The first “horseless carriage” was brought to Selma early in the century, a gift to Mrs. N. E. Edgerton from her father, Mr. Wynn. This White Steamer apparently did not cause alarm for no records of antagonism toward the new machine exist. However, in 1905 alarmed merchants rose up to meet a crisis when the first internal conbustion engine automobile was purchased by Mr. C. P. Harper and Mr. Hugh L. Mitchener jointly. Accounts from that period stated that the new and noisy contraption alarmed pedestrians and frightened horses and mules. Merchants saw dark days ahead because farmers would not bring their produce to town—an egg shortage developed. The town fathers passed an ordinance prohibiting any automobile from being driven along the main business streets of Selma. Mr. Harper and Mr. Mitchener immediately hired a lawyer to see if this new ordinance could be operative; they were relieved to learn from their counsel that they could drive anywhere they liked because there was no state statute governing automobiles.
From the History of Selma - Centennial Program.
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