Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Cars!

Rossana and I took her Dad to the Crawford Auto & Aviation museum today. If you live anywhere near Cleveland you really should visit it. It's part of the Western Reserve Historical Society near University Circle so there's lots to see and do.

The visit took a lot out of us. Although there were a few sparks of interest here and there, it was overshadowed by the constant moaning about his hearing, the place he lives, phone solicitors and the general aging process. I have been listening to these same complaints for about 10 years now. Despite relatively good health he refuses to DO anything. It frustrates Rossana no end.

On a positive note, we saw a great car built in the early 1900's. I forget the name but it's one of those massive Deusenburg types. Wood spoked wheels, no windscreen, seat belts or power steering. Apparently one of the Museums directors took it to a public function and took it on the shoreway. He was pulled over for speeding, clocked at 91 miles per hour!!!! I cannot conceive of taking a 100+ year old car on a public highway and doing over 90. Hell, I don't do 90+ in MY car! And remember, no seat belts ands no windscreen. Amazingly, the cops let him go with a warning.

1 comment:

Mike Substelny said...

Your post is excellent, but Deusenburg's don't go back 100 years. The car in question was probably built in the 20s or 30s. It could be an Auburn or Cord (the Crawford has those but I don't think they run). *Maybe* the 1907 Winton could do 91 mph, but my money is on the 1929 Jordan Speedboy. I know it runs. Did the car look like this?

http://www.conceptcarz.com/view/photo/111099,11528,0,0/photo.aspx