The quintessential Saturday would be a quiet cup of coffee, a book to read, and a mind soothing finish to a hectic week. Of course, this would require a machine that accepts the fact that it is a servant. Such a Saturday would also require peace and quiet without the jarring interruption that seems to be normal around here. A push of the coffee button produces a surprise. A cup of perfectly made coffee. Hmm there is something wrong here. Taking a sip knowing full well the Westminster chimes will rupture the peace. There is silence.
Taking another gulp of coffee gives the opportunity to grab the clock and set it for a time trip. The clock is set for July 27th.1925. The location is New York City and the time is 11:00. The duration is for an hour. When the plunger is pulled we are taken to Broadway where we are about to see the first autonomous automoble demonstration. And you thought driver less automobiles were a new thing.
The Houdina Radio Control Company, owned by Francis P. Houdina, is giving the first demonstration of a remote controlled automobile. Houdina equipped the driverless American Wonder, a 1926 Chandler car, with a radio antenna and a receiver.
With transmission from another car immediately behind the wonder, The Wonder is guided in New York City. The route goes up Broadway Street and, after a turn, back down Fifth Avenue. The tension rises as the remote controlled car narrowly misses several other vehicles before crashing into a sedan.
Not wanting to wait around for the aftermath the alarm is tripped and we return quickly to the couch. There is a text waiting from Linda Hill. It reads Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “starts with Q.” Think of a word that starts with the letter Q and write your post around it. Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!
To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2025/07/25/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-26-2025/
Q Word by John W. Howell © 2025
“So you chose quintessential?”
“Yup. Worked well. I also tossed in quick.”
“I almost missed that. Weren’t you supposed to dedicate your post to the word you chose?”
“Yeah, but Linda knows I’m a bit of a rebel.”
“I’ll say. You are an inspiration.”
“Sound like satire to me.”
“I guess you caught me. I was very surprised driverless cars were being thought about back in 1925.”
“To tell the truth. I was as well.”
What do you say we get a driver and head for the Quench spot?”
“Quench spot?”
“Yeah the pub. Just trying to get in the spirit.”
“Uber?”
“Over there.”
“That is a 1927 Chandler. Like the one used in the demonstration.”
“Yes it is. We get to go to the pub in style.”
“Anything you failed to mention?”
“Nope. We just get in and go.”
“That is a treat.”
“One small thing I forgot.”
“I knew it.”
“The driver put a cooler with VooDoo Rngers in the back seat.”
“Pinch me. This could be the best Saturday yet.”
Fiction Favorites 
WOW! What a beauty 👍 dear John.
We are amazed that a hundred years ago, they already experimented with driverless cars.
Wishing you a great drive to the pub
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was amazed too, Klausbernd. Thanks. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to see you pulling the plunger again, John. There were a lot of electric cars on the road then, too. Everything old is new again. Let’s hope we don’t revisit prohibition.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I second that wish, Dan. My weekly VooDoo is a must.
LikeLiked by 1 person
prohibition.. arrrrrgh ! Better stock up on the Jam Shed 😁💜
LikeLiked by 2 people
😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤣
LikeLike
You are heading out in style today! Gotta love the Chandler! 🩷
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think it is a handsome car.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sure is!!! 🩷🙌
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is quite the adventure, and mango smoothie! That Chandler looks like something Babe Ruth would’ve toiled around in back in the day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think he would. It is a beautiful machine for sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
With that sweet ride, it is the best Saturday ever!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, GP. It was nice to have a semi-peaceful Saturday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quench spot needs to be a common phrase.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha ha. Thanks, Charles.
LikeLike
Well John I am amazed … There is always something to learn here and it always interesting!. What’s more it was peaceful …no barking and security system 😁 💜💜💜💜💜☕☕🤞
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, very peaceful, willow. 😀 Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
it was very calming John 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had no idea that someone had experimented with a driverless car in the 1920s I’m not surprised that the experiment ended with the driverless car smashing into a sedan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not surprised either. Thanks, Liz.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Driverless cars still have some problems today. I never knew that they were tried a hundred years ago. Nice car! Have your best Saturday, John@
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jo. Yes, they still aren’t perfect. Wishing you a peaceful Sunday.
LikeLike
I had no idea there were driverless cars that early in automotive history. And that Uber – I’m already in the driver’s seat. Hand me a Voodoo Ranger, please!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Uh uh. You need to get in the back seat. No drinking and driving. 😀
LikeLike
Drat. 😞 Bet that car won’t do more than 35 mph!
LikeLiked by 1 person
35 is topend
LikeLiked by 1 person
And a movie producer looked up. “With these remotes we could make a ton of car crash movies.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
And the insurance company exec standing behind him said, “Hold on, Max.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Like we didn’t have you pegged for a rebel! 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha. ha ha. Thanks, Lois.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the story. Was the 1925 driverless car for real or a Story ploy? The most peaceful Saturday yet. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was real, right out of the pages of history.
LikeLike
Learn something new every day. As I saw in one comment, was it a radio controlled car?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, the photo shows the antenna.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Duh. 🤓
LikeLiked by 1 person
Uh huh.
LikeLike
It’s news to me that remote control cars were produced back in the 20s, John. It will be a nice ride to the pub if everything works well. I didn’t see a big antenna on it, so I think the driver has to be close.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, this car needs a driver. Thanks, Tim
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great read thanks John
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quintessential is a good Q word. That antique car looks amazing
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Thoms
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quintessential felt like a bold choice. It’s one of those words that never just pops into my head.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Laura.
LikeLike
John, l love that Chandler…now that is true vintage metal art. I’ve got to say that l like the car more than Jeff🐳
LikeLiked by 1 person
I almost hate to ask, but I must. Who is Jeff?
LikeLike
John, if “Jeff” was some kind of sports guy l would this kind of response. Similar to when you asked John Havlicek what his “dribbling average was”…oh man, that was classic JWH. I’ll give you a hint on this Jeff…
Broken Arrow…Cochise🎟🎥🏹
🐳
LikeLike
Definitely the best Saturday yet!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Was very calm.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Huh!
A driverless car in 1925, not bad. Quite a quality quoncoction for its day.
Okay… how you guys scored with that Uber today…Now that’s pure VOODOOOxOxOxOx!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That Uber was the best. Perfect to fit the story. OX OX OX OX
LikeLiked by 1 person
OX OX OX OX
LikeLike
Excellent choice for an Uber and beer in the back seat? Score! Also, a 10-cent bonus point for using quintessential.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the bonus points, Mary.
LikeLiked by 1 person
‘Quite’ the awesome Saturday indeed, John. What a beautiful vintage vehicle. Great job with the prompt.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Monika. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person