MTFCA Forum

I wasn’t going to make Hershey this year. 1250 miles each way at 10 mpg (diesel pickup pulling a trailer) seemed a bit much. However, I had told Carl Pate I was going to have a ride in a Model B for him. Carl has been battling severe health issues, and I didn’t know if I was ever going to follow through. Carl, who “wrote the book” had only one early Ford he has not driven or rode in. That’s right, a Model B.

We (Early Ford Registry) were presenting Carl and wife Anne a lifetime achievement award. The Pates were planning to attend, if Carl’s health allowed.

Finally, about 10:00 am Tuesday, I couldn’t stand myself anymore. Soooooooo, I told myself - “self, if the pickup starts, if the tires are all up on the truck, trailer and car, if he “B” starts, by god, it’s going to happen.” Well, the pickup started. The tires were up, and I’ll be damned if the “B” didn’t give a free start after priming.

I left an hour later at 11:00 am Central on Tuesday. Twenty hours later I pulled into Hershey. An early Ford friend shared a room and gave me a sticker, and we were in.

Wednesday the Pates arrived and we held our EFR (Early Ford Registry) meet and greet, and Carl and Anne were able to visit old friends for a few hours. They received their surprise award, and we all enjoyed spending time with them. Two hours later, at 5:00 pm eastern, I packed up and headed west. I was home 20 hours later, not much worse for the wear. And, I had fulfilled a promise.

It was good seeing a few of you, and I look forward to/hope for many more Hershey’s ahead. In the meantime, I am a fortunate person to count so many of you as “old car friends.”
Cheers,
Rob

Carl and Anne reviewed, and approved this video for posting (click on the Dropbox link to see the video):

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/emej22bl ... s8p1r&dl=0


Carl and Anne with John Biggs, UK, and an unknown friend: EFR president Paul S. and treasurer-secretary Rick L. presenting award to Carl and Anne:

The car drove past me and a friend while shopping at Mader’s behind the grandstand on Wednesday afternoon.

Rob,

That was very kind of you to see that Carl got a ride in your Model B.
Nice video also.

Rob, I had caught an earlier comment about this trip on a previous forum thread. I am pleased to see more details and photos about it.
You are indeed a good man.

Rob: Thank you for your true ambassadorship!

Thank you guys. Carl has been a wonderful friend and mentor. We haven't had a chance to connect since the pandemic. He and Anne were fixtures at New London to New Brighton and Old Car Festival, as well as Hershey, where they hosted the Early Ford gathering every year.

Carl has always listened to my sometimes "out there" ideas, and always encouraged research and revisiting early Ford history. Even though he "wrote the book," he always supported new information and research. He and Anne are true friends, and friends of all early car enthusiasts.

I went to Hershey for the 37th straight year without missing one. I only spent $25 for a few nice items. Spent a lot of time talking with old friends. I wonder if I'll go next year? It ain't what it used to be. The weather was perfect.

Thanks for sharing, Rob. I'll make it to Hershey a priority next year.

: ^ )

Keith

Rob,

Thanks for sharing this heart warming story.

Rob, That was a wonderful thing you did for Carl. I'm sure many of us would have liked to have been there for it. Thank you for posting the video, and Thanks to Carl for all that he did over the years.

Keith

Thanks Rob,

I have a signed copy of Carl's book that he graciously sent me when I ordered it and first started on my SR project. The project stalled a number of times, but this has given me some real incentive to finish it. Bought it in 2010 and think I should table the T's for this winter cause that is all it will take to finish the SR. Thanks for the video and I probably won't ever make the 2500 to Hershey, but may make it to Chickasaw.

Jim