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NEWS
New column to focus on vintage cars, their histories
Jay O'Dell's 1969 Plymouth Sport Satellite Convertible
Purchase this photoSeveral months ago, I conceived the idea for writing some articles about antique vehicles with possible publication in The Herald-Dispatch. The concept was based on my personal restoration and ownership of antique cars, being an exhibitor at national and local shows and also participating in other vintage vehicle events.
My active involvement in the hobby for 14 years has also included membership and activities in several national and local antique car clubs. I also have judged vintage vehicles at many national and local shows, being a nationally certified senior master judge of antique automobiles.
The concept of writing about automobile invention and history was further stimulated by involvement of my two 1960s antique convertibles and other participant vehicles in past Marshall University homecoming parades, fall festivals, town history celebrations and other events.
The increasing popularity of the antique vehicle hobby by both participants and members of the general public was also a factor in considering and writing this new column.
Another consideration in writing a series of historic vehicle columns is that they would provide public information and education. Being a former high school and college teacher of history and other subjects, this concept was professionally and personally important to me.
Several current activities, considerations, conceptual ideas and appropriate timing coalesced for development of a weekly classic (antique) car column. The weekly column is planned for publication on Fridays in the Community section of The Herald-Dispatch.
The first group of columns will describe the invention of the automobile in Europe and later in America, as well as the history of the automotive industry from its beginning in the late 1800s into the late 1900s and major figures in the pioneering of the industry such as Henry Ford, Walter Chrysler and others.
National and local antique car clubs will be covered, together with vintage vehicle restoration for people who may desire to participate in these activities.
More than 2,500 different makes of automobiles, some being produced for only a year, are part of U.S. automotive history. Many of these by-gone makes of vehicles will be mentioned and their history described.
Local/regional shows, cruise-in affairs, town history events and other antique vehicle activities will be mentioned and color photographs of these events provided with this column. Members of the general public will attend many of these public events, perhaps acquiring an interest of their own for antique vehicles and becoming participants in the hobby.
Jay O'Dell is a senior master judge and exhibitor of antique show cars. Suggestions for column content or other inquiries can be sent to him at: P.O. Box 469, Lavalette, WV 25535.
