| Eldo Ernest Kluss Model "A" School exam 1928  |
The following documents were among the papers of Fred
Christian Ruckdaschel, my great-grandfather. He owned and
operated a Ford dealership and garage in Postville for many
years. Eldo E. Kluss was a first cousin of Fred.
Background: Eldo Ernest Kluss was born on January 1, 1895 in Postville, Iowa, a son of William Kluss and Margaretha 'Maggie' Ruckdaschel. He was the eldest of 5 children, having 4 sisters: Helen, Ruth, Margaret and Emma; and one brother Alfred who died as an infant. His father William died tragically of an accidental gunshot wound in 1909 (see Obituary board). In 1917, Eldo registered for the draft from Fredericksburg, Chickasaw co. Iowa, where he was working for the Schutte Garage as an auto repairman. By 1930, he's moved back to Postville & has married Vera M. (surname unknown) and they have a 12 year old daughter Neva. Eldo was working as a mechanic, presumeably at the Ruckdaschel Ford Garage. The SSDI records the death of Eldo E. Kluss as December 1967, Des Moines, Polk co. Iowa.
In 1928, Eldo attended Model "A" school in St. Paul, MN. Below is the 50-question test he took to complete the course & the letter sent to F.C. Ruckdaschel.
 Letter to F.C. Ruckdaschel. Click on the letter to view a larger version (108kb)
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Ford
Motor Company Factory and General
Offices Detroit F.C. Ruckdaschel, Dear Sir: In an examination of fifty questions given all mechanics after the course was completed, he received a mark of 96. Enclosed you will find a list of these fifty questions, together with answers. Those checked in red are the ones your mechanic failed to answer correctly. This will give you an opportunity to check up and see whether or not he has corrected himself on the questions which he missed. It is important that other members of your organization receive the benefit of the knowledge your mechanic acquired in servicing the Model "A", as we will be unable to call any more of your men in until one man from each dealership has taken the course. We, therefore, suggest that you have a typewritten copy made of the notes taken by him at the school for your own files, and that you have him impart his knowledge of the Model "A" to your entire organization while it is fresh in his mind. FORD MOTOR COMPANY |
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- source of background info: 1900, 1910 & 1930 Federal census
records, Draft registration card, SSDI, obituary of Wm Kluss
& Ruckdaschel research records of S. Ferrall
- source of little Model A photo: www.oregoncamshaft.com
- source of transcription & scans: original documents, F.C.
Ruckdaschel papers, held by g-granddaughter S. Ferrall
- scans & transcription by S. Ferrall
