Book “Ways of the World”: Long Island Motor Parkway Documented as the First Parkway in the World
In his book, Dr. Maxwell (M.G.) Lay , a leading civil engineer, wrote the book "Ways of the World: A History of the World's Roads and the Vehicles That Used Them". Dr. Lay documented that the Long Island Motor Parkway was "historically" the first parkway built in the world.
Below are excerpts from the parkways section of the book with supporting images.
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
"..they were preceded historically by the Long Island Motor Parkway in the United States."
Three autos indicate the 22-foot width of the road and the banked curves. (Courtesy of the Garden City Archives.)
The Motor Parkway bridge over Newbridge Road under construction. (Courtesy of the Garden City Archives.)
The Bronx River Parkway in the area of the Woodlawn Metro-North Railroad Station. in 1922
The Northern State Parkway Gateway at the Queens/Nassau County border on October 8, 1933.
George Washington Memorial Parkway circa 1950s.
Image of the Weekend
While watching Wayne Carini's Chasing Cars: Mama Mia show last night, Roz and I were very surprised to see me waving in Chrysler's Chrysler at the 2014 Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance. Neat!!
Comments
Whoops! Several problems here. No mention of Buenos Aires’s very early (possibly pre-LIMP) parkway; Italy’s opened only slightly later than LIMP. No LIMP auto ramps in the Newbridge Road photo; only a construction ramp. The LIMP did NOT start out as asphalt! “Today’s” Woodland MNRR area. GWMP photo ca, 1950, NOT 1930 (check white car)! Sorry ‘bout that/ Sam, III
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From Howard Kroplick I
Sam III, thanks!
From Ron B.:
I recently purchased copies of your Vanderbilt Cup Races and Long Island Motor Parkway in conjunction with my research on classic speedsters for a book that I am writing. I also subscribe to your blog.
I was reading your bio and noticed that you own a 66 GT350. I am a member of SAAC and own a 65 K-code fastback that I have used for concours competitions. Great cars to drive! Now, however, I am looking for an old speedster to work on, so will probably sell the Mustang to make room.
I just wanted to drop you a line to compliment you on the fine work you are doing in covering the Vanderbilt Cup races. I know it is a lot of work, but you are filling in an important historical gap in American automotive history. Hats off to you, sir.
From Edward G.
Thank you very much for this. Ed.