Since Georges-Antoine Belcourt drove P.E.I.'s first steam car in 1866, the Maritime provinces have had a long and colourful automotive history. Some of the first cars to hit Canadian roads were designed and built in or imported through the great seaports of the East Coast, and the wealth and industry of the Maritimes would join in the auto boom of the early 20th century. Join auto historian Bill Jarvis as he explores the huge range of cars made and driven throughout the history of the Maritimes, from familiar brands like Ford and Volvo, to forgotten pioneers like the Victorian, McKay and the Maritime Singer.

This online talk will take place over Zoom and is part of the Canadian Automotive Museum's Third Thursday lecture series. These online talks are free and open to the public, but registration is required. The Canadian Automotive Museum is a registered Canadian charity and a suggested donation of $10 goes toward covering the cost of hosting these virtual events. Donors who make an annual contribution of over $25 will receive a charitable tax receipt. 

About our speaker:

Bill Jarvis of Moncton has been interested in cars since he was a young child. He has been active in the antique auto hobby since 1970. In 1973, he purchased a 1947 Studebaker Champion sedan which he still drives. At present Bill is the Provincial Treasurer of the N.B. Antique Auto Club Inc., and is the Regional Manager for the Atlantic Provinces and Québec of the Studebaker Drivers Club Inc. After a varied career in the business world, Bill is retired. He and his wife Karen enjoy travelling by car. Car trips in 2018 took them from Moncton to Cape Race and St. Lunaire-Griquet NL and in 2019 to Tofino and Victoria BC. Previously they had toured Scotland and southern England by car. In 1968 Bill and a friend drove from Halifax to Tehuantepec, Mexico. Other interests include genealogy, photography and square dancing.