Model T’s a highlight of 1923 in area

By Anthony Collins

In the year 1923, the United States found itself captivated by the Roaring Twenties, a period often idealized for its vibrant culture and economic boom.

However, the day-to-day existence of the average American during this time was far from the glitzy image of flappers and jazz music that often dominated popular narratives. Instead, many faced significant challenges as they navigated the aftermath of World War I, alongside the swift changes brought about by industrialization and urban growth.

Mornings typically commenced at dawn, heralded by the crowing of roosters, even in bustling cities. Most homes lacked central heating, relying instead on coal to warm their living spaces, a task that usually fell to the male head of the household. This involved the labor-intensive process of shoveling coal into stoves or furnaces, a chore that left a residue of soot and dirt in its wake.

Breakfast was a substantial meal, featuring staples such as eggs, bacon, porridge, and bread, while many of the conveniences we now consider essential — like pasteurized milk, bottled orange juice, prepackaged cereals, or coffee to go — were simply unavailable.

Just over a century ago, the automobile industry was beginning to take shape. During the era of the Roaring Twenties, there was a widespread desire among the populace for new vehicles.

American manufacturers were churning out over three million cars annually, with prices hovering around $450. While Henry Ford’s Model T remained the frontrunner in popularity, buyers were presented with so many more choices to choose from. Henry Ford was making significant changes in the automotive industry; his moving assembly line had been functioning for a decade, and the efficiencies and innovations he introduced were beginning to eliminate numerous small car manufacturers from the market. The impending Great Depression, just a few years on the horizon, would ultimately seal the fate of many of these companies.

The Yellowstone prequel series, 1923, has undoubtedly surpassed all expectations, achieving remarkable success with a viewership of 7.4 million. This figure can be attributed significantly to the presence of its acclaimed lead actors, Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford, whose star power has captivated audiences and contributed to the show’s widespread appeal.

In July of this year, Lockhart experienced a journey back to 1923, a time when Paramount transformed Main Street into a film set. The contemporary thoroughfare, typically bustling with modern automobiles, was instead populated by a variety of vehicles dating from The Brass Era (1908-1916) to 1923. These classic cars are the prized possessions of private collectors from various regions across the United States, and also here in Central Texas.

Numerous vehicles featured in the filming of 1923 are actually owned by members of the Cen-Tex Tin Lizzie Club. The Model T, affectionately known as “Tin Lizzie,” derives its nickname from two distinct origins. The word “Tin” highlights the car’s lightweight and robust metal framework, as it was among the earliest mass-produced automobiles predominantly crafted from steel, a material that was quite innovative during its era. Meanwhile, “Lizzie” was a common colloquial term used to refer to horses or mules, further contributing to the charm of this iconic vehicle.

Randy Brown, a founding member of the Cen-Tex Tin Lizzie’s Club established in 1990, is the proud owner of five Model T cars, with production years spanning from 1910 to 1925. Presently, the show features a 1924 Model T Roadster that belongs to Brown, alongside a 1923 Model T Touring car owned by fellow club member Gary Baker.

The production of “1923” continues to take place in various locations across Texas. To date, filming for Season 2 has occurred in and around Lockhart, which had some parts of downtown transformed to resemble Fort Worth from the 1920s. Recently, the filming has also expanded to the towns of Martindale, Bartlett, and San Antonio.

The release date for the second season of “1923” has not been officially announced by Paramount, but it is anticipated to occur sometime in 2025.