Lake Orion in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
William E. Scripps
and the Scripps-Booth Luxury Automobile
Photographed By Joel Seewald, May 5, 2019
1. William E. Scripps and the Scripps-Booth Luxury AutomobileMarker
Behind these gates lies the country estate
built in 1927 by William E. Scripps, heir to the Detroit News fortune and a talented early aviator, inventor, and radio pioneer. He joined his nephew James Scripps Booth in forming the Scripps-Booth Company to produce well-designed light luxury automobiles in Detroit from 1914 to 1917. These sporty cars included innovations like a keyed ignition, power door locks, and the first spare tire. Most were sold to wealthy Americans and to Europeans, and are still found in collections around the world.
"The gimmick that sold me on the Scripps-Booth automobile was a button on the top of the right-hand door...Press the button and the door flew open. It was sheer magic."
Groucho Marx, from his book, Groucho and Me, 1995
You Auto Know
Among the famous owners of Scripps-Booth automobiles were the King of Spain, Queen of Holland, Reggie Vanderbilt, and Winston Churchill.
Erected by MotorCities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.
Location. 42° 45.005′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. William E. Scripps / William E. and Nina Scripps Estate (a few steps from this marker); Howarth School (approx. 2 miles away); Lake Orion Methodist Church (approx. 3.3 miles away); Decker Settlement / Jesse Decker (approx. 3.3 miles away); Predmore House (approx. 3.3 miles away); Carpenter-Rudd Mill (approx. 3.4 miles away); Sashabaw United Presbyterian Church (approx. 4.6 miles away); Sashabaw Cemetery (approx. 4.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lake Orion.
Also see . . .
1. William Edmund Scripps. Wikipedia article (Submitted on May 9, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
2. Scripps-Booth. Wikipedia article about the Scripps-Booth automobile company. (Submitted on May 9, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
3. Scripps Mansion. Wikipedia article (Submitted on May 9, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
4. William E. Scripps Estate. The Cultural Landscape Foundation website entry (Submitted on May 23, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photo courtesy of Library of Congress Digital Collection
2. Left image
Outside a Scripps-Booth dealership in Detroit, 1921.
Photo courtesy of Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University.
3. Middle image
Walter E. Scripps, about 1930.
Photo courtesy of the Thomas and Lois Booth Collection.
4. Right image
1917 Scripps-Booth Model C Roadster.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, May 5, 2019
5. William E. Scripps and the Scripps-Booth Luxury Automobile Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 812 times since then and 111 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 9, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
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