Roger Reed and Erma Simonson
Photograph
Part of a postcard depicting a jaunty man, R.E. Reed, behind the wheel of an early automobile. In the back seat are two women - one is identified as Erma Simonson. A sign on the side of the car reads "My wife has gone to the country." Under the car is the text "You can find this Jay at Reed's Livery, Saugatuck, Mich."
1989.01.195
Real photo postcard
Reed, Roger E. 1868-1946Simonson, Erma (Crow) 1884-1925
During this period, a "jay" was a foolish person. A "jay driver" was an early 20th-century slang term for drivers of automobiles or horse-drawn carriages who refused to follow traffic laws. Roger Reed ran Reed's Livery, a company that rented out horses, carriages and, eventually, automobiles. This humorous promotional photo was likely taken on Culver Street, in front of the livery by Herman Simonson, Emma's husband.
Sports: fishing
Winthers, Sally
1989.01
Found in Collection
7-1/2 in
9-1/2 in
031 A+B+C+D Photo Files
07/06/2026
07/06/2026