Driving Force: Automobiles and the New American City, 1900–1930 is the First Major History of Car Dealers at Work
Have you ever wondered how and why Los Angeles became so obsessed with cars? While historians and sociologists have provided numerous explanations, little or no credit has been given to the dealers, who ventured into unknown territory to sell a product regarded by nearly all banks and most businesses as a fad at best.
Released on May 9, 2023, Driving Force: Automobiles and the New American City, 1900–1930 (Angel City Press) reveals how the city’s passion for automobiles was ignited by an unlikely mix of entrepreneurs and risk-takers. The early days of the city’s auto business owed its inception to the bicycle shop owners who began repairing and selling cars, carriage retailers, and automobile aficionados who learned how to broaden the market for automobiles and convince the public that the car was no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
In this first major history of dealers at work—and one of the first books to chronicle the early history of cars in Los Angeles—authors Darryl Holter and Stephen Gee share the untold story of pioneering auto dealers who seized the chance to join a start-up industry that reinvented an American city. Some became wealthy and powerful, others failed. But the lure of the automobile never wavered. At the dawn of the twentieth century, as Los Angeles transformed from a rugged outpost to a booming metropolis, so too did the fledgling automobile simultaneously come of age.
Events
Join Darryl Holter & Stephen Gee, authors of the newly published Driving Force: Automobiles and the New American City, 1900-1930 (Angel City Press), as we celebrate the opening of the exhibition "Los Angeles: City of Cars." Featuring images from the Los Angeles Public Library's historic photo collection.
Los Angeles has long been recognized for its deep connection to the automobile. Join authors Darryl Holter and Stephen Gee as they discuss their latest book. Event is Free! Attendees will have the chance to join guided tours of our early 20th century car collection and are eligible for a 10% discount off membership. Light refreshments and tours from 6 pm - 8 pm. Main event starts at 7 pm.
Join us at the Mark Taper Auditorium in the Central Library. The third lecture in the 2023 Marie Northrop Lecture Series will be a discussion with Darryl Holter and Stephen Gee based on their new book Driving Force: Automobiles and the New American City 1900-1930.
News & Reviews
The driving force of car consumption was much more than just an American “natural” love of automobility (or even their promotion, via massive advertising). The vanguard of the new consumer culture was the car, and its leading edge was arguably the car dealer. And Driving Force argues that Los Angeles was home to some of the most important retail innovations.
Video: Society of Architectural Historians Interview Darryl Holter and Stephen Gee Co-Authors of "Driving Force: Automobiles and the New American City, 1900–1930". The Society of Architectural Historians is a nonprofit membership organization that serves an international network of institutions and individuals who, by profession or interest, focus on the history of the built environment and its role in shaping contemporary life.
Video: Author and CEO of The Shammas Group, Darryl Holter, discusses the early auto industry, how it shaped LA, and how LA changed the industry. The conversation is moderated by Corporate Archivist at the Automobile Club of Southern California, Morgan Yates.
Listen as Darryl Holter and Stephen Gee guest on AirTalk with Larry Mantle / KPCC/LAist 89.3 FM - talking about their new book Driving Force: Automobiles and The New American City, 1900–1930, The First Major History of Car Dealers at Work.
Thanks to Roger Moffat, the ACN has been introduced to a newly published book that has some distinct Franklin connec- tions: specifically Ralph Hamlin. Following is a synopsis of the book and a few photos and quotes from the book. Released on May 9, 2023, Driving Force: Automobiles and the New American City, 1900–1930 (Angel City Press) reveals how the city’s passion for automobiles was ignited by an unlikely mix of entrepreneurs and risk-takers.
In “Driving Force: Automobiles and the New American City, 1900-1930,” out this month from Angel City Press, Darryl Holter and Stephen Gee explore that question, diving deep into the rise of automobiles in Southern California. Jay Leno provides the book’s introduction, writing that he thought he’d known the whole story of the rise of the automobile, “But like everything else in America, the real story is a lot more complicated than that.”
In this first major history of dealers at work—and one of the first books to chronicle the early history of cars in Los Angeles—authors Darryl Holter and Stephen Gee share the untold story of pioneering auto dealers who seized the chance to join a start-up industry that reinvented an American city. Listen to Darryl Holter's Interview on KPFK...
Los Angeles is known as a global capital of automotive culture, a germinating point for trends set amid ubiquitous superhighways and their crushing smog and traffic. But how and why did L.A. become a city of cars? A deeply researched and richly illustrated new book, Driving Force: Automobiles and the New American City 1900–1930 (Angel City Press, $50) by Darryl Holter and Stephen Gee seeks to answer these questions.
Hancock Park resident Darryl Holter, co-owner of Chevalier’s on Larchmont Boulevard, has a new book out. Written with Stephen Gee, the book includes a foreword by erstwhile “Tonight Show” host and car aficionado Jay Leno. The book, “Driving Force: Automobiles and the New American City, 1900-1930,” is packed full of local history gems. Sprinkled with vintage photos and original cartoons, the book enlightens readers about the role Los Angeles’ early auto retailers played in the growth of the car industry and the city.
