Kleiner’s Korner: Arthur R. Pardington’s Queensboro Bridge Celebration Match Race
As part of the Queensboro Bridge opening celebration, Arthur R. Pardington proposed racing what he believed to be the first automobile made in America, the "Skedaddle" against the steam propelled "Devil Car".
Although the race never seems to have occurred, here are details about the steam car of which Pardington's challenge was made - the "Devil Car".
Art Kleiner
Pardington challenged Alfred J. Eno, the owner of the "Devil Car" to a race in Nassau County as part of the Queensboro Bridge opening celebration. Pardington was to drive the "Skedaddle" which according to him was the first automobile built in America (1854) and which in 1909 was owned by a farmer in Mineola. (Brooklyn Daily Eagle May 30, 1909)
The San Francisco Call Jun. 13, 1909
The "Devil Car" was puilt in 1868 and was propelled by steam and piloted by a manikin.
The vehicle probably got its name due to the steam being exhausted through the manikin's mouth and nostrils. (Toronto Saturday Night Jun. 5, 1908)
At some point the "Devil Car" was exhibited in Europe with royalty as passengers; in this country General Ulysses S. Grant hitched a ride and General George Custer used it to frighten hostile Indian tribes "into submission". (Toronto Saturday Night Jun. 5, 1908)
The manikin, aptly named "The Steam King", rose 6'9" tall and weighed over 600 pounds. (cybermeticzoo.com)
If you are ever near 524 Broadway in NYC you may want to imagine seeing "The "Steam King" making an appearance! (cybermeticzoo.com)
Currently the site is home to an office-sharing company named "WeWork". Guess "The Steam King" was right at home.
A photo of the original 1869 copyright document given for the steam wagon - the "Devil Car". Next photo will help read the copy. (cybermeticzoo.com)
The copyright was obtained in New Jersey and issued to Winans, Eno & Company. A known inventor, Joseph Eno, had a steam generator manufacturing plant in Newark, NJ and passed the "Devil Car" to his son Alfred. Some believe "The Steam King" was actually invented by Thomas J. Winans with Joseph Eno and a newspaper organization third share investors. (cybermeticzoo.com)
If anyone has more information about Pardington's "Skedaddle" or Eno's "Devil Car" please post a comment. And here's a link to a previous post from 2016 about what is considered the oldest steam carriage seen on Long Island, The Dudgeon Steam Wagon.
Greg - please take a look in Howard's basement or at Waterfront to see if "The Steam King" might be lurking somewhere! You never know!
Comments
There’s weird and odd…and then there’s this! Great Post Art!