Antics August 2015 - Halifax Antique Car Club

Summer
AUGUST 2015
2
ANTICS
The Official Publication of the Halifax Antique Car Club
2015 EXECUTIVE
INFO LINE: 902 463-1948
DIAL 902 before the numbers listed belowPresident
Cliff Doubleday 444-9821
Vice-President Brian Richards 826-1512
NEWS AND EVENTS
Secretary
Edith Steffens
876-7908
Treasurer
Mabel Dodsworth 865-7458
Watch your email for local
Membership Rick Gallivan
852-3612
events from Cheryl Cole
Car Events Randy Corbin
835-4878
902 860-3113
Historian
Judy Houlihan
864-7606
Social Jane Power 222-0535, Jean Lawlor 445-4067, Jackie Bowman 445-4914
WEBSITE
www.hacc.chebucto.org
[Carol Way 902 865-1258]
ABOUT US
The Halifax Antique Car Club formed in 1963. The club meets on the 4th Sunday of
every month (except July, August and December), at the Museum of Natural History
on Summer Street in Halifax, at 7 p.m. Annual dues are $30.00 for first time
members. Yearly renewals are $25.00 if paid by Jan 31 each year, and $30.00 after
that date. The Antics is the official publication of the Halifax Antique Car Club and
published quarterly. Member submissions are welcome.
WEEKLY GATHERING
Club members gather every Tuesday at Arby’s, Bedford. Come out and meet your
fellow members, show off your four-wheel babies, get a 10% discount, and chat with
your friends, old and new. There are also gatherings on Wednesday (in the warm
weather) at A&W in Sackville and Thursday at the A&W in Woodside.
Antics Editor: Judy Houlihan E-mail: [email protected]
Technical Support: Edith Steffens, Shelley Oderkirk and Lisa Gallivan
Opinions expressed in Antics are not necessarily those of the Halifax Antique Car Club.
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INDEX
Page 2 ................................................................................................................... Club information
Page 3 ...................................................................................................................................... Index
Page 4……….President’s Message by Cliff and PEI Street Rod Car Show by Karen Doubleday
Page 5 ..........................................................................................................................Nuts ‘n Bolts
Page 6……………………………………….………….Eric Davidson Award 2015 by Judy Houlihan
th
Page 6………………………………….…………30 Autofest Show and Shine by Wilson Methven
Page 7………………………………..………..Application requirements for Eric Davidson Award
Page 8……………………….….…..HACC Car Show 2015 and Award Winners by Judy Houlihan
Page 9………..…………………….…………………………….……………………Car Show pictures
Page 10-11 ..…………………….. .......... ….1966 Chevrolet Caprice by Jackie and Doug Bowman
Page 12……………………….…Digby’s Seafest and Yarmouth Car Shows by Karen Doubleday
Page 13 …………….…………..…1969 HACC Membership certificate and Staples Fund Raiser
Page 14 .............................................................TransCanada Highway (center page of pamphlet)
Page 15-16 ............................... Early Motoring in Canada – The Roads Antics 1979 by Jeff Lee
Page 16-18 ......... Canadian Cars – Built in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia by Judy Houlihan
Page 18-21 ................................................................ HT Warne Defiance Truck by Judy Houlihan
Page 22 ................................ Old Car Poem – Antics Archives; Hawaiian Squares –Sharon Scott
Page 23 ..................................................................................................... ………………….For Sale
Page 24………………………………………………………Wanted Items and Readers’ Comments
Page 24-25………………………………………………………………………………. Business Cards
Page 26 ...................................................................................................... Hagerty Advertisement
Rick Gallivan has HACC window stickers ($2) and pins ($5)
available for members to purchase. Contact Rick at 902-852-3612.
Last club jacket (size XL – sizes run small) is available for purchase. Call
Jean Lawlor at 902-445-5067
Please check the 2015 roster for any
errors or omissions.
omissions
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Hello All:
I hope this finds you well and enjoying the summer weather that has finally arrived. It has been a busy
summer so far with car shows, Nursing Home visits, and other old car events.
Karen and I have just returned from the PEISRA 37th annual car show in Montague, P.E.I. Our Club
was well represented, and all who attended had a great time. I am sure we are all looking forward to
attending again next year. I am really envious of their beautiful show location, and the way the local
communities support their annual event. By the time you read this, our 2015 show will be history. I
sincerely hope the indoor event will be well attended and successful. A lot of hard work goes into the
show every year, and our charities make good use of the money raised.
In closing, I urge you to attend club functions, trips, etc. Get out and have some fun with your fellow
members. Shine ‘em up and drive ‘em. That’s what they were built for! Have a great summer.
Cliff Doubleday
PEI Street Rod Association Car Show in Montague
Wow, Wow, Wow!!! Our group of about 12 cars left Halifax on July 3 and crossed over on the ferry
from Pictou at 1:00. From the time we arrived until our departure the weather was absolutely beautiful.
Most of us stayed at Lanes Riverview Inn in Montague right beside the Montague River. What a view!
The accommodations were excellent, and the staff could not have been more accommodating. About
22 of us met in Georgetown at the Clam Digger Restaurant on Friday evening and enjoyed a good
meal.
The car show kicked-off Friday evening with a meet and greet (mussels and beverages included).
Saturday morning there was a car run, and at noon we all enjoyed seafood chowder – yum! At 4:00
pm, we were treated to a steak BBQ with all the fixins. Can’t say enough about that! The day ended
with a live band dance at the Curling Club in Montague. Sunday was a full day at the show.
Congratulations to John Beaulieu and Robert Hazelton. They each won a trophy. Some folks departed
on Sunday, and about a dozen of us enjoyed dinner at the Cape Light Restaurant in Cardigan - nice
spot – good food.
Also on Saturday, apparently some ladies – fondly referred to as “The Golden Girls” (no names to
protect the innocent, ha! ha!), were spotted “in town” being chauffeured about in a Buick Skylark
convertible by a very “nice man”. Some were standing and waving to oncoming cars, some hid their
faces with hats, most were very loud, and the laughter could be heard for miles!! So loud in fact, rumor
has it, their antics may have found their way into the local newspapers. The driver was commended for
his patience, and was the envy of all the other drivers in the field.
Sunday evening was spectacular. All of us at Lanes were treated to a fabulous display of fireworks
right above us to wrap up Montague Days. Most of us agreed we had never seen such a display up so
close. What a way to end the weekend!!! After one last breakfast together Monday morning we left the
Island and returned home. Fabulous weekend! Can’t wait until next year.
Karen Doubleday
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NUTS ‘N BOLTS
New Members for 2015: Keith and Judy Rafuse
Birthdays: Bruce Cole was 70 May 30, 2015.
Anniversaries: On May 7th, John and Nancy Beaulieu celebrated their
th
50 anniversary with a gathering at White Hills.
: Bud and Carmel celebrated their 50th anniversary July 3, 2015 with family and
friends at their home. They were married in St. Joseph’s Church, Sydney, NS.
They have two daughters and five grandchildren
th
: Coastal Cruisers of Bridgewater put on the 30 Anniversary Autofest in Dayspring on
Father’s Day June 21, 2015. Congratulations on a great show.
th
: 100 anniversary for O’Regan’s automotive group– 1915 their grandfather opened a
garage in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, selling Model Ts.
Wedding: Barb and Jim Hamilton’s son, Ken, married Debbie Hawkins Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at
the Lord Nelson Hotel followed by dinner and dance there, too.
Recovering at home: Bruce Cole has recovered from surgery April 23
: Joe Doucette, Jean Lawlor, Jim Steffens, Jim and Barb Hamilton are feeling better.
: Roy Brown is home with ongoing care.
Skip Collier is now in Greystone Long Term Care Facility. Our thoughts and support go to Helen in this
new stage of their life together.
Deaths: Pat Currie died May 25, 2015. Harold is still at home in Owen Sound but requires home
care. They were members 1976-87, 89. They owned 1923 Model T Touring, 28 Model A 4-dr sedan,
28 Ford Tudor, 28 Willys Knight Sedan, 30 Model A Cabriolet convertible, 31 Model A Deluxe Coupe,
47 Buick convertible, 52 Buick Custom 4-dr Sedan. Pat was HACC Secretary 1978-79 and Social Editor
of “What’s Cooking 1981-86. They received the award for attending most events at February1980
Awards Night.
: Vic Power died May 29, 2015. He was a member 1970-78. He owned 1941 Dodge
Kingsway Sedan, 1930 Model A coupe, 1939 Studebaker Champion Sedan, 1934 Dodge Bros. 1 ½ ton
truck, 1949 Ford Sedan. He was an active HACC member. He helped with the car shows and his wife,
Ann, was Antics Social Editor. Their son has the ’34 Dodge truck.
Thank You: Gordon O'Neill would like to thank everyone in the club who attended his surprise
Birthday party in May. It was nice to see everyone. We also thank the club for their donation to the
Walk for ALS that took place in June.
Gordon and Margo
Special Events: Garth and Sharon Scott’s granddaughters, Julia (12) and Claire (8) were chosen
from their Valley United teams to escort the players onto the field in Moncton at the World’s Cup
Women’s Soccer Games. Julia escorted the Captain of England’s team, and for three other games,
they escorted players from Australia, Brazil and Colombia. This is a memory of a lifetime!
July was Automotive Heritage Month in Nova Scotia. United States celebrated
National Collector Car Day July 10 sponsored by SEMA Action Network.
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Eric Davidson Award 2015
Brandon Doucette, 18, selected from applicants, received this year’s award. Rick Long, Automotive
Instructor, said Brandon has “a great attitude, natural hands on ability and is a team player”. Brandon
and his father attended our June 28 meeting where Dave Houlihan and Garth Scott presented Brandon
with $250. The Eric Davidson plaque he is holding in the picture has his name engraved on it. This
plaque goes back to NSCC Akerley Campus and displayed outside the Automotive Service and Repair
shop.
Brandon grew up in Cole Harbor as an only child. His father told me Brandon always had a tool in his
hand – hammer, wrench, tape measure, etc. Many pictures of Brandon show Brandon with a tool of
some sort in his hand. His father often returned from being away and had presents for Brandon– often a
tool. He was a Ford man until Garth Scott sold him a Chev Colorado 4-wheel drive truck. He now
enjoys doing “off roading” – and surviving it!
When attending Auburn High School, he took their automotive courses. The Instructor suggested he
might want to consider applying and taking it as a career. He won gold in the Skills Nova Scotia in May
2015. He just returned from Saskatoon where he competed in ten different aspects but did not place in
the top 3 of the 22 competitors – final results are pending. Four months ago, he started a four-year
apprenticeship at O’Regan’s Hyundai on Baker Street in Dartmouth. “It is nicer than going to school!”
says Brandon.
Brandon has a 1949 Ford F1 truck that his father has had for nine years. While at Akerley Campus, he
did the mechanics on the truck and restored it to original. He says it is a little slow to drive so plans to
change that - in the future. He is removing all the old body fill and plans to redo it using less fill as the
“body is in decent shape”.
Congratulations Brandon
30th Autofest Show and Shine
The Coastal Cruisers hosted their 30th Anniversary Autofest Show & Shine at the MARC in Dayspring
just outside Bridgewater, N.S. The weather gods were not with us on June 21 but the day was not a
total loss and we ended up in the black from a revenue perspective. Many thanks to all who attended
as participants, especially those from the HACC who made the trip. We were able to offer excellent
prizes this year thanks to local sponsors. Two lucky winners went home with a portable generator as
one major prize and another received a certificate for an overnight stay at the Best Western Plus in
Bridgewater. Lots of other prizes and bucket draws were given as well. As there were about 250 cars
on the field, Children’s Wish Foundation collected almost $1100.00 from donations received from
registered participants. Thanks again to all who helped and thanks as well to all who attended. We’ll
see you in 2016 on Father’s day at the same place.
Submitted by Wilson Methven, President of Coastal Cruisers
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2015 Halifax Antique Car Show
by Judy Houlihan
nd
We held our 52 Antique Car Show July 26 back at Exhibition Park. This time we parked the cars inside. It
turned out to be a great decision as there was a heavy mist and the temperature was cool in the morning.
Some of our club members’ cars were in Exhibition Hall with the bingo and face painting at one end run by
Laura, Donalda and helpers. The bake sale tables manned by Carmel and Sue were by the entrance with
Jackie and Alex at the admission table. Registration, 50/50 and Raffle tickets manned by Karen and Cliff D,
Heather and Robert H, Karen M, Dolly, Lou and Anne, Edith and Jean were between the 2 buildings. The
Bucket ticket sales manned by Bruce and Cheryl, Gordon, Dale and Byron were as you entered the large
building where the rest of the members’ cars and participants’ cars lined up, almost filling the huge space.
Karen M drew 50/50 tickets in the morning and a second time in the afternoon with over $300 won each
time! The center of this space contained items auctioned later by Garth helped by Jean and Cliff (“Vana
White”), sound system manned by Dan M and Don Borgal, a table with three large cakes (Janet and
Heather cut and distributed pieces) and plaque/award presentation area. Jim Hamilton oversaw parking as
he has done for many, many years with many other HACC members outside directing traffic, inside lining
up cars and doing the many other jobs needed. What a busy place! It reminded me of the Forum in the 60’s.
It took many people to make this a successful show from the beginning with organizing, getting sponsors
and donations to Saturday morning setting up, Sunday’s show and clearing up after. I heard the men blew
up 221 balloons - a lot of hot air! Anne, Richard Merry, Jane and others helped Janet secure streamers and
balloons. I do not have all the names of everyone that helped but each of you is appreciated for your time
and effort. It was great teamwork and a job well done under the direction of Show Chairman Brian Richards.
Jane Power said there were 48 HACC members’ cars and 146 others (23 were not registered). Colin
Lye said, “It is a great display of cars of all makes and models over the years. Impressive!” Someone
voting for number 59 added (followed by a “smiley face”): "Beautiful car and very pleasant owner!
What a fabulous show!”
Award Winners HACC Car Show 2015
Class A Pre 1950
st
1 : Ron Dinsdale
nd
2 : Elroy and Valerie Mattatall
st
Class B 1950-59 1 : Scott and Gary LaPierre
nd
2 : Jack Horne
st
Class C 1960-69 1 : Tom and Irene Rose
nd
2 : Steve and Shilo Tanner
st :
Class D 1970-79 1 Larry Wallace
nd
2 :Norm and Lisa Dugas
st
Class E 1980-89 1 : Kathy and Mark Regan
nd
2 : Drew Taveres
st
Class G Street Rod/Custom1 : Greg Vallis
nd
2 : John Boutilier
st
Class H Convertibles
1 : Pat and Bonnie White
nd
2 : Larry Brown
st
Class I Import/Sport Car 1 : Rick Melkert
nd
2 : Suzanne Pye
st
Class J Truck/Panel/Van/ElCamino 1 : Colin Lye
nd
2 :Tim Gregory
st
Best Paint
1 : Greg Vallis
nd
2 : Dan Anderson
People’s Choice Award:
Pat and Bonnie White
Participant’s Choice Award: Greg Vallis
Club Participation Award: Classic Chevy Club
1928 Pontiac 370
1929 Nash
1957 Chev Belair
1954 Mercury
1969 Chevelle SS
1968 Ford Thunderbird
1972 Plymouth Barracuda
1977 Chev Z-28
1987 Buick Regal Grand National
1985 Chev Monte Carlos SS
1938 Chevrolet pickup
1932 Ford Roadster
1959 Chevrolet Corvette
1970 Dodge Challenger
1977 Honda Civic
1980 Austin Mini Cooper
1934 Chevrolet ½ Ton
1957 Ford Ranchero
1938 Chevrolet Pickup
1954 Mercury M100 Pickup
1959 Chevrolet Corvette
1938 Chevrolet Pickup
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Congratulations to all the winners. Thanks to all who participated. See you next year.
Members’ cars with bingo and face painting at far end of arena.
Bake Table and entrance
Cars of Bucky Hiltz and Paul LeBlanc
One section of the main car display
32 HACC members relaxed after a long day at the Car Show at Canadiana Restaurant (show sponsor).
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1966 Chevrolet Caprice
By Doug and Jackie Bowman
In the summer of 2011, my son was browsing the EBay site investigating the
possibility of purchasing a Harley Davidson from the southern U.S. In passing through
the Classic Auto section, he noticed an original 1966 Chevrolet Caprice that was the
equivalent, as far as condition was concerned, of an automobile that was just a couple
of years old. He brought the car to our (Doug & Jackie’s) attention and subsequently
we asked him to investigate the process of importing this car as he was considering
importing a vehicle for his own use and he was somewhat familiar with this
undertaking. We loved the condition and overall appearance of this car so we had our
son initiate the process of acquiring the automobile.
The process of soliciting quotes for enclosed transport from Ohio to Halifax was the
next step along with hiring a customs broker to ensure the documentation at the U.S.
border was in order. We had decided to hire a carrier because passports obviously
cannot be obtained in a short period of time and we had also considered the time and
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travel involved with such an event. The payment for the car was transferred to the
seller’s account by wire. We then began to hold our breath.
In the ensuing weeks, our resolve was tested repeatedly. This pristine automobile,
which was supposed to be moved by enclosed transport, was on the back of a “wedge
truck” (open carrier) unbeknown to our son and us. By the time our son had gotten in
touch with the driver of the truck, he was half-way to Boston - the next stop on the
route for “Hurricane Sandy”. The driver assured our son that the car “would be
housed in a concrete and steel warehouse” and would be treated with kid gloves. Our
son made repeated attempts to contact the transport company originally hired, to no
avail. It seemed the broker that was facilitating this transaction had gone amongst the
missing along with the car and its documentation. At this point, to say that we faced a
dilemma would obviously be an understatement!
Twenty days later, the transport broker contacted our son and informed him the car
was “dropped” at the Calais Motor Inn in Maine. He also explained the reasons for not
shipping the auto by enclosed transport. He then explained that he was arranging
transport from Calais to Halifax. Our son immediately severed ties with this company
and attempted to secure transport himself from this point on.
The documentation was couriered to a local company in Quispamsis. They
stated that the car would be shipped in the next available truck which would be in a
couple of days. Again, yet another company that was not following through! The
documentation was secured twenty days later. In the meantime, we obtained a
Customs Broker, had the papers delivered to him and on to U.S. Customs without
incident.
By the time we arranged our local transport here in Halifax, the car had sat at the
Calais Motor Inn for 40 days! Our driver took possession of the auto in Calais and
thus began a seamless transition. The Caprice arrived in Halifax immaculate and
unblemished.
We would like to thank Gerard for his assistance in finding transport for the vehicle
from Calais to Halifax. He is such a special friend.
“The Caprice was aimed to compete with the Ford LTD, Plymouth VIP, AMC's Ambassador
DPL, and even the smaller Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. These models included luxuriously
upholstered interiors with simulated wood dashboard and door-panel trim, thicker carpeting,
sound insulation, courtesy lighting, and more upscale exterior trims. Bob Lund (Chevrolet's
General Sales Manager) coined the Caprice name after a classy restaurant he frequented in
New York City. Some say the car was named after Caprice Chapman, daughter of auto
executive and influential Indy-car official James P. Chapman.”
Wikipedia
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Digby’s Seafest and Yarmouth Car Shows
By Karen Doubleday
Quite a few members of our club got together and had a great time attending car shows in Yarmouth
and Shelburne this past weekend – July17-19. We started out Friday morning from Bedford and our
route took us past Hantsport. We had coffee in Middleton, lunch in Digby, and then made our way to
Yarmouth. The drive from Digby to Yarmouth along the French Shore was very scenic, and the
weather was very nice. We checked into our hotel (the Comfort Inn), had a little social time and went
on the evening run. Wow! The amount of people who were out to see the old cars along the street was
incredible. I don’t know the exact number of cars, but there sure was a long line of us. Great, too, that
the street was blocked from local traffic and side street access for the duration of the run. All of us
“young-at-hearts” were pretty tired at day’s end, and an early night was welcomed.
Saturday was car show day. The main street was closed to traffic so folks could attend the car show
and other festivities associated with the annual SeaFest festival. At registration, we were given a
“passport” book with the names of a lot of the businesses on the street. The idea was the ladies could
visit the businesses and get their books stamped by that business, and after obtaining 15 stamps, the
books were passed in at the registration desk, and later on in the day prizes would be awarded by
drawing names. Congratulations to Janet Richards who won a gift bag containing some very nice
items. Let it also be known that the gentleman who chauffeured the “Golden Girls” around Montague in
his Buick Skylark convertible traded them in for a tiara totin’ teenage SeaFest beauty queen. I heard he
has some explaining to do! Ha! Ha! Registration numbers at this show exceeded 400 old cars, motor
cycles, etc. Congratulations to Robert Hazelton who won the “Best Convertible” trophy for his 1959
Galaxie. After a great day and a fine meal together, we started on our way to Shelburne for the next Car
Show on Sunday.
It’s about an hour between Yarmouth and Shelburne and all was going well until Lou and Anne Purdy’s
car took ill about three quarters of the way to Shelburne. The diagnosis was bleak! There was a huge
rattle in its belly, and all the experts agreed that surgery would need to be performed. Therefore, the
vehicle was put on a “stretcher” (CAA deck truck) and transported to the “hospital” (Lou’s garage). Lou
and Anne couldn’t bear the thought of leaving us behind, so we piled them and their stuff in other cars,
and headed to MacKenzie’s Motel and Cottages in Shelburne. Beverages and discussions about the
day consumed much of the evening.
We awoke Sunday morning to rainfall that tapered to light mist, so we made the decision to attend the
Shelburne show regardless. Even though we had a number of showers, we could at least go inside the
building for shelter. Poor Cliff just finished buffing the car when the sky opened! A flea market, ticket
table, hot dogs and hamburgers, and beverages were available inside, which was great. The
organizers were very appreciative of our participation, considering the wet weather. I think everyone
would agree we had a good day in spite of the rain. At trophy time, we were very excited to win the
“Best Club Participation” trophy. Kudos to Rick Gallivan who won the trophy for “Best Street Rod” and
to Lou Purdy who won the “Hard Luck” trophy. At approx. 3:30 pm, we said our good-byes and headed
home.
Another fabulous weekend!
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This a copy of the membership certificate new members used to receive. Richard
Merry’s father, John Merry, joined HACC in 1969. New club members Richard and
Margarida Merry have the 1928 Ford Phaeton Model A that John owned when John
joined HACC. Gordon Troop owns John’s 1928 Model A pickup truck.
Gary Porter is one of HACC
members who showed off
their cars to support Staples
on Gottingen Street in
Halifax. They are one of
our sponsors. He is
polishing his ‘55 Chev. It
was a fundraiser for the
Special Olympics.
The sign describing his
vintage car is a product
Staples can create.
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Center section of pamphlet printed for the Nova Scotia Department of Highways.
The Trans-Canada Highway construction started 1950, officially opened 1962 and completed 1971.
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Early Motoring in Nova Scotia - The Roads
By Jeff Lee – April 1979 Antics
At the turn of the century in Nova Scotia, roads were little more than glorified cart
tracks. The roads were impassable in the winter. In spring, you had to wait until “the
roads dried out” before attempting to travel of any distance at all. When the roads did
dry up, they were still deeply rutted and very rocky. The roads were also very sandy
with muddy patches that slowed travel considerably. The streets in towns were almost
as bad; the rural streets were far worse. It was for these reasons that the first car in
Kentville was equipped with flanged wheels and driven on the railway - it being the
only good form of road in the province.
This state of affairs continued for many years. In 1908, when the Department of
Highways was formed, the people, especially auto owners, hoped that something now
would be done about the sorry condition of the roads.
In 1913, people were still demanding better roads. In these five years, nothing had
been done and the existing roads were deteriorating at an alarming rate. The great
500 mile Automobile Tour of 1913 helped to get auto drivers together to push for
better roads. However, this had little result either. They realized the only way to get
better roads was to build them themselves.
Automobile clubs sprang up in the larger towns around Nova Scotia. Many clubs
started to press government for better roads. When this failed, they raised money and
repaired the roads themselves.
In the spring of 1925, the New Glasgow Automobile Club began to repair the county
roads using their own money. Each club member was given a section of the road and
was responsible to keep it in good repair. The club also disliked speeding and acted
against it whenever they could.
At the same time, the writer of the Automobile Page of The Halifax Herald was saying
that with 2500 registered automobiles in Nova Scotia, each taxed $20 per car, the
government was getting nearly $50,000. What did the government do with it?
Nothing! The writer was arguing that the taxpayers who paid the money for the
privilege of using Nova Scotia roads deserved decent roads to drive on. The present
roads were in an ever-worsening state. The government holding the money should be
obliged to use it toward the improvement of the roads. The argument was raised that
better roads would benefit the entire province. Better roads meant easier travel from
one point to another, with less loss of time and money. Two horses on a well-surfaced
road (packed gravel) could do the work of ten horses on a rutted, muddy and rocky
road. This would save the farmer valuable time and money. With good roads, he
could travel to market in less time than before and with less effort and cost.
Good roads would benefit everyone in the entire province. This was a strong and
valid argument, yet it was not until 1918 that the government did anything to improve
16
the roads. With the appointment of a Minister of Highways, the government finally
took some action. They slowly began to improve the roads. Major roads were leveled
and surfaced with crushed gravel or a gravel and tar mix. About this time, a large
“road machine” or road graders came into use. When the roads dried out in the
spring, the road grader would be dragged along the road to smooth it out and level off
the ruts.
In the twenties, a one-mile section of road along the Bedford Basin near Halifax was
surfaced with cement to show what a good highway could be like. It is a story often
told that it would take most of the morning to travel the three or four miles from Halifax
to the road just to spend half an hour speeding from one end to the other (at speed of
up to and even greater than 60 mph). Then turn around and spend the afternoon
driving back to Halifax.
Most of the roads of this time were still narrow paths. Often when driving a car down a
road through the woods, the leaves and branches would be scraping along the sides
of the vehicle. By 1930, there were only 50 miles of paved roads in the entire
province! The people were still demanding better roads for years and many are yet.
(Taken from a longer paper and edited for Antics by Doug Brown 1979.)
Canadian Cars
Part I of II
by Judy Houlihan
American carmakers had branch plants in Canada since the early days of producing
cars. GM had plants in Oshawa, Ford in Oakville and Chrysler in Windsor, Ontario.
Half produced genuine Canadian cars - not built elsewhere or not with same name as
in US. They often had their own distinctive designs and names such as Canadian (2),
Canada, Canada Baby Car, Dominion, Regal, Royal, LeRoy, Queen, Earl, Leader,
Iroquois, Pontiac, Arrow, Dart, Still, Swift, Comet, Star, Montcalm. From 1900-1933
there were 125 different makes plus many “one of a kind” backyard creations.
Source: Canada on Wheels by John LeBond 1970
According to Hugh Durnford’s “Canadian Cars”, a Canadian car has to meet one of
the following criteria: engineered in Canada, made in Canada, contain Canadian parts,
have a Canadian name.
Made in NB
Bricklin was assembled in Saint John, NB in 1974-76 geared for the US market. It
was created by Malcolm, designed by Herb Grasse and funded by US millionaire who
founded Subaru of America. They manufactured the body panels in Minto, NB. 2,854
cars were made when they went into receivership in 1975 owing NB $23 million. It
17
cost three times the amount to make it than it sold for! The 2007 Time magazine
voted Bricklin SV-1 one of the 50 worst cars made in 2007. SV-1 meant safety vehicle
#1 but was inefficient and too heavy. It was to be a safe and economical sports car.
They had no ashtray or lighter. Bricklin was the only production vehicle in automotive
history to have powered gull wing doors that opened at a touch of the button.
Source: Wikipedia and Google: Canadian Cars
Maritime Singer: Maritime Singer Six was the first and only make of car built in New
Brunswick. Built in St. John and associated with Palmer-Singer Co of New York, they
had 7 years experience building 6-cylinder cars. It cost more to build that the selling
price of $3000 - only 4 or 5 finished but none survived. 1912-1914
Source- Canada on Wheels by John DeBondt 1970
Nova Scotia Built Vehicles
S.B. Sowser built his own horseless carriage in May 1901. He was a bicycle maker in
Amherst, Nova Scotia. He only built one. They said it had beautiful nickel plating.
Source: Nova Scotia Museum, Museum of Industry website
McKay Car: The Nova Scotia Carriage Co. in Kentville became Nova Scotia Carriage
and Motor Car Co., moved to Amherst, NS. and produced McKay cars assembled
from American parts (Penn car) and locally made bodies (1911 to 1914).
See article in Spring (May) 2014 Antics and corrections in Summer (Aug) 2014 Antics.
Scot Trucks: Irving built Scot trucks in Debert, Nova Scotia in 1962-1980 to avoid the
high taxes on completed trucks. They built 1155 for their own use, government use
(fire service, plows, dump trucks, etc.) and others (custom). There were 3 models: A,
B, C. ABCO of Lunenburg built the fiberglass tilt hood for Model A1 1972-76. When
the tax advantage disappeared, Irving acquired Freightliner dealership so Scot shut
down. The converted WW11 era hangers where Atlantic Manufacturing, Ltd. built
Scot trucks became Kent Homes factory. Few Scot trucks remain. One Scot truck is
on display in the Museum of Industry and Transportation, in Stellarton, Nova Scotia.
Source: Mac MacKay Oct 2, 2013 Truckfax blog
John Beaulieu: (1972-1980) I visited the Scot truck factory when it was operating in
Debert, NS. They made one truck a day. Irving built Scot trucks to supply their own
trucking requirements. There was a regular truck with “S cab over “version. This was
useful for their oil deliveries. The regular cab was a Ford Louisville cab with their hood
design. They obtained mechanical parts from a variety of suppliers.
Judy and Dave: In Salisbury Big Stop, NB are two pictures of KC Irving’s trucks. In
one picture is his first oil tanker: a Dodge Brothers’ Graham truck (625-gallon tank)
and a GMC 295 gallon truck 1932 in Truro. The second picture is his first semi tanker
truck, a Primrose Velco 1933 in Truro. They are not Canadian made trucks but
interesting. Check them out next time you are in the area.
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Toyota: The Japanese founded Toyota November 3, 1937. In 1957, Toyota
established itself in USA. Toyota Canada Incorporated (TCI) first sold cars in Canada
in 1969. The first year they sold 700 cars in Canada. The first Toyota assembly plant
in Canada built in Point Edward near Sydney, Cape Breton (1969-1975) on the old
naval base assembled Isuzu Ballett and later Corolla from “wooden kits”. The first
Canadian built Corolla rolled off the assembly line in Cambridge, Ontario in 1989.
Toyota Canada started others in Cambridge 1988 and in Woodstock in 2008. They
also opened a research plant in Timmins, Ontario.
Source: Toyota Website and ref. in Antics July/Aug 1973: Toyota, Volvo, Scot trucks.
Victorian was the first gasoline powered car built in the Maritimes. Furniture maker
John MacArthur built them in Hopewell, Pictou County, NS (1896-1900). He bought
carriage plans in Massachusetts and a horizontally opposed gas engine (thought to be
German made) in New York. He made the frame of one-inch pipe and set it on extra
heavy thirty-inch wooden buggy wheels. He attached the engine and a simple wooden
body to it. They were one or two cylinder two-passenger buggies with iron tires, tiller
steering and chain drive. “The original belt drive did not work well so MacArthur
changed it to a chain and sprocket with a completely handmade chain. The vehicle’s
top speed was 4-5 miles per hour and at even the slightest rise in the road it needed a
push”. It was similar to the 1900 Curved Dash Oldsmobile (the first mass produced
car) in appearance and some ways. The main difference was that the Oldsmobile
worked! There is only one known and it is on display in the Stellarton Museum.
Source: Cars of Canada and Nova Scotia Museum (Museum of Industry)
Volvo: June 1963 started in the old sugar refinery on the Dartmouth waterfront. They
assembled Volvo Canadians (Sweden’s Volvo Amazon rebranded for the Canadian
market) and 554 Models from “kits”. They employed over 200 people. It was Volvo’s
first foreign assembly plant. In1967 they assembled three models of the 140 series
cars that replaced the 544 and 122 models. In 1968, they moved to Pier 9 where their
production was able to increase and later to Bayers Lake Industrial Park, Halifax.
They made 8000 Volvos a year and employed 200 people in Bayers Lake assembly
plant. They shipped them to Canada and USA. It ceased production December 18,
1998 due to “excess production”.
Source: Nova Scotia Museum (Museum of Industry) website and Paul MacKay
H.T. Warne’s Defiance Truck
by Judy Houlihan
My search for vehicles built in Nova Scotia lead me to Hubert Tupper Warne (aka HT
or Tupper) in Digby. My only reference was in February 1972 Antics: “Who Knows –
1929 Defiance and 1935 Warne trucks”. I found some information on the internet from
“Walking Tour of Digby”. The majority of the following information came from Admiral
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Digby Museum. Sue Beard and Gail Hersey emailed me pictures, newspaper articles
and information written by Tupper Warne’s daughter-in-law, Edith Louise (Morse)
Warne (went by Louise) in 2000 at age 96! Little is known about this truck or how it
evolved.
Tupper Warne was a fourth generation Loyalist, born 1868 and died 1952. His family
moved from the States and settled in Hillgrove, Nova Scotia. At age fifteen, he left
school to work several years in a lumber camp in Weymouth. He often walked home
on weekends. After several years, he built his own lumber camp near Hillgrove. He
married Ida May Bacon April 15, 1891. They had a daughter, Theodosia (Dora). born
November 9, 1894. After his wife, Ida, died April 25, 1897, Tupper married a local
schoolteacher, Alice Wilson, March 9, 1898. July 4 1902 they had a son, Hubert
Morse Warne (died July 7, 1980). September 9, 1925 H.M. Warne (the son) married
Edith Louise Morse, West Paradise, (February 24, 1903 - February 3, 2004).
In 1906, Tupper rented a train car for his family and an entire crew and went to BC
after hearing about the tall timber there. After a winter in a very isolated area, they
returned to Hillgrove, as their business in Hillgrove was not doing well. A few years
later, he went to a timber lot in Hants County for a winter. His business outgrew the
rural location in Hillgrove. He bought a large piece of property in south end Digby.
There he built a mill and lumberyards. He also required office space so erected a large
three-storey building. In the building was a grocery store on the main floor, offices on
the second floor and on the third floor was their apartment. Locals called this area the
Warne Block. Eventually they purchased a house on Montague Row. Tupper
incorporated Tupper Mill as H.T. Warne Ltd. with his son, Hubert and daughter, Dora
as partners. They diversified into pulpwood and pit props, which they shipped from
Digby Wharf. Later he added a box factory that produced shooks. Shooks were
wooden boxes used for shipping local dried fish to the West Indies.
Transportation of timber and lumber changed from oxen to trucks. The rough terrain
and large, heavy loads were hard on trucks resulting in costly repairs. Maintaining a
fleet of vehicles was one of the largest expenses in the lumber industry. Tupper was
fascinated with cars and trucks. In his teen years, he even built his own car! He used
bits and pieces of machinery and some additional material to create his car. His wife
said it looked like a racing car. She said its beauty was in the smooth running engine
and performance on the local roads. Later, Tupper decided to build his own trucks.
According to daughter in law, Louise, Tupper went to Defiance, Ohio in the thirties to
see the assembly of Defiance trucks. Shortly after two or three American mechanics
arrived to help Tupper’s master mechanic, Reg Weir, build trucks. The machine shop
had equipment and partially filled with mounds of unopened boxes. In time, a shiny
Defiance truck drove out of the building – its performance equaled its looks. They built
several more for Tupper’s needs and a few local customers (see pictures of Defiance
Model OX and “Ruggles” truck, Bridgetown). They shipped the engines in from the
States. Tupper Warne proved that building his own trucks was possible. It was a
mechanical success but a financial failure.
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H.T. Warne Inc. struggled through WWII. Tupper struggled with the effects of
Alzheimer. His son (HM) and daughter (Dora) took on the business. Tupper was
fortunately oblivious of the challenges that followed.
Government orders for
gunpowder boxes and the new Cornwallis operations created problems and stresses
for Hubert and Dora (including long promised government subsidies). Under advice of
their auditor, they declared bankruptcy in 1940. The banker, Vanderwald, who earlier
loaned them money to stay afloat, bought it, closed the businesses and kept the
woodlots. Later they discovered Vanderwald did this with Weymouth Mill and one mill
in New Brunswick. “When Tupper Warne died in 1952 after single handedly building
up an industry employing several hundreds and having become well known in the
business life of the province, it was indeed good that he would never know that the
results of his life’s work had been lost because of some uncaring federal politicians
and some very unscrupulous business tactics.” (Quote from Louise Warne’s Story)
A 1995 newspaper article written by Arthur Johnson, an employee of HT Warne in
1937, sheds some light on working in the mill during those years. He looked after 40
head of cattle for $10 a month plus room and board. People knew H.T Warne would
hire anyone and everyone - the young, crippled, the half-blind, regardless of age, color
or race. The mill, box factory, cookhouse, bunkhouse (straw tick beds), warehouse,
machine shop (Defiance trucks made there), ox and cow barns and pig barn employed
people of all skills. When the steam whistle blew, all were welcome to eat there. He
fed over 300 employees (900 meals a day) and helped look after the welfare of many
people who lived within the town. Life was tough following the Great Depression.
There is little proof about the trucks because fire destroyed Warne Block in 1935 and
all records were lost. My Antics reference refers to 1929 Defiance and 1935 Warne
trucks. Was the Warne truck referring to the ones Tupper used prior to building the
Defiance line? Did he alter his Defiance trucks from the Ohio Defiance trucks creating
a Nova Scotia/Canadian model? Were there other alterations made? Sue and Gail
are unsure if the other pictures in this article are Defiance trucks. They definitely are
trucks Tupper Warne used in his businesses, including the mobile grocery truck.
Locals may have answers to fill in missing facts and can contact the Admiral Digby
Museum or me with their information. Warne trucks? Warne’s Defiance trucks?
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Defiance truck made in Digby by HT Warne courtesy of Gail Hersey
H. Tupper Warne was a sawmill owner, lumber producer and owner of Defiance Truck Manufacture in
Digby, Nova Scotia. He lived at 76 Montague Road and was Digby’s premier industrialist. Defiance
trucks were made 1925-1930.
Source: Walking Tour of Digby
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Source unknown
Hawaiian Cheese Cake Squares
(1) Mix the following ingredients together and pat in a 9 x 13 ungreased pan for 15-20 minutes (just
until lightly browned) at 350 degrees –
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter
(2) Mix the following ingredients and spread on cooled base –
16 oz. Cream cheese
4 T. sugar
4 T. milk
2 eggs
2 tsp. Vanilla
(3) Mix these ingredients together and spread on top of cream cheese mixture –
16 oz. crushed pineapple (drained)
2 c. flaked coconut
2 T. melted butter
Bake for another 15 minutes at 350 degrees.
ENJOY!!!
Sharon Scott
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For Sale:
• 1975 Ford F150 Pickup. Two Wheel Drive, 302 Engine, 4-speed overdrive transmission,
long box; many new parts, new paint, in very good condition -asking $ 8,000 obo.
Contact: Lewis Brimicombe 902-757-2551
[email protected]
…………………………………………………………………………………
• 1956 Dodge Regent has a rebuilt carburetor and brakes, good body and upholstery redone.
[email protected]
Contact: Dave Bowles 902 864-9882
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
1955 Meteor Niagara, made in Canada 4 door sedan, 8 cyl, 272 cu inch, Merc-o-matic transmission, 12volt electrical system, all new interior. Everything works including radio. Vehicle is well looked after.
$8500.00 firm but open to trade for 1967 Fairlane.
Contact: Frank @ 902-435-5343
or
[email protected]
.……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
75 motorcycle magazines for sale: 30 Cycle 1968-75, 16 Cycle Guide 1967-76, 10 Big Bike1971-75, 9
Custom Chopper 1971-74, Cycle Rider Sept 1974, Modern Cycle Fall 1973, Special Choppers Jan 1974,
Cycle World July 1974, Cycle Machines March 1971 and Winter 1972, Dirt Bike Feb 1973, Cycle Sport
Sept 1968.
Car cover new in original packaging from Apple Auto Glass that fits cars up to 160 inches; Spun Bond
Polypropylene fabric (all weather protection) - $40.
Contact: Robert Hazelton 902-684-9381
[email protected]
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
8 used Coker Tire Firestone 820-15 bias ply 4 1/4 inch wide whitewall tires; 2 are almost new
and the rest have signs of wear to varying degrees. $300.00 as a lot
•
• One new knee action shock absorber: Dayton part number on the body is 5313843 R3. Part number
on the arm is 5313878.
• Convex GM glass headlights for late 1930’s vehicles - one perfect and three with one stone chip in
each. Those three would be useful as spares.
• Original Jobway auto wiring diagrams manual 1928 edition. This covers 993 American passenger
cars, trucks and busses from 1920 to 1928. This manual is in excellent condition.
• 1940 Motors Factory Shop manual Fourth Edition (North American makes from 1934-1940) - contain
lots of good data and details.
• Complete set of 12 Mechanix Illustrated magazines for 1961.
• Vintage Safety Supply Company model 185HD, empty brass pyrene fire extinguisher. This has a tee
handle pump and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long and 3 inches in diameter - a great conversation
piece!
• Firestone 820 15 bias ply 4¼-inch wide whitewall tires.
Contact: Wilson Methven
902-543-6139
[email protected]
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
1955-56 Mercury bumper deluxe ($150); T-Pot rebuilt four barrel carburetor for 54-57 Ford
and Mercury ($300); T-Pot four barrel carburetor for 54 Mercury and Lincoln ($300)
Contact: Gordie Mader 902-462-4051
[email protected]
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
• Used set of tires (30X3 ½) for 1922 Model T Coupe
• Variety of bearings and seals.
Contact: Dave Houlihan 902-864-7606
[email protected]
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Wanted:
Wanted: Manometer for 1928 Model A Phaeton
Contact: Richard Merry 902 864-4327
[email protected]
Wanted: Small monometer for 1922 Model T
Contact: Dave Houlihan 902-864-7606
[email protected]
Wanted: Parts for 1931 Chrysler Straight 8 Roadster 931. 1931 Dodge 8 cyl. parts may be similar:
engine (all components, starter, generator, manifolds, distributor, carburetor, etc), transmission & clutch,
driveshaft, rear end, 6 -18"x5.5" 5 bolt wheels (wire or wood spoke artillery style), front & rear bumpers,
taillight, steering box, column & wheel, interior & exterior door handles, all dash gauges, side-mount
hardware, running boards, rumble seat latch & cushions (or bare seat springs). Any other suitable or close
'31 Chrysler parts not mentioned.
Contact: Harold Dillon 902 860-3267
[email protected]
Wanted: 2 sets of wooden garnish moldings for 1950 7-passenger Limousine
Contact: Helmuth Wiegert
[email protected]
Readers’ Comments:
I liked your article about driving in the early years. It reminded me of a paragraph in a book I have "Historic Guysborough" (in which there is an almost full-page snap of our Old Buick - taken about 1958) which gives a little more information about the beginnings of the motorcar in this province. In 1913 there
was a municipal bylaw prohibiting cars from being on the streets on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays,
Saturdays and Sundays! That meant only Tuesdays and Fridays to drive your car; hope you didn't have a
doctor's appointment on the other days - but of course, you'd just hitch up Old Dobbin for that errand. The
penalties were stiff, too: $50 for the first offence, $100 for the second, and $200 or 60s days' imprisonment
for a third. This bylaw was for Guys borough. I wonder if it was typical of others in the province...
Edith Steffens
Business Cards:
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