Mr. Spurt and His Auto
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Before movies, Americans delighted in "Magic Lantern" slide shows. Artist Joseph Boggs Beale drew eight images for the 1906 slide series "Mr. Spurt and His Auto," lampooning the problems of early motoring.
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"Man and Wife Buying an Automobile," Drawing for the Magic Lantern Slide Series "Mr. Spurt and His Auto," 1906
The well-dressed Mr. and Mrs. Spurt buy their new two-seat runabout at an elegant showroom.
View Artifact"Man Helping His Wife into Automobile," Drawing for the Magic Lantern Slide Series "Mr. Spurt and His Auto," 1906
Mr. Spurt helps Mrs. Spurt into the car. They are dressed in dusters, goggles and hats -- essential gear for riding in an open auto.
View Artifact"Auto Speeds Along the Road," Drawing for the Magic Lantern Slide Series "Mr. Spurt and His Auto," 1906
The Spurts speed along a country lane, exciting dogs, geese, roosters and a waving boy as they pass.
View Artifact"Old Farmer's Horse Shying at Auto as It Goes By," Drawing for the Magic Lantern Slide Series "Mr. Spurt and His Auto," 1906
The Spurts speed past a rearing horse and its driver -- both startled by the noisy horseless carriage.
View Artifact"Auto Going Ahead, Farmers Wagon in the Ditch, Side of Road," Drawing for the Magic Lantern Slide Series "Mr. Spurt and His Auto," 1906
The Spurts and their car have frightened the farmer's horse and sent his wagon tumbling into a ditch.
View Artifact"Breakdown, Rainstorm," Drawing for the Magic Lantern Slide Series "Mr. Spurt and His Auto," 1906
The Spurts' happy drive is interrupted when their car breaks down. Their misery is compounded by a heavy thunderstorm.
View Artifact"Farmer with Team Appears Laughing at Autoists," Drawing for the Magic Lantern Slide Series "Mr. Spurt and His Auto," 1906
The tables have turned. The farmer, underway once again, laughs at the Spurts stranded on the side of the road in the storm.
View Artifact"Auto in Tow of Farm Wagon," Drawing for the Magic Lantern Slide Series "Mr. Spurt and His Auto," 1906
The Spurts and their broken-down car are towed back home by the obliging farmer. The rainbow overhead reflects the happy ending to their drive.
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