ACO members

[24hourman]

Well here is a question that will run and run. However I am sure that someone will Know the answer.

Who was the first member of the ACO  (given the number one on his membership card) also what was his proffession. Full points if you can give his address in Le Mans at the time of joining.

[Mr. Invincible Mou]

OK, as no one else has had a shot, I will take a wild stab at Adolphe Singher.

[24hourman]

No but thanks for giving it a go

[Mr. Invincible Mou]

 

Was I in the right era?

For those that don't know, Adolphe Singher was (I believe) the first president of the ACO, from 1906 to 1910.

[24hourman]

Although Adolphe Singer was the president of the ACO he was never a member of the ACO and was therefore not allocated a membership number. Whether being president meant that he was automatically a member I do not know as he is not listed. I dont think anyone will ever answer this question unless they have a copy of the official ACO annuaire from the early 1900's I will therefore answer the question and put the millions of people out of their misery.

And the answer is....................


Albert Arnauld a lowly pharmacist who lived at 72 Avenue Thiers, Le Mans, Sarthe. He just happened to be the first individual to join the ACO and was issued with the prestigious membership number one. You would have thought that the ACO would have allocated it to some notable person but like today the ACO do things their way.  As in the allocation of tickets you never know what you might get when you pay your money.

[Lorry]

How on earth did that information ever come to light

[lynxd67]

Interesting question, because the ACO is the fourth edition of the original club. First there was the UCS (Union Cycliste de la Sarthe), then it became the ACS (Automobile Club de la Sarthe) then it became the ACOF (Automobile Club de l'Ouest de la France) and finally the ACO. So, who was the first member then, and of which club? Don't ask me though!