212.1208.2-4

New York-to-Paris, via Ames, Iowa! The year was 1908, and six cars lined up near Time Square in New York City for the start of the first international automobile race ever held. Promoted by the fledgling Automobile Club of America, it drew attention across the country. The Italian car, Zust, arrived in Ames on March 3, 1908, missing the big banquet and celebration held in the Ames Hotel on Onondaga (Main) Street the day before. This photo was taken of the Zust when it was in the Morris Livery on Main Street in Ames where was completely washed and serviced. Note the advertisement on the wall for FLINT'S POWDERS for horses and cattle. For more information on the race, see Chapter 12, "Ames in Word and Picture: Further Tales and Personal Memories," by Farwell T. Brown, 1999. (Photo is courtesy of Carl W. Allen, Nevada, Iowa.)