Studes in Roadside Americana photos

[Jeff_H]

I was curious about the picture of the '50 commander convertible in #4375.

Some research on Jeanette Davis, Bob De Haven, and WCCO (radio station in the twin cities) revealed some background on this photo and its likely time and place.

Bob De Haven (seated in the back of the convertible on the left) was a radio announcer for WCCO.

I am pretty sure this picture is from the 1950 Minneapolis Aquatennial parade. The Aquatennial is a annual week long summer festival in Minneapolis. WCCO radio had a 2hr music program on Saturday July 22, 1950 at the start of the festival and Janette Davis was one of the talents at the show. Others were Eddie Cantor and Gary Moore with Cedric Adams as Emcee.

Bio of Janette Davis: http://www.janettedavis.net/p/Janette_Davis_bio.php

The parade photo must be Wednesday July 26th, 1950. According to the article I found, the Saturday afternoon parade was rained out and the Wednesday parade was in the evening and 450,000 lined the streets for it. The parade was also broadcast on TV.

[JRoberts]

I was curious about the picture of the '50 commander convertible in #4375.

Some research on Jeanette Davis, Bob De Haven, and WCCO (radio station in the twin cities) revealed some background on this photo and its likely time and place.

Bob De Haven (seated in the back of the convertible on the left) was a radio announcer for WCCO.

I am pretty sure this picture is from the 1950 Minneapolis Aquatennial parade. The Aquatennial is a annual week long summer festival in Minneapolis. WCCO radio had a 2hr music program on Saturday July 22, 1950 at the start of the festival and Janette Davis was one of the talents at the show. Others were Eddie Cantor and Gary Moore with Cedric Adams as Emcee.

Bio of Janette Davis: http://www.janettedavis.net/p/Janette_Davis_bio.php

The parade photo must be Wednesday July 26th, 1950. According to the article I found, the Saturday afternoon parade was rained out and the Wednesday parade was in the evening and 450,000 lined the streets for it. The parade was also broadcast on TV.

Thanks for the information about this picture. It is great to have that kind of insight into a picture when you can find it.

[6hk71400]

Phoenix did use 1961 Larks for general duty police cars. The cops were not that happy with the cars and complained the chassis would crack. I can remember seeing a lark in hot pursuit as it blew by our 59 lark on time on the Phoenix street of Camelback road. The cars were later put to use in the general motor pool until 1971.

Bob Miles
Tucson AZ

[Lou Van Anne]

In 62 they also used Studebakers and I remember seeing a couple of 64s also.

Phoenix did use 1961 Larks for general duty police cars. The cops were not that happy with the cars and complained the chassis would crack. I can remember seeing a lark in hot pursuit as it blew by our 59 lark on time on the Phoenix street of Camelback road. The cars were later put to use in the general motor pool until 1971.

Bob Miles
Tucson AZ

[BobPalma]

This photo was taken no earlier than 1962 in downtown Indianapolis:

http://historicindianapolis.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Downtown.jpg

I'd like to think that's a silver 1962 Gran Turismo Hawk parked to the left of the white 1959 Ford 4-door, but can't say for sure. BP

[BobPalma]

Look right over the hood of the 1960 Cadillac Sedan DeVille in the foreground:

http://assets.blog.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads//2015/03/FortLauderdaleFL1962_1800-700x450.jpg

Is that an Oasis Green 1960 Lark? It looks a little odd toward the back of the RR window, but that might be an exterior rear-view mirror on the white 1955 Pontiac parked next to the Lark. BP

[8E45E]

Look right over the hood of the 1960 Cadillac Sedan DeVille in the foreground:

http://assets.blog.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads//2015/03/FortLauderdaleFL1962_1800-700x450.jpg

Is that an Oasis Green 1960 Lark? It looks a little odd toward the back of the RR window, but that might be an exterior rear-view mirror on the white 1955 Pontiac parked next to the Lark. BP

Looks like a '60 Lark to me, but what is that blue convertible right above the blue '64 Buick Electra 225 2 door hardtop?

Craig

[BobPalma]

Looks like a '60 Lark to me, but what is that blue convertible right above the blue '64 Buick Electra 225 2 door hardtop? Craig

If you're thinking it might be a 1964 Daytona convertible, Craig; I think you might be right.

I was thinking 1961 or 1963 Ford until I enlarged it and noted the license plate location and tail panel, and, overall, it isn't wide enough to be one of those Fords; the proportions are wrong.

I believe it might be a 1964 Daytona after all.

Good eye. BP

[8E45E]

I believe it might be a 1964 Daytona after all.

If its the Coral Ridge Center/Mall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which I am guessing it is by looking at the trees, where was the closest location a Laguna Blue '64 convertible with white top was delivered to there?

Craig

[JRoberts]

Omaha, Nebraska. 1962 on 17th street:

[JRoberts]

I guess this is not technically "Roadside Americana" but I thought it was interesting.

[aarrggh]

[aarrggh]

[kurtruk]

Is post #4393 a two-fer?. That's always nice to see. I think about how this type of thread would be different for other marques. It would be useless for Ford, Chevy, etc. Imagine how difficult a thread like this would be for fanciers of Nash, Hudson, Packard, K-F, etc.

[wlfrench]

Where was that shot taken of the WigWam Motel (#4355)? I can remember as a child in the 60's driving in the south west on family trips and seeing a WigWam motel. I'm just wondering if that is the same one that we drove by.