The view toward North Street through the intersection of North Main and East Main from the Meekins Bridge looks much the same as it did 100+ years ago. Trees and plantings have come and gone, porches and homes and store fronts have evolved over time, but the buildings remain. You can still see wires that cross the road—and you still have to go uphill when you leave the center of town. The spot in both the vintage post card and the 2025 photograph is easy to recognize.
Although many streets were still dirt early in the 20th century, there were cars and other “modern” vehicles in town. The old postcard shows two. The boxy vehicle on the left is barely visible, but the Ford Model T parked on the right in front of the building that was once the T. M. Carter, later the C. F. Jenkins store on East Main, is clear.
According to the Ford Motor Company, Henry Ford introduced the Model T in 1908—an affordable, simple and durable vehicle for regular people. It went into production in that year. And yes, most were black, but not all. Before and after the years 1914 to 1925, you could get the car in blue, red, gray and green. A very popular car, its unique nickname was the Tin Lizzie. More than 15,000,000 Model Ts were made and sold before it was retired in May 1927.
So, it is not surprising to see a Model T in Williamsburg in the early 20th century. The vintage postcard was the gift of the late Jean York. Enjoy the old and new views of our town. Daria D’Arienzo, Meekins Archivist. #throwbackthursday; #tbt.
