Kleiner’s Korner: The Horse and the Automobile Getting Along in the Early 1900s (Part 1)
Tying in with Greg O's recent post concerning the value of horses in the early age of the automobile, I offer several cartoons depicting the wild ride both animal and machine had in the early 1900s.
There was pressure for the general population to accept how this new mode of transport could be beneficial. Some were in favor, some were not. And even those in favor experienced the hardships that a new mechanical innovation often encountered.
Art Kleiner
The Argument For
In this drawing farmers in particular were shown the advantages of trading in their horses for the automobile. Notice the left side additions - the garage, a pumping station, and the oil rig. And in the lower right, one out of place horse asks a farmer "got any job for me?". (Motoring and Boating Mar. 9, 1905)
This Autocar ad highlights how an automobile is more much efficient than a team of 45 horses. (The Motor World, 1905)
The Argument Against
However, many people were of the opinion that the horse was a more reliable source of transportation. (Source: NA)
The Motor, Date NA
Source: NA
The Two Meet With Disaster Ensuing
Often when horses and autos met the meeting didn't go well, especially for the horse. Before going to the next picture can you identify the driver of the auto and his passenger? (The Automobile Sept. 3, 1904)
"If you don't move I'll turn on the steam - you'll see." "I ain't gwingter move from dis yere spot!" Buster Brown and his sidekick Tige were the creations of cartoonist R.F. Outcault. (The Automobile Sept. 3, 1904)
Richard Felton Outcault (January 14, 1863 – September 25, 1928) was an American cartoonist and the creator of the series "The Yellow Kid" and "Buster Brown" and is considered a key pioneer of the modern comic strip. Originally born in Ohio, he worked for the Edison Company during his career, at one point in France. He eventually moved back to Flushing, NY where he died. (Wikipedia)
"Didn' I done tell yo you'd git bumped?" "I've seen people like that mule." Are those golf clubs in the car? (The Automobile Sept. 3, 1904)
Wreaking havoc going through town as people and animals go scrambling! (The Automobile Sept. 3, 1904)
Don't believe everthing you read! "Them automobiles oughter be arrested!" (The Motor World May, 1902)
Making Amends
One way to accommodate each other! (The Outing Magazine, 1907)
The next "horse" post (no pun intended) will show several methods of taming a horse to coexist with the automobile and the results when it doesn't work too well. But I would suggest not trying these at home!
Comments
Like seen in the images, horse’s had to be useful for towing. Especially on bumpy, muddy roads.