4.9 million Ford Model As were built; few remain

Ford Motor Company manufactured approximately five million Model A vehicles between 1927 and 1931, but a small fraction of those cars remain in existence today.

Enthusiasts across the Old Dominion region have formed clubs to maintain the mechanical integrity of these automobiles. The Old Dominion Model A Ford Club is one such organization dedicated to keeping the iconic engines running nearly a century after production ceased.

Stew Wolfe serves as the vice president of the Old Dominion Model A Ford Club. He noted that the vehicles continue to draw attention from the public. Wolfe said, “We get a lot of smiles per mile. People get excited. And then if we blow the ahooga horn, they are ecstatic, especially kids.”

The production run for the Model A was limited to a four-year span. Despite the high initial volume, the number of surviving vehicles has declined over the decades. The current preservation efforts focus on maintaining the original mechanical components rather than modernizing the vehicles.

The story of the Model A appears in a segment of the broadcast “Aging Untold,” which also addresses healthcare topics. The program includes discussions on caregiver communication and gout prevention.

In the caregiver segment, “Sam” Cradduck, a gerontologist, advises professionals to leave the room when a conversation begins to escalate. This pause allows the individual to calm down before resuming the interaction.

Amy O’Rourke, an aging expert, identified specific words that tend to heighten tension in these exchanges. She listed “no,” “you,” “always,” “never,” “don’t,” and “you can’t” as terms that can escalate a conversation. Her guidance suggests caregivers should select their words with care to maintain dignity for the loved one.

Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, discussed the mechanics of gout. She explained that the condition begins when uric acid builds up in the blood. This accumulation leads to the formation of crystals in the joints and other tissues.

Rogers stated that the immune system reacts to these crystals as if they are foreign objects. This reaction causes the redness and throbbing pain often associated with the condition. She noted that the buildup of uric acid can sometimes indicate a larger underlying health issue.

The broadcast also featured the work of a nonprofit organization in St. Louis. Labor and delivery nurses in that city formed the group after experiencing the emotional toll of caring for mothers who had suffered a loss. The organization provides support and resources to families impacted by the death of a baby.