The Charles J. Glidden Touring Trophy

Here it is, folks, the Holy Grail of Motordom. We all know the history of the the famous Glidden Trophy: Awarded annually from 1905-1911, and again in 1913; given by Charles Jasper Glidden to the AAA at a reported cost of $2,000.00 (or more, and that's 1904 dollars); presented to the winner of each yearly tour.

On a trip to a wedding in St. Augustine in October, 2006, my friend Eve Stephenson and I made a detour and came home by way of Orlando, just to see the trophy. It resides in AAA's World Headquarters just off I-4, a few miles east of of town.

As the centerpiece of AAA's corporate history, it resides in dignified splendor in the company's atrium; when you visit, pick up Tour Books & Maps in the adjacent, fully-stocked Member Service Office.

Only do us all a favor...somebody take a picture of the plaque on its massive oak base; in my haste to load up on freebies & take in all the atrium has to offer, I forgot to shoot the bloody plaque!

Happy Trails!

TG