Friday, September 25, 2015

The First Marshall, TX To Oil City, LA Auto Trip

Excerpts from a full-page advertisement in the Dallas Morning News that touted the reliability and ruggedness of a Buick automobile owned by Dr. L. A. Decker of Marshall, TX. Among accomplishments cited was a successful 90 mile round-trip to Oil City over what was likely a patchwork of virtual cattle trails and deeply rutted dirt roads. In those days a gravel road was considered "improved" while paving was mostly unheard of in rural settings. Note in the testimonial by R. Beach, even after crossing Caddo Lake at Mooringsport, the ferryman expresses doubt the travelers can complete their journey; which is a simple three-mile drive today.







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