The Model T: The Early Years

“I have to write an article on the history of the Model T,” stated Jeff, a twelve year old,.“I've no idea where to start?”

"You mean old ‘Tin Lizzie’,” replied Rod, his fourteen-year old school friend.

“I don't want to write about anything with a girl’s name, or the guys will laugh at me.”

“I rather like girl’s names, but then I like girls. I didn’t used to when I was your age.”

“My great-grandfather was a wheat farmer and Model T’s were used on large, prairie farms.”

“Can you prove it?” asked Rod. “Your teacher will insist on that.”

“Look! I just found a farm picture dated 1912, on the Model T website.”

“Good work. I remember stories our great-grandparents told about the Model T’s.”

 “When he was young, did your great-grandfather take girls for a ride in a Model T?” asked Jeff.

“Maybe his dad did. Were guys any different then, than they are today?” asked Rod. “I would.”

“I wouldn’t, but I am not old enough to drive yet,” replied Jeff.

“Neither am I. You did not have to have a driver’s license to drive in the field then.”

 “Just gas at about twenty cents a gallon and a crank to get it started,” said Jeff.

“You would need a horse to pull you out, if you got stuck in the mud.”

“Rod, if you call your girl friend ‘Tin Lizzie’, she will get upset with you,” said Jeff.

“I wouldn’t do that. I respect her too much.”

“I would call a girl that, because I don’t like girls,” said Jeff with a mischievous smile.

“Today that would be bullying. Tin Lizzie was probably better than an old horse.”

“She scared the cows on the farm too,” said Jeff. “I can just hear that Model T backfiring.”

“Write your article,” ordered Rod.

“Was Tin Lizzie really made out of tin?”