On This Date in Minnesota History: January 8

January 8, 1917 – A railroad car shortage resulted today in the first automobile ride ever taken by 16-year-old King and 20-year-old Basil, who together comprised more than seven tons of elephant, loaded on a truck and transported from St. Paul to Minneapolis. Andrew Downey, owner, was unable to hire the usual freight car for the trip. The novelty of their ride left the two stars in a highly nervous state for their afternoon and evening acts at the New Palace Theater.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “Elephants Get Auto Ride as Cars Fail”; January 9, 1917; p. 2.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; January 9, 1917; p. 9.

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