The Callahans’ first automobile was a steam-powered Locomobile produced by J. Brisbane Walker Manufacturing Co. in Irvington-on-Hudson, New York. Thomas picked up the car in Denver and it took three hours to drive back to Longmont at 10 mph. The Locomobile was the first automobile in Longmont.
c1902-1904
Longmont Museum Photo Archive #2008.016.014
The Callahans built an automobile house behind their home. Because cars didn’t have a reverse gear, they installed a turntable floor to allow the car to be driven in and out of the building. Thomas Callahan preferred not to drive, so they hired a chauffeur who lived in the apartment above the automobile house.
Callahan House from Terry St., c1920
Longmont Museum Photo Archive #1973.109.683
Thomas bought a Pierce-Arrow Landaulet for Alice at the Denver Auto Show. Unfortunately, the car was damaged in an accident. However, Thomas replaced it a few months later with an identical model.
Callahans and friends in Pierce-Arrow, c1904
Longmont Museum Photo Archive #2008.016.004
Alice enjoyed driving. Her favorite car was the Detroit Electric Run-About with wet-celled batteries. She drove this car for over 20 years.
Click here to learn more about the Detroit Electric.
Tom, Alice and son Raymond Callahan with Detroit Electric Run-About, c1913
Longmont Museum Photo Archive #2008.016.019
