Lowell First to Protest – (PIP #66)

By Louise Peloquin

     Journalists all over the globe have gone into overdrive covering the latest economic roller coaster rides.

101 years ago, price wars and currency issues made the news.

L’Etoile – July 15, 1924

A gasoline price war is suggested

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     The news that gasoline fell to 16, even 12 cents, in New York State prompts many prominent Lowell citizens to prepare a campaign to reduce the price here as well. – The principal strategy would be refraining from using the car on Sundays.

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     Lowell motorists ask themselves why they have to pay 22 cents a gallon for gasoline which sells for 16, and even 12 cents, in Albany, N.Y. Some of the city’s most prominent and most influential people are organizing a movement which should result in a decrease for Lowell and vicinity.

     Mr. Elliot Katz of Lowell heads the committee. Dr. Charles M. Reaghan and Dr. Robert Donahue, who have their offices in the Appleton Bank building, are part of it as well and they intend to muster support from the Chamber of Commerce and from city officials.

     For quite some time now, motorists find gasoline expensive. The news about price decreases in other States substantiates the allegations that the price is too high here.

     The committee is studying means to arrive at the desired goal. It is probable that the campaign to protest against the actual price of gasoline will be launched as soon as next Sunday when motorists in favor of the movement will be asked not to take their automobiles out unless there is an urgent need to do so.

     As we announced yesterday, those heading the movement state that the price of gasoline fell from 22 to 16 cents over the last three weeks and should drop to 12 cents before long. Independent distributors assert that, due to a production surplus, the drop is normal. They add that the price was maintained at a higher level in order to allow for selling off the supply of gazoline purchased before the drop.

     The Lowell committee claims that the decrease is the result of the Northern New York State motorists’ refusal to take their automobiles out on Sundays to protest against the costliness of gasoline.

     In Lowell, large companies have been selling gasoline at 22 cents a gallon for some time. Motorists believe that these prices are too high and that they will succeed in slashing them by protesting effectively.

     Lowell is the first city in Massachusetts to organize a protest movement.

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L’Etoile – September 2, 1924

The American Dollar
Is Refused in
Liquor Stores

     Québec, 2. – As the American dollar is currently at a premium on the American market, Québec Liquor Commission managers have received the order not to accept US paper currency. Many American tourists are offended but the order is formal. (1) 

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1) Translations by Louise Peloquin.