This weathered side panel, likely belonging to a Ford Model A or similar early 20th-century vehicle, features the ghosted hand-painted signage of "Percy Anderson's Garage Dyment." The bold lettering, despite decades of exposure, serves as a tangible link to a local business from a bygone era. Photo: Jamie Bell
A Vintage Truck’s Signage Holds Fast Against Time
Vehicles like this Ford Model A, were renowned for their straightforward mechanics and rugged utility, making them ideal choices for garage service trucks. Percy Anderson’s Garage would have relied on this truck daily for various tasks—delivering parts, running service calls, or perhaps towing disabled vehicles back to the shop. The deep blue paint, now flaking and oxidized, speaks to a history of oil, grease, and hard labor. The missing windows and steering wheel, combined with the visible decay of the interior and the surrounding wooded environment, mark the end of its active service life and its integration back into nature.
During this period, before widespread commercial vinyl graphics, hand-painted signage was the standard for commercial vehicles, giving each shop truck a unique, personalized identity. The quality of the lettering suggests a professional sign painter was commissioned, indicating pride in the business and a dedication to local branding.
Today, this abandoned relic provides valuable insight for automotive archaeologists and local historians. It is a striking visual reminder of small-town commerce in the early 20th century, where local garages were central hubs of activity. The truck’s continued existence, decades after its purpose expired, makes it a fascinating, silent monument to Percy Anderson and the community he served in Dyment.
The upcoming exhibition, “Titans of the Forest,” is the culmination of a powerful six-month interdisciplinary arts and capacity-building project spearheaded by the Art Borups Corners collective. This initiative, made possible by seed funding from the Ontario Arts Council Multi and Inter-Arts Projects program, represents a significant collaboration for our artists and programs. Working closely with key partners—the Dyment Museum, The Arts Incubator Winnipeg, and the Local Services Board of Melgund—the exhibition is set to debut a compelling series of photo and multimedia works. These pieces offer an artistic and historical look at the region, celebrating the history, and the powerful role of these industrial giants in shaping the local landscape and memory.
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