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bridges and overpasses to Lake Ronkonkoma, a distance of 48 miles (77 km). The
1908 race was held over parts of the new highway and much to the delight of the large
crowd on hand, 23-year-old local hero George Robertson from Garden City, New York
became the first American to win the event.
The Vanderbilt Cup was held successfully on Long Island until 1911 when it was
1908 race was held over parts of the new highway and much to the delight of the large
crowd on hand, 23-year-old local hero George Robertson from Garden City, New York
became the first American to win the event.
The Vanderbilt Cup was held successfully on Long Island until 1911 when it was
The Vanderbilt Cup was the first major
trophy in American auto racing.
History
An international event, it was founded by
William Kissam Vanderbilt II in 1904 and
first held at a course set out in Nassau
County on Long Island, New York. The
announcement that the race was to be held
caused considerable controversy in New
York. It brought a flood of legal actions in
an attempt to stop the race and the
politicians soon jumped in, holding public
hearings on the issue. Vanderbilt prevailed
trophy in American auto racing.
History
An international event, it was founded by
William Kissam Vanderbilt II in 1904 and
first held at a course set out in Nassau
County on Long Island, New York. The
announcement that the race was to be held
caused considerable controversy in New
York. It brought a flood of legal actions in
an attempt to stop the race and the
politicians soon jumped in, holding public
hearings on the issue. Vanderbilt prevailed
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| The Inspiration for This Puzzle Old Oldsmobile photo leads owner on search for answers Exact value of antique can't be set without details on background lansingnoise.com/article/20110406/BUSINESS01/104060316/... |
OWOSSO - The two cars in the photograph are
Oldsmobiles. That's about the only thing that Donna
McCoy knows for certain about a photo she's owned
for nearly 30 years.
She doesn't know how old the photograph is, though it
could be 100 years old or more. She believes it was
taken in Lansing, though where, exactly, isn't clear. She
doesn't know why there is a cluster of people gathered
around the cars, or what event the photo was meant to
commemorate.
"The photo was found in a (Haslett-area) landfill and
given to us," the Owosso-area resident said. "That's
really the only information I have on it."
The 81-year-old former Oldsmobile employee and retired
nurse is seeking answers. So is Mike Gaylord, host of
the Flint-based Everything Classic Antique and
Collectible Show on the Radio. The show is broadcast in
Lansing from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday on WLCM-AM
1390.
Gaylord took a look at the photo at a recent live
broadcast at Young Buick GMC Cadillac in Owosso.
Though the image is in good condition, it's impossible to
set its worth without knowing more information about
the photograph, Gaylord said.
"It appears to be in front of a hotel in Lansing," he said,
adding that the picture may have been snapped outside
Oldsmobiles. That's about the only thing that Donna
McCoy knows for certain about a photo she's owned
for nearly 30 years.
She doesn't know how old the photograph is, though it
could be 100 years old or more. She believes it was
taken in Lansing, though where, exactly, isn't clear. She
doesn't know why there is a cluster of people gathered
around the cars, or what event the photo was meant to
commemorate.
"The photo was found in a (Haslett-area) landfill and
given to us," the Owosso-area resident said. "That's
really the only information I have on it."
The 81-year-old former Oldsmobile employee and retired
nurse is seeking answers. So is Mike Gaylord, host of
the Flint-based Everything Classic Antique and
Collectible Show on the Radio. The show is broadcast in
Lansing from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday on WLCM-AM
1390.
Gaylord took a look at the photo at a recent live
broadcast at Young Buick GMC Cadillac in Owosso.
Though the image is in good condition, it's impossible to
set its worth without knowing more information about
the photograph, Gaylord said.
"It appears to be in front of a hotel in Lansing," he said,
adding that the picture may have been snapped outside
held onto the photograph found in a dump near Haslett for about 30 years. She never
knew much about the photograph other than it depicted Oldsmobiles.
Her search for answers brought her to an antiques show held at Young Chevrolet
Cadillac Buick GMC in Owosso last month. There, it caught the attention of antiques
appraiser and radio show host Mike Gaylord, and the two turned to the Lansing State
Journal to find some answers.
Readers came through in a way they never expected.
"My phone has been ringing since 8 a.m.," said Gaylord, who hosts the Flint-based
Everything Classic Antique and Collectible Show. The show is broadcast in Lansing
from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays on WLCM-AM 1390.
The car has been identified as Oldsmobile's entry into the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup race on
Long Island, N.Y. The car, driven by Harry Stillman, placed 11th in a field of 30. The
knew much about the photograph other than it depicted Oldsmobiles.
Her search for answers brought her to an antiques show held at Young Chevrolet
Cadillac Buick GMC in Owosso last month. There, it caught the attention of antiques
appraiser and radio show host Mike Gaylord, and the two turned to the Lansing State
Journal to find some answers.
Readers came through in a way they never expected.
"My phone has been ringing since 8 a.m.," said Gaylord, who hosts the Flint-based
Everything Classic Antique and Collectible Show. The show is broadcast in Lansing
from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays on WLCM-AM 1390.
The car has been identified as Oldsmobile's entry into the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup race on
Long Island, N.Y. The car, driven by Harry Stillman, placed 11th in a field of 30. The
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| If you have a picture you'd like us to feature a picture in a future quiz, please email it to us at CFitzp@aol.com. If we use it, you will receive a free analysis of your picture. You will also receive a free Forensic Genealogy CD or a 10% discount towards the purchase of the Forensic Genealogy book. |
 |  |  |  |
The Downey House Hotel The News-Pallladium Benton Harbor Michigan 1912-02-07 www3.gendisasters.com/michigan... |
| ********** |
| If you enjoy our quizzes, don't forget to order our books! Click here. |
| Quiz #302 Results |
| Answers to Quiz #302 April 24, 2011 |
| Answers: 1. Harry Stillman 2. The Downey Hotel 3. In honor of the car's entry in the Vanderbilt Cup Race |
1. Who is the driver of the car closest to the camera? 2. What is the building in the background? 3. What was the event? |
| ********** |
| Submitted by Quizmaster Emeritus Dr. Stanley Read. |
| Congratulations to Our Winners! |
The article I read described the Vanderbuilt Cup as the Super Bowl of its day. (around
1910) But, living in Indianapolis, I would have to remind them the next year saw the
start of the Indy 500, and the greatest spectacle in racing!!
Eric McElroy
*****
I did not get very far down the road with early AAA tours. The emblem 'oldsmobile
stillman' on gas tank quickly led to the contest photo answers.
Found matching photo of Downy Hotel which burned in Feb.,1912. Another hotel likely
across the street-- a E to W street-- awnings to ward off sunshine -- reflected in
Downy Hotel Window.
Happy Motoring:
Mike Dalton
*****
I would be in trouble if I didn't get this one! As a lifelong Long Island resident, amateur
historians like myself are pretty well versed in the Vanderbilt Cup. This race actually
passed quite close to my house, during the years it was ran. Have a great week.
Bob Steinmann Jr.
*****
This one was too easy. I Googled 'Oldsmobile Stillman' and up came this info in the
second search result.
Larry Herrin
*****
Yay! Another Michigan quiz.
Marilyn Hamill
*****
When I first looked at the picture, I thought this one was going to be one I couldn't
answer! I noticed the word Oldsmobile on the tire, although I still couldn't read the
word under it. So in Google images I typed Oldsmobile race 1900. Voila! The first
picture was this one and led me to the Vanderbilt Cup Races web site. Very
interesting. I learn so much from these quizzes.
Have a Happy Easter!!!
Roberta Martin
*****
Dumb luck help with this one... searched '1910 Oldsmobile race car (no headlights or
fenders = race car' and came up with the same picture. The caption answered all the
questions.
Stephen Jolley
*****
I did a Google search fro Oldsmobile Race Car and the story from the Lansing State
Journal revealed all about this photo.
Jim Baker
*****
Found the link to the pic here:
http://www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/index.php/blog/article/vanderbiltcupraces.com_forum_8_-saturday_april_9_2011 when I
Googled "Oldsmobile Stillman 1900s" since the name Oldsmobile Stillman was written on the side of the car.
Nicole Blank
*****
I found this info by Googling Oldsmobile + Stillman and found an article about Donna
McCoy who found the photo and was looking for information about it. Then I found a
comment about the photo on the Vanderbilt Cup Race website. This is sooo much fun!
Debbie Was
*****
What a great looking car this is!
Don Draper
*****
I didn't know that about the LI Expressway or the Downey Hotel - to be honest I don't
think I've ever heard the name LaFayette Baker before associated with JWB. The only
one I know is Samuel Mudd - the doctor that supposedly treated Booth for his
injuries. I must try and remember especially Baker's name - who knows when that
might show up in a trivia contest? I think the history teachers in high schools should
have the kids try your quizzes too - they would learn something new every time! :)
Nicole Blank (Again)
****
Thanks Colleen, as I have said before, these quizzes lead me to research things I never
knew about. Being a big history buff that makes it very enjoyable. This one was close
to home since I fly into LaGuardia every week.
This one was close to home since I fly into LaGuardia every week.
Jim Baker
*****
Being born right off the Long Island Exp, I find that fact [that the Expressway was
built for the race] very interesting!
I love being able to zoom into the pictures, especially when there's lots of signs,
billboards, etc. Without that writing on the car, yes, I would have had a rough time
finding the answers. It's all about the "search terms" and you'd get a whole lot less
looking for "old car race" - I don't even remember what they called those cars - forget
about the model name! As we all know, though, it's WHAT ELSE you find out during
your search that can be exciting and unexpected.
Dorothy Nagle
*****
As to the Vanderbilts, well, it just goes to show that if you build, it they will come.
Margaret Paxton
*****
I couldn't read the writing on the car (except Oldsmobile), but could read it after I saw
the driver's name. I Googled on Oldsmobile and race and first (I think).
Well, yeah! What's the use of collecting fast cars unless you can race them legally?
Marilyn Hamill
1910) But, living in Indianapolis, I would have to remind them the next year saw the
start of the Indy 500, and the greatest spectacle in racing!!
Eric McElroy
*****
I did not get very far down the road with early AAA tours. The emblem 'oldsmobile
stillman' on gas tank quickly led to the contest photo answers.
Found matching photo of Downy Hotel which burned in Feb.,1912. Another hotel likely
across the street-- a E to W street-- awnings to ward off sunshine -- reflected in
Downy Hotel Window.
Happy Motoring:
Mike Dalton
*****
I would be in trouble if I didn't get this one! As a lifelong Long Island resident, amateur
historians like myself are pretty well versed in the Vanderbilt Cup. This race actually
passed quite close to my house, during the years it was ran. Have a great week.
Bob Steinmann Jr.
*****
This one was too easy. I Googled 'Oldsmobile Stillman' and up came this info in the
second search result.
Larry Herrin
*****
Yay! Another Michigan quiz.
Marilyn Hamill
*****
When I first looked at the picture, I thought this one was going to be one I couldn't
answer! I noticed the word Oldsmobile on the tire, although I still couldn't read the
word under it. So in Google images I typed Oldsmobile race 1900. Voila! The first
picture was this one and led me to the Vanderbilt Cup Races web site. Very
interesting. I learn so much from these quizzes.
Have a Happy Easter!!!
Roberta Martin
*****
Dumb luck help with this one... searched '1910 Oldsmobile race car (no headlights or
fenders = race car' and came up with the same picture. The caption answered all the
questions.
Stephen Jolley
*****
I did a Google search fro Oldsmobile Race Car and the story from the Lansing State
Journal revealed all about this photo.
Jim Baker
*****
Found the link to the pic here:
http://www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/index.php/blog/article/vanderbiltcupraces.com_forum_8_-saturday_april_9_2011 when I
Googled "Oldsmobile Stillman 1900s" since the name Oldsmobile Stillman was written on the side of the car.
Nicole Blank
*****
I found this info by Googling Oldsmobile + Stillman and found an article about Donna
McCoy who found the photo and was looking for information about it. Then I found a
comment about the photo on the Vanderbilt Cup Race website. This is sooo much fun!
Debbie Was
*****
What a great looking car this is!
Don Draper
*****
I didn't know that about the LI Expressway or the Downey Hotel - to be honest I don't
think I've ever heard the name LaFayette Baker before associated with JWB. The only
one I know is Samuel Mudd - the doctor that supposedly treated Booth for his
injuries. I must try and remember especially Baker's name - who knows when that
might show up in a trivia contest? I think the history teachers in high schools should
have the kids try your quizzes too - they would learn something new every time! :)
Nicole Blank (Again)
****
Thanks Colleen, as I have said before, these quizzes lead me to research things I never
knew about. Being a big history buff that makes it very enjoyable. This one was close
to home since I fly into LaGuardia every week.
This one was close to home since I fly into LaGuardia every week.
Jim Baker
*****
Being born right off the Long Island Exp, I find that fact [that the Expressway was
built for the race] very interesting!
I love being able to zoom into the pictures, especially when there's lots of signs,
billboards, etc. Without that writing on the car, yes, I would have had a rough time
finding the answers. It's all about the "search terms" and you'd get a whole lot less
looking for "old car race" - I don't even remember what they called those cars - forget
about the model name! As we all know, though, it's WHAT ELSE you find out during
your search that can be exciting and unexpected.
Dorothy Nagle
*****
As to the Vanderbilts, well, it just goes to show that if you build, it they will come.
Margaret Paxton
*****
I couldn't read the writing on the car (except Oldsmobile), but could read it after I saw
the driver's name. I Googled on Oldsmobile and race and first (I think).
Well, yeah! What's the use of collecting fast cars unless you can race them legally?
Marilyn Hamill
| Congratulations to Our Winners! Mike Dalton Tish Olshefski Daniel E. Jolley Margaret Waterman Jim Kiser Dennis Brann Eric McElroy Peter Norton Jim Bullock Gary Sterne Shirley Yurkewich Larry Herrin Marilyn Hamill Winnifred Evans Sharon Taber Roberta Martin Wayne Steel Dorothy Nagle Stephen Jolley Margaret Paxton James Baker Donna Jolley Joyce Veness Wayne Douglas Alison Stephens Nicole Blank Debby Was Don Draper Robert W. Steinmann Jr. Christina Shefler Arthur Hartwell Milene Rawlinson Diane Burkett |
| Insights and Connects from Peter Norton |
| It seems to be a sendoff for two entrants in the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race on Long Island, NY. It's a very male crowd, but I'm curious about the "ghost" above the steering wheel of the second car: looks as though it might be a girl! I was perplexed about where to start on this quiz until I spotted 'Oldsmobile Stillman' on the tank at the rear of the car, which got me these answers in one google; however, curiosity led me down a couple of interesting paths: Louis and Arthur Chevrolet also competed in the 1910 Vanderbilt; and Downey House was built by La Fayette Baker with reward money he received for his part in tracking down John Wilkes Booth. It was destroyed by fire in 1912. I love the way things connect. It seems that we all live in the same world. Peter Norton |
| ********** |
| ********** |
| The Vanderbilt Cup en.wikipeida.ort/wiki/vanderbilt_cup |
| How the Picture was Identified Automaker's entry finished 11th in 1910 race in New York www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20110407/... |
Two days ago, Donna McCoy had
questions about an old photo of an antique
Oldsmobile that had been lying around her
house for decades.
Now, she has answers.
McCoy, a former Oldsmobile worker and
retired nurse who lives near Owosso, had
questions about an old photo of an antique
Oldsmobile that had been lying around her
house for decades.
Now, she has answers.
McCoy, a former Oldsmobile worker and
retired nurse who lives near Owosso, had
photo was taken in front of Lansing's
Downey House hotel.
The Vanderbilt Cup race was a popular
series of races, drawing as many as
250,000 spectators in 1910. The race was
started by motor car enthusiast William K.
Vanderbilt Jr., a member of the tycoon
Vanderbilt family.
"These races were like the Super Bowl of
its day," said historian Howard Kroplick,
who has written a book about the races.
Marketing tool
Automakers used the race as a way to
Downey House hotel.
The Vanderbilt Cup race was a popular
series of races, drawing as many as
250,000 spectators in 1910. The race was
started by motor car enthusiast William K.
Vanderbilt Jr., a member of the tycoon
Vanderbilt family.
"These races were like the Super Bowl of
its day," said historian Howard Kroplick,
who has written a book about the races.
Marketing tool
Automakers used the race as a way to
Black Beast:" The Alco "Black Beast"
car won the Vanderbilt Cup race in
1909 and 1910. The car bested an entry
from Oldsmobile in 1910, when the
Olds placed 11th among 30 cars. The
Black Beast now is owned by historian
Howard Kroplick.
car won the Vanderbilt Cup race in
1909 and 1910. The car bested an entry
from Oldsmobile in 1910, when the
Olds placed 11th among 30 cars. The
Black Beast now is owned by historian
Howard Kroplick.
market their brand, said Harry Emmons, a Lansing automotive and labor historian. "It
was promotional. All of the major car companies did it," he said.
Kroplick became aware of the mystery Oldsmobile photo when his website received
more than 400 hits from people in the Lansing area Wednesday morning. He contacted
Gaylord to identify the car and driver in the photo.
Owns winner
Kroplick owns the winning car of the 1910 race, a vehicle known as the "Black Beast"
made by now defunct automaker Alco.
"That's one of the reasons I have such an interest in (the races)," Kroplick said.
That interest led Kroplick to purchase a copy of the same photograph owned by
McCoy. Kroplick said he paid $650 for it last year.
McCoy would love it if her picture fetched a similar price.
"If I can find someone who wants to pay close to that, it's up for sale," she said.
was promotional. All of the major car companies did it," he said.
Kroplick became aware of the mystery Oldsmobile photo when his website received
more than 400 hits from people in the Lansing area Wednesday morning. He contacted
Gaylord to identify the car and driver in the photo.
Owns winner
Kroplick owns the winning car of the 1910 race, a vehicle known as the "Black Beast"
made by now defunct automaker Alco.
"That's one of the reasons I have such an interest in (the races)," Kroplick said.
That interest led Kroplick to purchase a copy of the same photograph owned by
McCoy. Kroplick said he paid $650 for it last year.
McCoy would love it if her picture fetched a similar price.
"If I can find someone who wants to pay close to that, it's up for sale," she said.
| Below are further links about William K. Vanderbilt, Jr. on VanderbiltCupRaces.com William K. Vanderbilt Jr. Films, Videos and Slideshows The Vanderbilt Family Vanderbilts |
Looking for information:
Donna McCoy of Owosso
holds the photograph she is
trying to learn more about.
Behind is Young
Buick/GMC General
Manager Josh Galardi.
McCoy took the picture to
an event at the dealership
to try to get more
information. (Rod
Sanford/Lansing State
Journal
Donna McCoy of Owosso
holds the photograph she is
trying to learn more about.
Behind is Young
Buick/GMC General
Manager Josh Galardi.
McCoy took the picture to
an event at the dealership
to try to get more
information. (Rod
Sanford/Lansing State
Journal
the Downey House, which burned down in February 1912. "I thought they were either
preparing for a race or they are showing off new models of Oldsmobile."
Gaylord and McCoy are hoping that others viewing the photo might be able to identify
who is in the picture and what the people are doing.
Any answers would help solve a riddle McCoy has had stashed on a shelf for decades.
Since being given the photograph approximately 30 years ago, McCoy has puzzled over
it. "I just never got around to finding out anything about it," she said.
Oldsmobile holds a special meaning to McCoy because she worked at the Oldsmobile
plant in Lansing from 1953 to 1977.
People who believe they can identify who the picture depicts or where and when it was
taken may call Gaylord at (810) 730-4900.
preparing for a race or they are showing off new models of Oldsmobile."
Gaylord and McCoy are hoping that others viewing the photo might be able to identify
who is in the picture and what the people are doing.
Any answers would help solve a riddle McCoy has had stashed on a shelf for decades.
Since being given the photograph approximately 30 years ago, McCoy has puzzled over
it. "I just never got around to finding out anything about it," she said.
Oldsmobile holds a special meaning to McCoy because she worked at the Oldsmobile
plant in Lansing from 1953 to 1977.
People who believe they can identify who the picture depicts or where and when it was
taken may call Gaylord at (810) 730-4900.
| ********** |
| ********** |
William Kissam Vanderbilt II (March 2, 1878 – January 8, 1944)
was a motor racing enthusiast and yachtsman and a member of the
prominent United States Vanderbilt family.
A skilled sailor, Vanderbilt participated in yacht racing, winning the
Sir Thomas Lipton Cup in 1900 with his new 70-foot (21 m) yacht
he had named Virginia in honor of his new bride. In 1902,
Vanderbilt began construction on his own country place at Great
Neck on Long Island that he named "Deepdale." However, sailing
was a motor racing enthusiast and yachtsman and a member of the
prominent United States Vanderbilt family.
A skilled sailor, Vanderbilt participated in yacht racing, winning the
Sir Thomas Lipton Cup in 1900 with his new 70-foot (21 m) yacht
he had named Virginia in honor of his new bride. In 1902,
Vanderbilt began construction on his own country place at Great
Neck on Long Island that he named "Deepdale." However, sailing
| William Kissam Vanderbilt Jr. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Kissam_Vanderbilt_II www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/index.php/blog/article/index_william_k._vanderbilt_jr |
would take second place to his enthusiasm for fast cars. In 1904, Willie K Vanderbilt
set a new Land Speed Record of 92.30 mph (148.54 km/h) in a Mercedes at the
Daytona Beach Road Course at Ormond Beach, Florida. That same year, he launched
the Vanderbilt Cup, the first major trophy in American auto racing. An international
event, designed to spur American manufacturers into racing, the race's large cash prize
drew the top drivers and their vehicles from across the Atlantic Ocean who had
competed in Europe 's Gordon Bennett Cup. Held at a course set out in Nassau County
on Long Island, New York, the race drew large crowds hoping to see an American car
defeat the mighty European vehicles. However, a French Panhard vehicle won the race
and fans would have to wait until 1908 when 23-year-old George Robertson of Garden
City, New York became the first American to win the Vanderbilt Cup.
While a great part of his life was filled with travel and leisure activities, Willie K
Vanderbilt's father put him to work at the family's New York Central Railroad offices at
Grand Central Station in Manhattan. As such, in 1905 he joined other Vanderbilts on
Fifth Avenue, building a townhouse at number 666. The Vanderbilt Cup auto races
repeatedly had crowd control problems and at the 1906 race a spectator was killed.
Seeing the potential to solve the safety issue as well as improve attendance to his race,
Willie K Vanderbilt formed a corporation to build the Long Island Motor Parkway, one
of the country's first modern paved parkways that could not only be used for the race
but would open up Long Island for easy access and economic development.
Construction began in 1907 of the multi-million dollar toll highway that was to run from
the Kissena Corridor in Queens County over numerous bridges and overpasses to Lake
Ronkonkoma, a distance of 48 miles (77 km). However, the toll road was never able to
generate sustainable profits and in 1938 it was formally ceded to the county
governments in lieu of the $80,000 due in back taxes.
His new high-speed road complemented a train service that allowed a rapid exit from
Manhattan. Becoming the first suburban automobile commuter, in 1910 Willie K
Vanderbilt began work on the much more elaborate and costly "Eagles Nest" estate at
Centerport, Long Island. An avid collector of natural history and marine specimens as
well as other anthropological objects, he traveled extensively aboard his yacht as well as
overland to numerous destinations around the globe. He acquired a vast array of
artifacts for his collection during his well-documented travels and after service with the
United States Navy during World War I, he published a book titled "A Trip Through
Sicily, Tunisia, Algeria, and Southern France." A few years later, he engaged a curator
from the American Museum of Natural History to participate with him in a scientific
voyage to the Galapagos Islands.
set a new Land Speed Record of 92.30 mph (148.54 km/h) in a Mercedes at the
Daytona Beach Road Course at Ormond Beach, Florida. That same year, he launched
the Vanderbilt Cup, the first major trophy in American auto racing. An international
event, designed to spur American manufacturers into racing, the race's large cash prize
drew the top drivers and their vehicles from across the Atlantic Ocean who had
competed in Europe 's Gordon Bennett Cup. Held at a course set out in Nassau County
on Long Island, New York, the race drew large crowds hoping to see an American car
defeat the mighty European vehicles. However, a French Panhard vehicle won the race
and fans would have to wait until 1908 when 23-year-old George Robertson of Garden
City, New York became the first American to win the Vanderbilt Cup.
While a great part of his life was filled with travel and leisure activities, Willie K
Vanderbilt's father put him to work at the family's New York Central Railroad offices at
Grand Central Station in Manhattan. As such, in 1905 he joined other Vanderbilts on
Fifth Avenue, building a townhouse at number 666. The Vanderbilt Cup auto races
repeatedly had crowd control problems and at the 1906 race a spectator was killed.
Seeing the potential to solve the safety issue as well as improve attendance to his race,
Willie K Vanderbilt formed a corporation to build the Long Island Motor Parkway, one
of the country's first modern paved parkways that could not only be used for the race
but would open up Long Island for easy access and economic development.
Construction began in 1907 of the multi-million dollar toll highway that was to run from
the Kissena Corridor in Queens County over numerous bridges and overpasses to Lake
Ronkonkoma, a distance of 48 miles (77 km). However, the toll road was never able to
generate sustainable profits and in 1938 it was formally ceded to the county
governments in lieu of the $80,000 due in back taxes.
His new high-speed road complemented a train service that allowed a rapid exit from
Manhattan. Becoming the first suburban automobile commuter, in 1910 Willie K
Vanderbilt began work on the much more elaborate and costly "Eagles Nest" estate at
Centerport, Long Island. An avid collector of natural history and marine specimens as
well as other anthropological objects, he traveled extensively aboard his yacht as well as
overland to numerous destinations around the globe. He acquired a vast array of
artifacts for his collection during his well-documented travels and after service with the
United States Navy during World War I, he published a book titled "A Trip Through
Sicily, Tunisia, Algeria, and Southern France." A few years later, he engaged a curator
from the American Museum of Natural History to participate with him in a scientific
voyage to the Galapagos Islands.
| ********** |
| More about Harry Stillman www.driverdb.com/drivers/13584/ |
| The start of the Vanderbilt Cup Race 1910 |
and the inaugural race was run over a 30.24 miles (48.7 km) course of winding dirt
roads
through Nassau County and area.
Vanderbilt put up a large cash prize hoping to encourage American manufacturers to get
into racing, a sport already well organized in Europe that was yielding many factory
improvements to motor vehicle technology. The race drew the top drivers and their
vehicles from across the Atlantic Ocean, some of whom had competed in Europe's
Gordon Bennett Cup.
The first Long Island race featured seventeen vehicles and the newspaper and poster art
promotion drew large crowds hoping to see an American car defeat the mighty
European vehicles.
However, George Heath won the race in a Panhard and another French vehicle, a
Darracq, took the Cup the next two years straight. Crowd control was a problem from
the start and after a spectator Curt Gruner was killed in 1906, the race was cancelled.
Meanwhile, in France, the first Grand Prix motor racing event had been run on June 26,
roads
through Nassau County and area.
Vanderbilt put up a large cash prize hoping to encourage American manufacturers to get
into racing, a sport already well organized in Europe that was yielding many factory
improvements to motor vehicle technology. The race drew the top drivers and their
vehicles from across the Atlantic Ocean, some of whom had competed in Europe's
Gordon Bennett Cup.
The first Long Island race featured seventeen vehicles and the newspaper and poster art
promotion drew large crowds hoping to see an American car defeat the mighty
European vehicles.
However, George Heath won the race in a Panhard and another French vehicle, a
Darracq, took the Cup the next two years straight. Crowd control was a problem from
the start and after a spectator Curt Gruner was killed in 1906, the race was cancelled.
Meanwhile, in France, the first Grand Prix motor racing event had been run on June 26,
1906 under the auspices of the Automobile Club de
France in Sarthe. One of the competitors was
American Elliot Shepard, the son of Margaret
Vanderbilt-Shepard and a cousin of William Kissam
Vanderbilt.
Learning from his cousin about the success of the
French Grand Prix and the rapid expansion of Grand
Prix racing in other European countries, William
Vanderbilt conceived a way to solve the safety issue
as well as improve attendance to his race. Vanderbilt
formed a company to build the Long Island Motor
Parkway, one of the country's first modern paved
parkways that could not only be used for the race but
would open up Long Island for easy access and
economic development. Construction bgan in 1907
of the multi-million dollar toll highway, to run from
the Kissena Corridor in Queens County over numerous
France in Sarthe. One of the competitors was
American Elliot Shepard, the son of Margaret
Vanderbilt-Shepard and a cousin of William Kissam
Vanderbilt.
Learning from his cousin about the success of the
French Grand Prix and the rapid expansion of Grand
Prix racing in other European countries, William
Vanderbilt conceived a way to solve the safety issue
as well as improve attendance to his race. Vanderbilt
formed a company to build the Long Island Motor
Parkway, one of the country's first modern paved
parkways that could not only be used for the race but
would open up Long Island for easy access and
economic development. Construction bgan in 1907
of the multi-million dollar toll highway, to run from
the Kissena Corridor in Queens County over numerous
| Bernd Rosemeyer with the Vanderbilt Cup, 1937 |
showcased at Savannah, Georgia in
combination with the American Grand
Prize. The next year it moved to a
racecourse in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, then
for three years in California: Santa Monica
in 1914 and 1916,
combination with the American Grand
Prize. The next year it moved to a
racecourse in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, then
for three years in California: Santa Monica
in 1914 and 1916,
| Louis Chevrolet in the Vanderbilt Cup Race 1910 |
| DOWNEY HOUSE IS TOTAL LOSS. WELL KNOWN LANSING HOTEL DESTROYED BY FIRE: LOSS IS $400,000. TWO ARE INJURED. ARTILLERYMEN CALLED OUT TO KEEP THE CROWDS FROM DANGER ZONE - BUILDING HISTORIC ONE -- SCENE OF MANY POLITICAL GATHERINGS. Special to The News-Palladium: Lansing, Feb. 7 -- The Downey House, Lansing's biggest and best known hotel, burned down into last night. The total loss will reach $400,000. |
| Three firemen were overcome with smoke, one sustained a broken leg and one a broken arm. The Lansing fire department was unable to cope with the blaze and calls for help were sent to Grand Rapids and Jackson. The fire started on the sixth floor, at the top of an elevator shaft. It spread quickly and soon the building was wrapped in flames. The Michigan Lumbermen's |
| association had just adjourned from the convention hall on the sixth floor when the discovery of fire was made. All got out in safety. All of the guests were accounted for. Two batteries of light artillery, commanded by Major R. C. VANDERCOOK, patrolled the scene of the fire to keep the crowd away from the burning building. Historic Old Hostelry. The hotel had been the gathering place for legislators and statesmen for nearly half a century. It was built in 1866 by Col. FAYETTE BAKER, with a portion of the government reward he received for the capture of JOHN WILKS BOOTH, the murderer of President LINCOLN. Col. BAKER was chief of the government secret service and shortly after the death of President LINCOLN he came to Lansing and built the hotel. About five years ago it was entirely remodeled by its present owners and made into one of the most modern nd up-to-date hostelries in the state. The proprietors expended nearly $250,000, adding two additional stories to the structure, refurnishing it throughout, and providing an exceedingly ornate corridor. |
| ********** |
| How Arthur Solved the Puzzle |
| The Oldsmobile web site identified the car as an Autocrat Speedster. Searching Oldsmobile Autocrat Speedster got me nothing. I first read the name as Stilman. This did nothing for me also. Closer look identified Stillman. This got me the name Harry Stillman race driver and the Vanderbilt cup Races, and ultimately the Lansing State Journal article. Interesting the photo was found in a landfill. Surprised it was readable. Must not have been buried. Arthur Hartwell |