Motors and Maintenance – (PIP #106)

By Louise Peloquin

 Here are two articles with  “Peek into the Past” #105 topics. (1)

The first announces an invention claimed to radically transform engine efficiency.

The second covers a road maintenance question followed by an editorial on the issue.

Inventions and infrastructure will always be topical.

L’Etoile – Front page January 12, 1926

A Fabulous Invention

     Rock Island, IL., 12 – Yesterday, C.C. Herman and J.F. Herman announced that they had invented a means to eliminate lethal carbon monoxide gas, render transmission gearboxes useless, do away with carburetors and finally, thoroughly revolutionize the functioning of automobile or airplane internal combustion engines.

     They claimed that their invention will increase gasoline energy efficiency by 200% and give engines 45% more power whilst radically reducing oil dilution.

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L’Etoile – January 14, 1926

REPAIRS TO THE BOULEVARD FOR THE CENTENNIAL

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A Lowell delegation supports, before the Public Works Commission, Mr. Achin’s project for State maintenance of  Pawtucket Boulevard.

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WHAT THE COMMISSION WILL DO IS STILL UNKNOWN

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     State House, Boston, 14. – Yesterday, Mayor Donovan, along with a delegation of Lowell civil servants and representatives, stood before Public Works Commission members to support a call, proposed by Representative Henri Achin Jr.,  for the State to take charge of Pawtucket Boulevard from Varnum Avenue to the Lowell aqueduct.

     The Lowell delegation gave a very good impression and Commissioner William F. Williams, president of the Public Works Department, had to admit that he truly found no reason why the Committee for Main Roads had omitted including Pawtucket Boulevard as a State thoroughfare.

     First to take the floor, Representative Achin stated that the segment in question is mentioned in every report and is, without a doubt, to be included as a State road. It should therefore be maintained by the State.

     “It is one of the most picturesque thoroughfares along the Merrimack river” specified Mr. Achin. “This road is traveled by hundreds of thousands of tourists. There are hardly any houses along the two-mile segment. The boulevard is an ‘orphan’ located on the site of an old race track acquired by the city. It is horrible to see it in its present state.”

     City engineer Stephen Kearney then provided technical details on the present condition of Pawtucket Boulevard and spoke about Lowell’s roadworks in general. He agreed that the boulevard, a main artery from one city to another, should be maintained by the State. Mr. Kearney pointed out that the city spends $360,000 a year on its roads, a fortune.

     Commissioner Williams responded that the sum was not extraordinary for a large city. Mr. Kearney persisted in disagreeing.

     Commissioner Williams remarked that the Lowell delegates were possibly right but added that many similar situations remain in many other areas of the State. The Public Works Department receives a set annual sum to maintain the 1,500 miles of State routes including certain Lowell roads, he declared.

     City solicitor Reynold, Mayor Donovan’s spokesperson, then explained how Lowell was preparing a link at Fletcher Street between roads coming from the north and the south. This will cost a great deal. Pawtucket Boulevard is virtually outside of the city and mainly used by tourists or motorists passing through. Additionally, it is situated in a picturesque area and the State should be proud to transform it into a principal State artery.

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L’Etoile – Editorial, January 8, 1926

URGENT WORK

     By submitting the question of Pawtucket Boulevard to the Public Works Commission, Representative Henri Achin, with reason, calls public attention to a state of affairs which should not exist in a city which prides itself in being progressive.

     The section of the boulevard which extends from Varnum Avenue to the aqueduct buildings has been, for many years, in terrible condition and city officials do not seem to want to do anything to rehabilitate it. Although motorists obliged to pass through this area grumble about the defects in the road, the council remains deaf to their valid recriminations. Mr. Achin did not fail to point out to Commission members that Pawtucket Boulevard follows an ideal scenic route and that something should be done to prevent its natural beauty from being irremediably spoiled by the bumpy road to access it.

     The Lowell Representative would like the State Department of Public Works to take charge of the reconstruction and maintenance of this section of the road as it does for the others leading to the aqueduct buildings at Tyngsboro bridge. Certain members of the Commission point out that it is against State policy to take charge of road construction or maintenance within city limits. Mr. Achin affirms that Lowell hardly receives any revenue from this part of the city and that consequently, his request would not constitute a precedent by which other cities could claim State coverage for roadwork.

     Representative Achin’s suggestion must be discussed once again during next Wednesday’s meeting. Hopefully, measures will be adopted to finally give satisfaction to the many motorists who take Pawtucket Boulevard every day, especially during the summer.

     However, while waiting, maybe it would not be a bad idea for the authorities to examine the question in case the Public Works Commission refuses to act as suggested by Mr. Achin. (2)

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1. “Wheels for Lowellians” posted on May 5, 2026.                                                     https://richardhowe.com/2026/05/05/wheels-for-lowellians/
2. Translations by Louise Peloquin.