“As we departed from the Windy City we trustfully hoped for fair weather to continue. A crowd gathered along Michigan Avenue near the Maxwell showroom to watch us leave. Our auto had now acquired slightly more equipment in the way of a stout towing rope, a block and tackle, and a short shovel. The bystanders appeared fascinated by the sturdy look of the vehicle so outfitted.”

“In that section of the city the Western Union telegraph service was temporarily at a standstill. Not a strike-not in those days. Just the delivery boy standing by the curb, dumbfounded-completely absorbed in the momentous departure of this automobile containing but four women!”

Excerpted from the book “Veil, Duster and Tire Iron” by Alice Huyler Ramsey (1961).