When you go camping, who do you bring with you? Perhaps, some friends, your golden retriever named Sunshine and other relatives. In July 1921, four gentlemen went on a camping trip. What was unique about these men was the fact that three of them were business tycoons while the other was President of the United States. What was also fascinating was the fact they went auto camping.
By 1921, the automobile was beginning to hit its stride in the American forum. As we saw with President Taft, Americans were falling in love with Mr. Duryea and Mr. Ford's invention. At this juncture, there were no Wigwam Tee Pee's or Holiday Inn's. When people went on a roadtrip many preferred to stay at an auto camp. Almost anyone would sleep along the roadside. However, between 1920 and 1924, auto camping became exclusive. Various municipal organizations wanted to prevent motor tourists from "squatting" in places they were not welcomed in order for people in the middle and upper class to enjoy their journey. Included amongst the travelers were four of the most powerful men in the nation: Henry Ford, one of the most powerful men in the automobile industry; inventor Thomas Edison; businessman and founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company Harvey Firestone and President Warren G. Harding.
President Harding was a well-connected individual. He knew people from various backgrounds and industries. Besides Firestone, Edison and Ford, Harding was friends with naturalist Luther Burbank. Along with another naturalist, John Burroughs, Ford, Edison, Burbank went on a series of camping trips. These individuals were known as "vagabonds," a term coined by wealthy individuals whenever they camped together.
From July 21st to the 27th, in an effort to promote outdoor recreation, these gentlemen (sans Burrouoghs who was deceased at this juncture) camped out at a site six miles east of Hancock in Washington County, Maryland. It was during that weekend when President Harding joined the "vagabonds." On the 23rd, Ford, Firestone and Edison left their campsite at Licking Creek, drove west on US 40 to meet the President.
One rainy day, the Lincoln touring car carrying Ford, Edison, Firestone and Harding became "stuck in the mud" on a backroad in West Virginia. Ford's chaffeur came to their aid. He brought back a farmer with a Model T and yanked the Lincoln out. Mr. Ford shook the farmer's hand and told him, "I guess you don't know me but I'm Henry Ford. I made the car you're driving."
Harding's entourage not only included secret servicemen, but White House photographers. These gentlemen took pictures of the "vagabonds" camping. One photograph featured Thomas Edison taking a nap on the bare ground. In addition, Ford and Firestone participated in a wood-chopping competition.
All in all, these gentlemen had a boat (or I should say, automobile) load of fun.
As the 1920's progressed many more Americans had leisure time. Consequently, more and more traveled on the newly numbered highways, trying to recapture that "vagabond" spirit and adventure.
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