AUTOMOBILE INSTITUTE

AUTOMOBILE INSTITUTE. The Automobile Institute sponsored by the DUBUQUE AUTOMOBILE CLUB was held from April 2-4, 1914 in GERMANIA HALL, the free-of-charge program was the first of its kind in Dubuque. It was designed by the Engineering Extension Department of Iowa State College (now Iowa State University) (1)

With the use of lectures, slides, and charts, the institute taught new car owners the mechanics of automobiles and how to take care of their investment. "The institute made such an impression on owners and chauffeurs that they signaled their willingness of again securing the school in the future." (2)

The reception to the class was so positive it was offered again on April 8-10, 1915 at Germania Hall. On April 8th, a motion picture exhibition of motor car manufacture was offered. The program on April 9th was carburetors, fuels and ignition problems. A practical demonstration was given on a four cylinder engine of the operation of different kinds of carburetors and how to adjust them. Different systems of ignition, lighting and starting and "kinks" in auto repairs were explained. The third day's topics were lubrication and tire abuse. Dubuque Auto Club members were given first attention for free service between lectures. There was no admission charge. (3) An announcement published in the newspaper on April 8th added that "each lecture will be emphasized with chalk charts and 'stereoptican' views. (4)

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Source:

1. "Auto Institute Successfully Ends," Telegraph Herald, April 5, 1914, p. 4

2. Ibid.

3. "The Automobile Institute," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, April 4, 1915, p. 16

4. "Dubuque Auto Institute Opens," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, April 8, 1915, p. 14