South Texas history

[rustyfords]

If you guys are ever in the mood for live honky tonk type music, stop by my Uncle Bill's place just outside of Harlingen on old highway 83.....it's called Wild Bills.

He's my mom's baby brother. Tell him his nephew Don says hi.

[RGV OldCars]

I know this is a long shot, but you never know what will happen on the HAMB.

I am posting this for a friend who is not so computer savvy and therefore not on the HAMB.

His name is Bernie Edwards. Some of you may know or remember that name as he was pretty well known in the drag race world back in the 50's-70's. He held and apparently still does hold several records in NHRA. He is probably best known for his demo runs in wheel standers and was one of the most active showman doing exhibitions from Alaska, Canada, through the US, Mexico, Central and South America. Though he was on the road alot, he called South Texas home. (he also has a home in Alaska) So this is in an effort to help him out.

Here is the deal with the car: This had been a car Bernie owned for a number of years and ran, drove, and enjoyed. As you can see in the attached pics, it was a 1934 Ford 3 window coupe. Gold in color. Bernie sold it to a young man in 1969 from San Benito, TX. At the time it was sold, it was running an Olds engine with tri-power set up and a Ford transmission with overdrive. The interior was rolled and pleated in white and gold. And it had Cragar 5 spokes on it when it was sold. If anyone remembers or has seen the car, or remembers or knows any of the history of the car, or where it might be now, if it still exists, Bernie would love to hear from you. He can be reached at (325) 977-1929 or (907) 688-2392.

Thanks for any help

[RGV OldCars]

Here's a couple (poor quality) pics of a couple of Bernie Edwards' cars he ran in the late 60's at Edinburg and Harlingen drag strips as well as across the country.

[rustyfords]

bump

[Richard D]

Originally Posted by rustyfords

Edinburg Speedway.....mid to late 70's.

It was pretty primitive back then for an organized 1/4 mile track. There was one small bleacher, but pretty much everyone just sat in/on the back of their cars or pickups along the length of the strip.

I spent a month in Edinburg a few years ago for work. Didn't know anyone or where to go for fun. A local T.V. comercial for the drag strip came on, blew my mind. I made friends with some locals who were crashing the motel pool where I was staying the first night, and one of them rode out there with me, and it was just like decsribed above, complete with a rocket powered Police funnycar! Backed up to the fence with coolers of beer and bbq pits. Kinda like Houston freeway strip was 30 years ago, before the big megaplex Raceway Park, where you wait in line 20 min. and spend $20 for a warm beer and a hotdog. The night at that little strip was the highlight of the summer for me. I need to make another trip down there.

[rustyfords]

Originally Posted by RGV OldCars

Here's a couple (poor quality) pics of a couple of Bernie Edwards' cars he ran in the late 60's at Edinburg and Harlingen drag strips as well as across the country.

I was talking to my dad on the phone today. He said he knew Bernie pretty well.....small world.

[rustyfords]

btt

[pug man]

Nice to hear the love you had for him and still do. Tell the ones you love that you love them because nobody knows what's going to happen tomorrow....

[shortstroke]

48, you have a pm. thanks steve

[outlaw256]

guys i dont have anything to add about anywhere in texas but i can tell you i envy you for being where you are. well arizona is starting to get my attention also. ive always love the way the people of texas have a hell of a pride in their state. and they way texas stands on its own .and if they dont like the way feds do things they do it thier own way.cant move there now to old to pack up and go somewhere else. but you all have my heart! lol

[69hurstsc]

Any other shots of cars going down the dragstrip at Harlingen Dragways?

[FenixSpeedShop]

Nothing more to add than I was born, raised and still in the Rio Grande Valley. Oh and all the RGV HAMBers would like to meet you all soon. Maybe a weenie roast? LOL