The Ford Balks
Sometimes their speed was not fast enough to carry them across the river, or other times it was too deep and the engine stalled. Whatever the cause, they did not make it across the Mora River this time. They examined the situation with their driver, and tried to figure out how they would get their Model T out of the middle of the river. In the view on the right, the driver is holding a shovel. He was using this to try to get the Model T free from what might have been holding it in the river. When the Catechists were delayed like this, the catechism class might be canceled. After the Catechists would not show up at the appointed time, the children would slowly find their way back home. Weather was a factor in whether or not the Catechists could make it in the days before paved roads. Wet weather made the road to muddy and impassable. It also causes rivers and creeks to increase in size, and prevent the crossing of them without a bridge in place, which was the case here. There were also times that the Catechists were able to cross in the morning, but rising water prevented a crossing later in the day. Sometimes snow made conditions too hazardous to venture out, and classes would not be held. Families became familiar with the weather, and whether or not the Catechists would be able to make it for their weekly or monthly visit to their community.