My First Automobile

From the collections of PVMA • Digital image © Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Assoc. • Image use information

About this item

The Stanley Steam Automobile Company was one of hundreds of automobile companies formed at the turn of the 20th century. It was founded in Watertown in 1897, and by 1901 was in Lawrence, Massachusetts. In the early years, there were three major technologies for powering cars: gasoline, electricity, and steam, with this last method being an early favorite. Although they took a long time to warm up, they were faster than gasoline cars. By 1906, Stanley replaced the yoke steering mechanism with a wheel, and the bicycle-like tires with sturdier ones. By 1912, gasoline engines had improved dramatically. Though steam was fading fast, Stanley continued making cars. The company went bankrupt in 1925, but continued production until its demise in 1927.

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Details

Item typeDocumentary Photograph
PhotographerUnidentified
Date1901-11-30
PlaceMassachusetts
TopicTransportation, Travel, Tourism
EraProgressive Era, World War I, 1900–1928
MaterialPaper
Process/FormatPhotography
Dimension detailsHeight: 6.00 in Width: 8.00 in
Catalog #1997.19.21
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My First Automobile. Photograph. November 30, 1901. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/1997-19-21/. Accessed on December 6, 2024.

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