Just outside Hiccup Springs, Manitoba, CANADA
Douglas Dayton dreams of the olde leaded gas dinosaurs of yesteryear
Studebakers, Desoto’s, Hudsons and Packards mostly
They had their run but now so few of us offer up their makes or models in conversation
All these remarkable autos saw their share of assembly line magic
Each becoming their own refined powerhouse, roadworthy - machine
Back in those Canadian days when gasoline was sold for pennies a gallon instead of dollars
Teenagers like Douglas remember well when two bits could get a fellers jalopy up and Runnin’ at the fillin’ station well enough to putter on back home
Seatbelts were not even a safety consideration then
Radios were an upgrade not standard issue yet
And whitewalls were the way to go
And most provinces required operators to make hand signals out the drivers window
Douglas who turns a lively 85 next week has a treasure chest of sorts
Out back in his relic of a barn you’d be amazed at what you’d find
One of each of the aforementioned cars lovingly restored and sporting original paint
Blanketed under canvas tarps he purchased from the army surplus store way back when
Amazingly - all four are patiently maintained and religiously driven
By Douglas who still takes out his old chariots at least once a week
Funny to see this life well lived - where an interest, became his dream so vibrantly enjoyed
As time marches on... these wheels keep turning
While the seasons certainly come then faithfully go
And... Dreamer Douglas Rolls On