The Washington herald., 1916-01-30
D. c. MOTOR Club
PROVED SUCCESS
Robust, Growing Organization
Rounds Out First Year
of Existence.
SERVICE Is VALUABLE
Most Creditable Work Is in Aiding
Local and Visiting Motor
Tourists.
By WILLIAM ULLMAN.

BY WILLIAM OLIMAN-
Among the achievements Of the past
year In the local motor world none is
entitled to more favorable recognition
than the successful launching Of the
District OF Columbia Motor Club.
With the National Capitals shining
record of past failures in the matter
OF amalgamating its motor car inter-
ests. the success Of the A A A. club
is all the more noteworthy.
Today the emblem OF the organlza-
tLon shines forth from hundreds of
cars. It is seen on the personal car
OF the President Of the United States,
as well as the other cars attached to
the Executive Mansion. Vice Presi-
dent MarshalFs car also wears a ster-
ling silver emblem as do the cars of a
number Of the Cabinet officers.
Included In the clubs membership
are representatives of every phase of
Washington life-army, navy busi-
ness, professional and official. And IL
may be said without fear of contra
diction that no one person who has
taken membership has expressed dis
satisfaction with the returns. The
best proof that each member regards
the club as a worthy organization,
one that should be encouraged, and
one which returns full value to the
member, is seen in the fact that the
clubs present large membership is
due largely to the efforts Of its mem
beTs. Practically every person on the
club roster has recommended a friend
for membership
While the membership list is far
smaller than IL should be in a city
having as many motor, cars as Wash
ington. the club Is a robust and grow
ing organization Looking back on
the clubs proud record of achieve
ment during the first year Of its exist
ence gives rise to the belief that local
motorists will find IL a mighty usefu,
institution in the future, and the pre-
diction that the end of the present
year will ind every motorist in the
city who can spare a years member
ship dues enrolled upon the clubs
register.
. While the club was active in securing
Improvement for several stretches of bad
road leading out OF the District. financed
the sign-marking Of every road in the
vicinity difficult to follow, and agitated
the Improvement Of the Richmond-w Wash
ingtOn highway to the point where a fund
Is being raised for its regeneration, to
which fund the club subscribed generous
". the organizations most creditable
work was in the service 1t rendered local
and visiting motor tourists.
Having its Offices in the national head
quarters Of the American Automobile As
sOciation, the club boasted a big advan-
tase ever any other similar orga niZation
in that II had the services OF the three
AS national touring bureau. which is the
recognized peer Of all touring 'informa-
ton depots. No matter how far distant
or how obscure a point tourist wished
TO visit. the very latest and most au-
thentic travelling directions were always
forthcoming. And this same splendid
service will obtain this year.
The local motor car owner who has
never ventured far from his home city,
and who Is familiar with all Of the roads
in this vicinity, does not fully appreciate
the value Of this service. Giving freely
an unlimited amount OF touring informa-
ton TO visitors from other sections of
the United States, the club has laid the
foundation for most courteous recep-
ton for Washington tourists when they
reach other cities. The tourist form Bos
ton, Atlanta. St Paul, Los Angeles. Den
yer, and other cities, upon returning
home naturally told his club officials of
the courteous reception in this city and,
as a result the District club has on file
hundreds Of letters from other clubs
thanking local officials for the attentions
shown its members, and inviting local
motorists 10 accept the hospitality Of the
writers, giving assurances that the best
service OF the club will be at their COM
mand. This is as # should be.
But the above condition can only exist
through having well-organized and we'll
supported automobile club in each sec
ton Of the country. And il is a fact
that the National Capital was one OF
the last cities in the United States 10
organize club giving practical benefits
TO Its members and visiting motorists,
II Is the paramount duty Of every man
who takes pleasure in owning an auto
mobile to belong to his local club and To
take part In the activities Of that club,
membership in whatever clubs comes