The Buzz-Wagon Craze
April 10, 1909 - The buzz-wagon craze had come to Mendocino, according to the Beacon. “Buzz-wagon” was a slang term for the automobile, perhaps because the early-day gasoline engines were so noisy. The first Beacon report of an automobile purchase appeared in May 1903: “Abbott Colburn, who recently purchased an automobile, has thoroughly demonstrated their adaptability for traveling purposes even on the coast, where the heavy [...]