Collections

Rauch and Lang Electric Car

Rauch and Lang Electric Car - Automobile
Accession #: 175.148
Title: Rauch and Lang Electric Car
Object Type: Automobile
Participants:
Rauch and Lang (creator)
Physical Description: "J 5" Selective Dual Control, Worm Drive Electric Car, made by Rauch and Lang Carriage Company, Cleveland, Ohio . Motor number 31290. Serial number 50386. License plate No. C55451. Original Lang hubcaps still in place, but during World War II, the original spoked wheels were removed and replaced with smaller wheels and rubber tires available domestically during wartime. Headlamps have been relocated from front window area to front fender area. Accession includes 1915 car instruction booklet, car keys and registration. Interior of car is currently upholstered with ivory fabric; all windows have roller shades. There are two upholstered swivel seats at the front of the cab; between the swivel seats at the floor there is a volt meter and a speedometer/odometer. A custom carpet that is bound at the edges can be lifted back from the meters. Steering control is tiller style rod.
Description: Spokane's Agnes McDonald was a popular sight, driving this 1915 Rauch and Lang electric automobile around town until 1951. Automobile's arrival profoundly impacted the Inland Northwest, offering new independence and recreational opportunities, like visits to the new national parks. After 1950, new and improved highways ended rural isolation, but easy travel brought challenges for small town businesses.
Category: History
Related Objects:
175.148B (McDonald, Agnes, Pamphlet, Instruction, Rauch & Lang Electrics J5 Selective Dual Control Worm Drive Instruction Manual, 1915)
175.148E (McDonald, Agnes, Ticket, Traffic, Parking Ticket, 1939)
Subjects/Topics/Concepts:
Technology (Tools & Equipment), Transportation (Tools & Equipment)
Geographical Reference: Spokane (Washington->Spokane County)
Dimensions:
Object H x W x L 7.5 x 6 x 10 ln. ft.
Materials/Techniques:
metal (Material)
rubber (material) (Material)
Related Exhibits:
Credit Line: Gift of Agnes McDonald, 1951

To order a reproduction, inquire about permissions, or for information about prices see:
https://www.northwestmuseum.org/collections