Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, November 2, 1911 Automobile day last Thursday brought a snow storm and again the roads were in such condition as to interfere with the carrying out of the program as arranged. Rain twice before had prevented the holding of the celebration and we fondly hoped that the third time would be the charm but it did not so develop. The early morning was clear and fine with the sun shining brightly Soon cars began to arrive from every direction and when noon arrived over fifty cars were registered for the various events. But in the mean time it had clouded up and a drizzling rain turned to snow and the roads were soon in such condition that it was impossible to pull off the automobile events as announced. As soon as it began to storm many of the cars started to return home. Shortly after one o'clock the automobile parade occurred. It was not very lengthy as many of the automobilists could not be persuaded to drive their cars through the mud more than was necessary. Several beautifully decorated cars were in the parade and they attracted much attention. "Dolly Dimple," the mysterious stranger, for whose discovery a prize of $5 was offered was not located by anyone during the day. The weather only permitted the following events the prizes being awarded as here stated. For car coming longest distance, M.B. Loring, of Indianola, awarded pair of $3 automobile gloves. Car having lowest registration number, Carl Monroe, of Leon, prize awarded $5. Car having highest registration number, Frank Boyd, of near Grand River, awarded $5. A pair of automobile gloves were also awarded to Ray Whitley, of Allerton, who drove here from that place on October 5th through the mud to attend automobile day which was announced for that day and called off on account of rain. The committee on decorated automobiles awarded first prize of $8 to Dr. J.O. Woodmansee, of Leon; second prize of $4 to J.R. Bowsher, of Leon; and third prize of $3 to J.W. Laney, of Decatur. The decorated cars were certainly beautiful. Mr. Woodmansee's car was covered with a canopy and a seat arranged several feet above the driver's place. The doctor's little daughter, Miss Pauline, occupied the improvised seat and with reins formed of ribbons drove a stork placed upon the front of the car carrying a cherub suspended in a cloth from its bill. J.R. Bowsher's car was a complete mass of white flowers and was certainly beautiful. The J.W. Laney car was also prettily decorated. A cloth of bright colors covered the hood of the machine and streamers tastefully arranged trailed from there to all parts of the car. The drill by the Cavalry girls from Garden Grove and vicinity, was fine and was greatly enjoyed. The drill was held on the vacant ground on C.W. Hoffman's land just east of J. Hamilton's residence. The wet condition of the ground interfered with the drill greatly but the young ladies were game and carried out the drill anyway. A large crowd witnessed the pretty sight. Next year automobile day will very likely be held earlier in order to avoid possible bad weather. -------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 15, 2009 [email protected]