Model T

The P-38, which Jean used at times when she was still living at home, was preceded by a Model T Ford, and this was the car that Jean felt ashamded of whem she was a child. It was also the car that Jean’s dad took heron driving trips as a child. Jean was always ready for such an outing, whereas her sisters were typically reluctat to accompany their father.

It was on one of these trips north up into the Sacramento valley that the Model T burned out a bearing. It was typical of Jean’s dad (and a tribute to his capability as a mechanic) to fix it himself on the spot. With the equipment he had along he poured a new bearing, installed it and they proceeded on their way. The event is indelibly etched in Jean’s memory as the day was a hot one in summertime.

There were also such trips to the top of Mt. Diablo, in late afternoon or early evening and Jean recalls the panorama of lights that could be viewed from the mountain top.

The Model T also ended up by being dismembered. Portions ended up as a sort of collapsible trailer that Jean’s dad would use when he went off alone on camping trips. After he died we found the two headlights tucked away in the cupboards in the downstairs at 1613 Stuart and I still have them.

Prior to the Model T Jean’s dad had at time such vehicles as the Stevens-Duryea automobile (the details of which I know nothing) and at one time a motorcycle. I think he had that at the time of his marriage and I remember hearing of the rides he took Jean’s mother on, on it.