A cloud of dust appeared over a rise in the road accompanied by an unnatural roar interrupted by sputters and coughs. There came into view a great, noisy machine, ah-oo-gaa, ah-oo-gaa; the chickens scattered, the horses shied. There ! In all it’s glory, a motor car, it’s driver’s eyes riveted to the road, his hands gripping the wheel, came speeding by at over 25 miles per hour; six times faster than a horse can trot ! The folks standing by the roadside had just witnessed the most amazing thing they had ever seen in their lives. Dad, can we have one ?
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In this tiny bit of cyberspace, we will celebrate the Great Golden Age of motoring, the Edwardian Age of motor cars. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times (didn’t someone already say that ?). Paved roads were few and motorcars were growing in number. Every sort of adventure was possible if you could afford the cost of one of these wonderful machines. We were past the curious invention stage but not past the experimental stage. There were steam cars, electric cars and those awful fire-hazards, the gasoline powered car. Some headlights were oil lamps lit with a match. Others were carbide lamps that you struck like a cigarette lighter. There were electric headlights too, but they were not the favorite. Electric headlights required a separate set of batteries which needed frequent re-charging and the extra weight of the batteries was not welcomed in a 40 horsepower car. Each car was sufficiently different from any other in it’s operation that you generally needed to take lessons from the dealer before driving it.
Be sure to stop in often as we showcase the Golden Age of Motoring. You will be introduced to some marvelous motoring machines, learn to operate them, understand what the ‘open road’ was like in . . . say, 1912, and become acquainted with some excellent Motor Car Art.
NJP
