With news that an auto show was coming, I wanted to see what brand of autos were sold in Rochester in 1917. I checked the 1917 Rochester City directory and found dealers for these cars: Cadillac, Cole, Ford, Hudson, Maxwell, Moline-Knight, Nash, Oldsmobile, Packard, Pierce-Arrow, Reo, Saxon and Studebaker. Out of all of those brands only Cadillac and Ford are still being sold. Cunningham autos were also being mnufactured in Rochester in 1917 as well as Selden and Sullivan trucks.
I found only two motorcycle dealers in the 1917 directory. Towners, the well known bicycle dealer, was also selling Dayton Motorcycles and George Miner was selling Indian Motorcycles.
THE CATHOLIC JOURNAL
Thursday, Jan. 19, 1917
Automobile Show New Week.
An evidence of the fact that the Rochester Automobile Show is close at hand was shown yesterday when the office of the management was removed to Exposition Park. From now on, until the opening on Monday at 7:30 P.M. all details of preparations will be handled from Exposition Park. The transfer was made quickly, for many details are constantly arising and the work is going on uninterruptedly day and night.
Latest creations in motor cars, groomed and put in readiness, have been arriving in the city during the past few days by freight, express and highway.
Word was received last night, from Hon. Edwin Duffey, State Highway Commissioner, that he would arrive in the city late Monday afternoon, and pleased to be the guest of the reception committee named by President C. E. Sager of the Rochester Auto Trades Association at a dinner. Arrangements are being made by H. G. Strong for the affair. It will be held at the Rochester Club.
After dinner, Commissioner Duffey and the official receiving party will proceed to the Park, wher short exercises will be held. Members of the Rochester Auto Trades Association will meet Commissioner Duffey and Mayor Edgerton when they arrive at the hall, and will march them to the band stand of building 4, where Mr. Sager will introduce Mr. Duffey.
Music concerts are to be given at 2 and 8 p. m. daily. The Park Band will render a special concert on the opening night. The opening concert will be in building 4 on Monday night, and a concert will feature the official closing on Saturday night of next week.
In 1917, Ford probably outsold all the other makes combined in Rochester.
It’s interesting that there are many more makes of cars sold in Rochester today than there were 100 years ago.
Yes. Ford had the conveyor system that reduced costs. That made the price of their cars half or less than other models. The Model T was only available in black.