Then & Now: The Massapequa Turn for the 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race
One of the most exciting locations to watch the first Vanderbilt Cup Race was the turn from Massapequa-Hicksville Road onto the new Bethpage-Hempstead Turnpike in present day Plainedge. Here's the "Then & Now."
Enjoy,
Howard kroplick
Then: 1904
This section of the course was rough and narrow and seen as particularly treacherous. The turn onto the new Bethpage-Hempstead Turnpike had been the biggest problem area in Nassau County, with loose stone and ruts creating a significant hazard. American Mutoscope and Biograph Company elected to station their second film crew at this vantage point.
Fernand Gabriel driving a DeDietrich for France
George Heath driving the winning Panhard for France
Paul Sartori driving a FIAT for italy
Albert Clement, Jr. driving the Clement-Bayard for France
Charles Schmidt driving the Packard "Grey Wolf" for the USA
William Luttgen driving a Mercedes for Germany
1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race Film
In one of the first films of an American sporting event, the Massapequa turn can be seen at the following marks: 0:29 seconds to 1:20 minutes and 1:39 to 1:56 minutes.
Now: 2006
As seen in the "Now" photos, the semi-circle design of the turn remains unchanged from 1904.
Comments
Not nearly as exciting in the ‘now’ photograph. Great research Howard and loved the video…..You’re dedication to this history is amazing ..... Many thanks….
Hi Howard, another great story, great photos…......thank you….Dave 10-4