Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Item
Title
TPL-1039
Date(s)
- 1915-04-27 (Creation)
Extent
Name of creator
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
On April 27, 1915, the Tacoma Publicity Committee sponsored a race from Tacoma to the Mountain, pitting a train against four automobiles. The race was then captured in motion pictures by B.B. Dobbs (bottom right) to be displayed at the 1915 World's Fair in San Francisco. Thousands lined the race course from Tacoma to Ashford, the terminus of the Tacoma Eastern railroad. The train was a Milwaukee Special, handled by Engineer A.W. Bagley and Conductor J.F. Beals. The train arrived five minutes before the leading vehicle, driven by Mrs. O.H. Ridgeway (in car 2) at a blistering speed of 40-50 mph. Engineer Bagley gave the winning sack of $1000 in gold to the lady driver in admiration of her skill at the wheel. Following several minutes after Mrs. Ridgeway were the other three drivers, Van R. Layton, Frank Jacobs and Charles Atherton. (TDL 4/28/1915 p.1)
Races--Tacoma--1910-1920; Racing; Railroad locomotives--1910-1920; Automobiles--1910-1920; Crowds;