James Washburn send me a PM last week about some trophies that a friend of him bought at a Garage sale in Richmond Ca. Several years ago James had mentioned to his friend – a fanatic Garage/Estate Sale buyer – that whenever he would come across some old car related stuff as Trophies at a decent price he should buy them for him. Years go by and nothing was found, some time ago the friend dropped off a box with 8 very nice trophies in it. And out of those 8 four were particular interesting. The garage sale was held by family members who's grandfather had passed away and the attic was cleaned. The first one shown here is a trophy from the 1954 Thrifty Drug store parking lot car show. This show is especially interesting for me since I spend weeks colorizing the photo below in 2006. And I never even knew that this was an award type show. Possebly Chuck deWitt won this award with his Barris built 1950 Ford Convertible. Here is one of the two photos we know about that was taken at the Thrifty Drug Store parking lot show held on Saturday May 15 1954. This store was located at Rodeo Rd and LA Brea. At least we think this trophy went to Chuck DeWitt. His car was at the show as we can see, and there is one other trophy in the box that has Chuck's name engraved on it. So most likely all, or most of the trophies once belonged to Chuck. At this point we do not know if the grandfather who passed away was Chuck DeWitt, or if he perhaps had bought Chuck's Ford in 1954-55 and that is came with all the trophies. Here is another trophy from James his collection from the 1954 Sacramento Auto Show. "Hard Luck Award" with the name of Chuck DeWitt engraved into it. Makes me wonder what happened at the show he deserved this award. Anybody knows something about the Chuck DeWitt Ford in some trouble at the Sacramento Car show in 1954? A very nice wood based trophy from 1954 from the Kustoms of America club. This a bit simpeler trophy was from the Norwalk Motorcade held on August 28-29 in 1954. Wonder if there should have been some engraving in this one as well. The brass plate is there, but nothing engraved. Perhaps there was no time after the show to have it engraved. This one with the same 1936 Ford Coupe model on top was for the first place from the Orange County air port Drag Races. The trophies made in those days are so nice, real wood, real metal and hand engraved personal text on some.
Wow, what a find. To find these with the name and a car that we all recognize from the era. I think that is one of the best looking shoeboxes ever built.
Neat trophies. James could do some researching of obituaries to see if Chuck had indeed passed on about the time he received the trophies. Or further research about Chuck's life if possible. Maybe the friend remembers where he bought the trophies. Several ways to maybe follow up. Might be more interesting info there.
Great find, it's amazing these were saved. Hard for us to believe, but so many people would have simply thrown them out.
The Trophys were actually dumped on my porch about a year and a half ago. It took about 2 months before i found out who did it. and he told that he found them at a garage sale in richmond and he paid a buck a piece for em. By the time i taked to him he really didnt remember much about the sale as these were the only things he bought. I couldnt find anything on the net about Chuck Dewitt then. So I stashed them away. When i was at the LoneStar Roundup last year i saw Rik Hovings Poster from TRJ hanging in Avenue Barber shop and remembered the Thrifty Trophy. I thought man that would be WEIRD if my trophy was from that show. I sorta Didnt think much more about it till last week since im moving i ran across the box of trophys again. So i did some more searching on Chuck De Witt and i kept getting Kustomrama and riksters site poppin up Well shit here was what i was hoping for Hard evidence. Im Happy as hell it worked out to be such a cool car and a Barris Kustom at that ! Thanks Rikster Great Post Great Job as allwase
[ QUOTE=NashRodMan;8326059]Do you see Chuck's car in the picture? Is it the maroon colored one on the right?[/QUOTE] Yup Thats the one....What a Beauty.... Im still suprised that it won over the Hirohata Merc
Wow too cool! Now the question is if anyone knows what happened to this car? Is there any history on it? or was it totalled on the way to Sacramento where he won the "Hard Luck" award?
seeing these trophies that came from an estate sale makes you wonder what else Gramps had saved for 60 years. most people throw away lots of good stuff when someone dies. they thought those trophys were only worth $1.00 each, where do you think they were going after the sale???? right in the trash. anytime I see car stuff at a yard sale I ask if there is any more. you just never know what you might find.
I briefly spoke to James a couple weeks back about his trophy score. The Thrifty car show was mentioned, but I dont recall Chuck Dewitts name coming up. Looks like he contacted the right person...hopefully someone will chime in with more info!
Wow !! I just found out about this thread thanks to Rik.This is just heavy history right here and I had goosebumps reading this.Where is the time machine Delorian when I need it.I have always thought that early style of customs that we love so much went up till about 1954 and this thread is the proof. Thanks to all involved in this thread.
Here is an email i recieved from Rik Hoving it appeares that 2nd place has now been unearthed. Man it is just too Kool that these trophys have shown their face after 59 years. Hello James, Well I have finally some more info on the Thrifty Drug Store trophy I spotted at Jack Stewarts place. Jack could not remember the trophy, but since it is sitting in his home we all guessed he won the award (second place) with his MG Roadster. The award has the same etched plaque as your award has, only engraved for second place in the cup, and a Roadster on the top instead of a coupe like yours has. Attached are two photos I took at Jack's place. Best regards Rik
that is Kool Karma right there..... i'm goofy for stuff like that. i don't have any to speak of, but seeing related articles from historic cars and personalities years later and miles apart is just spooky sometimes.... they might only have cost a buck or so, but they're actually priceless to the HAMB community!
My mind is totally blown by all this..really i just cant believe the turn of events that lead to this. Sent from my DROID device using the TJJ mobile app
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