In July of 1928, Bill Key, endurance driver, began his four and a half day, 105-hour endurance drive around Monroe and surrounding areas in a Whippet driving stunt. The drive began Tuesday at 10:35 a.m. He always has a rider, especially at night. The public was invited to jump in with him and ride to ensure he actually followed out the act of continuous driving. His left wrist was handcuffed to the steering wheel. When he takes on gas, he must move forward and back as the tank is being filled. His only food is milk and he smokes three packs of cigarettes per day.

At the end of the ride, as a precaution, it was asked of the several thousand persons expected in the area that they use discretion so as not to avoid an accident. So dense was the crowd that it was feared the large window of the dealership might be crashed in. When he drove up to the Monroe Auto Company this evening, expected about 7:30 p.m., he collapsed and was carried into the dealership to a makeshift bedroom and placed on a cot. “People were permitted to file by and gaze upon his form.” The next day his nurse notes that his neck muscles and cords are sore and stiff and he can’t raise his head. The 1928 Whippet two-door sedan, built by the Willlys- Overland Corp., was introduced in 1926, as Americas smallest car, with a 100.25 inch wheelbase. Did anyone own a Whippet?

Story and photo courtesy of the Green County Historical Museum from an article in the Monroe Times in 1928 and Wikipedia. Comments can be made to P.O. Box 804 or Linda at lostetter68@gmail.com.

The Historical Society has been made aware of a book, “Echoes in Eternity” by Barbara Jennings, on the subject of David Fahs, a standout Monroe High School basketball player of the 1950s.  If anyone has this book and might be willing to donate it to the Historical Museum, contact Linda Lostetter at 608-325-9730 or lostetter68@gmail.com.