It haul three control pedals. The left pedal was used for engaging the gears: when it was fully depressed, the auto was in low gear; when fully released, in high; between these extremes was a neutral (unengaged) area. The center pedal reversed the vehicle when floored and was used in concert with the low gear. The right pedal was the foot brake. In addition to these foot controls, a parking brake lever disengaged the gears when fully set. It had to be released for the car to proceed.

The engines of the early models were started with a crank attached to the front of the machine. The gas and spark control levers were on the steering post. Woe to the "cranker" who failed to retard the spark: the engine, out of time, would backfire, throwing the crank into reverse and, too often, fracturing the arm of this unfortunate. Once the motor started, the spark lever was quickly advanced for a smooth, more powerful firing of the engine.

Most of the early models were touring cars. During inclement weather, they were enclosed with side curtains made of fabric and isinglass. This protection was fastened to the auto's body with turn-buttons designed for this purpose.

The T's fuel tank was located under the front seat. The cushion had to be removed for filling. The fuel gauge was usually a ruler, used to judge the amount of gasoline; the standard of measurement employed being one inch to a gallon.

The early automobile was a seasonal vehicle. It was difficult to start during cold weather, and unable to gain traction on snow-filled roads. As a rule, it was stored on blocks through the winter months after its radiator had been drained and battery removed.

The first Cornell family car, within my memory, was a glass enclosed model T sedan. We, rather appropriately, named it Sedan. The windows were raised and lowered with leather straps. I believe the head lights were electric, but the tail lamp was kerosene and required lighting by match. Sedan boasted an inside starter: a pull-rope and pulley gadget that proved inpractical and was soon discarded.

During the genesis of the age of motor vehicles, women were considered far too delicate to control such a fearsome machine. Only the boldest of females dared to brave the taunts of her husband, father and brothers by attempting to learn how to drive. A family story relates my mother's adventure as an inexperienced operator of Sedan. While driving in Ossian during the period of waterworks construction, she came, unexpectedly, upon a newly-opened trench. Realizing it would be impossible to stop the car in the short distance remaining, she advanced the gas lever to full throttle and, with the removed dirt serving as a ramp, leaped the excavation, landing with little damage—an early feminine Evel Knevel. I suspect this experience so un-nerved my maternal parent that her career as a driver ended abruptly. At least, I have no childhood memories of her ever operating an automobile. Later, when women drivers became more accepted, my sister, Elisabeth, and cousin, Maurine Mayer, learned to drive by guiding Sedan, countless times, around the square mile course north of our home, with one girl operating the pedals, while the other guided the machine.

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