Photo Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
[Auto speed trial accident] |
Object Name |
Print, Photographic |
Date |
1902 |
Description |
Original B&W print on a gray cardboard mount. View of the aftermath of an accident at the automobile speed trials held on Staten Island on May 31, 1902. A wrecked race car is in the center of the image. A large group of men, and one woman, stand around the car; many of the people face the camera. Two policemen stand next to the car. There are tall trees in the background. A banner hangs between two trees: "[top line is illegible] / BOULEVARD HOTEL." (Keywords: New York City, Early Twentieth Century) |
Print size |
3.750 x 4.750 |
Acquisition |
Gift of William E. Seuberth |
Ownership and History |
On May 31, 1902, the Automobile Club of America held auto speed trials on Staten Island's Southfield Boulevard (now Hylan Boulevard). A car manufactured by the Baker Motor Vehicle Company was attempting to break a speed record, but during the trial it veered off the road and into a crowd of spectators, killing two people and injuring others. The driver and his chauffeur were arrested and jailed, but a charge of manslaughter was later dismissed by a grand jury. The Richmond County Advance of June 4, 1902, described the moment of the accident: "...When within 220 yards of the finish line, it appeared to those who were watching the machine, that it was beyond the control of the driver as it began to sway and jump in an alarming manner from left to right, and finally dashed off the roadway on the left, crashing into a number of spectators..." |
Earliest Date |
1902 |
Latest Date |
1902 |
Subjects |
Automobiles Accidents Police |
Lexicon Sub-category |
Documentary Artifact |
Catalog Number |
54.018.0001 |
Support Acknowledgment |
Online Collections Database record made possible by the Staten Island Historical Society, August 2019. |
Legal Status |
Items represented here are from the collections of the Staten Island Historical Society. Materials reproduced for personal non-commercial use must credit the Staten Island Historical Society. Commercial licensing is available. |