mr.oshkosh@hotmail.comIn recent weeks many people have contacted me asking what is my most priceless Oshkosh item that I have. I have many but by far the most priceless is the friendship with Clarence. I would say the second one would be the original blue prints from March 1920. I have the only two sets of original blue prints of the Oshkosh Factory when it was built in 1920. A picture of Clarence looking at the blue prints can be seen under Clarence Jungwirth link under my main post.
Along with the original blue prints I also have many other blue prints showing with additions where made to the factory over the years.
Wow, I spent the last three days in Oshkosh. I was able to spend time with Clarence which is always the highlight of being in Oshkosh. I was able to also spend time with O.B. Zimmerman who is 87 years old and was the sales manager for Oshkosh from 1950 to 1969. I learned a lot and I have found yet another best friend in Oshkosh. I was also able to meet with Mr. Don Sullivan who is 99 years old and sharp as a tack. Don is the son of Frank Sullivan who was the very first plant manager for Oshkosh Truck in 1917. I was gifted some old Oshkosh photos that were taken by Frank Sullivan in 1918. The new pictures are some of the oldest Oshkosh memorabilia items that I have. I will post the pictures soon. As always when I am in Oshkosh I looked for old trucks and I did find two old trucks. I was able to meet a guy that has two. A 1937 Oshkosh and a 1920's all wooden cab truck. I will post pictures later. I have the chance to buy the 1937 for $1,500.00, I am undecided because I would have to take out a lone this time. This one is heavy on my heart.
In recent weeks I have been having conversations with retired Oshkosh Truck employees or family membersthat have a wealth of knowledge of the History of Oshkosh Truck. I hope to meet with some of them and Clarencein the coming weeks during my next visit to Oshkosh. Some of these individuals were manager's or very key people for Oshkosh Truck. I hope to have some interesting things to post after meeting with them. Just a few of my Oshkosh Horn Emblem's. As you can tell all but one still has the plastic covering on them.
These matchbox trucks were released in 2010! I hear there is a an all red one coming too!
Oshkosh Truck dealer's had match books made over the years. I think I have of 20 or so from
different dealer's!
Army Navy E Award that was given out for a job well done. Oshkosh received many during
the war effort. I am still looking for a "E" service award flag to complete the set.
I wonder if this employee badge from 1945 could still get me in the factory today? I might
have to change my looks before I try it!