Parade of historic vehicles planned for July 23
If not for the band of 1980s fame, few people nowadays would even know the name REO Speedwagon. Fewer still would be those who would associate it with the founder of the Oldsmobile company, Ransom Eli Olds.
But a local auto restoration buff is hoping to change that when he hosts a group of historic automobile collectors in mid-July.
“We’re hoping to give them (club members) a little history of Bellefontaine, but we also want Bellefontaine folks to understand a little about REOs,” Brian Baker of rural Bellefontaine said of the REO Club of America’s 43rd annual meet that will take place in Logan County beginning July 20 and culminate with a parade through the city on the morning of Saturday, July 23.
While Mr. Baker, who is hosting the event with his wife Charlene, owns several classic automobiles, his only REO — a 1928 REO Wolverine passenger car with rumble seat and golf bag compartment — was passed down to him from his late father, Aaron Baker.
“My dad is who got me started collecting cars,” Mr. Baker said. “For a large part of his life, he worked for Ohio Bell and when he would see someone driving around in one of these old cars he would ask if they wanted to sell it. This one belonged to a little old lady who was still driving it in the ’50s or ’60s.”
Brian Baker of rural Bellefontaine poses with the 1928 REO Wolverine his father handed down to him. Mr. Baker, an antique car enthusiast, is working to host the REO Club of America’s annual meet up in Bellefontaine later this month. (EXAMINER PHOTO | REUBEN MEES)
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