Roger Reed and Erma Simonson

Photograph

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Saugatuck Douglas Historical Society

89-1-195_Roger_Reed_Erma_Simonson.jpg 655KB: My wife has gone to the country. You can find this Jay at Reed's Livery 89-1-195_Roger_Reed_Erma_Simonson
89-1-195_Roger_Reed_Erma_Simonson.jpg 655KB

My wife has gone to the country. You can find this Jay at Reed's Livery 89-1-195_Roger_Reed_Erma_Simonson

Name/Title

Roger Reed and Erma Simonson

Entry/Object ID

1989.01.195

Description

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."

Photograph Details

Type of Photograph

Real photo postcard

Subject Person or Organization

Reed, Roger E. 1868-1946, Simonson, Erma (Crow) 1884-1925

Context

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.

Collection

Sports: fishing

Cataloged By

Winthers, Sally

Acquisition

Accession

1989.01

Acquisition Method

Found in Collection

Dimensions

Height

7-1/2 in

Width

9-1/2 in

Location

Box

031 A+B+C+D Photo Files

Create Date

July 6, 2026

Update Date

July 6, 2026