212.1206.1-2

New York-to-Paris, via Ames, Iowa! The year was 1908, and six cars lined up near Time Square in New York City for the start of the first international automobile race ever held. Promoted by the fledgling Automobile Club of America, it drew attention across the country. The French car, De Dion, passed through Ames on March 11, 1908, making no stops. The crew had their evening meal in Boone, Iowa, and reached Jefferson, Iowa, by moonlight that same day. This picture was taken in Mechanicsville, Iowa, a day or two earlier. For more information on the race, see Chapter 12, "Ames in Word and Picture: Further Tales and Personal Memories," by Farwell T. Brown, 1999. (Photo is courtesty of Carl W. Allen, Nevada, Iowa) See also: 212.1207.1-4; 212.1208.1