The HORSE DRAWN Papers #14

A L L   G O O D   T H I N G S...

The first automobile did not really herald the end of the horse drawn days.

It was actually the steam engine that ended the Horse Drawn era.  A steam powered tractor could pull a 40 bottom plow and make short work of plowing a field. This also changed the paradigm of the Revolutionary War.  In older times, 40 acres would support a family.  As the availability of steam power grew, 40 acres became a small farm.  Farms grew to hundreds of acres and herds grew to hundreds of heads while family heads resorted to business concerns.

The Toledo & Ohio Central was established with stops in Croton, Johnstown, Alexandria, and Hardscrabble before reaching the more metropolitan towns of Granville and the outskirts of Newark.  Catalogs, magazines, and other mail order opportunities brought the wares of the cities to one's doorstep, much like Amazon does today.  We can credit the steam engine once again.

The arrival of the automobile in Alexandria in 1907 was not the death knell of the horse, but it was a final warning shot.  Some farms keep their horses, but John Deere, Massey Fergusen, International Harvester, and others soon found their way onto the farm while Ol' Dobbin enjoyed his retirement.  These tractors are still to be seen at the Tractor Pull at the annual Alexandria Fun Days celebration.

In one moment, it is sad to reflect on these bygone days.  In another moment, I am a product of the muscle car generation.  But there remains a certain nostalgia for the Horse Drawn era.  My good friend Kristen, my neighbor across the street, my former neighbor to the north kept horses.  Kristen is an avid horse fan.  Although Kristen enjoys riding her horse, she is also aware of the history she represents.

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS396.  The bulge on the hood is the cowl induction.

On the other hand, I had 396 horsepower under my hood...   with cowl induction.  I miss those days too.