Trucks were new in 1958, too
By Erik Pekar
The introduction of the new 1958 vehicles in the autumn of 1957, detailed last week in “Granville Then and Now,” was not limited to passenger cars, such as sedans and station wagons. The public was also introduced to the new 1958 trucks at that time; all four dealerships operating in Granville in 1957 also sold trucks.
Ford introduced its 1958 trucks with the line, “Step in... New Ford Trucks for ’58.” The ad, which appeared in the Nov. 7 Sentinel, referred to its trucks as having “all that’s new,” with “advantages that help you do your job better and at lower cost.” These new items included capacity, an “easy ride” said to be “mighty close to that of a car,” comfort, power, and safety, with the Ranchero offering “fine car” convenience. It was overall termed “America’s most modern truck, built modern to cost you less.” Trumble Ford sold these trucks, as they did the cars.
“Just Arrived! All-new ’58 Dodge Power Giants” was the greeting for the 1958 Dodge trucks. The ad, which was in the Nov. 7 issue, touted the trucks as being the “4-way leaders of the low-priced 3.” The points of this leadership were: first in styling, first in power, first in payload and first in economy. The new styling included the new chrome and trim, and the double headlights. The new power included the engine, the “Super-Torque ‘58 Power Giant V-8.” The payload was the extra strong construction, allowing for more to be hauled per load. The economy was in the new combustion system, which was said to “[put] extra miles into every gallon, [ending] power-stealing carbon deposits, [and slashing] maintenance costs.” Mettowee Garage sold the Dodge trucks.
Chevrolet, for 1958, called its trucks “Task-Force.” The trucks were described in the ad, which appeared in the Oct. 24 issue of the Sentinel, as having “new broad-shouldered styling, a revolutionary new V8 engine, new Step-Van delivery models complete with bodies and a wider choice of medium-duty haulers.” That year their trucks were divided into three groups, light duty, medium duty, and heavy duty. The intention of the trucks was made clear: “They’re here to speed up schedules and whittle down operating costs with new fast-working efficiency.” Beecher and Guthrie sold the Chevrolet trucks.
GMC, the other General Motors division making trucks, called their 1958 lines the “GMC Money-Makers.” Their ad, in the Nov. 21 issue, noted several of its new features. Power and ability were emphasized, such as the 200-horsepower engine, or the “fast ratio cruising axle.” Comfort was mentioned as well; it noted that its “foam rubber seats cradle you in a roomy cab” and that “boulevard styling carries out the feeling of luxury.” The spring hangers were claimed to have the “highest deflection rate of all light duties.” An element of consistency was mentioned as well, such as using the same instrument panel in all their trucks. Ross Pontiac, while usually referred to as such in advertisements, was also the local GMC dealer.
The 1958 trucks sold well around the Granville area, but not like the cars in that time. The trucks were put to use by businesses, farmers, and others who needed the power, capacity and durability of a pickup truck. Today, the situation with pickup trucks is quite different. They are now rather common to see around, whether in driveways, parking lots, or on the highway. The typical modern-day pickup is larger than the typical sized pickup of 1958. Trucks are also now the most popular vehicle platform, being both the basis for pickups and SUVs.
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Halloween and all its events occurred Oct. 31, and was busiest in Granville within the hours of 5 to 8 p.m. There were quite a few trick-or-treaters going around the village of Granville, mostly in the neighborhood of Quaker Street and the connecting streets. There were only a few groups that passed up through Main Street. Several businesses offered up candy, including the Granville Family Diner, Scarlotta’s Car Hop, and McDonald’s. Scarlotta’s also offered some Halloween games and decorations, as well as a DJ playing Halloween songs with a mini light show. None of the Main Street businesses gave out candy, as none were open Monday night. Some local fire companies also had candy for trick or treaters, including the Granville Engine and Hose Company in the village, and the Penrhyn Hose Company of Middle Granville. Members of the Granville Baptist Church also handed out candy to more than 160 children. By 8 p.m. the number of groups had dwindled significantly, and by 8:30 p.m., the streets were back to their usual Monday night appearance. Halloween night in Granville this year was a clean and quiet affair, with no troublemaking; hopefully the night continues to be this way in the years ahead.
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The renovations at the Pember House are moving along well. The renovation efforts were started in February of 2021, when the house was bought by George Ignatiadis, owner of the Station House Bed and Breakfast. Renovation work progressed quickly through 2021 and well into the spring of 2022. The pace changed this summer as a new group took over the work, but they are still progressing. The porch now has balustrade railing. A new sidewalk was poured in October, with a row of small squares of slate running along each edge. This is to match the similar style in the sidewalk along West Main Street. The house will likely be completed next year; at that point it will be a private residence. The people of Granville are thankful for the great renovation work that Ignatiadis has done so far with the Pember House, and all look forward to seeing the project finished, and having this house lived in and loved once more.
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Thanksgiving is only a couple weeks away, and Christmas is a month after that. The volunteers affiliated with the village Christmas decorating and tree-lighting committee are hard at work putting up seasonal decorations and maintaining the permanent light installations. They started back in mid-October, and their work will continue right up to the tree-lighting ceremony in December. The volunteers start early because if they had waited to start until now, the lights wouldn’t be ready until around Christmas or New Year’s, delaying the traditional tree-lighting ceremony past Christmas. Their work takes them around the village, including Veterans Memorial Park, Main Street, and the four bridges over the Mettowee River.
The decorations will be switched on, depending on the location, starting in late November. At the tree-lighting ceremony in early December, all remaining Christmas decorations will be switched on. The results of the hard work of the volunteers do not go unnoticed. Granville is revered in the vicinity for its Christmas light displays, and many look forward to seeing the decorations all lit up for the Christmas holiday season. The people of the Granville area are thankful for the untiring efforts of all those who help put together Granville’s Christmas decorations.
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This Friday is Veterans Day, the annual time when Americans from towns small and cities large honor those who have served our country during war, conflict or peacetime. Granville has honored its own veterans every year, with solemn commemorations and parades. Last year, Granville started honoring those who have or are serving in the military in a new way, the Slate Valley Military Honor Banners, joining a growing list of many American locales with such banners hanging from poles along the streets in their population centers. Over the years, Granville area residents have volunteered or answered the call to serve the American military. Granville does not forget. This Veterans Day, remember to thank a veteran.
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