love , and were constant companions for the next 50 years. Gertrude moved into Clear Comfort in 1917. Alice lived on money paid from her family’s stocks and bonds, but in 1929 she lost her income, and had pretty much run out of money by 1945. Alice sold the house, and Gertrude was forced to move in with her family, but they refused to allow Alice to accompany her. By 1950, Alice was forced to move to the New York City Farm Colony, a residence for the indigent on Staten Island.

• Super Kudos- Identify the automobile

Unknown, but I do like the guesses from Steve and David. If anyone is able to solve the automotive mystery, please post your guesses. (Paging Mr. Ariejan Bos of the Netherlands! Your assistance would be helpful!)

Congrats to Steve Lucas and David Miller for identifying the possible Vanderbilt Cup Race and kudos to Steve for identifying Alice and her long-time companion Gertrude.

Greg O.