Feature Article on automobile guide book. Topic:
TRANSPORTATION
Written by Jim Sayre in December,
1996
1916 ROAD GUIDE POINTS TO MORE LEISURELY PACE IN COUNTY |
Forty years before Interstate 75 slashed through the Shelby County map, a far different road guide, using the written word rather than lines and grids, pointed travelers to a more leisurely route through area towns and farmland. Modern travelers, tracking Interstate 75’s exit numbers and Toledo or Dayton mileage notations, hurry through the county in less than 18 minutes. But, followers of the early guide used its point-to-point mileage readings matched with local churches, bridges, cemeteries, schools, and other features to experience a "joy-ride with no troublesome worries" through Shelby County and much of the Midwest. They were using the 1916 King’s Official Route Guide, published in Chicago for $1 a copy and self-described as "...the most Accurate and Reliable Tour Book..." Some landmarks common to county residents 80 years ago may confuse modern citizens. At the 18-mile mark south of Wapakoneta, King’s Guide reads: "Pass road on left, city limits of Mt. Auburn, go down grade." Two-tenths of a mile farther south, travelers are advised: "...take left fork with trolley." That today could get you arrested for going the wrong way on a one-way street in Sidney. Having just passed the present-day Shelby County Motor Club and Lochard Hardware, you are headed off Wapakoneta Avenue onto Main, rather than Ohio where you ought to be. The ‘trolley’ refers to the interurban — the Western Ohio Railway—serving the county until 1932. "Sub-station power house on right" north of Anna along County Road 25-A and "power house on left" south of Sidney’s Russell Road are surviving power houses for the electric rail line. The Anna power station is a residence, while Presser’s Auto Parts occupies the Sidney structure. Wentz’ car dealership once used the building. [ Back ] [ Next ] [ Up ] [ New Search ] |
