Vanderbilt Cup Races

Nassau County made up the vast majority of the Vanderbilt Cup Race courses. For the 1904 race, approximately one mile of the 30-mile course was in Queens- linking Hempstead Turnpike with Jericho Turnpike. All the other courses (1905-1910) were located totally in Nassau County. The closest the race came to Suffolk County was the north-east section of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race which is the subject of today's then and now post- the Woodbury Turn.

The Woodbury Turn for the 1908 race was located at the intersection of Woodbury Road and Jericho Turnpike. The left-turn was distinctive because of a large hill on the east side of Woodbury Road-a natural viewing stand- and a church on the north side of Jericho Turnpike- a perfect spot for a photographer.

Here, spectators on Woodbury Road had a great view of William Borque driving the #20 Knox making the turn. Note the flagman indicating to the driver that the course was clear.

A closer look of the image reveals the church in the background beyond the trees.

Then: Spectators stood on the church's small hill for an excellent view after the racers made the turn.

Now: The church is still standing today. The Historical Chapel is available for weddings and also serves as offices for a limo company.

Then: This photo of George Robertson driving the #16 Locomobile was taken by a photographer who climbed up the church's steeple for a unique perspective of the eventual 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race winner.

Now: Here is a view from the same location 100 years later. A school administration building serving Syosset and Woodbury schools is now located on top of a smaller hill at the intersection.