Driving Back in Time: New Exhibit Displays Early Car Travel in California

    SACRAMENTO, Calif.--Sept. 10, 2002--It used to be a luxury for some people, now it's a near-necessity for most -- the automobile.
    It's a cultural icon, with a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. AAA of Northern California and the Automobile Club of Southern California are teaming up with Sacramento's Golden State Museum to put the history of car travel in California on display in a new exhibit titled "The Tourist Frontier: Early Auto Touring in California."
    "The depth of material on display in this exhibit truly brings to life the experiences, obstacles and adventures motorists endured while touring the Golden State over the past century," said Auto Club of Southern California spokeswoman Carol Thorp.
    On display are historic road signs, maps and photos. The beginning of AAA's trusted emergency roadside assistance is exemplified by a 1924 Harley-Davidson motorcycle and 1924 Dodge truck, both specially equipped to assist stranded motorists. California's ever-popular state and national parks are also pictured in colorful automobile magazines.
    "We selected unique travel-related artifacts and material to show the story of how auto touring developed within the state," said Alison Moore, AAA of Northern California's historian.
    Established more than 100 years ago, the auto clubs were the first to provide many of the motorists' services that state agencies later adopted as public function. The most notable are street and directional signs. In fact, in 1914, the Automobile Club of Southern California placed more than 4,000 signs along the stretch of highway known today as Route 66.

                                DETAILS

What:    "The Tourist Frontier: Early Auto Touring in California"
When:    Sept. 15, 2002 to Jan. 5, 2003
Where:   Golden State Museum
         1020 O St., downtown Sacramento
Cost:    $5 general; $4 seniors; $3.50 children 6-13 yrs; free for 5 
         & under
Info:    Call 916/653-7524 or online at www.goldenstatemuseum.org.