Kleiner’s Korner: Tidbits of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race from “The Automobile”
Much coverage of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race was given by the October editions of "The Automobile" magazine. One page in the October 29 edition contained several items not newsworthy enough for full coverage but none the less interesting footnotes. Here are some of them.
Items pertained to Willie K's view of an American car winning the race, the suitability of the grandstand and surrounding area, sleeping quarters of racing fans, the availability of "fake" souvenirs and ladies lingerie (yes, ladies lingerie).
Art Kleiner
"The Automobile"
Willie K. & Others
Extremely proud enthusiasts!
The Grandstand and Suitable Seating
No way to get to the grandstand? And a loop for racing?
The "monster grandstand".
And more trouble finding the grandstand.
And were they actually the grandstands? A money making idea from farmers!
Not enough seating along the home stretch!
Sleeping Quarters
Plenty of unused beds at the Garden City Hotel.
An ad mentioning the 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race.
Preventing a Riot
A little to late!
Race Standings
Making it hard to see the score boards.
Inadequacy of the LIRR
Three hours to reach the race from 34th Street!
Getting to and from the race was not an easy endeavor! Wonder what station this might be.
"Fake" Souvenirs
Is it real or is it "Memorex" (am I dating myself?).
The real thing!
And Finally, Ladies Lingerie
For shame!
Turn those headlights off!
Comments
Great details about the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup race. Thank you Art. Just a guess on the LIRR train station. It might be Westbury.
The train station makes me think of Garden City, with the train in a westbound direction.
David, The LIRR in conjunction with the Race made stops at three locations, Westbury, the Grandstand, (special ticket) and at Central Park. I’m inclined to go along with you that the station pictured is Westbury. While we’re at it…. why did the LIRR choose to bridge Ellison Ave. and have a grade crossing at Post Ave ?
Al, my only guess about them going with a grade crossing at Post ave at the time is that maybe they thought it was too close to the Holy Rood cemetery. Imagine workers digging for the bridge construction just a little out of bounds and finding out that the cemetery property was bigger than they thought.