Posted by Clint dixon [74.206.62.210] on Sunday, July 13, 2014 at 09:22:16 :
I displayed at the Truckers Jamboree over the past three days. I saw a bunch of friends again that I only see there once a year. The first one I talked to is a member of the ATHS. He said he had some bad news for me.
His chapter covers an area that includes Monroe Wisconsin. Monroe is where the famous Dearth Motors Power Wagon wrecker was on display on the dealership's showroom floor. I won't bore everyone with the story that has been told several times in books, magazines, and newspaper articles. But, he indicated that he and other members of his chapter were very upset.
Most of the members of that chapter are not necessarily Power Wagon enthusiasts, but they have great respect for a historic vehicle when they see it. Many of them had talked to the dealership owner over the years, a son of one of the original owners, and expressed an interest in the Power Wagon should it ever be sold. They felt it should be preserved and shown to the public and its history told at antique truck shows across the country. Many of these guys were on a fist name basis with the owner of the dealership and some were repeat customers having bought a new vehicle nearly every year from him.
It seems the owner's uncle, Bob Dearth, passed away a couple of years ago. He was one of the original brothers and had kind of become the caretaker of the Power Wagon. He said the truck would stay with the dealership as long as the building stood and the dealership stayed in business. It had served the business's wrecker before being retired and had been there since new in 1951. Bob enjoyed showing visitors the old photographs and paperwork on the truck.
With all of this known, after Bob passed away, the nephew up and sold the Power Wagon on the spur of the moment to someone from Illinois. As the story goes, they in turn flipped the Power Wagon for a profit. The next owner flipped it again. One of these sales supposedly took place at Mecum Auctions (not confirmed). The Power Wagon is now said to be "out east" somewhere and it is not know if the current owner is aware of, or even cares about, the history of the truck. It may not have the Dearth Motors lettering on it anymore and it may not even wear its original tow crane any more.
Some of the club members are no longer on speaking terms with the owner of the dealership because of what they consider a "sell out" to profiteers. Many of the long-time employees just shake their heads in disbelief.
I let my friend know I would do some searching and let the association know if I find out any further information on the whereabouts and current condition of the truck.
Thanks,
Junior
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