The "jaunting car": How an Irish carriage with side seats became a symbol of tradition in Argentina

San Antonio de Areco, a town declared the "cradle of Tradition" a decade ago, is gearing up to celebrate the 300th anniversary of its founding chapel. The town's cultural significance was amplified a century ago when Ricardo Güiraldes, whose family had long resided there, penned "Don Segundo Sombra." This novel, inspired by the real-life gaucho Segundo Ramírez, vividly recreated the customs, skills, and profound philosophy of Argentina's iconic horsemen.

The town itself, characterized by its stately homes with courtyards, large windows, wrought-iron grilles, and cobblestone streets, has become a cornerstone of national culture. Its history is shaped by Spanish, Irish, and Italian immigrants, each leaving an indelible mark. Among them, Margarita Mooney de Morgan, born in Areco and granddaughter of an Irishman skilled in trench digging, used her inheritance from her grandfather's work in 1828 to build a modest fortune.

Margarita Morgan, alongside her husband Edward, was a driving force behind Areco's progress. Her generosity was remarkable; in the early 20th century, she funded the San Patricio Chapel, the Colegio Clonmacnoise (1902), and the María Clara Morgan Hospital (1902). Her charitable deeds reached Pope Pius X, who awarded her the "Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice" cross in 1903, one of the Catholic Church's highest honors.

Beyond her philanthropy, Margarita Morgan intrigued the local community, accustomed to various horse-drawn vehicles like sulkies and volantas. She introduced the "jaunting car," a curious two-wheeled Irish carriage. This lightweight vehicle, designed for rural travel, features unique side-facing passenger seats perpendicular to the axle, allowing riders to view the landscape. Its ingenious design, with foldable footrests for stability and ample luggage space, made it a distinctive mode of transport in traditional Ireland and a novel sight in Areco.