[carbking]

I have just listed, and sold, a Pontiac flag in the "collectibles" forum, but thought some here might like to hear the story behind my acquiring the flag.

Jefferson City, Missouri is located on the banks of the Missouri River, and a number of old businesses were located in the flood plain. In 1976 (I think, may have been 1977), the city decided to do something about the floor plain, and eminent domain was invoked.

The Pontiac dealer had been there from about the time of Noah and the great flood, and was a combination Pontiac and Packard dealer. They moved across town, but sold off a lot of stuff. The pictured flag came from there

At the same time, I purchased hundreds of Pontiac training filmstrips and other Pontiac audio/video which started my collection of these; plus a complete run of both Packard and GMC training filmstrips which I sold through Hemmings. Also, a good run of Pontiac dealer albums, parts books, etc. for the older stuff.

There was some larger stuff that I didn't want, couldn't afford, and no internet. At the time, I was a member of POCI, and called some of the folks I knew. One of the larger items was a crate Pontiac V-8, I think either 1955 or 1956 that one of my friends purchased. Another large item was a crate Packard engine, that another friend purchased.

So all the above stuff was salvaged; but the heartbreak of the situation was the glass. These folks had a large body shop in conjunction with the dealership. On the last day, I could have had the glass free! But no way to haul, and no place to store. They backed up a dump truck to one of the windows (the glass was on the upper story) and the removers tossed rack after rack full of curved windshields for 1950's cars into the dump truck, trying to make the loudest crash.

After everything was removed, the building was razed.

Jon

[67drake]

Thanks for the story. What was the dealership name. It sounded like you said “Sharkels” on the phone, but I googled it and found nothing.

[carbking]

I think it was Shikles, not sure, LONG time ago. I tried Google as well, and did not find them.

EDIT: It was Shikles. Google found an obit of a mechanic that worked there.

Jon

[johnta1]

From Jon Hardgrove:

Shikles Motor Co 208 Broadway Jefferson City, MO

[67drake]

Spent some time today putting them up in the shop. Thanks Jon!

[Lightfoot]

Originally Posted by carbking;

So all the above stuff was salvaged; but the heartbreak of the situation was the glass. These folks had a large body shop in conjunction with the dealership. On the last day, I could have had the glass free! But no way to haul, and no place to store. They backed up a dump truck to one of the windows (the glass was on the upper story) and the removers tossed rack after rack full of curved windshields for 1950's cars into the dump truck, trying to make the loudest crash.

Oh, my....
Heartbreaking is right.

[nas t eh]

Thanks for the story,
Sadly, situations like this likely get repeated over and over with all the manufacturers products.

Some where and sometime likely every rare and wanted piece from every car ever made was dumped in the trash.

[WQ59B]

'62 yearbook ad ~