Over the Garden Fence: Cars, treats and much more at the T & OC Railroad Station Saturday

A year has passed since the Bucyrus Preservation Society filled its property with automobiles, classics and antiques, restored and not so much restored, but running trucks, cars and buses. And thanks to John Cauvel, this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. we are much more ready to host.

First of all any vehicle can be displayed. You just have to drive it to 700 Rensselaer St. You will be given more help and guidance from the Eliminators Car Club members in parking. These guys and a gal or two know the distances to be left between their "pride and joy" vehicles. Last year 36 vehicles signed, in but we counted more like 50 surrounding our site.

We have restrooms on site. We have some touches of Americana through bunting outside.

Seasonal flowers are planted at our sign. There will be music. Central Street Meat Market is returning to prepare sandwiches. Sweet Thangs Kettle Corn will be popping. The Antique Machinery Association of Crawford County will will cranking out three flavors of ice cream vanilla, strawberry and chocolate.

Baked treats, raffle, gift shop open

That will go well with a baked treat from our Preservation Society bake sale table inside. A piece of pie, a slice of cake or some bar cookies go down easy with any flavor of ice cream. Come inside the depot where homemade goodies can be selected as Sue Streib and I manage that segment.

John has been all over Bucyrus sharing with enthusiasm. He has accepted donations from many businesses and assembled car care buckets. These will be raffled. Amy Cauvel has made what we refer to as hostess or guest gift bags to be given to each registered vehicle. In addition, Amy will handle the raffle sales. We are overwhelmed with the generosity.

The gift shop will be opened with shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, caps, Ben Anslow building replicas in miniature, and a few other items related to the railroad. Look for Carolyn Kelley there. The caboose will be open for viewing as well as our main depot building. If you have never been over to visit the restoration efforts, know that you are encouraged to come view what has resulted from the history of so many skilled volunteers while appreciating the vehicles and talking with owners.

Appreciation for those who restore with pride

Last year, I did run around to talk with many of the car owners. Though my judging skills are not in this realm whatsoever, there was a new found appreciation for those who restore with pride. Some searched high and low for parts such as an engine. Heavens, that would be the heart of the machine wouldn't it? Others were fascinating to me as they explained that restoration was not the goal but preserving its original aged condition was in their thinking.

The parade going as far back as a 1922 Dodge, to a 1923 car, a 1929 Ford, a 1930 Model A, a 1940 Chevy, a 1945 Ford bus, a 1953 Chevy panel truck, a 1966 Volkswagen, rolling right on through the years to Mustangs, Corvettes, TransAms, Impalas and much more. Polished to pride you clearly come away with the sense of the past having significance. Each owner has a story, too.

You are invited to visit with the car owners who clearly are committed to preservation just as those who salvaged the Toledo and Ohio Central depot. Bring your curiosity.

Mary Lee Minor is a member of the Earth, Wind and Flowers Garden Club, an accredited master gardener, a flower show judge for the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs and a former sixth grade teacher.

This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Bucyrus Preservation Society to host car show at T & OC Rail Station