Model T’s and changing 1930’s street scene

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John kuehn
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Model T’s and changing 1930’s street scene

Post by John kuehn » Fri Sep 30, 2022 6:01 pm

Here is a typical Texas town street scene probably in the mid 30’s.
It gives an indication that Model T’s were beginning to lose their favor as an older car and times were moving on. I think there are no more than 3 among the crowd of parked cars. I know there is a 26-27 Coupe but not sure about the others.
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TXGOAT2
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Re: Model T’s and changing 1930’s street scene

Post by TXGOAT2 » Fri Sep 30, 2022 6:26 pm

Looks like 1931 to me. Seems like a lot of closed cars for that place and time. I'd expect more Ts. An oil boom erupted around Gladewater in early 1931,and that might explain the fancy late model closed cars. East Texas sat on vast deposits of high quality oil. Unfortunately for the Texas noveau riche, the Great Depression crashed oil prices soon after the discovery, and a lot of people wound up with nice stuff they couldn't pay for.


Rich P. Bingham
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Re: Model T’s and changing 1930’s street scene

Post by Rich P. Bingham » Sat Oct 01, 2022 11:21 am

Statistically, closed cars outnumbered open cars by 1929. I agree the scene is earlier than mid - 1930s. My dad's recollection is that the Model T disappeared from the scene very rapidly. Example, my grandpa bought a '25 roadster pickup in 1929 (his first automobile - he was 38). By 1931 he had traded it for a - 1928 Model A sedan in spite of Depression hardships.

Regardless of "hard times", prestige was a factor, and introduction of the Model A had a lot to do with that. Recall the popular song, "Henry Made a Lady Out of Lizzie" ? (. . . they used to keep her with the cow, but boy ! You oughta see her now ! . . .)
Get a horse !


Wayne Sheldon
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Re: Model T’s and changing 1930’s street scene

Post by Wayne Sheldon » Sat Oct 01, 2022 8:05 pm

Thanks to John K and others for this photo and comments! It is a great snapshot of the era.
I can only see two cars that I am certain are model TS, both 1926/'27 coupes. One hiding behind the front and center rumbleseat coupe (you can tell it is a rumbleseat coupe because it has steps on the rear fender!). The other barely showing at the viewer's lowest right hand corner! Only enough of the roof and trunk lid shows to identify the car.
I see three cars I am certain are model A Fords, all 1928/'29, and a few I suspect are model As, not sure about the years. I only see a few cars that MIGHT be as late as 1932! And even they could be as early as 1930. Given that all three definite model As are pre 1930? And that so few cars are likely later than that? I would surmise that the photo was taken in 1930, or no later than 1931. Anything later and I would expect to see some clearly 1930/'31 model As.
I also see a disc wheel Packard sedan with a luggage rack on the back, probably about a 1929 or '30. The car past the rumbleseat coupe, model T coupe, model A Tudor (I can tell it is a 1928/'29 because I can see the gas cap is the small and tall version!), and one other well hidden behind the model A that I can just see the front end of behind the model A, is likely a 1928 Buick Master four-door sedan.
I can't see anything else I would speculate what it is due to limited details on most of the cars. There is one other car, almost dead center of the photo, with a distinctive hood louver pattern that makes me think I should know what it is, but I can't place it at this point? That divided louver was used by several marques including Graham Paige, but it doesn't look Graham to me? (I could be wrong?)


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Re: Model T’s and changing 1930’s street scene

Post by TXGOAT2 » Sat Oct 01, 2022 8:30 pm

The front/center rumbleseat coupe might be a fancy Chevrolet, '29 or '30. They looked like little Cadillacs.


Topic author
John kuehn
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Re: Model T’s and changing 1930’s street scene

Post by John kuehn » Sat Oct 01, 2022 8:42 pm

What do you think the “Touring looking” car is that’s right at the corner of the center bldg that’s is under the lamp post. It’s some car that’s looks like it’s mid to late 20’s to me. I suppose by the time this picture was taken an open car with a canvas top was almost obsolete in this style.
I know Ford made a ‘phaeton’ along this time because a car collector friend bought and restored one in the 70’s. And I’m thinking it was a 35-36? I’m not sure about that but the top didn’t look like the car in the picture at the bldg corner.


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Re: Model T’s and changing 1930’s street scene

Post by TXGOAT2 » Sat Oct 01, 2022 9:11 pm

Ford offered a phaeton thru 1936. I believe Franklin Roosevelt had one.


Wayne Sheldon
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Re: Model T’s and changing 1930’s street scene

Post by Wayne Sheldon » Sun Oct 02, 2022 2:29 am

John K, That touring car looks more early to mid 1920s to me. I am pretty sure it is not a model T, but something not a lot larger, maybe Dodge to smaller Buick in size. Not enough of the car showing or detail enough to identify it.
I do find it interesting, that that early, there are about forty cars showing well enough to identify the body style? And only ONE clearly open car in the bunch!
One car about halfway up our left edge of the photo might be a California top car?
I am also really curious what that many people hanging around down town might be doing that day? No flags, or bunting, so not likely a holiday. People do not appear to be wearing their Sunday best? Sure looks like something is going on?

Great photo! Thank you.


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Re: Model T’s and changing 1930’s street scene

Post by TXGOAT2 » Sun Oct 02, 2022 9:36 am

Oil Boom. Sleepy farm town becomes an ongoing riot overnight.

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