First Car Appeared in County Around 1907

The first cars began to appear in Transylvania County around 1907 when it was noted that Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt visited the Pink Beds by automobile.  In February 1909, the Sylvan Valley News teased that Brevard would be getting its first auto owner and the editor had been extended an invitation for a ride.

An April 9, 1909 article boasted, “Brevard is to be congratulated on having within her borders an up-to-date, high-toned, first-class, 25-horse-power automobile as a permanent fixture.”  The vehicle belonged to H.P. Clarke.  The editor was given his promised ride and declared, “An auto ride is exhilarating, and as we didn’t have any hair to ‘hold on’ it was enjoyed to the full limit.”

Two months later two additional Brevard men purchased vehicles in Columbia, SC and had them delivered.  A June 11, 1909 Sylvan Valley News article reported, “Two auto-buggies, the property of Dr. E.S. English and J.L. Aiken, have arrived in town.  They were driven overland from Anderson, S.C., coming first by Saluda Gap.  At Green River they were met by high water, and had to go around by Jones Gap.  Again they were detained over night at H.P. Clarke’s by high water, reaching Brevard Thursday morning.”  English and Aiken took driving lessons so they could serve as their own chauffeurs.

A year later Mr. Clarke purchased two new automobiles, a hup-mobile and a Stearns 7-passenger car.  The Sylvan Valley News proclaimed the hup-mobile as “the classiest little car we have seen this year.”

Articles announcing injuries and deaths caused by automobiles were a weekly feature in the newspaper.  Although these occurred all across the country, most often in cities, safety was of great concern by local officials, as well.  State law set the speed limit at a maximum of 10 mph in business districts, 15 mph in residential areas and 25 mph on public highways.  State laws also required all vehicles and drivers be licensed. 

The Town of Brevard passed speed limit ordinances with hefty fines for those who did not comply.  In 1913, the speed limit was lowered from 10 mph to 8 mph on straight streets and 4 mph at crossings and corners.  Drivers were also required to sound their horn when approaching intersections.  In addition, vehicles had to have two white lights on the front and a red light on the back after sunset and before daylight.  Automobiles were also required to have mufflers.

Brevard businessman Jim Bromfield, pictured here driving
 one of several vehicles he owned, was another early 
automobile enthusiast.

North Carolina’s “Good Roads Campaign” had been around since 1899 but grew with the popularity of the automobile.  It promoted road building through quality methods of construction leading to the state nickname of “Good Roads State.”

Photographs and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library. For more information, comments, or suggestions contact NCRoom staff at ncroom@transylvaniacounty.org or 828-884-1820.