Heres an update about the ASTORIA CLOWN CAR in SHANIKO (pictured):

The clowns originally got the car, a 1948 Chrysler, in 1955, JEFF DALY told the Ear. It was used by Hughes-Ransom as the family limo for the funerals. The clowns bought it for $250 and painted it orange, top to bottom. They traveled thousands of miles throughout the Northwest and Canada promoting the building of the bridge to nowhere, the Megler.

It wound up in Shaniko when Chrysler collector and town developer, ED MARTIN, bought it for $700. The car was a highlight, and probably the most photographed item in the ghost town, Jeff noted.

For four years, no one responded to Jeffs calls about the vehicle. Recently, however, DEBRA HOLBROOK, the Shaniko town historian, got Jeff in touch with Martins widow, JOAN, who now lives in Milwaukie.

Joan was willing to sell the car for $500. Done deal, Ill buy it, Jeff told her. When I mentioned that a group of Astorians would make the journey to get it, in clown outfits, I told her we would like to have her there for pictures, Jeff explained. She said she couldnt do it, as gas is expensive and she couldnt afford it. So Jeff offered $750. She was shocked, but shell be there.

We are putting together the SONS OF CLOWNS group, and who knows what may happen, Jeff observed. The car is going to be trailered here within the next couple of weeks, and Im enlisting support from friends and community to make it driveable, but keep todays look to it.

Jeff also has a special personal connection to the car. His sister, MOLLY, was sent to live at the Fairview Hospital and Training Center when she was not quite 3 years old (www.wheresmolly.net). One of the reasons the Astoria Clowns were formed, Jeff said, (was) so my dad could go to the Salem institution to visit her in disguise, since he was forbidden to see his daughter as a father … This car took them on that trip in 1957.

Naturally, one of the refurbished clown cars first trips will be to visit Molly, now living in Hillsboro, and give her a ride.

Elleda Wilson