Five Brothers and a War

Model A Ford

The rumble seat passengers were not in an enviable location. When it was a bit windy and cold, after the car had worked its way up to top speed (60 kmh or 36 mph), it was quite a sight to see their faces. The three boys were tight-lipped, to keep the cold wind from exploding their lungs, squinting to protect their eyeballs and their hair was blowing furiously. While Kees lay on the shelf, he could look back and mock the older boys by mimicking their faces. On New Year’s Day, the family would “sardine” themselves into the car and visit every family member known at the time who were within the range of Ford’s flagship model. On an adult level, the car meant that family relationships could be maintained, and perhaps even improved. For the boys, it meant several other things that were more important. First, it meant a day out. Second, it was a bit of an adventure. Third, it meant another trip in the car, which was still a novelty. Perhaps most importantly though, it meant money. The custom of the day, for some unknown reason, was that kids would get a certain donation (10 or 25 cents) to their piggy bank. So, after they visited a number of family members, the day’s highlight occurred when then got home, and counted their newfound wealth as the money was being inserted into their piggybanks.

van Pelt

The limit for people being able to fit in the rumble seat was apparently four, though they could not travel this way. “Only” three could fit when the vehicle was moving.

Five Brothers and a War

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