On Saturday I was headed home when I saw fire trucks at the Lutheran church. Aha! A scoop! Wait, wait–they were old fire trucks. Not just, aw jeez, we have to buy a new fire truck, but Holy Wah! A 1929 REO! Surely Rob the Firefighter would be interested in this.
It turned out there was a Classic Machine Show. Cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles, boats, fire trucks–and an Army Mule. I got to go for a ride on the Mule. So far as I know, no one has a picture of My Wild Ride, but here’s my driver, Michael, and the Mule, parked sedately and looking innocent, like the Cowboy in shorts. You will notice there is no passenger seat. I hung on for dear life and said things like YAHH! and WOO-HOO! and AH-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha! as we bounced through the back lot.
The first guy I asked about the Mule tried to tell me it was built of titanium for use in World War I. Even I knew that wasn’t right. Guys’ll tell you anything, did you ever notice that? I digress. Michael and his parents, who own the Mule, said it’s a Viet Nam era all-terrain vehicle, lightweight and rugged, maximum speed about 25 mph. I found a website that said Each wheel is provided with lifting shackles to facilitate lifting by helicopter or dropping by parachute. It was designed to . . . land on its wheels or even upside down when dropped, and still be able to be driven away. OK, now that is my kind of vehicle. I wonder if I could enclose the bed somehow to keep the rain off and then bat around the county with the dogs? I digress again. Michael and his folks find it very useful for hauling wood, carting home a Christmas tree, ice fishing, and deer camp. For dressier occasions, they have one of these:
Actually, they have that very one. That’s Michael’s dad, Dave, showing off the Rolls Royce Touring Car. Pretty, isn’t it? I’ll bet it gets lousy mileage, though. The next one is for Scott. Exterior and interior shots if you please.
Then I talked to Tom MacGregor about his 1922 Ford Touring Car. I loved it. Look at those wooden spokes! And the jaunty angle of the roof. It looks a lot like the Ford Nora Metz and her grandmother drove from the Upper Peninsula to New Mexico in 1934, but that’s another post entirely.
It has occurred to me that I have far more photos than I should cram into one post. Besides, I’m going out to dinner and I need to get fluffed up. Back later with Part II: The Extravagant Hood Ornament, Not My Grampa’s Cruck, and Fuzzy Dice.
Torch Lake Views 
Fee
June 14, 2010
Oooh, a Roller. Interesting fact: according to the manufacturer, a Rolls Royce motor vehicle never, ever “breaks down”. They may, on rare occasions, “fail to proceed” but they do not break down! I was driven to my wedding in a 1920s powder blue Rolls, and it was the smoothest ride ever. I loved it.
I also like the old fire engine. Here in Edinburgh, we have a wonderful museum–Museum of Fire–which I’ve visited with school trips. Absolutely amazing place.
Gerry
June 14, 2010
I like “fail to proceed.” I may use it the next time I have writer’s block. I am not stuck, I am simply failing to proceed. At any moment I may succeed.
Thank you for the link to the Museum of Fire. Rob the Firefighter will love it.
Chris Hammond
March 23, 2011
hi there sorry its a very late reply … but I’m sure I got a shot of you being… er ..bounced around the back lot on that mule … if you haven’t already , check out album No. 2 of the wheels and keels photos on Uncle Rods F/B page
Gerry’s Wild Ride
next show is set for the 18th June
Chris
Gerry
March 23, 2011
Hi, Chris. As it happens, I had seen the photo of my wild ride . . . and thought I must never, ever, appear in public in that particular pose again, but what the heck. I added the link anyway. Send me particulars on the June 18 show. I had a good time last year. This year I’m wearing a different outfit and riding in a different vehicle.
Scott Thomas Photography
June 14, 2010
I’d like to take that car down the track a few times. Thanks for the shot of the cockpit (yep, you know a guy came up with that one), Gerry.
I’d like to take ride in the Rolls, too. Now, that is elegance from a bygone era.
Gerry
June 14, 2010
I knew you would be pleased. Someday I will try to capture the racecar in motion. Or maybe the Army Mule.
Cindy Lou
June 14, 2010
Must show these photos to my husband – a lover of all things rusty, old and mechanical! He’s restored two old tractors now and they’re almost too pretty to use!
Gerry
June 14, 2010
He would love the Writing Studio and Bait Shop. Everything around here is rusty and old. He will like Part II.
Preston
June 14, 2010
Isn’t it something how folks all over the world love these old vehicle? Just think if the car manufactures would all of a sudden start designing vehicles with character. Why don’t the make cars like they did then? Why don’t they sing songs like they did then? Geez…
Gerry
June 14, 2010
We’re nostalgic about lots of things, and forget things like how dirty the air was before we stopped spewing lead out of our tailpipes. I love old cars, too, but I want to drive a nice, efficient new one with good mileage. What would be really cool would be a reinvention of personal transportation. I don’t have the imagination for that, but somewhere in the world some kid is thinking about stuff like this.
Mark at Uncle Rod's Inc
June 16, 2010
I saw you having loads of fun on the army mule. Dr. Morrison (of REO Speedwagon fame) would be well worth your time if you are looking for a fascinating ‘next post’ on torchlake views. The Rolls is significant on so many levels and I was thrilled that Dave consented to show it, It’s actuall among the last to be assembled in Springfield MA. That’s my father’s 1963 Volvo racer, he and the car are both retired from racing though the car may change it’s mind. The Model T was a complete surprise and we were glad to have it. So glad you stopped to have a look around -mark; Uncle Rod’s Wheels & Keels organzer.
Gerry
June 16, 2010
Hi, Mark! Thanks for adding all the good details. I believe you are right that Dr. Morrison would be a good subject.
Dave told Tom Vranich and me some of his Rolls stories. He’s a good storyteller.
I had so much fun I had two posts full of stuff, and I never even mentioned the Van in the Air. Oh well. Next year. But I am going to edit the post to put a link in for Part II. What was I thinking?