In 1916 local businessmen would put together auto shows to introduce the new autos in any town of medium size, not just in Chicago, Detroit or New York. The first three days of the auto show were hosted at the John Deere Building but the final three days were hosted at the brand new C U Williams buildings. CU Williams put on a grand buffet for all his past customers and their families. The third floor of the building had a banquetting space with orchestra. The Castle Theater also put on a special show in the NEW CU Williams building.
Here is a photo of the CU Williams building before the second was built:
A representative from the Willys-Knight company was there to compare the Sleeve Valve motor to the regular Poppet Valve. CU Williams was of course the same man who would create the Williams Oil O Matic company with his sons.
The Hackett Harvey dealership at 410 W Washington was promoting the Rayfield Carburetor, which was guaranteed to increase fuel efficiency from 10 to 50%. They had a stall in the John Deere Building along with other dealers. The Arnold Bros. dealership on the 200 block of Front street sold Chevrolets from $490 to $750. Crouch Bros showcased their motorcycles and Cadillac bicycles at the auto show.
A convertible hard top car was introduces by KisselKar through its Chicago distributors at the Bloomington auto show. It was called the "all year" car because the top was completely detachable, for open car driving in warmer weather.