Each decade that passes, fewer people report knowing how to start an engine with a hand crank.

I've seen my uncle do it. He said you don't grip it with your hand, else you might break your arm should the motor jerk the crank away. Never did it myself.

Fewer people know how to use carbide lamps too.

Well if you’re ever in the Detroit area, stop by Ford’s Greenfield Village and they’ll happily give you rides in their Model T fleet. If you want to sit up front and ask questions, they’ll be glad to show you how to drive it (but not let you drive it - you need to get your own).

Top Gear did a piece a while back on car controls and the Model T did not look easy or intuitive to drive.

It looked shockingly capable off-road though, which I guess makes sense if you think about what counted for a road in the 1910s.

> which I guess makes sense if you think about what counted for a road in the 1910s.

Speaking of, there's a good book (although I admit I've barely started) called "American Road" by Pete Davies which draws a vivid picture of what roads were like and the politics involved in even deciding whether government should be involved in road building.

Its primary goal is describing a military motor train that crossed the country in 1919 (and may well have been a key opportunity that kept Eisenhower from leaving the military...history has some fascinating turning points).

FWIW, after my uncle showed me how to start his 1936-or-so truck, he gave me a ride around town. Got lots of waves. :)