Model T

On page 125, Terrie explains how the introduction of the automobile in America increased tourism in the Adirondacks. “During the earliest years of the automobile, families of moderate means could not afford cars, but this changed when the mass production of cheaper vehicles began, notably with Henry Ford’s Model T’s in 1908.  Cars became available to middle-class families, who quickly proceeded to use them on vacations. By the 1920's, as lodging facilities and gas stations proliferated across the country, the image of the American nuclear family, touring their country by car, had become a national institution.”  I did a little research on Model T’s and this is what I found:

Between 1908 and 1927, Ford Motor Company produced millions of Model T’s. Henry Ford’s goal was to create a car for the common man.  This car gained popularity due to its ease of maintenance, durability, and low cost.  Assembly-line production allowed to price to be lowed from $850 in 1908 to almost $300 in 1925.  Because of its low cost, Model T’s comprised a large percentage of all cars purchased in the United States. More than 15 million Model T’s were produced between 1913 and 1927.

Here is a photo of a Model T on display in the Adirondack museum. Photo taken from Adirondack Museum website.