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| On an overcast Saturday morning in May, old and new classic car enthusiasts gathered at the annual Jim Dandy Cruise-In in to compete for prizes and share tales of restorations and hours of hard work. Jim Dandy Drive-In in Parkrose is the only remaining drive-in restaurant in Portland from an era of hot rodding, car clubs, cruising and hanging out. Over 200 cars registered for this popular event. |
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| Southeast Portland resident and car enthusiast Bob Bell bought his 1931 Ford on a whim because he has always liked what he calls “gangster cars”. He proceeded to spend 10 years and a home equity loan putting the car in show condition. His shiny black, five window Deluxe Coupe is stock. |
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| Summerplace resident Jerry DelValle and his 1966 Ford Galaxie 4-door hard top. DelValle purchased the car in 1982, said the car’s previous owner replaced the original 352 horsepower engine with a 428. DelValle went on to explain the car could have been factory ordered with a 428 horsepower engine as police departments used the sedan version across the country. |
| MEMO PHOTOS: TIM CURRAN |
Local businesses are the lifeblood of our community. The Mid-county Memo offers this section to our business neighbors for news, advancements, promotions, expansions and other noteworthy events to be shared with the community at large. Business Memo submissions for the July issue are due by Friday, July 15. For best results, e-mail Darlene Vinson at editor@midcountymemo.com. You may also mail editorial submissions to 3510 N.E. 134th Ave., Portland, OR, 97230. To call or leave a phone message, dial 503-287-8904. The Mid-county Memo fax number is 503-249-7672.
Jim Dandy Drive-In Cruise-In held, reunion date set
The annual Jim Dandy Drive-In Restaurant Cruise-In was held on May 21, with open event trophies, raffle prizes and music. The restaurant, in business since 1937, is located at 9626 N.E. Sandy Blvd. in Parkrose.
The Cruise-In featured hot rods and custom cars on display for public viewing, with cars representing everything from classic American hot rods from the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s to tricked-out late-model Japanese automobiles.
Viv Lanegan has owned the business for the past 20 years. Her business card for Jim Dandy reads, “The last drive-in restaurant from an era of hot rodding, car clubs, cruising and hanging out.”
She said the annual Cruise-In originally started with the Nomads car club approximately 25 years ago. Lanegan said in 1997 the Road Knights, now the oldest car club in Portland, took over as organizers.
“The Cruise-Ins were going on before I took over,” she said.
Lanegan was not able to give an estimate of how many people came and went to view the wheeled wonders on May 21, but did say that 229 cars officially registered for the event.
“This year we had a really good turnout,” Lanegan commented. “This whole block were we’re located in was full, and the TriMet’s Sumner Station Park and Ride parking lot across the street was pretty full, too.”
As a reflection of the cars represented, Lanegan said every age group was there. With regard to the newer custom cars on hand for the event, Lanegan was happy to see both young and old get together for the event.
“It’s great to see younger people getting involved in this kind of thing,” she said.
With 12 different judging categories, Lanegan said approximately two dozen trophies were awarded. And, she said, those attending showed up early.
“They were here when I opened at 7 a.m. that day,” she said. “We were swamped for breakfast.” Lanegan would know: During the Cruise-In, she takes over as the full-time cook.
Another event, the annual Jim Dandy Reunion, is set for Saturday, July 9.
“It’s a reunion of people who used to hang out here in high school, said Lanegan. “It brings a lot of history to the area, brings everybody back together.” Guests will include those who attended Grant, Madison and Parkrose high schools.
The reunion on July 9 is the 25th anniversary of the first get together.
“It’s a lot of fun,” she said. Lanegan said invitations were sent to people locally, along with those living in Alaska, Nevada and California. Lanegan likened it to a high school reunion.
“This is a chance to see each other again,” she said. “It brings a lot of families and grandkids.”
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