From Route 66 to the Harley Davidson motorcycle, the road is associated with many American icons. There’s just something about the open road that always has and continues to intrigue Americans. And, on this day in 1920 the country was not only celebrating it, but promoting it.

May 17, 1920 marked the kick-off of National “good roads—ship by truck” week and several businessmen were joining in spreading the message. In a 347-mile tour around south central North Dakota, Bismarck businessmen would go through 17 North Dakota towns to spread the message that “good roads are the keystone to prosperity for farmer, business man and worker in North Dakota. The truck is the link between the farmer and his market, between the business man and the farmer, and between producer and consumer.” This was not to create competition with the railroads, said the Bismarck Tribune, but to assist them in using trucks for shorter hauls.

To spread this message and help promote legislation for better national highways, the Bismarck Road Boosters rose bright and early to begin their road trip. Cars bedecked with flags and banners—and even loaded with an entire band—left Bismarck at 7:30 a.m. At the crack of a pistol, they were off, accompanied by Lieutenant C.J. Cameron in his airplane, who performed aerial acrobatics to entertain the drivers and the crowds that gathered to cheer on the motor train’s good cause.

The convoy made regular pit stops in several small towns, including Linton, Ashley, Wishek and Hazelton. At each stop, said the Tribune, “The cars had no sooner…stopped in a long line that the members of the band would pile out of the cars and with their instruments hurry to the head of the column.”

Bad roads and over-heated radiators were constant problems, and the cars had to wait for the much-slower trucks; nonetheless, spirits were high as the band played and each town welcomed the convoy. To help the drivers with the heat, refreshments were distributed, and according to the Tribune, “Dusty roads, a strong wind and a blazing sun made the pop taste very good; in fact, some of it was poured in one automobile radiator and the car went the 27 miles into Hazelton without using a drop of gasoline.”

The Road Boosters met few problems on their tour and returned to Bismarck May 19, but not without plans for another road trip the first week of June. On that tour (again, of course with a full band), the boosters even selected an official song, composed by Bob Flynn. The song, sung to the tune of “Tell Me,” follows:

“Tell me, why Bismarck boosters
Come way out to see you.
Tell me, why all you good folks,
Are glad to see us
As we are you,
Tell me, what good roads mean here?
Good roads mean better times,
And then we’ll ship by truck here
And we’ll be happy
For all the time.”

The song was sung by the “Truck Trio” in Flasher during the tour. This tour was slightly longer than the last, but still, the boosters could not wait to get on the road again.

By Tessa Sandstrom

Source:
“Road Boosters are cheered on their return from tour through seven western counties,” Bismarck Tribune. June 5, 1920: 1.
“Rain fails to dampen ardor truck tourists,” Bismarck Tribune. June 4, 1920: 1.
“Bismarck boosters complete the most successful trip ever held; towns respond royally,” Bismarck Tribune. May 20, 1920: 1.
“Big truck tour invades south Soo territory,” Bismarck Tribune. May 18, 1920: 1.
“Good Roads Boosters ready for tour,” Bismarck Tribune. May 17, 1920: 1.
“Ship by truck—good roads tour of Bismarck businessmen to take message to farmers,” Bismarck Tribune. May 17, 1920: 1.

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