On Monday November 12, 2007, I received a call from John Armstrong about a 1917 Oakland touring car in good, un-restored condition that was located in Tiffin, Ohio.  Thank you John!

Clair and Martha Forrest had bought the car in 1954.  Sadly Mr. Forrest passed away four years earlier and now Mrs. Forrest was selling the Oakland.  I contacted my good friend, Mike Woody, to see if he would like to ride shotgun to have a look at it.  His reply was, “when can we leave?”

Mike and I made the 400 mile round trip the following Thursday.  When we saw the car, we were both surprised at how nice the car was.  I made two offers to Mrs. Forrest… but she declined.  I told her I would have to think about it and think is what I did…all night long!  I couldn’t wait to call her the next morning to tell her I would take the Oakland for the asking price.  She said she would hold the car for me.

That Sunday, Mike and I were once again on our way to Tiffin…this time with my trailer!  Two sons, a grandson and a family friend of Mrs. Forrest were there to help us load the Oakland and pose for lots of pictures.  The sons said they had grown up with the Oakland and all said they would miss it but were happy it was going to a good home. 

Mike and I had an enjoyable trip bringing the Oakland to its new home in Lapeer, Michigan which is about 30 miles north of were it had originally been built.  I want to give special thanks to Mike Woody and John Armstrong for helping me realize a dream.

Wade Cleffman