You keep a knockin…..
Posted on Jun 24th, 2009 at 2:52 pm by team
Greetings from Ogllala, NE! We made it here yesterday at around 4pm. Unfortunately, our 200 mile day in the Maxwell (Babbs) was cut short because the dreaded noise returned. The day started out so well- the Maxwell, the Spyker and the Rambler were rolling down the road at 8am. Our first rolling stop was over the original Lincoln Highway bricks in Shelton, NE that we learned about in South Bend, IN. We were excited to see Bob and Lennie again (3rd time! South Bend, IN Grand Island, NE & Shelton, NE). This time Lennie ran out to the car to hand us some SUPER cold water! Thank you both for all of your hospitality and energy! It really keeps us going!
Our second stop was at the Frank house http://www.unk.edu/offices/frankhouse a beautiful historic home on the University of Nebraska-Kearney (UNK) campus. All three car loads were treated to scones and lemonade on the beautiful porch. Roger and Sarah from the visitors bureau hooked us up with coolers full of cold water and KrisAnn toured Emily around the home (thank you).
The Frank House was a really great stop for Emily and me. We were fortunate to speak to Linda VanIngen, the Head of the Women’s and Gender Studies department. This was such a wonderful meeting. Linda mentioned that she was not knowledgeable about the old car element of this journey, but was thrilled and thanked us for bringing attention to women’s history. It was a great moment, since that was the inspiration behind Emily’s motivation to recreate the drive and one of the main reasons that I joined her!
Kermit and Ruby Wilke joined the caravan from the Frank House in their Model T Ford. We really wanted to shanghi Ruby in the Maxwell until lunch, but Babbs was acting a little fussy and we were worried about working her harder, so we caravanned instead! As always, we LOVE looking back and seeing friends! Once we reached Cozad, NE. Kermit commented on trying to keep up with ol’ lead foot Anderson!
The town of Cozad was about our halfway point for the day and we saw some of the most cherry cars thus far! I tried to run off in a 30’s Cadillac, but we had about 90 more miles to go and Emily needs my left arm!!
After alot of jaw dropping stylee vehicles and a burger feed at the 100th Meridian Musum it was Ogallala or bust! (thank you Judy Anders for organizing) Babbs was running well, so we threw Cecily in the back seat and we were on our way. 10 miles and many laughs later it was unfortunately the latter-bust. We heard a couple good backfires and the knocking sound came back.
The laughter stopped and a super solem mood took over. What are we going to do now? How many times can we put a patch on the same problem? What are we missing? Where is the closest specialty shop? Are we driving tomorrow? ………………………
Keeping fingers crossed for you for all things to “sound” smoooooth.
Nan Weber on June 24th, 2009 at 4:18 pm #
Drive on Emily and Team…Knock or not, you WILL make it.
Betsy Wagers on June 24th, 2009 at 6:56 pm #
It has been delightful following the progress of your trip across the United States. Sorry to hear that Babbs is making those noises again! I am sure that Rich will figure out a way to get her to San Francisco in good shape. Looking forward to video of your trip when completed. We are headed to Eagle River, Alaska next week but will continue following your progress. Interesting to see a post the other day from the Berry’s visiting there also.
Craig & Barb Solomonson
Cambridge, Minnesota
Craig Solomonson on June 24th, 2009 at 8:16 pm #
What troopers you all are!! It’s so fun to follow your adventures…thank you for thinking of me, Margaret, as you crossed Nebraska. My grandmother was a pioneer who homesteaded there…she told of hiding under the bed when “Indians” would knock on their door wanting food…Hello from Dick and I to all of you…take care and stay safe!!
Zarida Young on June 24th, 2009 at 8:25 pm #
Nice picture! the road looks great in the sun glasses I see the Maxwell is running again what happened??? Good Luck tommorow We love following this great adventure I did make it back to Jefferson Iowa to see the 1919 Miltary vehicals on there adventure 90th anniversary of the miltary convoy across America they had 2 orignal trucks and the orignal 1918 Dodge Brothers Staff Car It only took them 89 day to go across America Just think you are doing it in only 30 days
Dennis McGuire on June 24th, 2009 at 8:32 pm #
Here is a list of Automotive shops in Ogallala, hope this helps
Automotive Service Solutions LLC, 2808 Spruce Acres, Ogallala, NE 69153
284-4465
Beaver Bearing Company, 1403 West 1st, Ogallala, NE 69153
284-8181
Duke’s Autobody & Paint, 107 State St., Brule, NE 69127
287-2313
Extreme Machine, 413 West 1st Street, Ogallala, NE 69153
284-3030
Humphreys Auto Supply, P.O. Box 630, Ogallala, NE 69153
284-3638
Ogallala NAPA, 119 East A, Ogallala, NE 69153
284-3664
Ogallala Truck & Auto, 104 East H St., Ogallala, NE 69153
284-4252
Pioneer Service Center, 417 East 1st, Ogallala, NE 69153
284-3424
Power Wash, 2212 Westridge Drive, Ogallala, NE 69153
289-0170
Schmidt Motors, P.O. Box 890, Ogallala, NE 69153
284-6090
Steve’s Body & Paint Shop, 108 West I, Ogallala, NE 69153
284-3678
Summers/Zoellner Ford, 602 West 1st, Ogallala, NE 69153
284-2001
T & S Auto Detail, 620 West H Street, Ogallala, NE 69153
284-2603
T. O. Haas Tire Co., Inc., 700 West 1st, Ogallala, NE 69153
284-2894
Town & Country Service Center, P.O. Box 457, Ogallala, NE 69153
284-4315
Truck & Auto Alignment, P.O. Box 507, Ogallala, NE 69153
284-4518
John on June 25th, 2009 at 12:06 pm #
Gosh dang it Babbs……..stop messin with the girlfriends!!! Sending lots of positive energy to the Maxwell, Tim and Rich. She’ll be fine…I can feel it. Alice made it and so will you all. Thanks for posting on twitter and here, it’s made it easier to bear the fact we couldn’t keep driving along with you. Look how far you’ve gone in a week!. Hugs to everyone, Dawn and Joe
Dawn on June 25th, 2009 at 12:38 pm #
We’re still routing for you all and want to see you make it! May the car
God’s be with you. Hope you find a shop that can help you. Take care.
All of us at Tommy’s Inc. Grand Island Randy
Randy Shaffer on June 25th, 2009 at 1:38 pm #
We are with you in spirit young ladies! Our AACA Region (Orange Blossom Region of Central Florida) is rooting for your safe journey and great experience for what these pioneers accomplished 100 years ago. All the Best and Safe Travels.
Dr. Broxterman on June 25th, 2009 at 1:39 pm #
The motto of the Interstate Batteries Great American Race was “To finish is to win” …..I know what your are going through having finished the race 6 times. Everyone helped out whenever and however they could even if it meant the team you helped placed ahead of your team. I have no doubts about you finishing what you started out to accomplish. You are a winner with a winning team supporting you. I am so sure you will finish that I will now give my congratulations to you and your team…….essecially your Dad for such a wonderful idea that has excited and enhanced the old car hobby.
Frank Whitney on June 25th, 2009 at 9:34 pm #
Still following your progress, & remember it’s all progress. Don’t get down “BABS” will make if only a little at a time. Then Tim can finally get a rest. We finally made it yo Vermont just in time for the Horseless Carriage tour in our home town. We rode with Alan & Kathy Miller in their 1913 Cadillac.
How great to ride with the wind in your face.
Stop & enjoy the sights while Tim & Rich get Babs back in shape. We will be following your progress along with the rest of the world.
Keep Smiling
Steve & Marianne Davis
Steve & Marianne Davis on June 26th, 2009 at 3:40 am #
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KonstantinMiller on July 6th, 2009 at 11:44 am #