This is a photograph of Thomson Road in its early days, near the village of Thomson, with Henry Ruikka's fields and hay shed in the background. Note the fence posts, rocks piled along the fence line, and the horse's tracks in the middle of the wagon's tracks in the road. This was the first road linking the then Village of Thomson to what would become known as "Esko's Corner," and was a challenge for both man and horse in the early days.
John Sota, pictured here, was one of the first owners of an automobile in the Township of Thomson. Here he is shown with his Overland, as well as his mother in the white blouse to the far left, Mrs. Erick (Sofia) Sunnarborg in the middle of the photo, with John himself at the wheel of his vehicle. The same year Robert Carlton purchased a Model T Ford, in 1913. Sota's given surname was Rautio, but he acquired the name Sota while he was serving in the military. Sota in Finnish means "war."
This postcard shows Albin Ruikka and John Ruikka in their Maxwell ragtop convertible. The Maxwell automobile company was formed in 1904 and ceased to exist in 1925. The back of the postcard has handwriting saying, "Albin Ruikka John Ruikka in old Maxwell."