Recent Event Photographs
2021 Tour: J Crist Museum - Manchester, Pennsylvania
On Wednesday May 12th, over 30 Chesapeake Region members and associates enjoyed a visit to the J Crist Museum in Manchester, Pennsylvania. This collection is the passion of owner Jay Crist who states that he "likes to work on the restoration of vehicles from the past that have special meaning to me." Jay graciously spent an entire morning with us, explaining his vehicles and answering our questions, as we toured his collection.
Members listen intently as Jay describes the origins of his interest in vehicles, his family history in the local dairy business, and the three large display areas housing his collection.
Upon entry to the museum, you are greeted with a large wall display of photographs.
Other wall displays contain an historical collection of local family Rutter's Dairy items...
...and photographs of the Rutter family dairy business, in operation for over 100 years.
The "Milk Man" would make his daily neighborhood rounds, bringing glass bottles of fresh milk and cream to your doorstep, and carrying away the empty bottles you would place out for return and reuse. The bottle carrying case facilitated the house delivery
The 1934 DeSoto Airflow on display is an example of advanced automobile design -- introduced years before the public was quite ready to accept it.
The 1982 Bayliff Packard. A classic example of good intentions to resurrect a classic American automotive nameplate.
Although a valiant effort, the underlying Buick Riviera origins of the Bayliff Packard are rather evident.
The 1951 Nash incorporated many advanced automotive design features for its time.
Mercury's Turnpike Cruiser incorporated the iconic, electrically-operated drop down rear window "air conditioning.".
DIVCO is an acronym for the company: Detroit Industrial Vehicle Company that built many of the trucks on display here.
These trucks were designed specifically for the convenience of the popular home delivery vendors of the 1940s and 1950s.
Some of the DIVCO trucks on display are quite rare.
Jay accompanied our visitors throughout the tour giving insight into the history, construction, features and use of these DIVCO vehicles.
President Paula with one of the restored DIVCO trucks used in the local Pennsylvania milk delivery trade.
A 1941 DIVCO delivery vehicle.
Marketing not just "Milk" but trademarked "Golden Gurnsey Milk"
Intricate controls were required to operate these "stand and drive" vehicles.
Styling was introduced to the later DIVCO vehicles with streamlining and attractive, distinctive painting.
Stepping into the "Pre-Op" room, you see vehicles that are destined for restoration.
Locating or fabricating necessary parts for the restorations can be quite daunting.
Room #3 has some more collector cars. Newsletter editor Bill discusses with Barbara the subtle differences between the 1964 1/2 Mustang and the adjacent 1965 Mustang.
Colorful two-tone corporate rivals: a 1957 Ford Galaxie and a 1955 Chevrolet Belair.
Similar Ford-Chevrolet rivalries of an earlier era - but with less distinctive styling.
The 1927 Chevrolet
No doubt where the term "trunk" originated on our American vehicles.
With our visit to the J Crist Museum concluded, we headed out for our scheduled lunch.
The nearby Manchester Cafe was able to accomodate our large group, and our very efficient waitress came in on her day off to serve us quickly and pleasantly.
The delicious lunch topped off our delightful J Crist Museum tour adventure. Our Chesapeake Region has many other events planned for this season so review the event calendars in our newsletter and on our website and be sure to join in the fun!!!