Day One
Posted on Jun 10th, 2009 at 12:43 pm by team
Day one…we are exhausted, wet, had a few troubles, but we really had a successful day overall. With family, friends and even total strangers stopping by to wish us well this morning we got the car started and drove away from 1930 Broadway only 5 minutes late. Too bad only moments before the rain had been coming down in sheets, buckets and near lakes. We’ve not seen anything quite like that. However, appropriately enough it was raining the day Alice left 100 years ago today. So it was only fitting and our attitudes did not sour.
Everyone was relieved to have made it out of New York City, as the departure was stressful, the city rough due to the potholes, the stop-and-go traffic and the seemingly endless traffic lights. Once we made it into Yonkers, the scenery started to open up providing us with glimpses of the Hudson river to the left. The driving became smoother and it seemed our troubles were behind us. We rolled into Terrytown to visit the original Maxwell factory and spirits were high.
But, when we stopped it was discovered that a spring shackle had broken loose, the first set of tools were pulled out to investigate and some welding was going to be necessary.
This turned out to be a minor setback, as the fix was quickly done while the rest of us looked onto the shell of the factory that spanned somewhere around ten football fields, puctuated by a lighthouse on the river. A UAW union meeting was happening in an hour and we got a chance to speak with a 30-year veteran worker of the factory, and then soon we were off!
Although we were a couple hours late to Vassar, due to this set-back, the kind folks at the College waited for us. Vassar College held an excellent and moving gathering for us and the Ramsey Family (Peter, Isabel and Andrew) today, officially naming June 9th “Alice’s Drive Day!” What a treat and gesture. To see photos of the visit click here.
Off we rode, towards Cobleskill, crossing the Rip Van Winkle bridge and nearing our final destination for the day. Only 35 miles from our destination, suddenly a loud noise was heard from the engine. Emily quickly pulled off the road and stopped the car to investigate. One of the two front cylinders was knocking loud, maybe a front piston rod broke a bolt?
Brought the car into the Cobbleskill host’s shop to find the cause of the noise.
A huge thanks to Ron Davis, Cliff and Betty Hay (and of course the local AACA chapter) for providing food, a garage full of tools and a late night shop for us to do some operating on the car. We couldn’t do it without all the amazing help from everyone.
To see more photos of the last minutes of day one, head over to our Flickr page to view them. We’ve got Tim (our amazing Maxwell mechanic) and Rich Anderson arms deep inside the Maxwell engine trying to figure out some potentially serious clanking in the engine.
Molly Murphy MacGregor, executive director of the National Women’s History Project(NWHP), asked me to write a blurb re “Alice’s Drive” with your URL for her to send to NWHP’s email list. I did & she will; so, we’re spreading the word! Stay and enjoy!
Penny Colman on June 10th, 2009 at 3:26 pm #
What an incredible adventure, a wonderful idea, a cool way to acknowledge this courageous woman’s successful effort! Wishing you all the best of luck – looking forward to hearing more as you continue on your own adventure(s). You go, Girls!!!
- joanne
Joanne M. on June 10th, 2009 at 4:22 pm #
Loving the updates and incredibly proud to be related (not that I wasn’t before, but this is such a unique experience and Erika and I have loved following vicariously on the website)! Looking forward to seeing you in Ohio.
Peter Eckman on June 10th, 2009 at 5:32 pm #
Take it from me don’t let the “little things” get you down. My boy friend & I just got through w/ the centennial Great Race & some of the best memories we have are of the acts of kindness along the way when we had problems(http://www.longestautoracecent.com/images_from_the_road.html. [Oct 24-Cadillac woes]). I was wondering if it’s ok we to tag along once you get close to Sacramento? Not in his car, but Gracie my 36 Lasalle (it hasn’t had it’s hood blow off yet , so looks a lot better than his limo!
Melinda on June 10th, 2009 at 7:12 pm #
Glad to have found the Flickr page! Have been following along on Twitter as well.
Good luck!
Blake on June 10th, 2009 at 8:14 pm #
It wouldn’t be a brass car trip without some breakdowns and rainy weather. Still it’s the only way to really see what America is really like. Driving at the sedate pace these old cars move at allows us to enjoy the countryside instead of racing along interstates, not meeting people or really looking at the scenery. I’m so glad you’re all taking the time to update us long the way with these blogs and the pictures. From every corner of the world we can now ride along with you on this adventure.
My husband and I are looking forward to meeting all of you when you arrive in Rochelle next week. We’ll be the ones in the unrestored American made Austin. When a once in a lifetime event comes within 15 miles of home like your tour, a person just can’t stay away. Safe journey to all of you. See you next week.
Dawn on June 11th, 2009 at 1:33 pm #
Sorry we missed you in Seneca Falls this evening. My husband Steve and I have a 1912 Maxwell. Steve Bono is the best—so you are in good hands. Hope to catch you on your way through tomorrow or Saturday. Happy Touring.
Following on Twitter.
Pamela Heald on June 11th, 2009 at 8:05 pm #
Hope your travels through our fair Chicagoland are going well(sorry ’bout the rain). Tomorrow(the 17th) is my wife’s birthday and we hope to spot you somewhere along the Lincoln Highway. God speed and safe travels on your adventure! Alice ROCKS!
Jim and Dawn Garner-Glendale Heights, IL.
Jim Garner on June 16th, 2009 at 6:46 pm #