The First Wanderwell Automotive Expedition Begins: September 22, 1919

 

Using a newspaper database, it is difficult trace Walter Wanderwell's first automotive expedition. Among the problems include misinformation due to errors in reporting; exaggerations and mistruths from Wanderwell; and inevitable gaps as the party traveled from point to point. The above photograph, taken from The Atlanta Constitution, October 5, 1919, p.9, depicts the start of the journey. From Atlanta we know the car and a group of camera men, photographers, mechanics, and correspondents that often changed (who knows why!) traveled to Greenville, SC on September 25; Salisbury NC on 9/27; Charlotte, 9/28; Greensboro, NC, 9/29; and Richmond Virginia on October 2. On October 5 the party reached New York City, and then went to Wilmington, Del. before stopping for a day in Baltimore. Further Stops in October took place in Lancaster, PA, Cleveland, OH; Dayton, OH; and Richmond, Indiana. 

Below is a clip from the Richmond, IN Palladium-Item, November 5, 1919, p.8:

Using a newspaper database, it is difficult trace Walter Wanderwell's first expedition route. Among the problems include misinformation due to errors in reporting; exaggerations and mistruths from Wanderwell; and inevitable gaps as the party traveled from point to point. The above photograph, taken from The Atlanta Constitution, October 5, 1919, p.9, depicts the start of the journey. From Atlanta we know the car and a group of camera men, photographers, mechanics, and correspondents that often changed (who knows why!) traveled to Greenville, SC on September 25; Salisbury NC on 9/27; Charlotte, 9/28; Greensboro, NC, 9/29; and Richmond Virginia on October 2. On October 5 the party reached New York City, and then went to Wilmington, Del. before stopping for a day in Baltimore. Further Stops in October took place in Lancaster, PA, Cleveland, OH; Dayton, OH; and Richmond, Indiana. 

Below is a clip for the Richmond, IN Palladium-Item, November 5, 1919, p.8:

Note the above claimed that this was a second trip around the world in an automobile. It seems that this is a distortion, probably another example of a product of Walter's imagination.In fairness, one could say that he completed the first trip around the world between 1912 and 1916 on foot. Often these news reports exaggerate everything from miles traveled to states passed through and exotic future destinations. What we have here might be the work of a pathological liar or opportunist, taking whatever advantage can be gained at the time of the interview. As an historical observer, you just don't know. 

Indianapolis and St. Louis were further stops on this midwestern tour, but ultimately in November the party ended up in Birmingham Alabama, where high water stopped the auto tour ad the members took a train to Montgomery. From Montgomery it was back to Atalanta and then to Miami for the adventures of 1920.