100 Years Ago: June 13-20

From The Indianapolis Star, Tuesday, June 16, 1914: Automobiles are being sold in Indiana this summer at the rate of 150 a day.  So far this year, the Secretary of State has issued 53,511 licenses for Indiana-owned machines. It is believed the number of new automobiles sold is considerably larger than a year ago, but the new automobile annual registration law has not been in effect long enough to make an accurate comparison. While many of the autos being delivered are going to buyers in the cities, the biggest percent of the machines sold daily is going to the rural districts and the small towns. The records show there are 480 dealers engaged in the sale of automobiles in Indiana. Motorcycles sold up to yesterday numbered 8,597. There are 2,250 licensed chauffeurs in the state.

If you would like a collection of these “100 Years Ago this Week” the  Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 E. University (Irvington) has the last 3 years in 3 booklets – $10 per set. They are open Wed. 1-3pm, Sat. & Sun.1-4pm. All proceeds benefit the Irvington Historical Society.