Willimantic's First Automobile Exhibition

Willimantic’s first Auto Show was held in February 1920 at the Pleasant Street Armory. Twenty local businesses had spaces there and exhibited automobiles, cycles and a huge range of accessories. According to Tom Beardsley, "The WilIimantic Automobile Show featured more than 24 popular makes of automobiles, "pleasure cars" and trucks displayed in 20 separate exbibitions". The Auto Show was a success for the local vendors whose sales were increased following this event.

It is important to note the Auto Show held in February 1920 was not the first time automobiles were shown off in Willimantic. Years before, automobile owners would exhibit their cars in the Willimantic Fairgrounds as well as during parades every year.

Black and white photograph of the exhibits at Willimantic's first auto show in 1920. Photo courtesy of: Threadcity.us
Colorized photograph of the autoshow in 1920. Photo sourced from: Threadcity.us
Colorized photograph of H.C. Murray's auto in the 4th of July parade in 1911. The few who owned cars at the time would let some companies or social groups decorate them for parades and use them. This provided automobile owners with the opportunity to show off their autos. Photo sourced from: Threadcity.us

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