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March 5, 1917. Washington, D.C. "Woodrow Wilson inaugural parade." Of peripheral interest on Pennsylvania Avenue: the three-act drama Just a Woman at Poli's Theater, and "modern 'Cadillac' automobiles" for rent at $3 an hour at the Willard Hotel. Harris & Ewing Collection glass negative. View full size.
$3.00/hour in 1917 works out to $53.90/hr in 2013 dollars - or just under $1300 for a 24 hour day! Car rental rates have come WAY down.
In his second Inaugural Address, Wilson speaks of the domestic accomplishments of his first term, but emphasizes the dark clouds of war that now occupy his thoughts and actions. He was aware of the "Zimmerman Telegram" at the time of this speech. He would ask Congress to declare war one month later.
You would definitely opt for the "modern" Cadillac instead of one of the antique obsolete models.
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