It was 1954
I was fresh out of high school in a small Pennsylvania town. The Parade of Progress, GM's show parade at the time came to Erie. On a nice summer warm night my friends and I visited this event. I well remember the big GM liner truck/buses. The sides opened up to show all the GM products and engineering involved in producing vehicles and products. I think this was a turning point in my life. I had a friend who was a couple years ahead of me. He told me about a place called Flint, Michigan. and a college/school called General Motors Institute (GMI). Now being a car nut I got interested and wanted more information on this GMI place.
My father and I visited GMI and I was very impressed in what I saw. I do remember when we drove into town; this was before I-75 and US-23. We drove into a gas station at corner of Fenton Road and Court Street. I ask for directions to GMI and the guy said, "Never heard of the place!" I wondered at the time if I had made the right decision and trip from Pennsylvania.
This was the same time as the big GM's 50 millionth vehicle celebration, parade, Atwood Stadium music and Dinah Shore Show. I watched the 1955 Golden Chevrolet Bel Air go by in the parade. I wonder what ever happened to that beautiful masterpiece. I remember GM president Harlow Curtice waving at the crowd. Saginaw Street was lined with viewers waving and cheering. My dad and I stayed in the Flint Tavern Hotel, which was very nice. My mother got upset when we got home because we stayed in a tavern!
I enrolled into GMI and my GM career started. Work, study, classes, labs, friends and the usual college problems. I remember most all of my GMI professor's and in fact, I see and share stories with some to this day. I remember the many hamburgers we ate at the old Bank Vault, JP's I think was the name. The Friday night dances at GMI and the visiting Hurley girls were special. Finally, I well remember graduation day in the IMA. Mr. Charles Sheridan pronounced our names perfectly as we walked across the stage. My dad was impressed as I have a difficult long last name.
My GM years start. I had assignments in various locations. Enjoyed my time at GM Proving Grounds, moving to Flint and the V-8 engine plant. Worked in many different departments at V-8 plant, finally locating in the Product Engineering Department. Have lasting memories of all my friends and years at GM. My many nutty donuts from Donna's started our days. I still enjoy a donut to this day. Our lunches were the many different specialty soups and coney islands from Capital Coney Island. Our department had constant engineering visitors from Warren GM Engineering Center and they always enjoyed visiting our department at lunch time.
Retirement arrived and out the door I went. So now with this opportunity to share my memories I encourage others to put their thoughts on paper. Should be fun to see what others submit.
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