The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-03-14
Plans Well Under Way for
Motorcycle Exhibition Week.
It win Be Held Here March
SO-April 4.
OTHER CITIES TO ADOPT IDEA
The Plan Originated With M.
E. Harding of Topeka.
John Washburn Has RunabOut
Car With q History.

Plans are well underway for "Mo-
torcycle Exhibition Week." which will
be held in Topeka by the local dealers
March 30 to April 4. Several of the
pop-pop manufacturing concerns are
becoming interested in the event and
are making arrangements for putting
on display special models OF their re-
0pective makes.
The idea of an exhibition week is
new one which originated with M. E.
Harding, one of the Topeka dealers.
The plan has impressed several big mo-
torcycle men of the country favorably
and it is likely that similar events will
be held in hundreds of cities of this
country. The local dealers will have
on display at their respective shops the
latest models Of machines. An adver-
Using campaign will be conducted in
the newspapers prior to the event and
posters or cardr will be placed in out
lying towns announcing the special
week.
A. B. Coffman of Toledo, O.. general
manager of the Motorcycle Manufac-
turers' association has written to Mr..
Harding as follows:
"Idea Is q Very Good One"
II think this idea is a very good one
and doubtless several of our members
will have representatives who can ar
range their respective trips so that they
may reach your city without additional
expense. 1t Is also a good stunt for
dealers in other towns to adopt and
I will take pleasure in suggesting 1t
to Mr.. Van Ripper on my next visit to
Indianapolis"
G. Van Ripper, of the National Motor
cycle Dealers Information bureau has
already passed upon the idea. He
thinks it good, and will give 1t publici-
ty.
First Topeka Runabout.
John M. Washburn Of 222 Greenwood
avenue. and one of the proprietors OF
the Independent Auto Co., has little
runabout that has travelled over $4,000
miles. 1t is said to be the first runa-
bout ever brought to Topeka and Is a
Maxwell. Washburn bought the car
in 1906 and received city license No. "a.
The second runabOut arrived a few
days later, a Ford, owned by DR.. Free
man.
After the little Maxwell had run 25,-
900 miles Washburn received silver
medal from the manufacturers. When
It passed the $4,000 mile stage, he re-
ceived gold medal. The United Mo-
tor Car company. former manufacture
ers of the car, said that they would
give him a new Maxwell when the ma
chine had run 100000 miles. The men
United company were bought out re-
Gently and the offer was not renewed
by the new manufacturers.
Machine Still in Good Condition.
Washburn says that his little runa-
bout is in as good condition as when
he bought it. Two of the cylinders
have never been replaced. He has
used 1t continually since 1906 and in
1914, it can easily exceed the speed limit
with three passengers.
Mr.. Washburn takes care Of the ma
chine himself and has given it careful
attention. For several years, when he
was deputy county surveyor, the little
machine carried three men and instru-
ments daily. Washburn is proud of the
little car and has good reason to be.
1t will not be long before it will
have travelled 100, 900, which will be the
record for the state of Kansas and one
of the best in the country.
Motor Car Notes.
c. w. Kouns, general manager OF
the Santa Fe, bought an Oakland
Light Six this week.
Young boys in Topeka who have
come under the Jurisdiction of the
Juvenile court find Probation officer
Ed Rooney's motorcycle a familiar
sight. Rooney makes many hurry ur
calls with his Indian.
Edwin d. McKeever. the well
known Topeka attorney, has pur-
chased a Cole car from the Cole Mo.
tor Co. The machine has arrived and
IANKY Bob CALLS S