Gary Morris played his 1929 Excelsior accordion at the Clearwater Lodge get-together for vintage vehicle enthusiasts. Photo submitted by Kay Olson
After reading “Two Bucks and a Can of Gas,” Garry Morris from Finland, Minnesota, contacted author Robert (Bob) Olson about meeting him. Morris, who owns a 1930 Model A pickup, planned to visit this spring, but COVID-19 put a damper on that plan.
Fast forward to Thursday, September 10, Morris, his brother and some friends met Bob at Clearwater Lodge and shared stories about their vintage vehicles.
Bob’s love affair with classic cars began years ago. His father, Richard Olson, enjoyed restoring vintage vehicles. When it came time to downsize, he asked his son, Bob, what car he might like. Bob chose the 1930 Model A pick up he had been allowed to use when he was growing up. Because there were some valuable cars to pick from, Richard had a hard time understanding this. Bob decided then to write the story about why this vehicle meant so much to him. The book, “Two Bucks and a Can of Gas,” was published in 2012. Over the years, a few people who have read the book contacted Bob, but Morris asked to bring along his brother, some friends, their classic cars, and meet.
On September 10, this group trailered their old cars to Cascade Lodge, unloaded them and drove to Clearwater Lodge to meet Bob and his wife, Kay. Gary and Marilyn Morris arrived in a 1930 Model A Ford pick up. Pete Morris arrived in a 1929 Oakland four door sedan. Jerry and Cathy Kelly, from Babbitt, arrived in a 1929 Model A Ford Roadster.
Meeting them at Clearwater Lodge were Bob and Kay Olson with their 1930 Model A Ford pick up and 1930 Model A Ford sedan. Also joining them were Dave and Patsy Coleman in their 1923 Model T Ford Touring. Carl Solander and Wayne Anderson joined this group as Wayne spent some much appreciated time helping Bob get his little truck running again three years ago.
This group soon drew a small crowd and out came the musical instruments. Having it explained that you couldn’t play a new instrument if you drive an old car, Gary whipped out his 1929 Excellsior accordion and Pete pulled out his restored 1931 Gibson guitar to entertain the group.
A couple of hours of looking over the old cars and entertaining with stories of restoring and growing up with old vehicles and their adventures made for a very pleasant afternoon. A tentative plan to do another “get together” perhaps with more friends was discussed. Keep your eyes peeled for those old vehicles traveling the Trail!
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