Michigan Auto Show: History

Paper Summary:

The history of the Michigan Auto Show (now re-named as the North American International Auto Show) dates back to 1899. This paper examines the growth of auto shows across the United States as this idea gain popularity. In first looks at how these became State and Tri-State shows, and points out historical milestones of this event. The economic impact of these shows are also examined.

From the Paper:

"In 1899 Metzeger and an associate formed the Tri State Sportsman's and Automobile Association and leased the Light Guard Armory in Detroit to organize a hybrid exhibition of sporting equipment and automobiles. At the first show, the major attractions were big-game trophies from Africa, fishing tackle and assorted sporting equipment, rather than automobiles. Metzeger was the only auto dealer in Detroit at the time and he placed two steam mobiles and two electric cars in the exhibition as an advertising gimmick. (Ibid.) In order to demonstrate the power and speed of his cars, Metzeger ran them on specially developed sets of rollers that were equipped with dials. The Detroit public was fascinated by the demonstration, besides 200 sportsmen who attended the exhibit. The show was a resounding success and took off. It was repeated in the next two years with a dog-show thrown in for added appeal."

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