New-York tribune., 1911-09-02
AUT0|STS WRECK S|GNS|
Club Members Enforce New Law
Against Roadway "Ads."
AXES AND PAINT ARE USED
Organizations Throughout the
State Asked to Co. operate in
Work of Destruction.

Arthur r. Shattuck and other members
Of the good roads committee OF the Auto
rlobile Club of America started out bright
and early yesterday morning bent upon en-
forcing the new law against advertising
signs which disfgure the states highways
and do not harmonize to any noticeable de-
gree with the scenery.
This law went into effect yesterday. II
provides. among other things, that any
person can tear down any advertisement
in or upon a public highway which IL
In violation Of the provisions of this act.
And the act prohibits the painting or put
ting OF advertisements upon mile posts
danger signals and guide posts, and also
upon trees. stunps, rocks or about any
thing else without first getting the written
consent Of the owner OF the property
Armed with axes and many gallons of
paint and other instruments of destruc-
ton and obliteration. members of the good
roads committee set forth in two automo-
lille trucks for trip through Long Islahu'
When they saw an Illegal advertisement
the car was stopped and the adveruse-
ment was either torn down or painted OUT
Some folk objected TO this. but on the
whole the trip was a peaceable one.
The Automobile Club Of America had sent
letters TO every auto club in the state
asking them TO cooperate with II In re-
moving the illegal and unsghuy signs
While up TO late hour last night ofhcials
OF the club had received no reports as
10 how the first days campaign was gong
they said they felt sure that the work was
Icing generally carried on throughout the
state. and that within the next few DAYS
the highways would cease 10 ohend the
public eye With glarng advertisements
The auto trucks went to Long Island
CITY. where they separated one going over
the north side roads and the other along
the Merrck Road to Babylon. Their occu-
pants lost no time in beginning the re-
noval Of advertisement dlsfgurements
Wherever illegal advertisements on wooden
boards were found they We're torn down
and destroyed some being burned.
Tho Automobile Club of New Rochelle
took no official action in cooperating with
the Climb of America in the war against
advertising signs. but members Of the club
went out individually and destroyed many
signs I'm the vicinity Of the town.
One party. consisting OF hve women
went around in a large touring car ana
made war particularly on LIQUOR and cigar
signs. Advertisements OF corsets, hosiery
and other articles of feminine apparel
were not molested. George W. Floyd
member OF the club. said last night, how
ever. that he would organize private
little excursion OF his own to-day. Ar
ranrements were also made BY others TO
continue the work to-day.
Charles e. Fosdck. secretary OF the
Automobile Club OF America, said he be
Iieved that most OF the firms which had
illegal advertisements posted would them
selves assist in removing them
"One OF the reasons for the good roads
committee taking UP this crusade said
Mr Fosdick. lis that frequently adVertls-
ins signs completely cover and hide the
directions on the sign posts. thereby max
ing il difficult for automobile drivers 10
find their way Hundreds of members OF
the club have agreed to personally enforce
The provisions Of the new law"
Harry Sanderson. president Of the Auto
mobile Club of America. was seen by a
Tribune reporter at the Metropolitan Club
last night. Mr.. Sanderson said he believed
all good citizens would cooperate with the
club I'm enforcing the law, and that from q
scenic and artistic standpoint the highways
would he vastly improved.
II think tho smaller automobile clubs
throughout the state will join US IN this
crusade" he said. The law should prove
great success"