Halifax: August 27, 1912 <<< >>> Victoria: October 17, 1912
| Today's Statistics: | Travelling from Belleville, Ontario, to Toronto, Ontario | |||
| Distance: 162 km | Driving Hours: 4.5 h | Fuel: 45 l | Weather: Sunny | Temperature: Min. 12 Max. 24 |
The morning's drive followed highway 2, known as "the apple route" for the many orchards it passes by. The trees were ripe with juicy red McIntosh apples.
The highlight of the day was a midday stop in Oshawa, where the Findlays and John Nicol were greeted by Mayor Nancy Diamond and Ron Craig, North American Rep. for Speedy Auto Service. The reception took place at the Canadian Automotive Museum, a must-see for any auto enthusiasts. The Findlays are particularly grateful to Ms. Jil McIntosh for organizing and publicizing the Oshawa event.
Oshawa has been known as "Canada's Detroit" for the role it has played in Canada's automotive industry. In the 1800's the McLaughlin Carriage Company was one of the biggest builders of carriages and wagons in the British Empire. In 1907 the company, under the direction of Colonel Sam McLaughlin, began producing the McLaughlin Buick automobile. In 1918 General Motors bought the company and today over 1/3 of Oshawa's population works for General Motors.
After Oshawa, it was time to move on to Toronto. Lorne Findlay drove the Reo to the city limits, then loaded the car on the trailer so that it could be moved quickly through the huge city for an important date in St. Catharines tomorrow. It was the first time since Halifax that the Reo had been back on its trailer.
The route from Belleville followed highway 2 - "The Apple Route"
... Many thanks to Bob Gowans for professional help getting the Reo through Toronto
On this day in 1912 ...