We have a short drive, as we want to stop to visit friends we met this past winter in south Texas. Joel and Michelle invited us to park our motor home on their property when they heard we would be spending time in Kansas City with a new grandbaby. We were so glad to see them again!
The Missouri hills around Kearney are green and lush, and the view from our motor home was a slice of the peaceful country-side. We found our friends had welcomed us, even though their schedule was full today. They were taking care of their beautiful two-year-old granddaughter during the day, and they had a family potluck planned for the evening. We were delighted when they invited us to participate in both!
We were also delighted that we were going to Joel's brother and sister-in-law's (Larry and Pat's) home. We also found that Larry had a 1926 Model-T in the garage. He seemed as happy to give rides as we were to get one!
We've seen cars like this in museums with signs that read, "Do Not Touch!" We were so excited to not only touch, but also to get a ride! Larry and his wife, Pat, trailer the Model T to different parts of the country for organized group rides. They often drive 100 miles each day in search of covered bridges and historical sights on these tours.
We learned a lot about these historical cars. We had no idea they have three pedals--one to brake, one for forward, and one for reverse. The throttle and the spark are on hand levers on the steering wheel. The complicated shifting process involves the different hand levers that are like nothing you see in a modern car. Larry doesn't have to worry about someone stealing his car because most people would have no idea how to start it, much less drive it away. We read one source that explained that driving a Model T is like "trying to do the Charleston while loading a musket after a big night at the speak-easy." There are no gauges, and the only way to check the fuel level is this numbered stick he carries to dip into the gas tank.
Larry drove us all the way to Watkins Woolen Mill State Park. The Visitor Center was closed for the day, so we didn't get to see the wool mill that is still intact. But we could walk to the mill school. The children in this mill town had a beautiful hexagon-shaped building where they learned reading, writing, and arithmetic. For some reason, the men in this group noted that naughty boys would have no corner to stand in this school house.
The mill church was also locked, but is still in great shape from its hey-day in the 1870's. The mill closed in 1898, so it is remarkable that these buildings have been so well preserved.
After our deluxe Model T tour and history lesson, we returned to the party. We got to meet three of Joel's siblings, and many nieces and nephews. It was a great evening topped off with a delicious pot-luck meal. What a delightful day! It feels like we have grown from acquaintances to good friends! The next morning we were heading down the road again, but not before Joel and Michelle loaded us up with fresh vegetables straight out of their garden. Thank you so much for such a warm welcome to your Missouri hills home! It was a one-of-a-kind Model T start on our new road trip.
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