June 28, 2025 and 109 years ago on this day in 1916, The Burroughs family on their cross-country trip, stopped in Hannibal, Missouri and visited Mark Twain’s boyhood home. The family stopped in Hannibal for vehicle repairs, not an uncommon occurrence on a 1916 road trip. Not only did the visit Twain’s home, but Ed, Joan, and Hulbert visited “Tom Sawyer’s Cave.”
According to the Association's 1916 Official Road Guide a trip from the Atlantic to the Pacific on the Lincoln Highway was "something of a sporting proposition" and might take 20 to 30 days. To make it in 30 days the motorist would need to average 18 miles an hour for 6 hours per day, and driving was only done in daylight hours. the trip was thought to cost no more than $5 a day per person, including food, gas, oil, and even "five or six meals in hotels." Car repairs would of course, increase the costs.
Since gasoline stations were still rare in many parts of the country, motorists were urged to top off their gasoline at every opportunity, even if they had done so recently.
A detailed article about the trip is located at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag60/6020.html
The fictional drabble for today, "Contest," was inspired by the Family’s visit to Mark Twain’s home in 1916.
After their vehicle was repaired in Hannibal, Missouri, Ed and Hulbert had just started washing it when four boys stopped. One boy asked, “Whatcha doing?”
Ed smiled, “Me and Hully are having a contest. Whoever’s side of the car looks the best, wins a nickel.”
The boys huddled. “Can we try?”
“Yes, you can each wash a fourth of the car. Winner gets the nickel.”
The repairman watched the boys diligently working on the car. He handed Ed the repair bill and laughed, “Once the boys finish your car, I’ve got a fence that needs painting if you’re so inclined.”
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