IML: Imperial as touch stone

["Hugh, 58 Imperial" <imperial58@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

It recently occurred to me just how significant my Imperial is to me even 
though I have not been able to drive it for almost four years now.  I had 
the pleasure of attending a gathering of almost eighty Ford Model Ts in 
Uvalde, Texas, a few weeks ago.  In passing, the 1924 truck owned by the 
museum was recently started again for the first time in 25 years in 
preparation for a Model T event at our property later this month.  While I 
thoroughly enjoyed the meet, I found myself referring to my 58 probably more 
than was entirely proper at an event dedicated to another make, but the way 
I found I best related to their enthusiasm was my own for my 58 Imperial.

I also took part in a train show recently.  Heck, I even wrote a book about 
local railroads.  Once again I could not help but mention in my talk the 
fact that it was the Imperial which drew me closest to the museum and that 
it was from my enjoyment of this car that I was now manager of the place 
plus a published author.  It is  feature prominently in the introductory 
part of every PowerPoint show I give, no matter what the topic.  So, no 
matter where I go and do, the Imperial is never far from my thoughts.  It 
did indeed change my life.  I would not have stayed with the museum, even as 
a volunteer, where it not for the car's peculiar magnetic attraction.

So, here's the good news.  At a recent board meeting, I humbly requested 
that the restoration of the Imperial be placed on next year's priority list. 
I made a convincing business argument for it, not least because my second 
book, about local road transportation, is due out in the summer and the car 
would make a great promotional device for it and the museum.  I also, 
admittedly several years ago, had a conversation with a local television 
station about using the car as the main prop in a proposed show about local 
history.   Aimed at children of all ages, the show would be called "Travels 
with Mrs. Blueberry." The idea is that car is the narrator and takes the 
viewer to interesting places in the car.  I or more likely an actor, would 
play the role of chauffeur, ushering the camera into the back seat and 
giving some old chat about the intended destination.  It's a cheap and 
cheerful concept, just another way of making local history a little more 
palatable to kids, who are drawn to the 58 just moths to a flame.

The response was entirely positive, though concerns about the new rust hole 
in the floor were expressed and rightly so.  Once the conversation has moved 
into practical areas, the deal can be said to be all but done, which indeed 
it was.  So, with any luck, like a phoenix, Mrs. Blueberry may just be able 
to emerge from the ashes one more time.  I certainly hope so.  It's all very 
well talking abut it but nothing, nothing at all, compares to driving it.

Hugh Hemphill
58 Imperial
San Antonio, Texas. 



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