Each time I enter the Heritage Center for my volunteer duties, I walk past this icon from another time.  When vehicles like this started driving along streets and township roads, it marked the end of the horse culture, although people didn’t yet know it.  The following narrative describes a bit of its history.  

“1900 Holland Special.  

Samuel Holland (1859-1937) was a Norwegian immigrant to Park River, ND.

A skilled blacksmith and machinist, he built at least six automobiles between 1898 and 1908.  One steam powered, one high-wheeler, two single cylinder runabouts, and  two two-cylinder autos.

This low wheeled runabout has a 4 hp single-cylinder engine with two radiators - one to cool the water in the head and the other in the block.  The chain drive, two-speed transmission and tiller steering are typical of the period.

The Holland’s frame is made of angle iron.  The engine, clutch, and transmission serve as structural bracing.  The wheelbase is 67 inches, tread 55 inches, and the vehicle seats two comfortably.

John Midboe of Adams, ND bought this car in 1905.  Midboe drove it ‘till he broke a crankshaft.’  It was parked outside for some 45 years and needed extensive reworking.  It was rebuilt by Ted Torgason, using photos as his guide.  The State Historical Society of North Dakota acquired this car in 1989.”