Standing in front of the Smiths Falls, Hotel Rideau–Photo from The King’s Highway.
An honest to goodness story from the Ottawa Journal August 18, 1925
In order to save gasoline we took the direct road from Smiths Falls to Carleton Place. It was 17 miles long and as narrow as a lodge resolution and covered with uncrushed stone. Our car had brand new tires guaranteed for 4000 miles and also an old spare.
In the first few miles driving on aggressive stone one of my tires blew. I immediately put on the spare which blew out when it saw Franktown. Pulling into Franktown, which is a place where they pull the sidewalks up on Sunday, we pulled up to a well for a drink of water. The awe-stricken natives manifested disgust from their window panes for the noise that our infirm wheels were making.
The Reilly Hotel on the Franktown Road
Wand had no choice but to drive five miles on uncrushed stone on a flat tire to Carleton Place. Half way there we had no choice but to stop for a little peace in our minds. A motorist from Quebec came up and parked behind us with the same automotive ailment. We joined in unison in praise for the inducements of which the province of Ontario has offered to their motorists.
Bowland Garage Carleton Place 1930- Both photos from the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum
Central Garage 1954 Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum
In Carleton Place a blonde woman was in charge of a garage where she informed us that all the mechanics were out golfing-so we went on to another garage where our troubles were mended.
The road from Carleton Place to Ottawa was good so we tried to make up lost time. We had not gone one half mile out of the small town when we noticed we were being escorted. Our companion was a traffic cop who wanted to know if we were working for a telegraph company whose wires were down. I threw up my hands in frustration and we flew into the ditch and I was honestly sorry we were not all killed.
I paid $14 to get out of the ditch and wondered how much I was going to have to pay when his Worship decided how guilty I was when I appear before his Majesty in a few days. Right now I have decided to settle my personal affairs and preparing for a diet which our prison magistrates serve to perjurers, thieves and fire bugs.
My name is 118-133 Ottawa August 18, 1925
The Tales of Carleton Place— Public Archives-Automobiles in Carleton Place–191 McLaren Street
Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read. Also check out The Tales of Carleton Place.
Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun and Screamin’ Mamas (USA)
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