A friend sent me this article from May 1926, and I’ve filed it away in the folder labeled “Couldn’t Happen Nowadays” and tagged it “Too Good to Keep To Myself.” Enjoy!
Two Millionth Chevy Climbs Capitol Steps
The two millionth Chevrolet produced by the Chevrolet Motor company recently climbed the steps of the new state capitol building at Jackson, Mississippi, while members of the adjourning state legislature viewed the performance.
A heavy rain preceding the event made the climb at a 45 degree angle, hazardous, but failed to scatter a crowd of more than 7,000 which waited throughout the downpour. Burned patches of rubber on the steps marked the progress of the coach up the steep incline, indicating the power necessary to make the ascent.
The climb had been negotiated only once before and several powerful types of cars recently failed to arrive at the top.
Many members of the legislature, themselves Chevrolet owners, greeted G. Porter Dukes, service manager of the Capitol Chevrolet company, local distributors, as he reached the summit of the capitol entrance. Several ornament[al] stone [pylons] on the ascent caused the car to proceed slowly and added to the difficulty of the feat.
After once making the climb, the car backed down, demonstrating the holding power of its brakes, and then repeated the demonstration. The car was a regular stock model and because of being the 2,000,000th Chevrolet produced, had been shipped to various cities of the country for exhibition. The Capitol Chevrolet company planned the stunt as a final showing of the car before selling it to a resident of Jackson.
A parade of several hundred Chevrolet automobiles, driven by their owners and headed by the mounted police division of Jackson and the demonstrating car, preceded the exhibition at the Capitol. Mayor Scott, City Commissioner Hawkins, and R. F. Hicks, assistant Chevrolet zone sales manager gave brief talks on completion of the ascent.
Daily Clarion Ledger, May 2, 1926
Categories: Capitols Old & New
Preservation in Mississippi 
Very good and interesting.
We live in a different world.
From my files if dug out the following,
Hope you enjoy.
Today, 205, this hill is still there, paved, many – many auto pass up and down every day.
Document 004. The Vicksburg Evening Post Monday, July 05th, 1909
The Celebration of July 04th, 1909
The Warren County – Vicksburg Public Library, Vicksburg, Warren County Missisissppi
The Great Hill Climbing Exhibition; Immediately after the July 04th, Floral Parade, Mr. Coleman, representing Lee Richardson & Company, will give a demonstration exhibition of the Eighteen Horse Power Model Ten Buick Automobile as a Hill Climber by climbing China Street from Mulberry to Washington. First forward and then backwards. This is the steepest grade in the City and one of the steepest hills any car will likely be called upon to climb. Baer’s Bros. Corner will be good place to see the fun.
Document # 005. The Vicksburg American Monday, July 05th, 1909
The Celebration of July 04th, 1909
The Warren County – Vicksburg Public Library, Vicksburg, Warren County, Mississippi
The Great Hill Climbing Exhibition; Immediately after the July 04th, Floral Parade Mr. Coleman, representing Lee Richardson & Company, will give a demonstration exhibition of the Eighteen Horse Power Model Ten Buick Automobile as a hill climber by climbing China Street from Mulberry to Washington Street. First Forward and then Backwards. This is the steepest grade in the City and one of the steepest hills any will likely be called upon to climb. Baer & Brother’s corner will be a good place to see the fun.
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Correction; The above message should begin;
It is a different world, today 2015>>>>> Instead
It is a different world, today 205>>>>>
Sam P
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This brings to mind a memory from the early ’60s of hearing about a military tank that climbed these same stairs after one of the world wars. Does anyone know about this?
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Oh my goodness! I’m scared to know the answer because I don’t want to picture it!
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