Automotive History
But Wait...There's More!
The Ford Model T (introduced in 1908) sold for about $290 without extras.
Because it was so simple, it lent itself to becoming the most adaptable
car in history. Some of the aftermarket extras included tool chests, rubber
hood silencers, tire-patching kits flower vases and clamp-on dash lights.
A farmer could reasonably afford a set of tractor wheels to fit a model
T. If he needed to use his car in the fields, he could mount the tractor
wheels and hitch up his plow, or whatever.
The car made an excellent power plant. If you jacked up the rear wheel
and removed the tire, you could attach a belt from the wheel to your buzz
saw to cut wood.
Model T's were used to generate electricity, pump water, grind feed,
shear sheep, shred corn, churn butter and grind sausage.
The Model T was the first snowmobile in the 20's. A special undercarriage
was developed, the front wheels were moved to the rear, and each double
set of wheels was fitted with steel caterpillar treads. After steel sled
runners were attached to the front axle, the snowmobile was ready for the
farmers and woodsmen in the deep northern snows.
The Ferocious FAAS Organization
In rural Pennsylvania at the turn of the century, a group of farmers formed
the "Farmers' Anti-Automobile Society," (or FAAS as we would know it today)
to set down some rules for car owners.
Automobiles traveling at night must send up a rocket (Roman candle)
every mile, wait ten minutes (for the road to clear) and then proceed (with
caution) while blowing the horn.
If a driver sees horses coming, he must pull over to the side of the
road, stop and cover his car with a camouflage cover.
If a horse refuses to pass a car on the road, the driver must dismantle
the car and hide the pieces in the bushes.
FAAS members, as well as members of the community were also encouraged
to spend Sundays to chase automobiles, shout and shoot at drivers, as well
as threaten them with arrest.
