A new light at The White House ? (Update: the steamer was first)

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In view of today's inauguration of Mr. Barack Obama, we like to show this Baker Electric, which - when new - was owned by the the White House. More than that, a series of Baker Electric cars were the very first in their ownership. President Taft (1909-1913) gave proof of an avant-garde vision on transport - or merely wanted to stimulate the young car industry - as during his administration he utilised cars as diverse as the electric Baker, a Pierce Arrow (gas) and a massive White 40 HP Steamer. We understand from Jan Bruijn that the White House had a small fleet of Bakers. What they were used for? Not only to pick up preppy secretaries we hope. Still we think there are some usefull elements in the vision of president Taft that may come in handy for Barack Obama. Just one in the huge pile of Big Issues on his desk is to maintain America's mobility. We wish the new president lots of wisdom, strength and a little bit of luck.
(While awaiting today's ceremony have a Baker test ride with owner Mr. Jolle Jonker at the tiller arm with a half eye on the Volt - Amps dash. He drove the car a full hour during the preview banquet at the recent Topmobiel show in Maastricht, Holland.
UPDATE by Kit Foster:"The National Post piece on Presidential automobiles is rather superficial, incomplete and in some cases wrong. In contradiction to the headline, the first official White House car was one of the White steamers. William Howard Taft preferred that type of automobile, and so it was the first to be acquired for official use. Several were used during his term of office as well as the Baker electric, which came later." More on the presidential means of transport under Kit Foster's Car Port.

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