Had a 108-year history
April 29, 2009 (Wednesday)
Yesterday’s blog mentioned my employment in the mid-1950’s in the B.O.P. Arlington Assembly plant (BOP = Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac). I talked about the demise of the Pontiac brand. The Oldsmobile brand was phased out five years ago.
Oldsmobile was the creation of Ransom Eli Olds, in Lansing, Michigan, in the year 1896. It lasted 108 years, which in itself is an amazing accomplishment. One of the most popular songs ever known was composed about the Oldsmobile in 1905. “Come away with me, Lucille, in my Merry Oldsmobile. Down the road of life we’ll fly, auto-mo-bubbling, you and I. To the church we’ll swiftly steal, then our wedding bells will peal. You can go as far as you like with me, in my merry Oldsmobile.”
In the assembly plant of the fifties, each automobile division had its own quality control, and the plant was frequently inspected by representatives from Buick, Olds and Pontiac. Oldsmobile, it seemed to me, was by far the most professional and strictest in enforcement of their quality standards. It was a great product.
We bought the Olds that had been owned by Wanda’s parents, after their deaths. It served us well, was very comfortable and powerful, and luxurious. We liked it. In fact, we wore it out.
Have you tried to name some cars that are no longer being manufactured? I’ve written about two of them, cars that I in a very small way helped to produce for a while: Pontiac and Oldsmobile. How many can you name? There are quite a few. They were great for their time, but are no longer with us.