“The marvels of daily life are so exciting; no movie director can arrange the unexpected that you find in the street.”—Robert Doisneau
The colonization of Cape Cod and the signing of the Mayflower Compact was the seed of American democracy and has been called the world’s first written constitution. This is how Wikipedia Encyclopedia documents the historic event of the landing of the American pilgrims in Cape Cod:
“Land was sighted on November 9, 1620. The passengers who had endured miserable conditions for about sixty-five days were led by William Brewster in Psalm 100 as a prayer of thanksgiving. It was confirmed that the area was Cape Cod, within the New England territory recommended by Weston.
An attempt was made to sail the ship around the cape towards the Hudson River, also within the New England grant area, but they encountered shoals and difficult currents around Malabar (a land mass that formerly existed in the vicinity of present-day Monomoy).
It was decided to turn around, and by November 11/November 21 the ship was anchored in what is today known as Provincetown Harbor.”
Stripped of material riches, but with abundant dreams in their heads and hearts, the American Pilgrims set out to build a new beginning in a foreign land. Based on high ideals, honest hard work and a rock solid determination, they built the greatest nation the world has ever known.
To tame the land, they first used their muscles (muscle power), then horses and mules (horse power and mule power), and much later trucks (truck power) and tractors (machine power). Thus a great nation was born and bloomed. The contribution to the building of the nation was in part due to heavy work of mules and horses. This brings me to the role of the Clydesdale horse in the building of America.
The Clydesdale was originally used for agriculture, hauling coal and heavy hauling. Clydesdales are still used for draught purposes, including agriculture, logging, driving, pulling commercial wagons and military artillery. These strong horses were brought to Scotland in the 15th century and were excellent for plowing the fields of Scotland, Australia and New Zealand.
Traditionally used for heavy labor, the Clydesdale horse breed has been mostly replaced by tractors, trucks, and other machinery except by farmers who reject the industrial way of life and on eco-friendly farms, as well as in some remaining logging operation.
As the horses gave way to agricultural machines; trucks and tractors invaded the American farm. Rugged trucks were used for just about everything in the farms, specially in remote areas where strong vehicles were needed to get the job done. The sturdy trucks became the workhorse of the American farmer. Some of them are still around and exhibited throughout the United States and other countries, such as Panama.
Below are several pictures of American trucks which are still wagging their tails after challenging the path of time. After the tear and wear of time, they are still showing their colors. I tip my hat to these champions of the farmlands around the globe. Here we go.
Snapshot of two rugged American trucks displayed at an Antique Car Show in Panama City, Panama in a tourist area known as "Calzada de Amador" at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Snapshot of an impressive black Chevrolet truck on display at a car show in Panama City. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
With these pictures, I close the collection of antique cars exhibited at the Calzada de Amador on a burning Sunday morning. Tomorrow I will move on to other exciting topics in this vibrating part of the world where two continents and great oceans meet. As some Texans say, “Let’s kick our heels and join in the barbeque.” Good Day.
