A Glimpse Inside Our Pebble Beach Experience

Marta Holsman Babson and Henrietta Holsman Fore at the 2017 Concours d’Elegance with their 1904 Holsman Runabout

Our journey began in January of 2017, when it was suggested we apply for entrance into the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the world’s premier automobile event. It seemed a big challenge for our graceful and elegant Holsman, but we decided to submit our application. We patiently waited for the verdict which arrived a few months later. It was official! Our Grandfather’s invention, the 1904 Holsman Runabout, was officially accepted as an entrant into the Pre-War category of the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance! Celebration and excitement ensued!

1904 Holsman named Old Maude — Our 1904 Holsman, at home in Santa Barbara, California, was originally purchased by Dr. Baker of Keyser, West Virginia, and was named “Old Maude”, a name-sake of his retiring mule. His patients called it the “Baby Buggy” as it was used on his rounds delivering babies in the hills and hollows of West Virginia. We purchased this 1904 Holsman from Dr. Baker’s widow in 2004.

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Onward! The Preparations Begin It was essential our Runabout operate and function as fully intended for her era, and to shine and serve as a stunning representative of her entrant category. With the assistance of our local expert classic car mechanic, Roy Miller, this crucial phase began. With his excellent mechanical background and knowledge, a copy of Holsman History 1901-1910, and a true pioneer spirit, Roy lived and breathed the 1904 Holsman, facing many challenges in his endeavor to get the car running. Roy embarked into what proved to be a roller-coaster type journey, and became a whisperer of sorts to a relic reawakened by the roar of her long silent motor and not accustomed to the paved roads of our day. Roy’s success at getting her running was an amazing accomplishment and reflective of his patience and perseverance. Our many thanks and endless gratitude to Roy for taking on this venture.

Roy, Marta, and Henrietta with the 1904 Holsman — From left, Roy Miller, Marta Holsman Babson, Henrietta Holsman Fore with the 1904 Holsman – August 2017

On the Lawn at Pebble Beach On the day before the Concours d’Elegance, early placement on the show field was allowed for our 1904 Holsman (which operates on a rope drive) as an alternative to the faster paced Sunday morning Dawn Patrol procession.

Early morning on the day of the Concours, a final polishing of the Holsman in preparation of the judges and many spectators to come.

Marta and Henrietta beside the Holsman — Marta Holsman Babson and Henrietta Holsman Fore (standing)

Showtime! Awaiting arrival of the judges.

Marta and Henrietta infront of the Holsmann — From left, Marta Holsman Babson and Henrietta Holsman Fore
Photo credit: Kimball Studios/Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Some notable spectators visiting the 1904 Holsman and Holsman sisters.

With Jay Leno, a very well-known automobile collector and international celebrity.

With Evert Louwman, Chairman of the Louwman Museum, a museum for historic cars, coaches and motorcycles in The Hague, Netherlands. Among the Louwman Museum collection is a 1902 Holsman Runabout.

Greeting the judges and telling the story of our Grandfather and his invention.

Meeting the press provided additional opportunities to share the story of our Grandfather.

Enjoying the afternoon sun, while awaiting the judges’ decision.

It seemed only fitting to include Dr. Baker’s hat, goggles and gloves resting upon the seat of the Holsman during the competition.

Given the multitude of exquisite automobiles participating in this pinnacle event, we were delighted and honored to receive the Chairman’s Trophy! With Roy at the helm, we motored our way to the winner’s ramp to accept our award.

Roy, Marta, Henrietta on the Holsman — From left, Roy Miller, Marta Holsman Babson, Henrietta Holsman Fore with the 1904 Holsman
Photo credit: Kimball Studios/Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Accepting the Chairman’s Trophy was an honor and a once in a lifetime experience.

The 1904 Holsman In All Her Glory!

The Chairman’s Trophy – 2017

Just One More…

Photo credit: Kimball Studios/Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Sharing the story of our Grandfather and his invention, not only with the judges, but with the thousands

of auto enthusiasts in attendance that day, was an amazing experience. He would be honored that his

1904 Holsman Runabout not only participated, but inspired and educated the public, and returned home

with the stunning Chairman’s Trophy. Our grandfather, Henry K. Holsman, would be proud!