This Father’s Day, slow down with "Full Service" author David Hill

by Anna E. Jordan

"Owls Head Transportation Museum" by Kristin Shoemaker via Flickr, https://www.flickr.com/photos/linuxlibrarian/

The Owls Head Museum is a perfect place for families. When my two sons were younger, we visited the museum with their grandfather who was born in 1925. I’ve never thought of him as a “car guy” but as soon as we entered the museum his eyes lit up. He extolled the lines of the Studebaker, the muscle of the Mustang, and the convenience of the milk man. Then he pointed to an old-fashioned gas pump on display. “Every gas station had an attendant who would pump your gas, wash your windows, and check your oil,” he said. My children were incredulous. In an era when you checkout your own groceries and communication happens 140 characters at a time it was amazing to them that full service existed.

David Hill, Islandport Press author of Full Service: Notes From The Rearview Mirror agrees that times have changed. “There’s so much rushing in this world,” says Hill, whose job as a news cameraman can be frenetic. When he wants a slower pace, Hill finds refuge in the woods photographing the automobiles of yesteryear that have been abandoned. The book is a nostalgic look at the mid 20th century when America was in love with the automobile—cars, service stations, and roadhouses. You can join him on a road trip back to a simpler time this Sunday, Father’s Day, June 19th from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Owls Head Transportation Museum, 117 Museum Street, Owls Head, Maine.

Father’s Day at Owls Head is a special time. In addition to meeting author, David Hill, you’ll enjoy the Owls Head “All American Auto Meet,” a demonstration of the Museum's WWI-era biplanes, kids activities, Model T rides, and antique vehicle demonstrations. Event admission is $18 for adults, free for children under 18, and retired and active duty military.

This Father’s Day—slow down. Our family packed a picnic and a blanket and made the Owls Head Transportation Museum an all day affair. Meet author David Hill. Rediscover the unique qualities of automobiles—the fin, the chrome bumper, and the hood ornament. Rediscover the era of Full Service and enjoy the trip down memory lane.