SALT LAKE CITY — Utahns have always had a love affair with their automobiles.
From the time that the first automobile appeared on the streets of Salt Lake City until now, cars have remained more than necessities — they are objects of desire and fascination.
"By 1910, the car had changed from a toy, to become economic transportation," a Deseret News article stated in 1985.
Boys seemed to instantly have a love for the auto, as it was perceived as being a magnet to attract girls.
By 1910, the relatively few car owners in Salt Lake City at the time seemed to love to drive their horseless carriages around Temple Square. Indeed, many Shipler Collection photographs of that era show just that — men riding one of the newest car models in front of the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
It wasn't long after that Salt Lake City had suffered its first accident involving a car and a horse-drawn carriage, and speed limits for autos were being considered.
One of the world's first traffic signals, which began operating in 1912 at Salt Lake City's 200 South and Main Street, also was a necessity — even though it resembled a birdhouse.
The early 1910s were the days of ultimate traffic freedom and chaos — drive anywhere and do anything, make U-turns anywhere, go down either side of the street, scare pedestrians with your horseless carriage. Children sledded on city streets in the winter, to make dangers worse.
Seems that local folks weren't impressed by the light-signal contraption. It was only a curiosity and nuisance to them. At first, most drivers didn't even stop when they should (not much has changed). Only visitors from larger cities apparently appreciated it, according to historical reports.
Then, the completion of the Lincoln Highway in 1915-16 meant Utahns could now more easily drive an auto across the country — going at their pace and leisure, instead of by a railroad schedule and its limitations.
Increased freedom seemed the diamond of owning your own automobile.
Photo researcher Ron Fox has assembled many photos of new and classic automobiles from past issues of the newspaper, which can be seen online on the photo gallery at right.
Utah's love for automobiles — especially after World War II — caused the demise of the Bamberger Railroad's passenger operation in 1952.
Cars had taken over Utah's transportation needs, and the Interstate Highway System was next, as it began construction in the 1960s.
New car models made their debut each year.
For example, the Lincoln Continental premiered in 1959 as a premium auto product.
The Mercury-Lincoln Comet station wagon came along in 1960, as the Deseret News reported, "It's moving fast" off the showroom floors.
The Gran Turismo Hawk by Studebaker, with its stately continental design, arrived in Salt Lake City to Ken Garff Company in 1961.
Some 41 years ago in 1969, the Deseret News archives show that the average American car buyer spent $3,240 for an automobile.
The day of the $2,000 new car ended in 1970, as production costs increased.
General Motors was the industry leader in 1969, with 47 percent of sales, followed by Ford (24 percent) and Chrysler (16 percent).
A 1971 Deseret News headline asked, "Is the automobile master of America?"
The auto industry also seemed invulnerable for decades. A February 1971 Deseret News headline said. "Oh, guess what? The auto industry's officially in trouble."
However, some antique cars never seem out of style.
By 1961, a "Horseless Carriage Club" was thriving in Utah. For example, C.L. Fairbanks and Phillip S. Nunley of Salt Lake City regularly drove a 1915 Ford in parades that year.
In 1972, Jon C. Larson loved showing off his 1903 Oldsmobile to the public.
In the mid-1980s, the lives of Floyd and Joyce Aurich of Draper revolved around their bright red 1928 Franklin roadster. Their new garage even featured a grease pit, designed especially for their Franklin.
e-mail: lynn@desnews.com