Aspen in Objects: The First Car Comes to Town

Ted Cooper brought the first automobile to Aspen. Cooper bought the 1906 Buick Model F in Denver for $1,350. It took three days for Cooper, Tom Flynn and a hired chauffeur to make the trip to Aspen. Cooper telegraphed his father along the drive complaining about the rainy weather and difficult roads. His father telegraphed back “sell vehicle, come home.” The two young men drove the 22 horse-power automobile into Aspen on August 4, 1906. The Aspen Democrat-Times crowed “Watch for the automobile today and reach over and pat yourself on the back as Aspen is becoming metropolitiznized!”

Bests, Firsts & Worsts: Aspen in Objects explores the area’s unique history  told through more than 90 artifacts, each with its own tale that sheds light on the Aspen valley’s bright — and dark — times. The exhibition is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum, 620 W. Bleeker St.