Fall 2004 Rummage Box

Merry Oldsmobile, 107, of Lansing, Michigan died April 29, 2004 after several years of failing health. A low-key and somber service was conducted on the grounds of the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum.

Earlier in the day, the last remaining member of the Olds family, a stylish Alero, slowly passed along the assembly line as 4,500 humble workers signed its hood and trunk. The last ride was to a tent a short distance away. There, with lush green grass cuddling its new tires, the metallic red paint glistened in the late morning sun. TV cameras and photographer’s flashes blinked their last respects.

In the distance a band played tunes from the early decades of the twentieth century. As the notes of “In My Merry Oldsmobile” floated across the still morning air, many retirees and car collectors shed a tear. At least one of the employees was a third generation Olds worker.

Merry Oldsmobile was preceded in death by All American Oakland (1931) and Phaeton LaSalle (1940).

Surprisingly, none of the high-level General Motors officials attended the last rites. Several senior members of the Olds family were present, including a replica of R.E. Olds initial steam vehicle. A glistening curved-dash vehicle stood tall among the crowd. Joining the bevy of modern Oldsmobiles hovering around the tent were a 1911 Oldsmobile Limited and a 1929 V-8 Viking. Collectors trekked from throughout the United States, many driving their polished ‘88s, ‘98s and earlier models.

Ransom Eli Olds name was murmured softly throughout the crowd. Many stood near the very street where he drove his first 1896 gasoline powered car. They also recalled his contemporary, Henry Ford, who also built a car that year. Olds, they remembered, saw the future and established the Olds Motor Vehicle Company the following year. By1903 it led all other makes in the number of cars built. A year later Ransom Olds formed another company – one that would produce a car bearing his name, the Reo.

The Oldsmobile marquee was bought by William Durant in 1908 and became a part of his General Motors. Olds led the GM fleet with innovative style and engineering. They were the first American car to use chrome trim and the first production vehicle with an automatic transmission. During W.W. II, the Oldsmobile division assembled over 48 million rounds of artillery ammunition. The division also built exacting parts for aircraft engines. Oldsmobile got a jump on the post-war cars by hand building many of the 1946s. They had a car on the street by 3rd of October 1945. (Cadillac followed two weeks later but some wore wooden bumpers!) Their foray into diesel engines proved a flop but they regained statue with the front-wheel drive Toronado.

Gradually the crowds and visiting automobiles departed. The band fell silent. As the afternoon shadows gathered, a few faithful stood by as the Alero’s engine was cranked for the last time. With its headlights shining brightly, it headed for interment in the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum.

Merry Olds is survived by Gran Prix and Am Pontiac; Cavalier, Monte Carlo and Impala Chevrolet along with their pert cousin Corvette Chevrolet; Close relatives include Regal and LaSabre Buick as well as Escalade, Seville and DeVille Cadillac. Other family members are G.M. Truck with sons Yukon and Envoy and daughter Safari. Younger members of the clan are Ion and Quad Saturn. European cousins are Astra Opel and Agila and Tigra Vauxhall.

Modern “rock” & “rap” music is criticized for suggestive lyrics. Well…what about this benign 1905 ditty by Gus Edwards and Vincent Bryan, My Merry Oldsmobile?

Look at the words and tell me what you think! (My underlining)

Verse 1
Young Johnnie Steele has an Oldsmobile. He loves a dear little girl.
She is the queen of his gas machine. She has his heart in a whirl.
Now when they go for a spin, you know, she tries to learn his auto, so
He lets her steer while he gets her ear, and whispers soft and low;

Chorus

Come away with me Lucile in my merry Oldsmobile
Down the road of life we’ll fly automo-bubbling you and I.
To the church we’ll swiftly steal, then our wedding bells will peal,
You can go as far you like with me, In my merry Oldsmobile.

Verse 2

They love to spark in the dark old park, as they go flying along,
She says she knows why his motor goes; his sparker’s awfully strong.
Each day they spoon to the engine’s tune, their honeymoon will happen soon,
He’ll win Lucile with his Oldsmobile and then he’ll fondly croon;

Chorus

Would it pass the censors today?