The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-12-13
Automobiles Of Today Arc
Widely Different.
Local Dealer Tells of Recent
improvements.
WILL BE MODERN GARAGE
Topeka Company Will Have
Up.t0.Date Quarters.
Condition of the Roads Pre-
vents POp-POp Activities.

The big automobile shows of the
country and the show at Topeka-if the
dealers decide to hold one in midwin-
ter-will reveal q number OF striking
and novel ideas In construction. A
great advance will be noted in the i'm
provement Of bodies and motors over
the models of last year. The latest
machines in stock at local automobile
headquarters show the changes.
Some of the local dealers are in IA
the Auditorium to exhibit the new feat
ures of construction. but there are 9TH
ers who are opposed to the idea. The
adverse weather conditions that pre-
vailed while the show was in progress
last winter dampened the enthusiasm
OF these men.
While every part of the 1914 cars re-
ceived some attention it is seen upon
examination of the 1914 models in To-
peka that the builders have put special
stress on the question Of the protection
Of the passengers and drivers from the
weather.
The little lone lungers" years ago
were constructed more or less like the
horse buggy. A local dealer said: THE
body and seats Of the early machines
were hardly large enough to be COM
Portable. Tops were seldom provided.
II a rainstorm CHANGED to blow up
the traveller would draw from under
the cushions a rubber poncho which
he would spread over his shoulders.
Recent Innovations.
Gradual progress was made in auto
construction until today practically ev-
cry auto is fitted with a folding top.
The body sides have been extended
pearance of being in a boat. Doors
enclose all sides and ventilators per-
nit air to be admitted when needed.
Now some manufacturers have gone
30 far as to fit in wind shields for the
benefit of the passengers in the rear
pivot out Of the way to allow entrance
and exit.
IF the weather is cold, 1t is now pos
sible to heat the car to a certain ex-
tent from the radiator. The heat I'LL
ters into the vehicle when the radiator
il opened. There are almost a thou
sand and one other new features that
might be mentioned"
Excavating is being done for the
erection of a one-story and basement
building at 629 Jackson street, on
property owned by A. Marburg. When
completed the building will be the
home of the Stafford car, the J. #.
Billings Auto company having taken
lease. Mr.. Billings expects to move
into the new quarters about Feb. 1.
In addition to an up-to-date garage
with waiting room for ladies, there
will be fully equipped machine shop.
and a general line Of auto supplies
will be carried. The company handles
the Stafford, REQ, Shevrolet and Kelly
truck.
The condition Of the roads the last
few weeks has made things dull for
the motorcycle people. There have
been no pop-pop excursions and sup
ply people, as well as would-be trav-
elers, are not pleased with the wealth.
er man.
H. F. Charles, who has the Topeka
agency for the Thor, has left for CAL
ifornia to spend the winter.
John Bagley, formerly connected
with the Shawnee Cycle company, is
taking a vacation at his home near
Little Rock, Ark.
Clarence Jordan, secretary Of the
Kansas Automobile association, was in
Paola Wednesday night and in Osa-
watomie Thursday for the purpose of
forming local automobile clubs in
those towns. There is already a coun-
ty organization in Miami county.
The County Auto association Of
Franklin county held a meeting at OF
tawa Friday night Of this week.
Clarence Jordan. secretary Of the
Kansas State Automobile association,
was present at the meeting.
DR.. Franklin d. Walsworth, 1912
West Eighth street, intends to pur-
chase a Mobilette this winter. The
Mobilette is a narrow, two passenger
car, built on the order Of other autos.
There Is room for only one person in
front and one in the tonneau. The