Pekin Fourth memories

By: 
Editor Stephanie Ferriell

Norman Souder has vivid memories from his childhood, memories of a simpler time, a time when he rode on a mule to his grandparents’ sorghum field on their Motsinger Road farm, when they traveled to Blue River Church in a Model A Ford.

He also remembers attending the nation’s oldest consecutive Fourth of July celebration.

“I can remember going to the Pekin Fourth when I was a kid,” he said. “I remember taking a blanket and putting it on the ground and having a picnic.”

What he couldn’t have imagined as a boy was that someday, he would be part of the historic event.

Since 2003, Norm and his wife, Dixie, have taken part in the Pekin Fourth parade, making their way along the route in their 1957 Chevy.

The Souders are only the third owners of the car, which Norm describes as “one of those cars you hear about but never see.” They found the gem while visiting their son in Colorado Springs. “I was looking for an old car, so I got on eBay while we were there and found it in Denver.”

What makes the car extra special to the Souders is that it is the exact car they had when they were married 60 years ago. “It’s even the same color,” said Norm, “coral and white. Coral wasn’t as popular, but it’s still pretty. We were just lucky to find one that same color.”

Dixie added, “We were just lucky to find one, period!”

The car is all original; it has never been restored.

For more on Souder's car, plus a story about Carl Fromelius and his 39 years appearing in the Pekin Fourth parade, be sure to get this week's Salem Democrat, on newsstands now!

 

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