Friday, August 07, 2015

news flash, Huntington Library manuscript curator has made a book about the pioneers of cross country automobile travels


Peter Blodgett, the curator of Western Historical Manuscripts at The Huntington, will give a talk about his new book, Motoring West: Automobile Pioneers, 1900–1909. Afterward, guests can enjoy period music and a display of vintage cars.


Blodgett is also the editor of a new book: "Motoring West: Automobile Pioneers, 1900-1909."

For "Motoring West," the first of a four-volume series, Blodgett dug up accounts of car travel from the pages of publications such as Scientific American, Outing and Munsey's Magazine.

A 1905 article called "Camping Out with an Automobile" suggested that travelers find topographical, geographical and survey maps at the library, then use tracing paper to make custom maps by marking key information such as rivers and towns.

That same piece advised traveling with two cars of the same make so that they could swap spare parts and, in case of a breakdown, one could tow the other.

One from 1902, called "A Practical Automobile Touring Outfit," suggested having clothing made of kangaroo hide because of its ability to shed rain. "The Automobile Vacation" (1907) included a long list of recommended supplies for a car trip: tire inner tubes and valves, "rawhide tire bandages," a "hydrometer to test gasoline," extra oil, seat and lamp covers to protect against dust and mud, and "goggles for all passengers."


The Café will be open for al fresco dining. Members: $10. Non-Members: $20. Ages 2 and under free.

Purchase tickets online or call 800-838-3006.


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