OXBOW — Unfortunately, the weather prevented the Oxbow Classic Car Show on Aug. 9 from living up to its full billing this year.
In previous years, up to 25 owners have shown off their classic vehicles. But with the rain, many chose to keep their vehicles under wraps this year, resulting in about a dozen braving the elements to put their prized possessions on display.
And as the rain continued to come down, some of those left early, not wanting to have the interiors of their vehicles spoiled. After all…these classics do have to be babied, you know.
One of the exhibits was the snow plane, The Delivery Wagon. Its owners and restorers, Darrell Hunter and Lisl Gunderman, have been taking it to various locations throughout this summer. People come to see it, not just because of its uniqueness or even its history, but because many have emotional and sentimental memories connected to it. It was used by Dr. Gerry Galloway (Lisl’s grandfather) to make winter house calls in the 1940s and 1950s. Wherever they go with it, they find people whose lives were touched by it.
That was the case again at Oxbow’s car show, even though much of The Delivery Wagon had to be kept covered to protect it from the rain. But the trailer, a portable museum, made the attraction worthwhile.
Another vehicle that remained for the duration of the show was Paul Thompson’s 1949 Ford Rat Rod, Archie & Son. Formerly used as a grain truck, it was given to him by the son of Archie & Son (Drew) after having been abandoned in a field. Thompson has restored it, replacing the old engine with a diesel engine. It still looks very old and used, but it is very practical. His wife enjoys travelling around in it, so the two of them take it out for a drive from time to time.
Although the show didn’t match the previous years’ versions, those who braved the elements enjoyed what they saw…and the reminiscing that went hand-in-hand with what their eyes took in.
