Super-Long-Term Ford Owner writes to LOVEfords:

On May 29, 2009, Oscar Ulrich of Mexico, Missouri wrote to LOVEfords to tell us about the 1929 Ford Model A that he bought in the Spring of 1930. Oscar writes that he was born on May 29, 1911 in Hutton Valley, Missouri and he shared several anecdotes and stories about "Nellie" the Model A, for which he paid $65 when it was less than a year old. What's interesting and truly amazing about Oscar's story? Well, it seems that Nellie is still owned by Oscar. Truth be told, Oscar's son Ellis who lives in Florida has physical custody of the Ford, but Ellis brings it back to Missouri for Oscar to drive.

At right we see Oscar and Nellie delivering mail in rural Pike County, Missouri: neither rain, nor snow...nor slush! can stop a Ford Model A and a dedicated postman in 1931. Oscar tells us how Nellie even managed to help him complete his mail route, running on nothing more than a couple of gallons of coal oil, purchased from a farmer.

Nellie's full story will be told in the July/August issue of Legendary Ford Magazine. You won't want to miss it. LOVEfords believes nothing validates its name more than long-term ownership of a Blue Oval. LOVEfords also believes one would likely be unsuccessful trying to find a Ford owner who has been with their car longer than Oscar Ulrich. As well, he relates to us that, at the age of 98 years young, he leads an independent life, and enjoys running errands for his two younger brothers.

One final note: Oscar tells us how in 1945 a man owed him some money, so he paid Oscar with a 1932 car (of another make which shall remain nameless here to avoid embarrassment to that company). That car, according to Oscar, "...wasn't as dependable or sturdy as Nellie so I could not use it...finally junked it...". 

Ford Veterans

(as originally published in the January, 1960 issue of Ford Times)

Probably no other automobile maker in history has earned the owner loyalty that Ford Motor Company has. A year or so ago we ran a number of examples of long and exclusive Ford ownership, and since that time letters have been coming in from all parts of the country from persons who are driving their tenth, twentieth, thirtieth or more Ford, or who have been continuous customers for decades.

So far none has exceeded the record of William S. Weaver, Macungie, Pennsylvania, who has been a continuous and exclusive Ford customer for 52 years, or that of Edward G. Wentzel of Sonora, California, who is at present driving his forty-third consecutive Ford. Following are some of the more impressive examples.

9 Fords in 28 years

 Mr. Van Buren, a funeral director, would come under the heading of a young old-timer. He started with a 1925 Model T and is now driving a 1959 Galaxie. In addition to his personal string of Fords, he bought his son a Ford tractor, and his father Lester D. Van Buren of Mariaville, N.Y., owns a 1914 Model T touring. He is shown opposite with his 1957 Ford, predecessor to the Galaxie.

Louis Grimme

Tyndall, S.D.  35 Fords in 43 years

Mr. Grimme is a real estate man and has used his great array of Fords mostly taking prospects to all corners of Bon Homme County to see his listings. He is pictured at right with his 1955 Ford that preceded his present 1959 Galaxie. He invites any reader of this item who happens to be in Tyndall to be his guest on a sightseeing tour of the city's many attractions.

"Doc" Kammerer, as he is known to clients and friends, is a veterinarian whose career dates back to the days when one St. Louis livery stable kept 600 horses and an ice company had 1,800. His practice has included harrowing trips into circus cages to treat ailing wild animals. His first Ford was a Model T bought in 1920, an at present he is driving the 1959 Ford pictured at right.

Ray J. Haas, Frazee, Mn.

17 Fords in 40 years

Mr. Haas has carried a rural mail route since 1917, with the exception of a year out in 1918 for service in the first World War. His first Ford was a second-hand 1916 Model T bought from a local blacksmith. He is at present driving the 1955 Ford shown at right, and is planning on a '60 Ford this summer, coincident with his retirement. He also owns a 1929 Model A.

(as originally published in the January, 1960 issue of Ford Times)