One of dozens of automobile companies that started and failed in the early 1900s was the Curtiss Motor Car Co., Hammondsport, New York. They lasted in the business for exactly two years, 1920 and 1921. This is important background as it dates pretty clearly the accompanying photograph.

The photo was taken by Trix (Beatrice) Morry who married Dr. Louis John Giovannetti on June 7, 1923. It was his second marriage, having had a first family in St. Jacques where he was initially stationed as medical officer before coming to Trepassey after his first wife's death.

In her capacity as a doctor's wife, Trix would have been in attendance at numerous sad events, and the crash of this vintage and rare automobile may have entailed severe injury or loss of life, judging by the condition of the wreck. In any event, Trix thought it significant enough to record the event on film. But then, automobiles of any description were rare enough in Newfoundland in those days that a collision was bound to attract attention. According to Trix's notes on the photo the accident took place in SE Placentia in 1924.

After Trepassey, Dr. Giovannetti was stationed in Placentia and Ferryland. His son, Joseph Louis, was a medical doctor in Miramichi, New Brunswick. Another son, Humbert, was a dentist on Bell Island and his daughter Pat was a medical doctor in Ontario. His youngest son Reg was an engineer with the Canadian Coast Guard based in Dartmouth.   Submitted By: Chris Morry