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Washington Evening Journal
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Horseless Carriage Tours drive freely
A commemorative Red Flag Law tour comes to Southeast Iowa this week
MT. PLEASANT— The Red Flag Horseless Carriage Tour returns to the Southeast Iowa area this week.
Have you ever seen a car drive at only 4 miles per hour?
Have you ever witnessed a person walking ahead of cars with a red flag as a warning of an oncoming car?
Prior to 1896, vehicle operators were limited in this way.
It was in 1896 that the speed limit was raised to 14 miles per hour and the Red Flag Law requirement was abolished.
To celebrate this noteworthy change in commute, motorists gathered for a tour from London, England to Brighton, England.
Now, the Red Flag Horseless Carriage Tour commemorates this abolishment through a reenactment of the first tour.
According to Red Flag Horseless Carriage Tour Co-president Mark Hempen, Southeast Iowa just happens to be lucky enough to have a New London and Brighton close enough to reenact.
The Tour group hopes to feature the hospitality of the area’s towns and honor veterans, military, first responders, fire and police support as they expose travelers to Southeast Iowa Sept. 21-24.
“It is a great way to introduce people from across the country to Southeast Iowa in an unusual way,” Red Flag Horseless Carriage Tour Mark Hempen said.
The group will tour the Mt. Pleasant area Thursday and Friday and take a historic tour route from New London to Brighton Saturday.
Much of the time will be spend touring the historic area around Keokuk and the American Gothic House.
Friday, President and CEO of Ford House from Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan Mark J. Heppner will speak.
Saturday, breakfast will be served at the Dover Museum followed by a starting ceremony and departure for Brighton.
Brass Era vehicles made before 1928 and their drivers will flock to this part of Iowa to participate in this annual tour.
The routes are planned with consideration to the slower speeds, easy hills, and the special needs of Brass Era and vehicles made before 1928 in mind.
Law enforcement will assist at all high traffic highway crossings.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
Last year, 28 registered vehicles traveled from across the county to participate in the event. (Union File Photo)
It is not uncommon for the car enthusiasts to fully embrace the era with costumes along side their unique motor vehicles. Tim and Deb Miller wore era appropriate driving clothes for their fourth tour last year. (Union File Photo)
