Bruce Strowd, seen here as a young child behind the reins of a two-calfpower wagon circa 1903, soon graduated to higher powered vehicles. By the time he was 15, he was cruising the streets and frightening the horses in his homemade gasoline-powered 'Strowdmobile.' Townspeople called it the 'Devil Wagon,' and in 1907 Mayor A.S. Barbee banned his "contrivance" from the streets of Chapel Hill. Undaunted, in 1913 he set up the town's first Ford agency in a wooden building on Franklin Street, selling cars with an asking price in the $440 to $975 range.

This shot is among the artifacts the Chapel Hill Museum has gathered for a permanent exhibit on the history of Franklin Street, set to open in October. The museum is continuing to gather items for the exhibit. While monetary contributions are always welcomed, the museum is seeking photos, documents, letters or artifacts connected to Franklin Street. Call 967-1400 to loan or donate and be a part of history.