1962 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe & ’68 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu convertible. Elmira, Michigan, 9/2/12.
(first posted 6/11/2018) I’ve always loved taking road trips, especially to places I’ve never been before. When I had originally sat down to write this piece, I was preparing for a weekend wedding in central Wisconsin. Wausau is the furthest north I’ve ever been in that state, so it’s uncharted territory for me. It will be a bit of an adventure getting there, being about four and a half hours from my neighborhood on Chicago’s north side.
“The Great Leetsville Shoe Tree”. Leetsville, Michigan, 9/1/12.
Ever since I was old enough to peek out of the rear quarter windows of my parents’ 1977 Plymouth Volaré coupe, the road has always held a powerful allure for me. It wasn’t only the cars that fascinated me, but also the occasional roadside oddity, which often resulted in a little bit of competition with my brothers to see who could be the first to point such things out to the others in the car. A lot of the commercial buildings along the roads and freeways featured expressive (and sometimes extreme) designs to attract the attention of passing motorists – and their kids.
Best Western Inn Of Petoskey. Petoskey, Michigan, 9/1/12.
There were the multi-planed, orange roofs and A-frame architecture of the main lodges of Howard Johnson’s motels, the turquoise, zig-zagging roof of Stuckey’s fuel and snack shops, and the circular, space-age motif of Mobil gas stations, just to name a few examples. My eyes feasted on all of these things and more, and I took many mental pictures of what I saw.
Second-generation Chevrolet Corvair convertible with Lake Michigan in the background. Petoskey, Michigan, 9/2/12.
This past weekend’s trip called to mind one I had taken back in September of 2012 for the wedding of two other friends, up in northern Michigan. Six years ago and unlike on this recent jaunt, I was flying solo, so it had then felt like I had all the time in the world to stop along the way and make (and photograph) many fun, little discoveries. These images chronicle just a few of my finds, and I hope you enjoy them.
Ma’s Coffee Pot. South Haven, Michigan, 9/1/12.
I love diners and roadside eateries like the former Ma’s Coffee Pot in South Haven, in Michigan’s southwest corner. I will usually choose an establishment like this one over a chain, if it looks clean, friendly, and (unlike this place) open. From a little internet research I did, Ma’s appears to have closed in 2009 after having been open for 43 years.
From its festive, yellow-and-copper paint scheme, gumball machines and retractable, canvas sunshades, it looks like it had been a cute, little spot to grab a bite. Let’s hope “Ma” is still alive, in good health and enjoying her retirement. I’ve been watching reruns of the old TV sitcom “Alice” lately, and could imagine friendly service here from a local waitress who has seen a lot of changes over the years in these parts, while the Doobie Brothers play softly over the speakers in the background. “Top ya’ off, Hon?” “Yes, ma’am, if you please.”
Shattuck’s Service Car Care Center. Alba, Michigan, 9/1/12.
In Alba, near the tip-top of the “Mitten” otherwise known as Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, I came across this auto service shop, Shattuck’s Service, and this 1981 – ’86 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, both of which appeared to have been long abandoned. I wondered what was the exact date when this Cutlass’s engine was last fired up, and why it had been left at this shop after the lights went out for the last time. Was the owner unable to afford either the quoted repair price, or even just the cost to have it towed back home? Perhaps both.
When I was ten or eleven years old, I had watched this generation of GM G-Body coupe (including both the Olds Cutlass and Buick Regal) go down the assembly line at the history Fisher Body One plant, back home in Flint. At some point in the tour, we were welcomed to climb from a platform into the front clip-less cabins of these cars while they were still moving, to experience the look and smell of their brand-new interiors while they rounded a corner – at which point we had to climb back out. For years, my younger brother and I had argued about whether it had been an ’86 Cutlass or Regal we had sat in. I’ve always thought it was a Regal, but I wouldn’t put money on it nowadays, even if we had access to a time machine after placing our bets. He can have that one.
1969 or ’70 Mercury Cougar in front of a former Amoco service station. Kalkaska, Michigan, 9/2/12.
I remember when Amoco and Standard gas stations used to be everywhere, featuring the architecture shown here. In remembering my ’80s childhood, it seemed like at every exit in Michigan on US-23 between Flint and Toledo, there was one of these familiar oases, where Dad would usually gas up. This one appeared to have been converted into an(other) auto repair facility. This 1969 or ’70 Mercury Cougar seemed to be awaiting veterinary attention, which I hope it got.
1956 Pontiac Chieftain in front of the Bob-In Again. Petoskey, Michigan, 9/2/12.
Even while up in that part of northern Michigan, not far from the Mackinac Bridge, many classic cars seemed to abound, both moving and stationary. This beautiful 1956 Pontiac Chieftain was parked in front of the Bob-In Again, a restaurant and frozen custard stand that I’m sad to discover has been closed permanently as of last month after having been in business for fourteen years.
It was on my drive south on U.S. Route 131 while heading back to Chicago from gorgeous, scenic Boyne Falls, Michigan when I felt I had hit the jackpot with these finds in Elmira: two classic Chevys, a ’62 Impala and a ’68 Malibu convertible, both for sale. I wondered why such beautiful-looking examples of two desirable cars were being sold.
Was the owner in need of cash, or merely downsizing his or her collection? Regardless, I mused that it would have been fun to come back to Chicago in one of these instead of whatever, forgettable (and yes, infinitely more safe and fuel efficient) rental car I had been assigned.
1967 Chevrolet Impala on the Dan Ryan Expressway, near a South Side CTA Red Line L station. Chicago, Illinois, 9/2/12.
I was back in Chicago on the last leg of my journey and cruising toward downtown on the Dan Ryan Expressway when I spotted this ’67 Impala sedan in the passing lane. This sighting seemed to keep the good feelings of the weekend going, as part of the antidote to my post-wedding / vacation blues. My other half seems to also like road trips, and has historically been somewhat generous in letting me indulge my photographic whims. Once I’m able to go back through my images from this past weekend, I’ll be sure to share any notable finds from my little jaunt to America’s Dairyland.
Friday, 8/31/12 through Sunday, 9/2/12
Thanks for sharing these great shots from your trip, Joe. Now you have my mouth watering for a Stucky’s chili dog and a slice or two of one of their pecan log rolls to chase it down. And when traveling with my Mom and Grandma, which station we stopped at for gas depended on who was paying: Mom had a Shell credit card while Grandma used her Standard/Sohio/Boron card.
Although I am on record as not being much of a fan of early 60s Chevys, that black 62 Impala is gorgeous. The silver Malibu convertible with the white top is a particularly hideous color combo in my book. That car just demands black fabric for the roof.
Stuckey’s was one of those places that used to be everywhere in Michigan, and then disappeared seemingly overnight. When my family was taking a trip to Florida from Michigan, my brother and I insisted on stopping at pretty much every Stuckey’s that was near an exit ramp we were stopping at. My dad, eventually, was like *enough* with the Stuckey’s. LOL
Glad you had such a good and atmospheric trip. I’d heartily recommend the northeastern part of the Lower Peninsula (Alpena, etc.) as a worthwhile destination for your next expedition.
That’s one part of Michigan to which I’ve never traveled! I’ve even been to the UP a handful of times.
Nice set of shots that covers the highs and lows of mid Michigan.
131 goes within a few miles of my Mother in Law’s home town of Falmouth. On the banks of the mighty Clam River! Visit the Ebels store!
Haven’t been back in many years..
Thanks, Doug. 131 is a fascinating drive – especially when it winds down to two lanes the further north you go.
What a nice slice of Americana. I saw many similar sights when cruising Route 66 a decade ago. When you get out of the big cities and into the outskirts, time just seems to peel backwards. It’s a weird feeling, both warm and nostalgic, yet cold and creepy at times too.
That last sentence – for sure. Seeing things seemingly frozen in time makes me wonder if people in those places when they were new thought that perhaps more development was coming.
I can attest that, as of yesterday, the ’56 Pontiac Chieftain is still on display, in curbside fashion, about 2 blocks from its old haunt at the Bob-In (now a BBQ stop). Just turn into the Bay View Association just north of the old Bob-In at Fairview Avenue, and it’s parked at the intersection with Park Avenue, half a block from the highway. While you’re at it, drive another block down Park Avenue, and enjoy the beautiful old Checker (in civilian paint) and Corvair that are always parked near the Post Office. Bay View’s something of a haven for well-loved old cars, so a few minutes wandering around will yield several fun sightings.
That’s awesome, about the Pontiac. I haven’t been back to your neck of the woods since this trip from six years ago, but I really wanted to do more exploring. The downtown Petoskey area is really beautiful – that super-old-school J.C. Penney (still open?) looked like it was right out of the 1940s or ’50s.
Joe, though I don’t comment often, you are one of the great narrators here. As I think I said once, I’d read a piece on old furniture by you and it’d probably be as interesting as one on old cars. Which is why I come here daily. This is so much more than about cars, it’s about ways of life, some of them long gone.
About the cars, all great pictures. But there’s one that stands out. Chromed wheels, aftermarket twin exahusts, and being a sedan instead of a sports sedan should make me not like the ’67 Impala so much. For some reason, it’s great. Please, wrap it up and mail it to South America.
Rafael, thank you so much. And I agree that the accessories on that ’67 Impala are just right.
Thanks for sharing pics from your trip.
My first trip to the U.P. was in 1989. I rented a brand new ‘89 Thunderbird. I originally intended to take the car ferry from Lundington MI to Manitowoc WI, then visit my dad in suburban Milwaukee and return to Chicago. I missed the car ferry, had time so I ended up driving around Lake Michigan putting on 1,000+ miles.
That trip in ‘89 and other times I’ve been in U.P. was some stressful driving due to the aboundent wildlife; deer, wolves, bears, and raccoons. One very large raccoon was transporting a trash bag across a highway at night when I was staying in Spread Eagle, WI. Although, I don’t recall so many restruants being closed – lol.
Last month I saw a considerable amount of early May snow and dead black bear (a road kill first for me) along I94 near Eau Claire WI.
Your story mirrors Anne & my current USA road trip. Some Interstates, some 2 laneblack top. I’m also interested in the history of the motels we’ve stayed in.
The Super 8 Denver Midtown, and as The Continental Hotel
What a great road trip! I love my adopted home state of Michigan!
Like that 62 Impala! Looks like a 327.
Thanks for relighting the corners of what’s left of my mind! As the WORLD continues to spin faster every day, so many giants like Woolworth, Stuckey, SEARS, et al have vanished. It is a whole (not necessarily Brave) NEW WORLD. Does anyone even take a road trip anymore? As Archie and Edith sang, Those WERE the days!
The still-very much in business Foot Locker athletic shoe stores are actually what’s left of Woolworth’s in the US. The German Woolworth stores were spun off from the US stores decades ago and are still thriving. Same situation with Kmart in Australia/New Zealand (split off from the American chain in 1978, hundreds of stores there; only two left in the US). or Sears (successful Mexican spin-off has almost a hundred stores; only 10 left in the USA).
Ooooh…the Cutlas in the weeds. I feel the pain!!
Had a ’83 Cutlass Supreme 2 door with the bucket seats and center console, and super stock wheels. I wouldn’t be surprised if mine was the same color as in the photos. I think about that car to this day.
The one that got away. I think many of us have such a car. 🙂
My neck of the woods. Looks like the Petoskey waterfront. At the end by the waterfall they got a tree they trimmed into the shape of the Mitten. I go there for the bike trail or just relax for a sunset.
I spent nearly 20 years driving 131 on a weekly basis. This spring they finally cut the branches off the shoe tree, as it was getting to be a safety hazard. I would imagine those shoes absorb a ton of weight of water, snow, and ice.
I’m not sure when Shattucks closed up, but about 15 years ago the lot was full of parts cars. One was a Celebrity Eurosport and I would have asked about it, had I not been beyond broke. Then they hauled off all the cars except maybe 2 or 3, which last I knew still remained. I haven’t been down there in about a year.
If you’re ever up here again, I would recommend checking out Swains junkyard. From Mancelona it’s like 5-10 miles toward Bellaire. Though I haven’t been there in a few years, they’ve always had lots of old school stuff, in the woods and hills. They’re from multiple generations who lived right there on the land. They don’t take cards or checks and may not even have a phone. No computer, they just know where everything is. Rough looking folks but they’ve always been kind and fair. You just go in and look around through the maze, find something pull it, and find them if they don’t find you first. Old fashioned junkyards like this are few and far between anymore.
Troy, thank you so much for this. I love your part of Michigan and think about having driven up that way from time to time. It’s hard to believe these pictures are almost twelve years old. I’d love to check out Swains and see if I could find just one cool thing to purchase as a souvenir.
Some nice Chevys and other cars there!
If you want a bit longer trip check out the real Elmira… in NY! The Southern Tier Expressway I-86 is quite beautiful through rolling hills and rivers, free, goes overtop Chatauqua Lake, and some of NY’s Indian Country. Elmira is the long time home and gravesite of Samuel Clemons aka Mark Twain, his house is a Victorian era historical monument. Just N are the Finger Lakes, with great scenery, food, and world class wineries!
Thanks, Randerson! All this talk about travel and cool places to go right here in the U.S. has had me thinking about road tripping somewhere, with stops to see friends I have scattered around. I don’t think I’ve ever been near that part of New York state before. It sounds beautiful and historic.
A very pleasant adventure, and photos, I missed in 2018. Great storytelling, and beautiful pics.
The Great Leetsville Shoe Tree, reminds me of the Corktown Footbridge, located near my home here in Ottawa. And the hundreds of ‘Lover’s Locks’, on the bridge over the Rideau Canal. Attached by couples, over the past number of years, to represent their love.
Thank you, Daniel. That’s a great shot!
I was just thinking of you, Joseph.
Yesterday we met up with friends for lunch at Lake Wendouree, being roughly halfway between our house and theirs. There didn’t seem to be an organized car thing on; it just seemed to be one of those sunny winter’s days when hardy folk rugged up and brought their cool cars out for a drive. I saw a lovely cream ’79-ish Bonneville Brougham pass by twice (couldn’t get a pic), and thought of you. Then I had my attention drawn to a black ’69 Chevelle sedan (non-hardtop) burbling past – maybe nothing special to Americans, but possibly a unique import here. Surely there can’t be two Australians who would chase down and import a mundane Chevelle sedan? And I thought ‘Another Joseph Dennis-worthy car’; but we were saying goodbye to our friends then so again, no pic.
That’s the problem in being out with friends – even when they know you’re into cars, it feels rude to interrupt and go chase a car.
But your black ’62 Impala is downright inspirational. Normallly I don’t build in black, but in this case I feel moved to make an exception. I might get it done by the time this article gets rerun again, but don’t count on it!
Peter, thank you for this. I have also been in situations in the company of others where I could have interrupted an important part of conversation to chase down some car, but felt it was more important in the moment to (at least try to) keep my attention focused on the other person and what they’re saying / what we’re talking about. I know there have been times I’ve chased the car (I had that conversation just this past Friday), but most of the time, like I said, I try to stay engaged.
I can imagine both the ’79 Bonnie and the ’69 Chevelle sedan you described. The ’69 Chevelle coupe is one of my all-time favorite cars…
Apologies but this is not related to cars but more of roadside interest. FWIW I just finished reading a fascinating book by Stephanie Stuckey of the Stuckeys family. While my old man would never allow us to stop at a Stuckeys on our family road trips I feel a certain feeling towards this chain. She has repurchased the franchise and is revitalizing the business. I found Stuckeys pecan logs recently at an antique shop in Peoria, IL of all places. Her book is titled “Unstuck”. I recommend it for you toad trippers. Hopefully we may see more Stuckey facilities in our lifetime.
Chad, thank you for putting this book on my radar! I have also long been fascinated by Stuckey’s. I think this is going on my wish list.
Here’s hoping Stuckeys makes a comeback .
It’s be several decades since I visited the UP, I like these images and all the greenery .
-Nate