by Laurel | January 1st, 2012
J.W. Murray was pretty angry at the theft of his radiator cap, as well he should be — you can see a picture of the radiator cap here (image on the left). Pierce-Arrow was an American car manufacturer located in Buffalo, NY, in operation from 1901 – 1938 and was noted for luxury cars, evident in the vintage ad below. J. W. Murray was well known for his strong opinions. This display ad was published in the Springfield Republican on the date below, but evidently the radiator cap was actually stolen from the car on Wednesday, the 28th of December — so not an act of New Year revelry.
Vintage Pierce-Arrow Ad
01 January 1950
Stolen
A chromium plated radiator cap from my Pierce Arrow Roadster Wednesday night on John Street, Holyoke. I shall offer a very liberal reward for any information leading to the recovery of this cap, which has an Indian shooting with a bow and arrow on it. If you know anyone who may have one like it for sale, please notify me. All information will be kept strictly confidential by me. Keep your eyes open for this Indian bow and arrow radiator cap. Perhaps it’s on a “souped-up” or “hot-rod” car in this vicinity, but maybe some “rotten rat” just stole it and threw it away. The spirit of Colin Kelly and others who made the supreme sacrifice must feel over-joyed to have given their lives for rats like this one! Nearby police please take notice of theft.
J. W. Murray
at The Bud, Holyoke
Adapted from The Springfield Republican.
