It actually took
quite a while to get everything together to make this picture happen.
I found a picture of my grandmother and grandfather on their first
date in 1938. They were sitting on his 1929 Chevrolet in the yard of
the house where she grew up through the depression. The house is
still owned by one of my cousins so April (my fiance) and I decided to go to the house and
retake the picture with The '31 and ourselves.
She is still alive and I plan to print both picture out, frame them and give them to her.

My picture

Congratulations!
Fantastic idea...
It reminds me about a similar thing I did some years ago. A friend of mine from Eritrea/Africa sent me pics of his mom and his dad and said we dont have any pic of them together, and now my father died 15 years ago, I have only some pics of them when they were single, before marriage.
Would you help me with your computer? Was complicate, hard work but I got it and his mother now is very happy to have a picture together with her (now dead) husband which was never taken when he was alive...

And I was happy that I was able to help in this case...

Stefangermany

Great idea and well done.

Now that is really cool. If possible you should try and get your mom and dad to do the same thing. It would be a great conversation piece to have all 3 pics hanging on the wall together. I particularly liked the fact that you were able to go back to the same spot to have the picture taken.
I might try to do something similar when my car is on the road.
Well done,
Cliff

Man, that is one DYNAMITE photo!! That is great! I noticed also that the front license plate on both cars appears to have the same number. Is that correct? If so, what's the story on that?

Maybe Cut and Paste?

Hi Vetteman61,

Too bad you are not a member of the VCCA. That would be a great story and picture to share with all the members. Perhaps you should consider joining.

I love that picture.Please let us know your Grandmothers feelings when present her with them.I bet she'll be over joyed.
What a great thing to do for her.

Fantastic idea and gift for your Grandmother. Great job on your part!!!

Thanks for all the comments! The license plate was the one thing I had to cut out of the old picture. I was going to borrow an original from a friend/collector but because of our crazy schedule I didn't have time. All I had was MS Paint and Nero PhotoSnap, which are certainly not optimal. It actually took me several hours just to cut, resize and recolor the license plate and eventually get the color of the new photo to match (as close as I could anyway) the color of the old photo.
I've had this idea for almost a year. We had been trying to take the picture for 2 or 3 months but the car, weather, or something would always come up.
In fact on this day siding blew off the house and we had to fix it trying to rush to still have daylight. The water pump which I recently rebuilt had some bad parts and so on the way there (rushing at a blister 45 miles per hour, which for my poor old worn out engine is really cooking) there was grease and antifreeze spewing out of the pump.
It's hard to tell from the photo but those positions truly are the most uncomfortable way to sit that one could choose. April is much taller than my grandmother and I'm shorter than he was (he was about 6'3"), so we kind of wound up mismatched. hehe.
We took lots and lots and lots and lots of pictures hoping to get one where we were both in the same position. My leg got a horrible cramp from the awkward position and we would both have to take a rest for a couple seconds from the awkward position.
I get pretty compulsive about detail with stuff like this and it really bothered me that there were leaves on the ground, but the rest turned out well enough that now it doesn't really bother me anymore. The fading of the wood on the house gave that picture a darker overall color, so it was difficult to match because even when I finally got the colors matched it didn't "look," the same.
Sidenote: That house was built from lumber cut from the farm in the 20's. The logs had to be shipped out to the saw mill, cut, and returned. 3 family members have died in the house. The funerals were held there, and it was not uncommon (I've been told) for people to change engines in their cars from the great tree that was in the yard. The Charlie Daniel's band members rented the house (in the 70's or 80's, i can't remember) to practice in. They put carpet all over the walls (later removed when my cousin restored the house) and shot a hole in the bath tup with a shotgun trying to kill a mosue/rat.
I would love ...really love to join the group, but times are tight. I literally spent almost all of my money buying the '31. (it was a once in a lifetime deal i couldn't pass up). Right now, money is tight. That's why the '31 is tucked safely away in storage now until warm weather, when I can hopefully afford the remaining repairs. My daily driver is a '57 Chevrolet and I have some things I need to do to it as I drive it as well. I'm attempting to finally follow my passion of acting. April's very supportive, but as a result these are the tough times. I substitute teach in the meantime.
Please don't take this the wrong way, I'm in no way AT ALL asking for hand outs... I just mean that it's not that I don't feel the group is important. I hope within a year or two to have gotten on my feet a little better and then my cars can come out to play whenever they want again.

It happens to must of us and it is not the best of times right now.

Very cool! Thanks a bunch for sharing it with us.

All the Best, Chip

OUTSTANDING. I haven't awarded a "prize" on here for quite a while -- but I'm going to NOW. Vetteman61, please send me a PM with your address in it. You have just "won" a FREE year's membership to the VCCA.


Anyone that would go to that much trouble to get such a memorable photo (with such a great car) deserves to belong to "The World's Best Chevrolet Club".


No kidding, please send me your address and I'll sponsor your membership. It's not a handout -- but rather recognition for a great idea, and even better execution of it.


PS. If you don't marry that gal, then I'll revoke this offer.

Very well done Mr. Barker!

Now there is a real car buff and hopeless romantic, exactly what it takes to appreciate historic autos. If you do marry this gal, maybe your kids will take the same pic. of you some time down the road.

Excellent job! Thanx for sharing!

Vetteman61, Fantastic job on the photo. Glad you had the perserverance to finish it and then share it with us. I see BB continues to give more than 100%!! Great job all around. Beamer

Vetteman61!!! Very cool pictures indead.

hoppy

Wow, thanks everyone for the positive comments. I thought the group might want to see the pictures but I never imagined the response. Thanks everyone.

P.S. I'm definitely not going to let her get away. I waited a long time to find a woman like her. Not only is she a great woman, but loves old cars for the same reason I do, and somehow, doesn't mind putting up with me. 3 for 3!!!

Tremendous photo!!!! Absolutely beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.

Now that you can be a VCCA member, I sincerely hope you will submit this photo and story for publication in the G&D so ALL VCCA members can see it.

Again, thanks for sharing.

The VCCA has a committee that is established to help members with their story, shortcut, handy tip and other subjects.

If you would like, draft a story while it is still fresh in your mind. As soon as you receive your membership card and number, you can send your article to me and I will see that the committee sees your article and provides suggestions for you to consider.

Submission of an article to the committee is NOT mandatory. It is for your assistance if needed.

Just so you all know, Brandon (aka Vetteman61) has accepted my offer by PM and he will soon be an offical VCCA'er if my check doesn't bounce!!!

I would love to see the photo in an upcoming issue of the G&D. Fantastic. I'm so happy about this, that I thought about pardoning my turkey.... thought about it.. but then quickly dismissed it as silliness due to the gin and tonic clouding my thinking. ha!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone... except to Mr. Gobbler!! His future is to keep us well fed.

I would like to WELCOME VETTEMAN 61 to the VCCA as a member and to also thank Bill for the idea of membership. Both did a GREAT job.

Welcome vetteman to the greatest Chevy club ever. This is what the club needs, new young members. Hope that you enjoy your G&D and get the 31 going ASAP. Happy Thanksgiving to all. And thanks BB for all your work on the web site. Go ahead and have one more G&T before you dig into that bird.

Hello all,

The Thanksgiving weekend is over. I gave my grandmother the pictures in separate frames. She wasn't feeling very well at all, but April had gotten my family together and cooked a huge dinner for her because we believe this will most likely be her last thanksgiving. Although she wasn't well, she was very thankful for the pictures and liked them very much.
I found out a little more. That was my grandfather's first car. He traded a cow and another animal to get it.
They had just come back from a Church decoration (annual meeting and dinner held to honor the graves in the graveyard next to the church). He brought her back and it was their first date. Within a year they were married, at which time he had a 1937 Chevrolet 2 door business coupe. I have a picture of this car as well if anyone would like to see it. My grandfather ran a general store in the community and twice a week would make rounds with a peddling truck selling groceries out of it. I found a picture of this truck with my father in front of it as well, (circa 1949 or so?.
I'll definitely write the story up and send it in when the membership arrives. I'd like to thank Bill Barker again for the membership.
Just as an extra story: Before I had my '31 I bought a '57 chevrolet from an older lady. Her father had bought it for her brand new. She has refused to sell it to anyone, even family members, but in 2005 she sold it to me knowing I would fix it up. It's now "our," car. I told my grandmother when I got it running I wanted to take her and the car and have her show me where our ancestors were from. She is the only living member of the family to know of the where abouts of this place. It was called Brimstone. She looked forward to the trip for almost a year, and honestly in times of poor health I believe it's the only thing she had to look forward to after her brother passed away. Last year we finally made the trip. Brimstone turned out to be a very small community near Celina, TN. I say it's a "community," but it's actually a series of almost deserted, one lane dirt roads. When people asked us where we were going they always replied with the same response, "Brimstone!??? Why would you want to go there. You are taking that car there are you???" They all said the same thing.
The bottom land that once was home to my ancestors is nothing more than a very large open field far away from anything but hills and trees, but she remembered where it was and we found the graveyard where we believe some were buried. It was a great trip I'm glad I had the opportunity to make.
My mother and father kind of thought it was a crazy idea, but I told them to come along. After it was over they were glad it went.
Sadly, a month or so after this trip, my grandmother's car was hit in traffic and her health has since fallen dramatically. I know this portion doesn't really fit into the 29-32 forum, but I thought I'd just add it in case anyone might like the read.

Brandon

Hello Brandon,

Sad to hear your grandmother is not feeling well, but happy to hear she enjoyed the pictures. A wonderful gesture on your part. Sounds to me like old time family life is alive and well in Tennessee. The 57 looks great. I don't know about anyone else, but I sure would like to see a picture of the 37 coupe and of the truck you spoke of (maybe someone here could identify that truck). Post them here or email them to me. My email address is in my profile. Thanks for the story and I'll be watching for this in the G&D.

brandon:am really proud to have you as a member. if we had a couple thousand more young'ens like you, the future of VCCA would be guaranteed. welcome, mike PS i love the 57 150.

I am glad to see your pictures and read your stories. My Mom & Dad were married in 1927 in Seminole OK. My dad was sleeping under a big oak tree (it was June an really pleasant weather0 He and mom rented a couple of rooms and set up housekeeping. All they had was amy Dad's job as a tool dresser and a one year old 1926 Chevrolet roadster, which he traded for a new Oakland roadster after Mom ran the 26 Chevrolet off of a bridge, learning to drive. He then traded the Oakland for a new 1929 Chevrolet Coupe, It was the cat's meow, with a manifold heater and an exhaust cutout. We have pictures Dad took of the Oakland and the 29. My uncle had a restored 29 coupe and my wife got to drive it around the driveway back in 1982.
All of these stories are neat to have in the family archives. My wife just received a family genology book of 675 pages, that her cousin had published, traceing her family back to 1500 in England.

Hello Brandon I think all of us in the VCCA are glad Bill Barker was smart enough to invite you into the VCCA and we are looking forward to your photos and story in the G&D and what you will contribute to the club. I would like to wish you and April and family a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday

Brandon, let me join in the warm welcome to the VCCA. I loved reading your story. Taking your grandmother back to the place of her childhood was such a neat idea. What color was your gramps 37 coupe? If it was black it probably looked pretty much like my 38. Welcome again, take your hat off & stay awhile.

Your experiences and the family history are exactly why so many of us are VCCA members. It is the preservation of history and the small contribution that Chevrolet vehicles contributed to it. I can't imagine anyone of the 8000+ VCCA members that won't think of some of their family history when they read your post or upcoming article(s). The '57 one-fifty two door sure brought back memories for me. I bought one from a college buddy back in the early 60s for $ 50. There are many stories about that car that bring back fond memories. Of course yours is in far better condition than mine.

That is an amazing tribute to the past, thanks for sharing it.

Brandon, This has been a great thread. I have enjoyed seeing your photographs and reading your story as well as the many posted comments. You are a credit to the VCCA.

If you list some of your mechanical needs for the 29, I'll look and see if I have anything you can use. If I do, I'll send it free of charge and postage. I don't think I have much that far back though. We'll see.

She's just beautiful! (You and the cars don't look bad either.) Your grandmother looked beautiful as well and has become grand lady. (From the picture, it appears that your grandfather was a true gentleman, in that it looks like he may have placed a towel or something on the fender for your grandmother is sit on. I bet he even opened the door for her as you probably do for April. When I do that for my wife nowadays, she asks "What did you buy for the 41 now?").

I, too, hope your picture(s) and story are published in the G&D.

My best to you, April and your family and have a Merry Christmas. Charlie

P.S. I wish you good luck in the acting career.

Wow, once again I'd like to thank everyone again for the very warm welcome and especially Bill Barker.
I just received my membership packet in the mail. I'm looking forward to getting to put the sticker on the window. (I'm wondering if it's typical to put it on the windshield or if it goes on the side windows).
Haha, I do quite often open the door for April. One benefit of the '57 having no seatbelts is she likes to ride in the middle, but I eventually plan to install them, preferring safety first (what little lap belts provide, i guess).
41Deluxe: I truly appreciate your offer. My grandfather's car was a '29 and mine is a '31, however this group has already offered so much I feel as though I have accepted too much already. My main concerns are to get the '31 in shape to drive as much as I can after the winter season. The aftermarket carb leaks excessively and must be set at 1/2 throttle to not die. I hope to fix the window channels as the tracks are missing, causing the glass to rattle in excess and the windshield does not roll up or down. My first concern, however, is the water pump. I rebuilt it and an older fellow here in town helped me rebuild it (I got the kit from a fellow here) but it leaks quite badly, even when still. I'll try to deal with that shortly. Eventually, I'll need to replace some kingpins to fix the death wobble and one day I hope to get a luggage rack for the back because the car came with the chest to mount on the back. Even with winter only half over I already miss getting to drive the car into town. My friend gave me a heater for the car, however I believe the heater is from a car from the 40's. My car already has holes in the firewall form a previous heater and I'd prefer to put an original to the year style back in... there's no way i can bare to cut 2 more holes in the firewall.
These are the two pictures I'd mentioned earlier. This is 1939, right after my grandmother and grandfather were married on the square in Franklin, KY. The 2nd picture is my father in front of their old peddling truck from when my grandfather owned and operated his general store. This particular picture showed their GMC rather than the Chevrolet, so I'm not sure if it is of interest to this group, but I thought perhaps GMC was close enough perhaps.
I have scanned other pictures and have more if anyone is interested. My grandmother had an interest in keeping many many photo albums over the years and unfortunately (but luckily for me) no one else in the family has much interest in them. There are quite a few pictures of chevrolets (and other cars) among the albums. Unfortunately, sometimes in part I can't tell the different between some of the cars in the later 30's. I was born in 1981 and most of my knowledge only went back to 1955 until just the last couple of years. I'm sure the different is night and day to everyone who knows the difference so I apologize for my ignorance... I understand, because I can't understand how someone can't tell the different between a 67 and 69 camaro.. haha.





I typed up the story for the pictures. I spent about 3 hours writing it all out and probably got carried away in the process so whoever gets it can edit it down to what is needed. Should I send that to an email or a PM here in the group?

Thanks,
Brandon Garrett

Here's just a few more I happened to have here from what I scanned. I think the last one may be a Ford.. but I can't tell... if so...sorry for the sacrilege...earlier to mid 30's vehicles are still newer to me and I'm still learning.


I found it interesting he had a '37. That had been my favorite year for a long time. I had looked at them a lot before I got the '57. When I met April she said she had always loved cars from the 30's and 40's and said she loved their class. After going to a few car shows I was surprised to hear her say '37 was her favorite year (I had nothing to do with it, really). So she decided one day when she gets an old car it'll be a '37 4 door. I really like how my grandfather's even has a few dents, making it seem like a reliable car that truly got used. I really wish the car was still in our family.

Brandon,

Let me know if you need any help with your 31, if I don't have the parts I will be able to find them.

Unlike you I had the benefit of growing up in the VCCA and all these great people to teach me what the difference was in the cars. It is great to have someone to add to my age group, sub 40 even though I’m knocking on that door. Now if I can just get some of my other friends with Chevy's into the club.

Also has anyone noticed the 28 Chevy in the background of the first picture?

Bruce

Yep, I saw it!

Yup, sure did and also the Fleetline behind the GMC too.