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Post by RepairmanJack on Nov 21, 2005 23:56:34 GMT -5
Tonight SG and I watched a documentary about Horatio Nelson Jackson. He was the first person to drive an automobile across the United States in 1903. I had never heard of this person before tonight. I have to say this was a fascinating documentary. To think of the audacity of Jackson to think he could do this at this time. Remember there were no highways and almost no paved roads. He did this as a bet for $50. He spent approximately $8000 and eventhough he finished under the 3 month time limit he never collected the money owed him. For him it was strictly about can it be done? And he did it well under the time limit. Truly an amazing feat and one of those little facts of history I would guess 99% of the people today never heard of. Simply amazing
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Post by Shutter Girl on Nov 22, 2005 10:23:59 GMT -5
It was a wonderful documentary! Horatio Nelson Jackson had so much personality, effectively illustrated in his loving letters to his wife, whom he affectionately called 'Swipes'. His 'narration', along with the photographs taken with his little Kodak, made this a very special presentation. Somewhere along the way they picked up a dog, probably a bull terrier, that traveled in between them for the rest of the trip. The automobile, a Cleveland-made Winston, had no windshield so Jackson, his mechanic and the dog all wore goggles. They were an instant hit in every little town and city they came upon and became instant celebrities, garnering full coverage in local papers across the country. It was truly a magical trip lovingly captured by Ken Burns. What an amazing feat, indeed!! Watch Horatio's Drive, you won't be disappointed.
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