August 2004
It was 1999, the last year of a great century. I was tempted to trade a group
of antique shore-bird decoys
for something in the world I would really like to own.
After a week of thought, only a Model "A" Ford came to mind.
With its unique-sounding engine and a magical place to enjoy a ride in a car called a "rumbleseat"; memories of being with my beloved grandfather, riding into town to deliver a dozen eggs, a slab of smoked bacon, and a bushel of pole limas setting next to me, brought great remembrances to my mind and heart.
Hemmings Motor News, the Bible for antique car information,
was my path to locate and price out such a unique
request. I found my 'dream roadster' at the Volo Auto Museum located just
north of Chicago, Ill.
What a great
place. So rich in early 1930's history and located close by this six-wheeled
roadster's first home in Cicero, Ill.
I fantasize that it was originally owned by a bootlegger who bought it for his gun-totting, gun moll lady fair.
The price of the trade included monies to purchase the Model "A", transport it to its new home in Port Republic, N.J., insure it, and garage it; monies for a missionary heading to Siberia, and a donation for the local church which needed funds for a steeple painting project.
I found a 1927 Fry 117 visual gas pump on eBay to set alongside a future
garage I was about to build. Once on
eBay, I was hooked into this project - hook, line, and sinker. I have not been
able to stop building and adding to this
great historical project of a complete 1931 Model "A" show room and
SOCONY-Vacuum gas station.
Parts and paraphernalia to fulfil this vision have come from all over the world. Now, I'd like to share Mayor Gary's Garage with the rest of the planet.
More news, stories, and recollections to come.
