Stewart School Students with John Ellis Kordes in front of the Toll Lodge, current home of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce. Did you know that the building that houses the Garden City Chamber of Commerce was once one of 12 Toll Lodges along the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway? Why is that so special and what was the Parkway? Village Historian John Ellis Kordes and Garden City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Althea Robinson answered these and many other questions for a group of Stewart School fifth-graders who visited the Chamber of Commerce at its office in the Toll House on May 13.

The students were treated to a lecture tour of both the inside and outside of this tiny but treasured building. Mr. Kordes shared information about the construction of the Parkway, which ran through Garden City. When completed in 1911, the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway was the first high-speed, limited access, crossing-free, "dustless" road in the world specifically designed for the automobile.

Mr. Kordes also spoke about the Toll Lodge, itself, which was designed by noted architect John Russell Pope. In 1989, the Toll Lodge was moved to the east end of Seventh Street from its original location at what was once a Parkway entrance near Clinton Road. Each student also received a copy of the original stock certificate for the Parkway issued by the Long Island Motor Parkway Corporation and a button that reads, "Have you paid your toll?"

Students in living room of the Toll Lodge with their teachers Barbara Simone and Dolores Volpe, back row, right. The students send their thanks to Mr. Kordes and Ms. Robinson for this special historical learning experience.

Students in front of the Toll Lodge with John Ellis Kordes; the shutters are original to the building.