Vanderbilt Cup Races

Actually, there are two structures under construction: the grandstand for the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup race on Jericho Turnpike in Westbury and the associated press box / officials stand across the street in Old Westbury. Since the grandstand was on the south side of Jericho Turnpike, the photographer was facing west when he took the photo, probably in September, 1906. Behind the officials stand was the property of Thomas Hitchcock (Broad Hollow Farm) with its one mile horse track. Today, the Hitchcock property is the site of Queen of Peace Cemetery.

Looks like they are building the main grandstand for the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup race.  The photographer is facing west and we also see the press box being built on the right.  Since we also know what direction the racers drove in, we know the orientation of the photographer.  The picture was probably taken in August or September of 1906.  The property across from the construction was the Hitchcock estate and is now a cemetery.

Guessing it’s the grandstand being built for the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race. The surrounding area appears similar to Jericho Tpke looking west. More to come

If the 1906 grandstand location is correct, the photographer is looking west alongside Jericho Tpke between Hitchcock and Powells Lanes. The Press Box would be located across Jericho Tpke in an 80 acre lot, I believe once used for horses. Today the lot is the Queen of Peace Cemetery. 1906 VCR occurred on Oct 6, 1906, so photo is dated approximately Aug 1906

Get well soon Howard!