Rolling down memory lane

Photo: Nich Johansen

Paul Prochera checks out a Plymouth Barracuda at the car show.

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Photo: Nich Johansen Photo: Nich Johansen Photo: Nich Johansen Photo: Nich Johansen Photo: Nich Johansen

 

A vintage car show hosted by the Okanagan Chateau retirement residence was a blast from the past for many of its residents.

The show kicked off the Chateau's 25th anniversary celebration, which continues all weekend. A barbershop quartet provided entertainment as residents checked out cars from the Okanagan chapter of the Vintage Car Club of Canada.

Dozens of smiling seniors sipped water and ate snacks as they took a trip down memory lane.

Paul Prochera said he once had a 1941 Pontiac that he “summersaulted” in Saskatoon. The next day, when he came back to put it right side up, all four wheels were stolen.

The first car resident Ethel Hanson ever drove was her father's Ford in the late 1930s. Her father was out of town that week, so she was forced to drive the seven miles from school to her house. Fortunately, this was in Torquay, Sask., and the dirt road was empty, she said.

David and Dorothy Wood have lived at the Chateau for four months and said they really enjoy it. They've been married for 45 years, and their first car together was a blue 1967 Chevrolet Nova. Despite the classic cars surrounding them, David conceded the favourite car he's ever owned is their current Honda.

There are currently 106 residents at the Chateau, between the ages of 65 and 99, according to executive director Kim Dorcas.

“We've got a great group of people living here,” she said.

This sentiment was echoed by the residents.

“The staff is nice, the waitresses are very, very nice,” said Prochera, a two-year resident. “Because they are so nice, the residents, in response, are very nice to them. It's really one happy family.”

The celebrations continue tomorrow with an anniversary dance, followed by a barbecue and magic show on Saturday.