Classic car enthusiasts show off prized vehicles for residents of Penn Township care facility
About 25 classic and antique car enthusiasts brought their prized rides to the inaugural Car Show and Cruise Thursday at the William Penn Continuing Care Campus in Penn Township.
“We were looking for something different, to be able to bring the community together,” said Lauren Houston, administrator of the facility’s Senior Suites, where the cars were displayed. “Hopefully, this is something we can start to do on a monthly basis.”
At the beginning of the early evening show, participants paraded their vehicles past the affiliated skilled nursing building, to involve residents there who were unable to get outside to join those admiring the cars at close quarters.
David Moon of Irwin caught many an eye with his 1931 Chevrolet five-passenger coupe, with street rod modifications. He acquired it a decade ago from the survivors of its previous owner in Derry.
“What is unique about this car is Chevrolet made a wood frame and covered it with metal,” he said. “They just tacked sheet metal on it.”
Moon has driven his Chevy to car shows as far away as Ocean City, Md., and Columbus, Ohio. In addition to the new event at William Penn, he’s participated in shows at other local care facilities, including Hempfield Manor and Walden’s View, in North Huntingdon.
“I love coming out to senior centers and health care centers,” he said. “Older people can relate to a car like this.”
Joe Rellick, 93, a resident of the Senior Suites, recalled when he used to own a vehicle like several Chevy Chevelles that were featured at the show. “It’s a lot of work to keep them clean,” he said.
He simply goes to the car wash to keep his modern Cadillac free of dirt.
Joe Geyer of Ruffs Dale came with a 1970 Chevelle muscle car he discovered 15 years ago in Meadville and has since completely restored.
“It was a complete basket case when I got it,” he said. “Instead of running on the streets and in the bars, I put all my money in this car.
“I try to make as many shows as I can — good cars and good people, too. I’ve made a lot of friends at car shows.”
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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