My Merry Oldsmobile

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It’s May already and nearly time to get out the '48 Oldsmobile. Fifty nine years old, it predates me by one year. I think it has more original parts still working than I do and it certainly has fewer wrinkles. I keep it over the winter in the underground parking at the condo in Point Edward.



Men of innovation, the Fleischers had been creating short 'follow the bouncing ball' sing-along films since the mid-1920's, and the series would continue until 1938, well after Betty Boop and Popeye had become screen superstars. It seems natural that you'd go to such a source of creativity for some effective advertising production, but perhaps Olds Motor Works had not quite anticipated the level of zaniness on display here. In this 1931 ad, rampant voyeurism and suggestive candy consumption are the order of the day, aided and abetted by the Fleischer system of ad-libbing.

I’ve enjoyed this “art deco” example of 1940’s styling for 10 years having purchased it from the Guelph area. Although the model and year is not particularly noteworthy as vintage cars go, these postwar examples are becoming increasingly rare. I like my Olds because of the unique period styling. Walt Disney had a much sought after convertible Model 66 and his cartoon characters like Donald Duck sported a stylized cartoon version of this very car. (although I never realized it as a kid) The only time I’ve ever seen one almost exactly the same was when I drove mine over to the hundredth anniversary of Oldsmobile at Lansing Michigan back in 1997. The post war models, were very popular and in high demand with a lot of them produced. In the states, a new Olds with the revolutionary Hydramatic transmission was offered free to any returning war amputee. The body sheet metal was shared by Chev and Pontiac. However since the grill was in such high demand by the custom car guys of the fifties, these cars disappeared relatively quickly from the vintage car market.

My Olds is an Oshawa Canada built Model 3500 series (called Olds 66 in the states) It is equipped with a 4 speed Hydramatic automatic transmission. This was the first automatic as we know them today, first produced in 1941. Then, during the war, they were coupled with Cadillac engines and used in army tanks. The experience GM had with the military versions, gave them time to work out the bugs and this strong gear changer went on to be used in the Allison division in heavy trucks

One of my favorite yearly car events is the huge show at the Fleetwood Farms Mansion on the outskirts of London Ontario, hosted by owner Steve Plunkett. Click here for more details. This is the third annual, although last June was my first visit to this huge event. Steve's father, a very respected doctor, made megabucks as he was instrumental in the invention of the birth control pill. Steve is a philantrophist and an old car enthusiast. Last year there were 8 charities represented, this year 40.

This year Steve's show is featuring a bigger air show, steam displays, antique boats on the pond and special guest George Barris "the King of Kustom" with some celebrity cars. Also, Peter Noone of "Herman's Hermit's" fame on Friday and three guys from Philly (Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell) on Saturday in the largest "sit down" big tent, catered dinner event ever in Canadian history. This surpasses the same record last year but in a bigger tent. Do you remember when you were younger, the huge circus tents? Well this one is bigger!

If you can get here for this huge 3 day event, I know you wouldn't be disappointed. You don't have to be a "car nut" to tour this wonderful estate with horse barns, fountains and a golf course.

End Of An Era. It's Over!

Early Saturday Wendy and I were on deck and ready to orchestrate the removal of most of the furniture from Wendy’s parents place. It was very upsetting for everyone, but we knew we had to get through it. We busied ourselves boxing up books, old sewing stuff, yellowed letters and pictures and what-not. Wendy has been working here for a couple of weeks straight, weekends included, boxing up and sorting a seemingly endless collection of memories, functionally useable, and functionally obsolete or useless junk. The job is harder because decisions have to be made (most of which would be much easier for an outsider) about items that represent the life memories for a very closely knit family. Howard and Gene and the three “children” and their two each children see things in every box that reflects the past. Eleven people’s lives, all touched by some part of each item in that house.

Wendy’s brother Brad and his son Mitch from Richmond Hill arrived before noon and began loading Brad’s large trailer with items previously tagged for Wendy’s other brother Doug. Shortly after one o’clock Doug arrived after taking time off work and one load of treasure was dispatched to Thorndale much to the chagrin of Doug’s wife Daphne.

Around 1:30 I went over to Waverley and got Gene. Wendy felt; in all good conscience, she had to have her Mom there to help everyone gain some sort of closure. Certainly as her mind fails, the closure would seem less important for Gene, but for everyone else there needs to be a feeling that “it’s over”. No one is sure if the decision to bring Gene over was a good one but I think everyone would agree that it helped themselves ease their own conscience and it really had to be. At least Gene could see that the items were going to family members for future use. I’m glad Wendy persevered against the advice of social workers who advised that it would serve no purpose. Wendy was correct that Gene had a right to at least see the end of this era. For her to see it was time to move on.

By later in the day you could see that the tension was continuing to build so I suggested that Gene go with me back to Waverley. During the drive back, the confusion in her mind and the sadness and emotion of it all was too much for her. She pleaded with me to turn around and go back but I pressed on, confident that for all concerned, the day must end. (whether one wants it to or not) I could see that there would be nothing to be gained by anyone for us to return, not now or ever again! It’s over!

If You're Looking For Adventure!

US Militia Men recoil after a shot at the British "Redcoats" Photo by Tim /06

The Battle of Longwoods
Click here for Info

Heritage Days Weekend

May 5th & 6th, 2007

We went to this last year and really enjoyed it. Our very good cruise friends Pete and Donna from Orillia Ontario are re-enactors and they told us about it. It's just like going back in time as everything is VERY authentic. They use real guns and cannons. (although they do fire blanks in an attempt to preserve the hobby)

You may not know it, but this area of Canada was part of the United States at one time. This re-enactment depicts the American troops defeating the British and seizing the land. The actual battle took place only a few miles west of the park back on March 4, 1814. Canada, at the time, was only a British colony and didn't formally become a country until 1867, 33 years later. I guess when you think of it, the original difference between a Canadian and an American is only defined by a dotted line on a map determined a relatively short time ago.

Good food too; although the booth on rubber tires is not authentic, the Optimist Club offers back bacon on a bun as well as pancakes and sausage, and the usual hot dogs, burgers and fries. Of course they all taste better outside. (and they serve fries with vinegar, a Canadian standard, since we did finally win).

The setting is extremely beautiful - especially this time of year. I think Longwoods is one of the nicest parks I've seen in Ontario. Let us know if you are coming and maybe we can get together.