Norwood Woman Plans 7,000‑Mile Taxi Trip to Mexico City

A Norwood woman with a taste for adventure is preparing to embark on what may be one of the longest taxicab journeys ever attempted—a 7,000‑mile round trip from Norwood to Mexico City and back.

Miss Emily Curtis Fisher, 76, well‑known in town and blessed with both means and an undiminished wanderlust, has never owned an automobile and has no desire to. She dislikes trains and buses even more. But last year, after chartering a taxicab for a 2,000‑mile round trip to Chicago, she discovered what she now considers the perfect mode of long‑distance travel.

Next Monday, she will put that theory to the test.

Six Women, One Taxi, and the Open Road

Miss Fisher will be joined by five women friends, some older, some younger, all eager for the adventure. Behind the wheel will be Fred Schaier of Jack’s Taxi Service, who ordinarily spends his days shuttling commuters between the Norwood depot and their homes. For him, the long journey south will be a welcome change of pace.

“We plan to make the journey in easy stages,” Miss Fisher explained. “Some days we will ride only 200 miles, stopping to see points of interest along the way. On other days we plan to ride about 450 miles.”

The group intends to take their time, enjoy the scenery, and make the most of the unusual expedition.

A Special Arrangement for a Special Trip

Jack’s Taxi Service typically charges 20 cents per mile, which would place the cost of the Mexico City trip at roughly $1,400. But Miss Fisher noted that an “arrangement” had been reached.

“The trip will be on a cooperative basis,” she said, “with all of us sharing the cost.”

A Wanderer at Heart

Friends say Miss Fisher has always possessed a lively curiosity about the world, and her recent discovery of long‑distance taxi travel has opened new possibilities. Last year’s Chicago trip convinced her that a private automobile—driven by someone else—was the ideal way to travel: no schedules, no crowds, no transfers, and no fuss.

Now, with her companions assembled and the route planned, she is ready for her most ambitious journey yet.

A Remarkable Adventure Ahead

As Norwood residents look on with a mixture of admiration and amazement, Miss Fisher prepares to set off on a trip that will take her across the eastern seaboard, through the American South, into Texas, and deep into Mexico—before turning around and doing it all again.

For most people, a taxi is a way to get across town. For Miss Emily Curtis Fisher, it is a way to see the world.

04 Jun 1937, Fri The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts)

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Woman, 76, to Travel 7,000 Miles in Taxi

Norwood Woman, Age 76, Plans 7,000‑Mile Taxi Trip to Mexico City

NORWOOD, Mass. — June 10 — A Norwood woman with an adventurous spirit and a unique approach to travel is preparing to embark on what may be one of the longest taxicab journeys ever attempted: a 7,000‑mile round trip from Norwood to Mexico City and back.

Miss Emily Curtis Fisher, 76, well‑known in town and comfortably wealthy, has never owned an automobile and has no desire to. She dislikes trains and buses even more. But last year, after chartering a taxicab for a 2,000‑mile round trip to Chicago, she discovered what she now considers the perfect way to satisfy her wanderlust.

That trip convinced her that long‑distance taxi travel—private, flexible, and free of schedules—was the ideal mode of transportation.

Six Women, One Taxi, and the Open Road

Next Monday, Miss Fisher will set out again, this time accompanied by five women friends, some older, some younger, all eager for the adventure. At the wheel will be Fred Schaler, a driver who ordinarily spends his days shuttling commuters between the Norwood depot and their homes. For him, the long journey south will be a welcome change from the daily routine.

A Cooperative Journey

Jack’s Taxi Service typically charges 20 cents per mile, which would place the cost of the Mexico City trip at roughly $1,400. But Miss Fisher noted that a special “arrangement” had been made.

“The trip will be on a cooperative basis,” she explained, “with all of us sharing the cost.”

Traveling at Their Own Pace

Miss Fisher and her companions intend to take the journey in easy stages. “Some days we will ride only 200 miles,” she said, “stopping to see points of interest along the way. On other days we plan to ride about 450 miles.”

The group expects to enjoy the scenery, visit landmarks, and make the most of the unusual expedition.

A Remarkable Adventure Ahead

For most people, a taxi is a way to get across town. For Miss Emily Curtis Fisher, it is a way to see the world.

As Norwood residents look on with a mixture of admiration and amazement, the 76‑year‑old traveler prepares to set off on a journey that will take her across the eastern seaboard, through the American South, into Texas, and deep into Mexico—before turning around and doing it all again.

Her upcoming trip stands as one of the most unusual travel stories in Norwood’s history, and one that will surely be remembered for years to come.