Photoessay #478 - Model Ts

Drumheller Fountain and its pond were the center of the Alaskan Yukon Pacific Exposition in 1909. The Exposition's promoters erected many fancy temporary buildings to attract visitors. One of the promotional events was a car race from New York to Seattle. A Model T organization staged a commemorative journey along the same route ending today at Drumheller Fountain on the University of Washington campus.

"Let's go" said Ilana. "The Model T's are supposed to arrive before 10 and noon. Oh, yes, I have so much to do, we are going out of town, have to work, etc etc.

Ilana pressed "It's Sunday, free parking!"

"Sure" I said.

So we made our way to the UW campus less than 10 miles away and parked (for free) in the garage under Red Square. As we walked down the hill from Red Square to the fountain, we heard people calling out, "Watch behind you!!!" and there came the Model T's. Lots of people around the fountain. The Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band was there playing their marches. The music really set the festive feeling.

So the old cars came into the campus (the shot taken from the far side of the fountains watching the Model T's stream in parking in formation around the fountain. The band played on, some politicians glad-handed whoever would listen.

The overcast sky with the soft soggy grays provide a dramatic backdrop for the brick buildings of the U.

Gaiety prevailed. I overheard one of the drivers said how thrilled he was to drive in and see the crowd and hear the band.

Then it started to rain. A bunch.