Jim Peters’ treasured truck trove

By Fred Hendricks
​Note: This feature is in the Feb. TT&C 2021 issue.

Click to view electronic issue.

​Jim Peters’ treasured truck trove is a cherished memory of his grandparents’ business. His grandparents owned a multi-generation moving and storage company in Ottawa and Lima, Ohio. The company was an agent for Bekins Van Lines and Wheaton Van Lines. 
“When my grandfather passed from a sudden heart attack, my grandmother took control of the daily operations of the business. With help from her brother and father, the company operated until the mid-1970s. I have wonderful memories of their business through the moving van trucks in my collection,” Jim stated.

Collecting influence
Jim’s attraction for collecting started early in life. A family friend who he admired collected farm equipment replicas. While still in elementary school, Jim and his brother began collecting farm toys. He noted, “My brother and I started attending farm toy shows to buy some special models. We also picked up model trucks along the way. They included replicas made by Tonka, Structo and Smith-Miller.”
Jim credits his father for influencing the collection craze. “My father worked on cars his whole life. Through his work, he taught us boys mechanical skills. This instilled an interest in old cars and trucks. With this fascination, I’ve collected four antique trucks and a 1916 Ford Model T car. There are scale models on my shelves that duplicate this vintage collection,” he said.

Want to read the story?  
It's available in the FEB TT&C ​magazine!
​CLICK HERE to: SUBSCRIBE