Features Research Archives

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Former Kamikaze Yukimasa Nishiyama Goes to College

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

While doing research on Maynard Roberts I happened upon the story of the first Japanese citizen who attended college after WWII. There’s no jeeps involved in this story, but I thought it was an interesting story and an unusual, gutsy move by the family of Robert Johnstone.

Yukimasa Nishiyama was a former Kamikaze pilot who won a scholarship from a family in Pennsylvania, a scholarship funded by the death of their son, Robert Johnstone, during WWII in the Pacific. It was the family’s way to honor their son by using the insurance money paid to them to fund the scholarship for a Japanese citizen to attend Lafayette College. They wanted to bridge the divide between the two countries.

His story made the news when he first arrived. In 1948 his story made the October 4th issue of Life Magazine, complete with photos. This story about Yukimasa was published in 1950:

Clipping from The Pomona Progress Bulletin - Newspapers.com

January 23, 1950, article in the Pomona Progress Bulletin.

After college, Nishiyama went on to work for AMP, a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, company for three decades before retiring. You can read more about his life and experiences in this 1989 article.

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September 14, 1989, in The Morning Call out of Pennsylvania

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September 14, 1989, in The Morning Call out of Pennsylvania

I could not find any more information about his life following 1989.

 

 
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NOS(?) Willys Stencil Kit Part NO 953049 **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.

Chris spotted this cool but pricey Willys stencil kit. Given a couple of these have been used, it doesn’t quite seem like it is an “NOS” kit, but still a rare find.

“NOS WILLYS JEEP STENCIL SET PART # 953049 9 STENCILS FOR TRUCK, WAGON,JEEPSTER AND FORWARD CONTROL TWO STENCILS USED ONCE BUT ALL SERVICABLE AS NEW VERY RARE ITEM!”

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Ice Racer “Dirty George” (not for sale)

• CATEGORIES: Features, Racing • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This image was included as part of the sale of a CJ-6 axle (pumpkin removed). It’s an ice-racer with an extended body and a mustang convertible top (reminiscent of the DJ-3A convertible top). It’s sort of an art-car ice-racer. Nice to see folks just having fun with their rigs.

According to the seller of the axle, “I used the [CJ-6] tub and frame to extend a CJ3B to add a Mustang convertible top.”

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Vac-U-Cast Plastic Bantam BRC Model

• CATEGORIES: Features, toys This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Here is a rare model of the Bantam BRC I bought a couple months ago on eBay; It is quarter-sized (1/76th scale) produced by Vac-U-Cast Plastics, Inc. On the one hand, I’d really like to assemble it; on the other, I like it’s original condition the way it is. The model number is VS-106 Bantam Jeep Prototype I.
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1957 FC-150 Demonstration Drive Salesforce Brochure

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Anyone have one of these FC-150 Demonstration Drive Salesforce contest brochures? I can’t remember where I saw/found these pics.

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April 1948? Newspaper-like Brochure

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This “America’s Most Versatile Farm Tool” newspaper-like advertising piece (though printed on a heavier weight material than newsprint) is marked 484A250, which may mean it was published in April of 1948.

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Used Car Dealer Sticker Tags on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

It would be really neat if someone has one of these vehicles.

View all the information on eBay

“MY FRIEND BOUGHT OUT AN OLD WILLY’S DEALER MANY YEARS AGO–IT WAS CALLED “BIG ED’S” IN SHEBOYGAN, WI.  THESE ARE SOME OF THE ORIGINAL TAGS THAT WERE HUNG ON THE WILLY’S JEEPS FOR SALE.  THESE ARE KIND OF COOL FOR THE COLLECTOR.  THERE IS A 46, 50, 46, 47, 41″

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1951 Photo of Captured Jeeps Korean War

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This image appeared in the July 31, 1951, issue of the Wilmington Daily Journal. It shows a soldier checking US Army markings on the jeeps so he can determine from whom they were captured.

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June 1960 Photo of LARC Unloading M-38A1 on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This LARC-15 was the first amphibious vehicle to cross Lake Michigan. It’s a pretty good accomplishment given the number of wrecks of larger vessels (estimates put the number of ship wrecked ships in Lake Michigan at approximately 1500).

View all the information on eBay

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“1960 Press Photo Jeep unloads from United States Army LARC-15 amphibious vehicle. This is an original press photo. Amphibians – United States. A jeep unloads a rubber rolling liquid transporter off the ramp of a LARC-15, the Army’s newest amphibian which was produced by the Ingersol-Kalamazoo Division of Borg-Warner Corporation in conjunction with the United States Army Transportation Research Command. The LARC crossed Lake Michigan June 22 and became the first wheeled amphibian in history to accomplish such a voyage.Photo measures 10.25 x 8inches. Photo is dated 6-24-1960.

 
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March 1947? Universal Jeep in Industry Brochure

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

I’ve had this brochure for years, but never got around to scanning it until now. It’s form 473A250, which might mean it was published in March of 1947. This brochure folds out horizontally with four panes.

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These next two images show how the entire brochure folds out, front and back.

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1971 Movie “Venga A Fare Ilsoldato Da Noi” Poster **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Artists/Drawings, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.

This poster includes a jeep driven by soldiers looking as if they’d just driven from the Italian movie version of M*A*S*H. Given M*A*S*H was released the year before in 1970, maybe that wasn’t a coincidence?

As noted at IMDB, “A girl is drafted due to a misunderstanding and this gives her the occasion to check on her boy-friend, whom she believes to be a womanizer.”

“Original poster measures approximately 140 x 200 cm (78″x55″), in conditions as in the photo.”

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2 1953 Mighty Mite Testing Photos on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features, Mighty Mites, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

These two photos show various aspects of Mighty Mite testing.

1) The first photo was taken in March of 1953 and shows a soldier escaping injury from an overturned Mighty Mite.

View all the information on eBay

“1953 Press Photo Captain CN Raper, “Mighty Mite” test run accident, Quantico, VA. This is an original press photo. Trucks – United States (Mighty Mite – Jeep type). Quantico, Virginia. At a demonstration today of the new “Mighty Mite” jeep, described as truck, utility, 1/4 ton, 4×4, the sandbag load shifted while the jeep was on an inclined bank, the vehicle overturned, but the driver, Captain C.N. Raper of Clearwater, Florida, was uninjured. Photo measures 9.25 x 7.25 inches. Photo is dated 3-20-1953.”

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2) The second photo was taken in May of 1953 and shows another might might (3 units later than the first one pictured above), successfully navigating the Potomac.

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“1953 Press Photo Mighty Mite truck water test, Marine base, Quantico, Virginia. This is an original press photo. Trucks – United States (Mighty Mite). The “Mighty Mite,” modern version of the World War II jeep, splashes through the Potomac river at the Quantico, Virginia, Marine base on water tests. Kept afloat by four inflated tubes, the “Mite” is propelled by the oversized serration on the tire treads. It was developed by the Marines for delivery by airlift to terrain not accessible to combat vehicles. Photo measures 9.5 x 7.75 inches. Photo is dated 5-20-1953.”

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May 1950 “Made-to-Order for Sportsmen” Ad on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This ad appeared in the May 1950 issue of Outdoor Life.

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“Outdoor Life 5/1950. Original magazine page. NOTE: You are buying a magazine page, a piece of paper. Sheet size given is approximate. [8 1/2 x 11″+/-]. Two page ads noted. Occasional small edge splits not affecting image or type may be present.”

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Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Mark shared this brief look at the Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles over the years (there were several others, including this 2011 wiener food truck). Of course, during the late 1950s, the company built a dog mobile atop an FC chassis. Perhaps, most surprising, is the latest version, one I hadn’t seen (I won’t ruin the surprise).

https://www.windingroad.com/articles/lists/list-oscar-mayer-wienermobiles-throughout-history/#1

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The first Wienermobile was built in Chicago in 1936 for $5000.

 
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Newgren Field & Pasture Cultivator Brochure

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This Newgren field and pasture cultivator brochure is form N-168. It is the last of this series of color Newgren brochures that came with the jeep equipment book.

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1949 Newgren Parts Price List

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Documents, Features • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

You never know when something obscure as this price list from February of 1949 will come in handy for someone. It’s a detailed look at the parts at the dealer pricing.

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1944 Photo of Soldiers Practicing with Wire Laying on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

The driver sure looks young.

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“1944 Press Photo Installing Telephone Wires during Texas Field Practice. This is an original press photo. Another use to which the versatile jeep has been put in that of laying telephone wire as in the scene, during Texas Field Practice. Photo measures 10 x 8.25 inches. Photo is dated 01-21-1944.

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‘Jeep’ 4 Wheel Drive Wellington Lighter on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Starting price for this ‘Jeep’ 4 Wheel Drive lighter is $75.

View all the information on ebay

“Great old lighter. From the estate of a longtime Toledo Jeep Employee.”

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1945 Christmas Card From Budapest on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Artists/Drawings, Features, Postcards This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Neat old card with a jeep and a signed message.

View all the information on eBay

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1948-1949 Willys-Overland Deluxe Tool Kit

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Anyone have photos of an actual 1948-1949 Deluxe Tool Kit? Or, if you have a 1948/1949 Jeepster manual, a pic of the front of the kit may be in there, too (according to this post). If you have either, please email me a pic of the front to d @ deilers.com. Thanks!

Claus is hoping to reproduce a leather kit version of this vinyl plastic tool holder and needs to see the inscription on the front of it. Here’s the back side (from the 1949 Willys Accessories Book):

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Maynard Roberts’ Two-Year Jeep Trip Through South America

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old News Articles • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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Maynard Roberts pictures on the left in San Paulo, Brazil, from the January 23, 1950, issue of the Pomona Progress Bulletin.

In 1948, 34 year-old Maynard Roberts, from La Verne, California, traveled south into Mexico and spent the next 18 months exploring Central and South American. He wrote a series of articles for the Pomona Progress Bulletin detailing his trip. He’d hoped to write a book, but I have been unable to locate one. If he didn’t, it’s too bad, because I think he was a very good writer.

His skill is evident early on when he wrote a phrase that caught my attention, “About seven years ago I was keeping company with my last twenty-dollar bill …” His attention to details and telling a few small stories make his tale worth reading. It’s unfortunate that these articles only share snippets, for it seems he’s got a good story to tell and the skill to tell it.

His idea to travel germinated prior to WWII. He was born in Lima, Ohio, in 1914. As a child, his parents moved to California, Near the start of WWII he got the idea to travel to South America, so he began saving money. During WWII he was a draftsman, perhaps a skill learned during his college days at Chaffee college? Finally, by 1948, he saved up enough money to buy a jeep and afford to travel.

Part one of his adventure appeared in the January 09, 1950, issue of the Ponoma Progress Bulleting, split into two sections.

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Part II: This is the second installment of Maynard’s adventure. It appeared in the January 16, 1950, issue of the Pomona Progress Bulletin.

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Newgren Bed Extender Brochure

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This Newgren bed extender brochure is form N-166.

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1942 Of Helen Hayes in Jeep w/Soldiers on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This photo was taken May 07, 1942, as confirmed by The Times newspaper out of Munster, Indiana, dated May 08, 1942. It shows actress Helen Hayes MacArthur sitting in the passenger seat of a jeep, surrounded by servicemen.

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“Press Photo Helen Hayes visits soldiers at Army base camp, Washington D.C. This is an original press photo. World War II – United States (Helen Hayes at Camp*. Washington D.C. Major William R. Fisher, Base Special Services officer is shown instructing miss Helen Hayes of stage and screen fame in the art of handling the army “Jeep” Lieutenant Robert Kuhne of Philadelphia is at the controls while Lieutenant Benet F. Cain prepares for the start. Photo measures 8.5 x 6.75 inches. Photo is dated 5-7-None.”

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Here’s the newspaper image:

Clipping from The Times - Newspapers.com

May 08, 1942, The Times newspaper out of Munster, Indiana.

 
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1949 Jeepster Sales Tool Brochure for the Sales Force

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Documents, Features, Jeepster This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This unique 36-page Jeepster sales tool aimed at the Willys-Overland sales force likely underscores a general lack of understanding about the Jeepster. It was a different enough vehicle from the utilitarian wagons, trucks and universal jeeps that the sales force may have had a challenge selling it to their standard clientele. That’s the only reason I can think that W-O created this document. I have not seen similar documents for other models.

Note that at one point the document argues that the Jeepster is NOT a convertible and NOT a sedan, but a SPORTS PHAETON. Bill pointed out to me that, like him, I always pronounced Phaeton  “Fay-ton”, with an accent on the first syllable. However, he saw a newsreel the other day and the voice-over pronounced it more like ‘Fay-et-on’ or ‘Fay-uh-ton; distinctly three syllables.

Moreover, the dictionary suggests that a Phaeton is pretty much a convertible or a touring open air car, rooted in a word for an open air four-wheeled wagon. Perhaps some more knowledgeable can distinguish between a Phaeton and a convertible??

Some of these pages worked better when shown together, so I’ve sewn together a few of them …

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Newgren Pull-Type Tandem Disc Harrow Brochure

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This Newgren Pull-Type Tandem Disc Harrow Brochure is form N-165.

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