Pioneers in Motion

An Introduction

PLANES, TRAINS, boats and cars: Through two centuries, Long Islanders have been at the forefront of advances in the way the world travels. This special section of Newsday's "Long Island: Our Story" series is a look at some of them.

PIONEERS IN THE AIR

Flash in the Sky

Elinor Smith wrapped both hands around the control stick and held on tightly as her open-cockpit biplane pitched and jounced through the night sky.

PIONEERS ON THE RUNWAY

Raising Grumman

TO THE MEN who built airplanes on the production floor, they were known as Red Mike and The Bullfrog.

PIONEERS ON THE ROAD

Driving in the Fast Lane

IN THE SUMMER of 1899, Newport seemed the perfect spot for William K. Vanderbilt II and his new bride: The Rhode Island seaside town was home to New York society, and Vanderbilt had spent many months at Marble House, his mother's lavish summer home there.

PIONEERS ON THE RAILS

Riding the LIRR Together

IN THE LATE spring of 1882, Chester A. Arthur, president of the United States, was invited to travel via a private express train to the Babylon estate of Austin Corbin, president of the Long Island Rail Road.

PIONEERS ON THE WATER

A Whaler's Whaleman

THOMAS WELCOME ROYS was no Captain Ahab.