Cactus Derby Start

This content includes two articles obtained through the Barney Oldfield scrapbook. The name of the newspaper was snipped off the clipping, but there is a November 9, 1914 date associated with the content.
 
What is extraordinary about these articles is that they help to paint the picture of the start of the 1914 Los Angeles to Phoenix Cactus Derby. Both articles were written the afternoon before the race so neither actually describes the start, but they both discuss the arrangements. The race began at 5:30 a.m. from the Pacific Electric bridge on El Monte Boulevard near Eastlake Park in Los Angeles. Drivers were released in two minute intervals heading toward the first check point in San Bernardino 61 miles away.
 
The race was sanctioned by the Western Automobile Association, with Leon T. Shettler, chairman of their racing committee, presiding. The starter was George Adair, who led a drivers' meeting the night before to provide instructions to the drivers regarding proper conduct during the competition. Do a Google search on Shettler and you will find a substantial amount of information about his career as a driver, racing official and businessman.