Because Ralph believed that “trailers were for horses not for Model Ts,” on most occasions, they drove the car. However, on a trip to Australia, where long embargoes prohibited taking the car, the couple rode along with others in their antique autos.
One trip, at a top speed of 40 miles per hour, was from Bryan, Texas to Cold Foot, Alaska, a town that lies 50 miles beyond the Artic Circle. And back.
“That trip took us 62 days and we traveled 10,600 miles. It was fantastic,” says Marcy. “There were 16 cars traveling together. And, along the way, we met so many wonderful people. It was lovely, we took time to smell the roses. That’s what I loved.”
Several arresting developments
Along with an extensive display of miniature car replicas, Marcy and Ralph collected four full-sized Model T Fords: the 1921 Paddy Wagon, a 1920 Doctor’s Coupe, a 1922 Center Door, and a 1925 Paddy Wagon acquired in St. Paul, Minn.
They rode in parades, donated time to charity functions, went to shows, and enjoyed the ownership of these automobiles to the fullest.
But perhaps the most fun came with the Paddy Wagons. “We had authentic uniforms made, copies from the 1920s, and we would make ‘arrests,’” says Marcy. “We never did anything wrong, but we did have some fun with it. We always said, if we’re going to go, we believe in having a good time. And we always did.”
In Toronto, the couple made a surprise appearance and arrested the city’s mayor during a speech. Another time, former Dallas Cowboys’ coach and friend Tom Landry ask them to apprehend Roger Staubach.
A new route home
“I miss Ralph terribly, but that’s why I moved here to Highland Springs,” says Marcy. “I know he would love for me to be here and not have to worry about fixing things. And my sons and grandchildren were very happy I was moving here, too.
“And it is nice. Three or four families are moving in every day, so we’re getting more and more neighbors. I’m a people person and I’ve met a lot of new friends. Everyone is very friendly and we all have something in common. I have no complaints with anything.”
Her new home, the Oxford two bedroom, two bath floor plan, is filled with mementos of the couple’s Model T adventures.
And, interestingly enough, in the packing and unpacking, Marcy has discovered some forgotten memories of her own. “I was a state champion in archery, field and target,” she laughs. “I came across souvenirs from the 1959 Odessa tournament and remembered how we used to go all over the southern states competing.”
Even though she’s settled and her Model Ts may go on the market soon, Marcy’s not giving up the excitement of her collecting and touring days. This winter, she’s planning a visit with “snow-bird friends from up north” at a Model T gathering in Daytona Beach, Fl.
And so, the adventure continues from her new home at Highland Springs.