An Urn

by Posted in Black & White, Things Leave a comment
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This stone (or is it concrete?) urn stands on the wall of the former gatehouse (See: On my doorstep – Gatehouse to a grand estate) to a grand estate (See: A wealthy man). I find it interesting: the way its covered in vines. For much of the year (i.e. when the vines have leaves) I can’t take pictures of it at all: the leaves cover it completely and you can’t even see it. I’ve tried to photograph it before but haven’t managed to get a shot that I like. I’m not sure I like this one either. I guess I’ll just have to keep trying.

Taken with a Fuji X-E3 and Fuji XF 10-24mm f4 R OIS

Framed automobile pictures

by Posted in Events, Things, Vehicles Leave a comment
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This post is for fans of vintage automobiles.

On April 24th, 1908 and event took place, the like of which the Village of Briarcliff Manor had never seen before, and has not seen since. It was called “The First American International Road Race”, more informally known as the Briarcliff Trophy Race. It was the first automobile race in Westchester County, NY and the first international stock car race in the United States. There were 22 contestants from five countries: Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and the United States.

The Briarcliff Manor-Scarborough Historical Society (BMSHS) has a wonderful collection of 11 framed photographs of the race participants. It’s not clear what happened to the other 11.

Above: No. 20: Louis J. Bergdoll, Benz Car.

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No. 19: Hugh N. Harding, Isotta Fraschini car.

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No. 13: Barney Oldfield, Stearns Car.

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No. 11: Al Poole, Isotta Fraschini car.

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No. 9: Ralph Mulford, Lozier car.

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No. 8: Guy Vaughn. Stearns car.

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No. 7: Harry Michener, Lozier car.

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No. 6: Edwin H. Parker, Fiat car.

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No. 1: Paul Sartori, Bianchi Car.

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No. 21: Morton J. Seymour, Simplex Car.

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No. 22: William Watson, Simplex Car.

The Society is preparing a presentation on the race, which will go into much more detailed. We’re not yet sure when the presentation will take place so if you live in the area watch out for an announcement.

The pictures are available for viewing at the BMSHS at 1 Library Road (Lower Level, of the Briarcliff Manor Library), Briarcliff Manor, NY .

Pictures of the framed photographs taken with a Sony A7IV and Samyang AF 75mm f1.8 FE

I survived another “Snowmaggedon”

by Posted in Black & White, Landscapes Leave a comment
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We had another “significant” snow storm the other day. The meteorologists forecasted possibly 5-7 inches of snow. To see how much we actually got take a look at the picture below: nothing! Not even an inch. To be fair it did snow quite a lot, but what little stuck melted almost immediately afterwards. Apparently the snowy part of the storm passed north of us. Until about a year ago I had a house on a lake about 24 miles farther North, and a bit higher. They got about 17 inches of snow! Amazing how such a short distance can make such a big difference.

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First picture taken with a Sony A7IV and Rokinon/Samyang AF 75mm f1.8 FE. Second picture with an Apple iPhone SE II.