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DALLAS TWP. — The Dallas Days Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show brought area residents out to celebrate Dallas Township’s bicentennial on Sunday, one of a series of events planned this year for the momentous occasion.
Liz Martin, bicentennial celebration planner, said although many attendees were interested in the specifics and history of each car, it was the stories behind the vehicles that made people pause as they walked around the event, speaking with car owners as they took a look back in history.
“Every car here today has a story,” Martin said. “It’s an event not only about the cars, but those stories.”
And Tom Zimmerman certainly had one to tell.
Standing in front of his green 1950 DeSoto Carry All, Zimmerman said he bought the car in 1970 for a very simple reason. “I was newly married and had a young family,” he said. “I needed a way to get to work.”
After a few years, Zimmerman started to make more money and bought a new car, but he could never bring himself to get rid of the DeSoto.
“I just had a feeling that I should keep it,” he said. “And it sat in storage for about 20 years.”
When Zimmerman did finally decide to restore and display it at car shows, it became a family affair.
“Five members of my family are here today,” he said. “It’s all about family.”
Daughter Debby Cunningham, of Muncy, said she remembers the car purchased for utility when she was four years old and later transformed into a classic.
She attends cars shows, she said, for two reasons.
“I love cars and I love my dad,” she said.
About 17 years ago, the family traveled to the Edsel Ford Mansion in Detroit to an “invitation only” car show.
“It was the most prestigious show we have been at,” said Tom Zimmerman.
Zimmerman said he never foresaw how valuable the car would be or the opportunities would afford him when he bought it from a salvage yard all those years ago.
“Its one of only six left in the world,” he said.
Zimmerman proudly holds a document enumerating the specifics of the vehicle, its color, when it was manufactured, when it was delivered, even how much it weighs.
Smiling, he said, “This is its birth certificate.”
Across the parking lot, Ron Boback Sr. and son Ron Jr., from Trucksville, were also enjoying some family time as the summer opened, displaying two cars and quick to detail their colors, years and histories.
Looking out on their 1931 Model-A, Boback Sr. said, “It’s been in our family for 62 years.”
Next to it, a blue and gray 1955 Buick Special was acquired by the family 40 years ago.
The father and son were proud that their cars were among so many great pieces of automotive history at the show.
“This has been a really nice event,” said Boback. “Really well run.”
Liz Martin, credited Eli Foss, car show organizer, with making the event a success, with over 50 cars entering the generally well attended show.
Martin said the bicentennial celebration, which began April 7 with a gala honoring those in law enforcement, will continue with monthly events held throughout the year.
