Ty Cobb, A Chalmers-Detroit Automobile, and the 1909 New York to Atlanta Good Roads Tour

 

A ten day tour: The route -- 

New York - Philadelphia-Gettysburg-Staunton, VA-Roanoke-Winston-Salem-Charlotte-Greenville SC-Commerce, GA-Atlanta

There were 48 perfect scores among participants in the 1909 New York City to Atlanta Tour:

The tour had commercial aspirations -- namely to stimulate interest in the automobile in the south. It ended during the first automobile show in Atlanta and two days off races at the new Atlanta Speedway, a 2.2 miles oiled-clay track.

Ty Cobb was among those on the tour. See photos below -- 

View of baseball player Ty Cobb driving a Chalmers-Detroit automobile during the 1909 New York to Atlanta Good Roads Tour. Three passengers in car; several spectators gather around automobile. Handwritten on back: "Lunch stop, Martinsville, Va., Ty Cobb triumphant tour."

View of baseball player Ty Cobb driving a Chalmers-Detroit automobile on a city street during the 1909 New York to Atlanta Good Roads Tour. Three passengers in car; spectators watch from sidewalk. Another automobile in background. Handwritten on back: "Lunch stop, Gaffney, S.C."

View of baseball player Ty Cobb riding in car with driver. Building in background.

View of baseball player Ty Cobb in a Chalmers-Detroit automobile during the 1909 New York to Atlanta Good Roads Tour. Car is parked in front of monument and courthouse in Decatur, Georgia. Three passengers in car; spectators stand nearby; man with broom stands in foreground. Handwritten on back: "Decatur, Ga., 6 miles from Atlanta."