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| Transportation advertising found in the Sherburne County Star News, 1938 |
Country
roads became smooth bands of pavement throughout Minnesota in the 1920s. As
gravel and mud disappeared, replaced by sleek, flat thoroughfares, roads generated
a new need for speed and power.
Automobiles graduated from the small buggy model-T’s to the V-8 power of
Ford and Chevrolet.
Newspapers
in the 1930s witnessed a dramatic change in the object of advertising. No longer the small cars or buggies. With the completion of the Jefferson Highway
through Sherburne County, and roads running north, the Sherburne County Star News began advertising what must have seemed
like truly powerful machines of transportation.
Deluxe
Ford V-8’s “bigger and more luxurious than any previous Ford V-8,” the
newspapers advertised. Delivered for
only $802, “why pay more” the ads wondered.
Chevy and Buick also promised greater power in their automobiles. In addition, they offered new improvements
and options such as: a glove compartment, hydraulic brakes, three ashtrays, a
spare wheel, and 2 tail lights.
The
improved highway system gave justification to greater speed and more luxury in
automobiles. Yet, probably unforeseen by
transportation planners, the need for speed marked a significant change in
viewpoint for the residents of Sherburne county.
Ironically,
the newspapers documented another change.
In the same pages urging “buy your modern car now!” Harold Caley urged
framers “it’s a good time to look over your harness before spring work
starts.” Some traditions died more
slowly than others.
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