Members of the Society encourage research, preservation, recording, compilation, and publication of historical material of every type. We monitor the worldwide development of the automobile and related items, for their inception to the present. We also assist fellow members in obtaining historical information and material. For all members, the SAH provides camaraderie and the free exchange of knowledge and data. The Society's roster helps members and others locate persons with similar specialized interests. The Society's membership also includes corporations and institutions that actively support the recording and preservation of automotive history.

Cugnot Automobile

Cugnot Automobile
The first vehicle to move under its own power for which there is a record was designed by Nicholas Joseph Cugnot and constructed by M. Brezin in 1769. A replica of this vehicle is on display at the Conservatoire des Arts et Metiers, in Paris. I believe that the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D. C. also has a large (half size ?) scale model. A second unit was built in 1770 which weighed 8000 pounds and had a top speed on 2 miles per hour and on the cobble stone streets of Paris this was probably as fast as anyone wanted to go it. The picture shows the first model on its first drive around Paris were it hit and knocked down a stone wall. It also had a tendency to tip over frontward unless it was counterweighted with a canon in the rear. the purpose of the vehicle was to haul canons around town.

Leland Chapter Officers

John Jos Jendza III (Top Hat John) / Director

Jim Petersen / Associate Director

Victoria Mobley / Secretary/Treasurer





Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Activities of 2011 for The Leland Chapter

May 2011: Historic Dossin Maritime Museum,www.detroithistorical.org a luncheon at the historic Detroit Yacht Club, www.dyc.com speaker: Mark Phelan/Detroit Free Press automotive columnist/topic: 'Trends in Automotive Technology & Design'. We extended our invitation to local car clubs, auto hobbyists. John Northup became our 'Official Photographer'.
July 2011: gathering only held at Piquette T-Plex www.tplex.org museum in Detroit for the Reception of The Fashion & The Automobile-An Exhibit In 10 Eras.
October 2011: Formal meeting & tour of the new Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society Museum: www.mimths.org. A new museum dedicated to portraying and preserving the story of Michigan civilian & military personnel in 20th Century conflict. The agenda included a brief look into the Mike Davis book: 'Arsenal of Democracy'. Our guest speaker: William Porter/retired GM Pontiac Design Studio Director/topic: 'Birth & Design of Jeep'
December 2011: Close the year with a Holiday Party at the beautiful Stahls Automotive Foundation museum. www.stahlsauto.com Guest speaker: member Brian Baker and students from College for Creative Studies www.collegeforcreativestudies.edu Topic: Harley Earl and the digital revolution of design at GM. Brian is The Adjunct Faculty For Design History at CCS and National Development Consultant/AACA Museum Hershey, PA www.aacamuseum.org See below for pictures of the event.

SAH Christmas meeting Stahl'sAutoMuseumDec03,2011


Click on image to review photo album .. Photo album courtesy of:
Chapter Photographer / John (Flash) Northup