Author: Ellen Emerson

The following is a letter to DMV written September 9, 2004 Bonnie Rutledge Agency of Transportation Department of Motor Vehicles 120 State St Montpelier, VT 05603-0001 Dear Ms Rutledge: I am writing about the law that prohibits a vanity plate from containing more than 2 numbers. I would really like a good explanation of why…

Every time you turn around someone is talking about our need to attract younger members. As a “younger member” myself I have some insights about this that I wanted to share. The majority of younger members, are on a tight budget, some living paycheck to paycheck and week to week. This doesn’t allow for big…

Last month we took a look at WD-40 – the first of two items that are a must have for any toolbox. If it doesn’t move and it should we recommend WD-40. But what if it does move and it shouldn’t? Duct tape is the way to go! It comes in many colors to match…

Florence Lawrence Turn signals and brake lights are standard on all automobiles manufactured today—in fact, it’s hard to imagine cars without them. The inventor of the earliest versions of both was Florence Lawrence, who was, at the time, the highest-paid film actress ever. Lawrence was born in 1886 in Hamilton, Ontario, as Florence Bridgwood. Her…

In October 1896, Alexander Winton, of Cleveland, (who is described as “a short-tempered Scotsman”) announced his first Automobile in “The Horseless Age” magazine. His machine weighed in at over 1000 pounds, which slowed its performance. A second Winton was introduced in February of 1897, and the Winton Motor Carriage Company was incorporated in March. The…

1920s Cadillac is the first car with safety glass windows as standard equipment. First electric windshield wiper introduced. 1930s Sun visors and electric turn signals were introduced on most models. 1940s Buick introduces front/rear directional signaling with self-canceling switch. 1950s Safety belts become optional equipment in some vehicles 1960s Federal law mandates front safety belts…