OUR. FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN
If the sum of one’s life could be measured by the loyalty of one’s friends, then today dad stands tall in heaven.
He joins his parents and siblings, embraced by those friends lost too early.
I would like to think he is back from his morning jog, donning his favored overalls.
Firing up the Stanley, treasured prodigious prodder in hand, readying for another hundred mile rally.
Who might be his map reader in heaven?
Perhaps his brother Moe, best friend and guide in life.
Uncle Pete hops in back.
Aunt Dorothy steals the last back seat.
Their mother and father send them on their way.
Where to today?
A hill climb for certain, scenic river for siphoning, country roads for miles.
Moose or two?
Must be Maine.
Coffee stop?
Quaint historic church, of course.
Fresh baked breads, friendly folks and curious kids galore.
Next stop?
Historic town, old cars lining the main square.
Box lunch under the shade of a big oak tree.
Rides round the block for those curious onlookers, to experience the thrill.
Gracious answers a plenty.
How much is that car worth, sir?
What one can get when one needs to sell-his most oft uttered response.
Long afternoon ride, nowhere to siphon.
Why, any driveway would do.
No Spigot or hose you say?
No worries, have that with us, too.
What favored ride doesn’t encounter…
A horse drawn buggy spotted, we travel back in time.
Children seated on back, legs dangling, hats lowered, until…
What’s that? A welcome glance, is that a smile?
Connection made, a shared reverence for times past.
Always a few extra turns as we near tour headquarters.
Why…still have steam, fuel, and daylight, mind you!
First out, last back.
No accounting in that, but a great love for the unending.
Defining a perfect day.
Time to blow down, but day is not over.
Young ones to arouse.
Ever heard of the Steam Rollers?
Empty rink no more.
Grand time for all.
For dad, no need to reload the trailer.
In fact, trailer no more.
Memories aplenty, regrets so few.
Join him we all will, but not just as yet. A legacy of honor, loyalty, and true love-our charge to live, propagate and spread. Dad will be with us always now, guiding our every day. His wisdom, our guide. His integrity, our conscience. His love, our fuel to carry on.
We wish to express our gratitude for all your kind wishes and memories of our father. We were blessed to have shared a wealth of experiences throughout his lifetime, as he so greatly shaped who we are today. He always said, ‘never let school interfere with your education’, as we experienced history and life through his wise eyes. Dad’s integrity, loyalty and undying love will be with us forever, and has already influenced his grandchildren.
With our deepest gratitude,
Donna & Dennis Basler family
donnabasler@mac.com
312-391-0210
John 11:25,26 “I am the resurrection and the life, The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”
James 1:2 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
1911 Stanley Model 70 Touring Car
In dads own words, “The Stanley has provided me with 80,000+ miles of the greatest motoring pleasure of my life.” A veteran of Steam tours since the 1970’s, the Stanley has a great driving history. One of only two 1911 Model 70’s known to exist.
The Stanley was owned for many years by opera singer of the 40’s and 50’s, James Melton. There are various publications and pictures of Melton with the Stanley. He enjoyed driving his cars. Upon his death, Winthrop Rockefeller of Arkansas acquired several cars, including this Stanley. He built a museum in Petit-Jean Mountain, Arkansas, where the Stanley and many others were on display.
The Stanley was made available and was purchased by my father, Bob Nydam and Marvin Young, and dad took full possession of the car in 1971. Dad fully restored the car in the mid 1970’s. Hydraulic brakes, as well as sealed and modern bearings were added the 1990’s, making the car much safer to drive, as we toured thousand of miles each summer as a family.
Car of record, Stanley Register:
http://stanleyregister.net/SurvivorsPre50.html
http://stanleyregister.net/1911.html#6164
Offered, October 5-6, 2022, RM SOTHEBY’S, HERSHEY, PA
1909 Packard 18
Engine #: 9641
Purchased in 1984, mid-restoration, by Bob Nydam from Peg Davis, widow of the late Leonard Davis of Pontiac, Michigan. Bob, a great personal friend of Leonard Davis, completed the restoration in 1988, as the late Mr. Davis and Dick Teague had researched and begun. The car was about 50% complete when dad acquired it.
The Runabout chassis and running gear are genuine 1909. Some liberties were taken to complete the car as the 5 passenger Phaeton. It is an impressive running, robust Packard.
The original owner was not known, though there was documentation that a David Tunick owned the car before being acquired from Paddy Boyle of Ridgefield, NJ sometime before 1951.
Richard A. Teague acquired the original Runabout chassis and running gear from Paddy Boyle in 1951. Mr. Teague was quite an authoritarian on early Packards, having been a chief designer at Packard for many years. Through his direction and research, he decided to complete the car as a Phaeton, which was on the drawing board at Packard, though none were known to exist.
It was not much more than a chassis when purchased by Leonard Davis in the late 1950’s. Leonard began restoration, continuing Dick Teague’s modification of the original Model 18 as a Phaeton, collecting remaining parts needed to complete.
An impressive running car, in pristine condition. Leatherwork by Leif Drexel, body and restoration Bob Nydam.
Packard Registry:
http://www.packardsonline.com/packard_display_car.cfm?pk=82
Offered, RM SOTHEBY’S, OCTOBER 5-6, 2022, HERSHEY, PA
1910 Paige Detroit 4 Cylinder Roadster
Rare, early 4 cylinder, 1910,
Offered, October 5-6, 2022 RM SOTHEBY’S, HERSHEY, PA
Engine# 6640, showing on both motor, as well as foot pedal.
1902 Curved Dash Oldsmobile, part of Bob Nydam's collection since the early 1970's. Original car, not a reproduction. Great running Olds, veteran of many 1 & 2 cylinder tours, London to Brighton runs, and Oldsmobile anniversaries.
Engine restored by the late George Green, and maintained by Don Mates, body restored by Bob Nydam.
The gasoline-powered Curved Dash Oldsmobile is credited as being the first mass-produced automobile, as it was built on an assembly line using interchangeable parts. It was introduced by the Oldsmobile company in 1901 and produced through 1907. 425 were produced the first year, 2,500 in 1902, and over 19,000 were built in all. Dads research showed his olds as approximately the 262nd built.
The Curved Dash car was a runabout model, could seat two passengers, and sold for US$650.
The flat-mounted, water-cooled, single-cylinder engine, situated at the center of the car, produced 5 HP, relying on a brass gravity feed carburetor. The transmission was a semi-automatic design with two forward speeds and one reverse. The low-speed forward and reverse gear system is a planetary type. The car weighed 850 lbs. and used Concord springs. It had a top speed of 20 mph.
The car's success was partially by accident, when in 1901 a fire destroyed a number of other model prototypes before they were approved for production, leaving the Curved Dash the only one intact.
Offered, RM SOTHEYBY’S, OCOBER 5-6, HERSHEY, PA
