5 Minutes With Jim, Episode 94

Welcome to another episode of 5 Minutes with Jim. There were motorized bicycles and vehicles with four, six and even eight wheels. They were powered by steam, gasoline, kerosene, electricity, oversize clock springs and even compressed air. They began as a manifestation of eccentricity and scientific curiosity but soon morphed into circus side show curiosity and promotional gimmick.

Then in the blink of an eye the automobile was a multimillion-dollar industry. Names became brands. Streetscapes were transformed with gas stations, garages, electric vehicle charging stations, billboards, and dealerships. Society was transformed. The world of transportation was transformed. Our lexicon was transformed with the addition of words like motel. Generational businesses were decimated. Time honored careers were transformed into historic footnotes. It was a time of transition. 

This program is sponsored in part by the historic Roadrunner Lodge in Tucumcari, New Mexico (www.roadrunnerlodge.com/)the magic of crowdfunding (www.patreon.com/jimhinckleysamerica)