WALCOTT, IOWA....Iowa 80 Trucking Museum hosted a 100th Birthday party for its 1911 Walker Electric Truck on July 15th during the  Walcott Truckers Jamboree. Hundreds joined in the celebration that included "Happy Birthday" being sung by trucking's favorite singer/songwriter Leland Martin; as well as cake and balloons.

"Many people think that electric vehicles are a recent invention, when in fact they were in production over 100 years ago." says Dave Meier, museum curator.

The Walker Vehicle Company was based in Chicago, Illinois and manufactured electric vehicles until late 1941. Walker trucks were used mainly as delivery trucks in major cities; delivering ice cream and other dairy products, baked goods and dry goods. This particular truck was owned by Bowman Dairy and used to deliver milk to hospitals, restaurants and hotels.  Electric vehicles were popular in the late-19th century and early 20th century, until advances in internal combustion engine technology and mass production of cheaper gasoline vehicles led to a decline in their use.

Iowa 80 Trucking Museum purchased this particular truck at an auction several years ago.  It is one of only a handful of Walker Electric trucks known to still exist.