OK, so here I am grousing around about the 1961 Lancer and thinking Ford again.
Next thing you know I had a 63-1/2 Galaxie 500. A two door hardtop with the new fastback roofline, a 289 V8 and automatic transmission.
Gone was the notchback look which Galaxies had for several years, this was the Ford to have. I bought it in 1964 and kept it for about three years. Longevity was not my strong suit but, we did put a lot of miles on it.
The picture (click it) shows my second son Jim, and first son Rick who is in the Ford. I'm not sure anymore but, one of those two kicked the shifter out of gear and the car rolled backwards down the driveway.
It came to a gentle stop a few inches from the mailbox and the new driver was smiling happily. (I think it was Jim but I should check with Rick).
One thing I missed was air conditioning. Up to the time of the 56 Chrysler, I never thought about air but, the Chrysler had it and now it became a problem for me!
I remember a trip we made in the Galaxie from Ohio to Illinois to see friends we met during my Army time. The ride was across Ohio and into the corn country of Indiana and Illinois in July. It was hot, windows down and driving 60 MPH, it was still hot.
As I mentiond earlier, I worked for a fine little lighting company with great people. Mostly local. We formed associations and friendships and earned respect by working hard, together.
We picnicked, played ball, fished and hunted together. We drank beer and sang too! We had good leaders and management and we responded.
I worked in that environment for nearly 15 of the 25 years I spent there. Then, things had to change and change they did.
I will get into that and also cover some of the fun cars we had to toy around with as well.
Rich
