Kleiners Korner: The 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race “Dip of Death”
One of the most dangerous parts of the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race was the "Dip of Death", located near Spinney Hill in Manhasset. Robert Edgren illustrated these dangers in the Oct. 6, 1906 edition of The NY Evening World.
Art Kleiner
The hills and curves encompassing the "Dip of Death" were the scene of multiple accidents during practice runs, the American Elimination Race and the race itself.
The western most section at the Spinney Hill grandstand where Joe Tracy was concerned.
The point at which the Frayer-Miller car hit a pole and rammed a house.
The greatest speed was achieved near the Payne-Whitney estate.
The start of the "Dip" was about 1 1/2 miles east of Spinney Hill.
The acrobatic feat of Janetzy manuvering the "Dip of Death"! Did this actually occur?
Interestingly, the "Dip of Death" was a featured event at various automobile daredevil shows including at the Barnum & Bailey Circus. The circus act might have been the impetus for naming this part of the course. "The Most Expensive, as Well as the Most Hazardous Event Ever Devised". $2,000 a minute!
Deming Graphic Sept. 15, 1905
The New York Evening World Apr. 1, 1905
Dr. Aldo Weilschott drives his Fiat into "men and boys"!
While in another part of the course in Mineola, an unfortunate spectator is fatally injured by Elliot F Shepard, Jr. near Krug's Corner.
And at East Norwich, a similar fate when Ralph Baldwin is run over by Joe Tracy.
All in all, the events at the "Dip of Death" and other parts of the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup race caused race officials to rethink where automobile races on Long Island could be held safely. And thus the beginnings of the Long Island Motor Parkway.
Comments
The final cartoon shows Joe Tracy’s 1906 accident when he struck a 12 year old boy. It was widely reported that the child died, though your Kleiner’s Kolumn post of Dec. 11, 2019 clearly debunks this claim:
https://www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/blog/article/kleiners_kolumn_al_poole_documents_from_the_helck_family_collection
Thanks Tim - the cartoon was in the Oct. 6 edition of The NY Evening World so accounts of the accident that day probably were probably not as accurate as they would be today without today’s technology. Or the paper just wanted to create a bit more sympathy (or readership)!
Also, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading through Peter’s documents and seeing the material provided to Howard. I’ve come to appreciate his talent, appreciation and dedication to detail, appreciation for the automotive industry and generally how he was so loved by his admirers. Quite an individual. Thanks.
Pretty sure when my boys were younger, one of their Hot Wheels Tracks was sort of like a Dip of Death design : ) The screenshots below show that this location is still curved and hilly.