April 24-May 26 1908: THE FIRST FAMILY VACATION?

Exactly one hundred years ago this month, Johnstown, Pennsylvania businessman Jacob Murdock

and his family left Pasadena, California for a drive across the United States.

Along with Jacob were his wife, and their three children, Lillian, 18, Alice, 14 and Milton, 10.

He also took along a mechanic, Philip DeMay, to look after his Packard Model 30 Touring car,

and a guide. Lester Whitman accompanied the family part of the way.

In Wyoming, they hired P. W. Spaulding, a professional guide.

The family arrived in New York City on May 26, 1908 - some 32 days, 5 hours and 20 minutes later.

No one knows if the Murdock children were the first to utter the phrase “are we there yet?” in a motorcar.

At a time when roads were unpaved and ungraded, washes and streams were unbridged,

hotels were few and far between and gas stations were practically nonexistent,

the pioneering Murdocks became the first family to travel across the United States in an automobile.

Think of that while you are packing the minivan for your summer outing!
 

(c)2008, Nancy Schaut, Editor, autohobbies.com