On Wed, 10 Aug 2011 22:19:32 -0600 Craig <diese...@pisquared.net> wrote:
> You can, however, download a brochure from > http://microcarmuseum.com/brochure-web.pdf The brochure says in part, The microcar, a vehicle born out of need, was a child of its time and became a symbol of a people's spirit. World War II came to an end in 1945 and Europe lay in ruins. A shell-shocked population came out of the bomb shelters and faced an unimaginable scene of devastation and ruin. As if the seemingly endless task of clearing away the rubble wasn't enough, there were crippling shortages of food, raw materials, electricity, and gas. Value and worth were measured in Chesterfield cigarettes. The population collectively rolled up its sleeves and went to work. The astonishing rebuilding of an entire continent over a perios of ten years was accomplished through a unity of spirit and purpose unimaginable today. Bright, talented engineers, many out of the former aircraft industry, put their minds to the problems of mobilizing the population under adverse conditions. It is said that the true master reveals himself within limitations and so this focusing of energy and talent resulted in an enormous variety of small vehicles, some successful, others less so -- but all of them uniquely interesting. I hadn't thought of it, but I was born in 1950 and remember 1955. Just like 9-11 was ten years ago, so the end of WWII was ten years before times I remember. But those times were much more earth-shaking. Fighting all over the world for 5+ years, the development of nuclear weapons. What I perceived then seemed "normal" to me, but it was a significant departure over what had been the norm even 20 years earlier. I'm sure Wilton and others can comment further and from a more perceptive perspective. Craig Waxing philosophical this evening as he is doing finish carpentry work on our new laundry room.... _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
