The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-05-18
BAD FOR AUTOS.
several Enthusiastic Drivers Caught
In Sundays Storm.

automobiles of all varieties and de-
scriptfons could be seen late SUNDAY
aLternoon coming into Topeka, with
their handsome mounting and polish
ed sides decorated with large spots
OF mud and their occupants dressed in
tnelr nnest toggery, drenched to the
SKIN. The sudden rain which COM
menced to fall about O'Clock in the
afternoon was the cause of the many
catastrophes which were recorded
during the day.
Sunday started out to be Just such
Day as would make an automobile
ride welcome diversion, and hardly
better day could be found for this
popular pleasure. The day was some
wnat warm and oppressive, but the
clouds obscured the sun and a spin
along the rural highways lured many
automobiles far from the limits of the
city. The roads were just beginning
to become traversable after the rains
OF a few days previous.
The clouds had overhung the city
all DAY, but they seemed to possess but
Few of the elements of rain and their
threatening aspect did not assert it
self until a brief period of five minutes
before the storm clouds finally loosed
their burden. Then when the rain
nnally commenced with all it's heavy
downpour. the automobile parties
found themselves totally unprepared
for anything Of the kind.
Some Of the machines proved good
mudders and their occupants were
rushed into farmhouses In short order
SO that but little discomfort was felt.
Others were too far to seek shelter
and just continued their journeys
blindly. the car drivers probably hum
ming, 'I don't know where I'm going,
but I'm on my way" A few of the ma
chimes with tops and side curtains
provided pretty good shelter for their
occupants.
A few Of the parties found a great
deal of adventure in their afternoons
frolic. The large Perkins automobile
from Lawrence was stranded near the
state house grounds. Mrs. Perkins,
the wife of the late L. H. Perkins,
whose death recently has been the
cause of much litigation. was one Of
the occupants of the car and other
relatives to the number of six were
enjoying the Sabbath afternoon. Two
of the young men of the party were
strolling through the grounds when
themselves to the George W.. Crane
residence on Harrison street. and for
awhile sought shelter on the porch.
But this was not sufficient and they
soon took possession of the house NO
one was at home, but the two families
are very intimate and the Perkins
family considered themselves extreme
ly fortunate in being SO close to smell
ter.
Another party composed of Mr.. and
Mrs. Maurice Schlegel and Mrs. O. ID.
Wolf, left for Lawrence about l O'Clock
and were about half way to Lawrence
when the storm came up AS soon as
their threatened saturation was found
to be unavoidable Mr.. Schlegel turned
his car Topekaward and flying trip
| was made. They were caught In the
| rain and Mr.. Schlegel found 1t ex-
ttremely difficult to keep his machine
from slipping off the road into the
river where the road follows the
course of the river. The party reach
| ed Topeka about 4:30, but though they
were drenched to the skin. they enjoy
ed their outing very much. However
they would hardly want to repea
their experience.
Frank. Pr, MacI4ennan went out t.
ICedarcrest Sunday morning by auto
mobile. returning at 10 O'Clock a
night by horse and surrey.
| ~ Many others met with similar ex
lperiences., Armin Fass1er and part!
Of friends were caught several miles
from home and friends and although
thew claim they did not get wet tht
IEnowfne ones who saw them return.
ing can be seen to family smile ano
| wink at their claims.