Rhoda Wheeler stuck in the mud while enroute to visit her Aunt Rhoda and Uncle Leonard Wheeler at Sunset Lodge. (ca. 1905) Courtesy of Omena Historical Society.
It is pothole season here in Michigan. In the early 1900’s in Omena, there were no paved roads, and the dirt and gravel roads were made for horses and wagons. The roads were not often repaired, and come spring rains, the potholes filled with mud. Sinking up to the hub caps in mud was not unusual.
Keeping a rope, ax, and shovel handy was essential. The rope was to wind around the rear tires for traction, the ax was to cut brush to help the tires find footing on the road. Then they pushed, being careful not to stand behind the tires as the fender did not come down over the rear wheel. Local farmers and their horses rescued many stranded motorists, the lucky ones!
Pictures courtesy of Omena Historical Society and Vin Moore
An automobile parked on Shab-wah-sung Boulevard on Omena Point (ca. 1922) – Courtesy of Vin Moore
Amos Sands and his ice wagon. (1923) – Courtesy of Vin Moore