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History Lessons: The Big Car Ban

For over 40 years, U-M students had little choice in the decision of whether to bring a car to campus.

By Gregory Lucas-Myers, ’10

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Read time: < 1 minute

U-M students can easily avoid the hassle and cost of having a car on campus by taking advantage of the University’s pedestrian-friendly environment and public transportation options. Yet some students like the convenience and freedom of having a car on campus.

For over 40 years, however, U-M students had little choice in the matter. Michigan Alumnus put together this historical gallery exploring cars on campus and the student automobile ban.

1873: True “horsepower” was the transportation of choice on campus before automobiles were widely available. (Ford’s Model T began mass production in 1913.) Here, horse-drawn carriages trot down State Street, passing the original Law Building (left) and University Hall. — **1873:** True “horsepower” was the transportation of choice on campus before automobiles were widely available. (Ford’s Model T began mass production in 1913.) Here, horse-drawn carriages trot down State Street, passing the original Law Building (left) and University Hall.

1920s: As the early 20th century rolled on, automobiles increasingly shared the street with horse-drawn buggies, as seen here at the intersection of Ann Street and Zina Pitcher Place (then called 14th Street), near the northwest corner of Couzens Hall. — **1920s:** As the early 20th century rolled on, automobiles increasingly shared the street with horse-drawn buggies, as seen here at the intersection of Ann Street and Zina Pitcher Place (then called 14th Street), near the northwest corner of Couzens Hall.

1921: As automobiles became more commonplace on campus (like these parked by the Detroit Observatory), so did the incidents of backseat scandals, reckless driving, and deadly accidents. As a result, U-M President Marion Burton and the board of regents began mulling over the idea of banning students from bringing automobiles to campus. — **1921:** As automobiles became more commonplace on campus (like these parked by the Detroit Observatory), so did the incidents of backseat scandals, reckless driving, and deadly accidents. As a result, U-M President Marion Burton and the board of regents began mulling over the idea of banning students from bringing automobiles to campus.

1927: An initial 1926 rule stating that only nonfreshman in good academic standing could have a car on campus was not as effective as administrators desired. It probably did not help that the enforcement committee consisted of six students and only two faculty members. Despite protests, in June 1927 the regents passed a resolution banning any student from having a vehicle on campus. This cartoon from the Detroit Free Press illustrates—and lampoons—students mourning the loss of their cars. — **1927:** An initial 1926 rule stating that only nonfreshman in good academic standing could have a car on campus was not as effective as administrators desired. It probably did not help that the enforcement committee consisted of six students and only two faculty members. Despite protests, in June 1927 the regents passed a resolution banning any student from having a vehicle on campus. This cartoon from the Detroit Free Press illustrates—and lampoons—students mourning the loss of their cars.

1928: Chester H. Youngs was one of two motorcycle cops hired by the University to enforce the auto ban. In this photo, taken by a University photographer, Youngs is shown stopping a group of female students in a roadster. Though his position was naturally antagonistic, Youngs was so congenial and well liked by students that when he sustained an injury in a 1930 traffic accident, they raised funds to provide him with a prosthetic leg. — **1928:** Chester H. Youngs was one of two motorcycle cops hired by the University to enforce the auto ban. In this photo, taken by a University photographer, Youngs is shown stopping a group of female students in a roadster. Though his position was naturally antagonistic, Youngs was so congenial and well liked by students that when he sustained an injury in a 1930 traffic accident, they raised funds to provide him with a prosthetic leg.

Early 1930s: Cars from Ann Arbor residents and U-M employees continued to line the streets around the University Museums Building (renamed the Alexander G. Ruthven Museums Building in 1968). Students increasingly criticized the ban, which was enforced on safety and moral grounds. The Michigan Daily—in an editorial titled “Moral Necessity?”—argued that the rule was more emotional than logical and that students should have access to “an acceptable instrument of social luxury,” given the small number of fatal accidents involving students. — **Early 1930s:** Cars from Ann Arbor residents and U-M employees continued to line the streets around the University Museums Building (renamed the Alexander G. Ruthven Museums Building in 1968). Students increasingly criticized the ban, which was enforced on safety and moral grounds. The Michigan Daily—in an editorial titled “Moral Necessity?”—argued that the rule was more emotional than logical and that students should have access to “an acceptable instrument of social luxury,” given the small number of fatal accidents involving students.

1940s: Despite consternation, the student auto ban continued, though cars not operated by students were visible all over campus, such as these vehicles on State Street outside the Yost Field House. — **1940s:** Despite consternation, the student auto ban continued, though cars not operated by students were visible all over campus, such as these vehicles on State Street outside the Yost Field House.

1947: A view from the Michigan Union steps shows that, despite the ban, cars rolled through the campus streets. With both the University and Ann Arbor growing in size, traffic and parking would soon become bigger issues. — **1947:** A view from the Michigan Union steps shows that, despite the ban, cars rolled through the campus streets. With both the University and Ann Arbor growing in size, traffic and parking would soon become bigger issues.

1959: As time went on, the car ban included more and more exemptions. Students who were over 28 years old, married, or studying part time were allowed cars on campus. These students, gathered around cars outside Angell Hall, may have fallen into one of these categories. — **1959:** As time went on, the car ban included more and more exemptions. Students who were over 28 years old, married, or studying part time were allowed cars on campus. These students, gathered around cars outside Angell Hall, may have fallen into one of these categories.

1968: Facing pressure from the Student Government Council, U-M President Robben Fleming and the board of regents lifted all restrictions concerning cars on campus in July 1968. Today, the only obstacle that students with cars face is access to campus parking. — **1968:** Facing pressure from the Student Government Council, U-M President Robben Fleming and the board of regents lifted all restrictions concerning cars on campus in July 1968. Today, the only obstacle that students with cars face is access to campus parking. *Photo courtesy of the Ann Arbor District Library*

Gregory Lucas-Myers, ’10, is assistant editor of Michigan Alumnus.

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