As I age, I like change less and less, maybe it is part of the aging process. I do not “live in the past,” but I do prefer the simpler way of life that I remember growing up in the 1950s and early 1960s in Connecticut. Part of that simpler life were my trips in my 1929 Model “A” Ford Roadster.
I received my driver’s license in 1962, and enjoyed many a trip in my 1929 Model “A” Ford Roadster. Most of my trips included touring up US Route 7, and my favorite drive is along the Housatonic River from Cornwall Bridge to West Cornwall, Connecticut, where you cross the covered bridge into the little village. My favorite picture from that time is just below (taken in mid-1963), just over the covered bridge in the village at Bruce’s Toll House Antiques that I often visited. I owned this car for twenty years, and sadly sold it in 1982.
When Cathy and married and returned to Connecticut in 1995, I told her that I would like to have another Model “A” Ford. We got a 1931 Pickup, but it wasn’t the same. In September, 2001, we found a wonderfully restored 1930 Roadster, sold the Pickup and bought the roadster. October 24, 2001, was the perfect “Indian Summer Day” and we travelled to the same spot – 38 years later – for almost the same picture. Some things only change a little – can you spot the changes?
Some things do change for the better – Here is Cathy (1956-2008) patiently waiting while Ian Ingersoll, Cabinetmaker, and owner of the old “Toll House Antiques” graciously helped me place the roadster to take the photos. Heather (7) and Candy (17) enjoyed their first ride in an “open car.”
Below — 61 Years Later
My recent visit March 13, 2024 – Some more changes, but
West Cornwall, Connecticut, always a favorite for me.
I first created this page in 2001 using AOL Press software, and AOL for hosting my website at that time. Page gone from the “web” I found the files in an old computer, and created this memory page 2 July 2024 — thank you for looking, with tears, luv, RAY
On GENESIS OF A SHUNPIKER I share more of my decades of experiences with Model As, always sparking me to explore more — do visit this page for more of my memories. Thank you.
Shunpiking with Ray 