Area lawn graced by 1941 GMC

On the morning of Oct. 17, Dan and Sherri Hrdlichka’s yard in Blooming Grove Township was bright with fall colors and sunshine. Adding to the character and beauty of their space is a 1941 GMC1500 single cab truck. With a max load weight of 4600lbs. and 76 horsepower, this now-retired machine stands as a testament to American ingenuity.

 

Dan stepped from around the back of his house for a handshake and a talk. It seems safe to assume the GMCs driving days are over, but just in case the engine is still inside and looks like it’s in pretty good condition. 

 

Said Dan, “I’ve never worked on it, but it’s all there, just like the day I bought it. I got it out of Hastings from a private owner, not a business or anything, transmission and everything was included.” The windows are still there, maybe not as clean as they were on day one, but still structurally sound.

 

Dan relates the truck has been decorating the yard since August of 2019. To light it at night, he fashioned headlights from motorcycle parts. “The lights can be seen from as far away as the creamery, but I didn’t get the super bright ones because I didn’t want to affect anyone's ability to pass my house without getting blinded.” On the side of the truck doors is what looks to read in faded letters, “Triplett Auto Body,”

 

Near the single cab vehicle is an old-fashioned cupola, that’s the big metal vent that can still be found on the roofs of old barns and are often a prized item for collectors. The silver-colored cupola was acquired from an old barn near Meridan which, Dan reports, is no longer standing. . There are also a waist high, sun-shaped lawn ornament and a few other knick-knacks scattered tastefully about.

 

Sherri placed the decorations and planted the garden which contains hostas, mums and black-eyed susans. The space which includes the flower garden, truck, and cupola, is outlined with red brick. The truck and plants are sitting on crushed rock called “South Dakota Pink.”

 

As a seasonal touch, Dan has added a skeleton named Butch seated behind the steering wheel. Dan explains soft LED lights illuminate the cab after dark.

 

Apparently Dan and Sherri’s work has been noticed, since Dan mentions, “Every now and then people stop to ask if they can take a picture of the truck and I always let them.”