Kleiner’s Korner: And Now For Something Completely Different: Part 1 (Motor Parkway 1906 - 1910)
While researching posts for vanderbiltcupraces.com I often come across material that while not directly related to the topic I'm investigating, still contains interesting information. In this new series, I'll provide tidbits of information about the Motor Parkway, the Vanderbilt Cup Races and William K. Vanderbilt Jr. that might provide insight into the various perceptions of the times. Part 1 pertains to the Motor Parkway from 1906 through 1910. Comments are of course appreciated: feel free to provide further supporting material about anything presented.
Art Kleiner
Interest Among Long Islanders
Noting the interest that many LI towns had in attracting the route of the Motor Parkway. (Automobile Topics Dec. 1, 1906)
An argument in favor of the parkway put forth by a Hicksville resident who happened to be a surveyor and Civil Engineer! (The Long Islander Feb. 15, 1907)
Increasing land values . . . "electric speed without risk of landing in an electric chair".
aiding the farmer . . .
The writer of the letter, Wm. Ellison, C.E. had no land to offer but did offer his professional services at no charge to property owners.
Having done extensive work in Hicksville, Ellison was called upon as a witness for the plaintiff in a land dispute near the Hicksville LIRR station. However, I have no knowledge of him ever doing any work pertaining to the Motor Parkway.
Further evidence of increasing land values! (The County Review Mar. 15, 1907)
There was interest even in providing property beyond Riverhead to Good Ground (today's Hampton Bays)! (The East Hampton Star Apr. 5, 1907)
The People that Surveyed the Motor Parkway
Obviously many people were employed to build the Motor Parkway. Here are a few; interestingly many came from very prestigious universities. Vineola? (The Triennial Record of the Class of Princeton University, 1907)
Lehigh University Register Class of 1907
Grand Catalog of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity Feb. 1, 1910
Grand Catalog of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity Feb. 1, 1910
Promoting a Brooklyn Eagle Almanac map including the Motor Parkway. (South Side Signal Feb. 27, 1909)
A fire reportedly caused by workers of the Motor Parkway while doing their job clearing ground for a clubhouse near Ronkonkoma. Future posts will detail additional fires caused by travelers on the parkway. (South Side Signal Apr. 23, 1910)
A strike among workers constructing the Motor Parkway Inn, aka Petite Trianon. (The Suffolk County News Aug. 12, 1910)
The Long Island Rail Road promoted LI by including the Motor Parkway in its advertising. (International Aviation Meet Oct., 1910)
I hope you enjoy reading this new series (even just a little) that will bring yesterday's news of our favorite roadway, our favorite races and our favorite individual to your inbox.
Comments
That was Great, Thanks
Always interesting Art, thank you. Vineola ( Mineola ), typo for sure.
Awesome as always Art!
It’s always amazing when you start researching something and before you know it, you’re reading and learning something completely different and unrelated.
Art.
I very much enjoyed reading all of these stories and letters from long ago.
Thank you.
Interesting read of the efforts to agree that the Parkway will benefit all. I believe it would’ve served more practical if the tolls were reduced or even eliminated altogether, for automobilists from every walk of life to enjoy. But with the steady increase in automobile sales from 1908, Motor Parkway would’ve quickly become inundated with floods of traffic, periodically needing expansion (present day LIE). Ironic how the Petit Trianon started with a fire, and later ended with a fire. Great stuff Art!
Interesting Art!
Horatio L. Babb was still listed as working for the LIMP in the 1922 Grand Catalogue of Phi Kappa Psi. He was a graduate of the Case School (a predecessor to CWRU) circa 1905, according to fraternity records.
Perhaps another engineer like Hardin? Given his long tenure at LIMP, wonder if his name shows up somewhere in LIMP archival business documents.
Interesting that the LIRR would tout the fact of the LIMP’s elimination of grade crossings.
Tom Padilla, From the very beginning the LIRR had a vested interest in the LIMP"s success, they were one of the top five of investors in the Motor Parkway.