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J. William White shares his remarks with Theodore Roosevelt regarding his opposition to allowing automobile racing in Fairmont Park. White hopes Roosevelt is well and hopes to shake Roosevelt’s hand the next time he is in New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-13
J. William White addresses commissioners regarding the resolution to allow automobile racing in Fairmont Park. His reasons for turning away this sport include the safety of spectators or anyone in the area at the time of the race. Unlike other sports welcome at the park, fatalities of drivers and spectators are prevalent in racing and according to George P. Rich, the city may be liable for injuries or deaths that may occur. Despite enjoying watching the races himself, White feels the responsibility as a commissioner to protect the people and not allow racing in the park.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-13
A wealthy old man rides in an automobile driven by his chauffeur. They are racing through the countryside during a cross-country auto race and have struck several pedestrians who are not used to encountering automobiles on country roads. Caption: Owner (to Chauffeur) — Don’t stop! It only costs about ten dollars apiece to run them down. I must break the record even if it costs a hundred!
The automobile, a new-fangled toy of the rich in 1902 when Pughe’s cartoon appeared, was a luxury such that “normal” transportation as we know it today was not its main function; joy rides and extravagant excursions were. Only in Detroit and Cleveland, major centers of auto manufacturing, were autos common and driven by owners, not chauffeurs for the most part. In 1900, 20 miles per hour was considered excessive and dangerous, and a decade later 40 miles per hour was likewise regarded. At the time of Pughe’s cartoon, America knew no such things as stop signs, warning signs or signals, traffic lights, traffic cops, drivers’ licenses, lane markings, brake lights, windshield wipers, or speed limits. “Turtle turns” (cars flipped over) and fatalities, usually pedestrians including many children, were not uncommon.
William H. Taft and William Jennings Bryan race to the finish line in cars shaped like a Republican elephant and Democratic donkey respectively. “Trusts” are behind Taft in the car as President Roosevelt tries to jump in while John Worth Kern is behind Bryan. In the background “Standard Oil” says, “Rah! Rah! Brace up!” while a “farmer” and “businessman” cheer on Bryan’s car. Caption: The leading candidates and their friends are at the home stretch in the greatest game of them all.
The Atlanta Georgian‘s political cartoonist J. R. Willis drew an election-day cartoon that, for a brief moment at campaign’s close, was remarkably free of rancor.
The Metropolitan Automobile Association applied to hold an automobile race in Nassau County, New York, on October 16-17, 1907. Before the Board of Supervisors can accept, they will map out the proposed race. Although several members of the board as well as nine-tenths of the people in Nassau County were in favor of holding the race there, one wealthy resident did not approve.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-12
A macabre figure of the Roman god Mercury labeled “Speed Mania” leads automobile drivers speeding along country roads in an automobile race. They are being cheered by crowds even while having accidents and running over spectators.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1910-10-26
Willie’s pet Bozzie has died but the family had fun at the automobile races.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-08-11