Sheldon Aubut's
Duluth History
OUT OF THE GAIT - The first speeding ticket
in Duluth, and possibly Minnesota
On January 6, 1872, the City Council imposed what
turned out to be the first speeding ticket in Duluth. They had recently passed a law
setting a speed limit of "the walking gait of a man" on Lake Avenue. A teamster
named Trowbridge from Pratt & Co. was seen driving his team, on New Year's Day, at the
breakneck speed of a fast walk. He was driving Mayor Clinton Markel, ex-mayor Culver, and
William Nettleton on their New Year's rounds. When Officer Thompson saw this exhibition of
speed he was greatly upset. Trowbridge was duly fined $5, plus a hefty $3 for court costs.
That was one heck of a lot of money back then. Imagine what that would compare to today?
Trowbridge did not have such a handsome amount
of money so the Mayors raised it in the local taverns to pay his fine.
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April 05, 2010
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