Petals and pedals: 1931 Chevy Woody that once starred for Caine's Flowers up for sale
For decades, the 1931 Chevy Woody that once shined as a publicity star for Caines Flowers in Barberton stayed in storage, patiently waiting in the dark.
Waiting for a chance to emerge from its 2nd Street NW home near the floral shop. To hit the open road again and draw the glance of passersby and the fawning attention of car enthusiasts.
The 92-year-old wagon got that chance recently, travelling the 11-mile route from Rittman after some renovation work.
And it will get the chance soon to stretch its wheels a lot more because the mechanical nonagenarian — most of it original, but still in need of a new gas tank — is up for sale.
Delivering goods and delivering passengers
The Caines Flowers Woody has been in the family for about 50 years, sharing delivery duties with a more modern van before it went into storage, said Bunde Roebuck, who runs the family business with niece Ariel Fuller.
During its production days, the Woody vehicles were often purchased by railroad companies to shuttle passengers to their hotels, according to Auto Museum Online. The Woody and similar vehicles are considered the precursor of the station wagon.
It was built with a six-cylinder engine, running board and manual transmission. The first automatic transmissions used in vehicles didn't go into production until about a decade later.
'Pride and joy'
Roebuck's father, William Pieffer, bought the vehicle back in the 1970s, she said, after having his eye on it for a while.
"He and I would take it sometimes on deliveries," Roebuck said. "It was his pride and joy."
He'd also show the vehicle at car shows and local events, she said.
"I remember it being in the parade and passing out carnations," she said.
A photo from the era shows a young Roebuck in a crowd watching as the Woody makes an appearance at the downtown Barberton shop. She remembers Adam Jones and Bob Allen, known for the WAKR "Adam and Bob Show" riding in the vehicle during a parade.
Looking for a new owner
The wagon looks much the same today, with a new carburetor and updated wiring. The Caines Flowers sign on the driver's side remains, but the one seen in back in the '70s photo is gone.
Fuller expects the new owner to remove the remaining sign, and she's curious to find out where the old vehicle served before Caine's. Underneath the sign is the name of the grocery the Woody delivered for.
Fuller said she has few memories of the vehicle, but she knew her grandfather was attached to it.
"I remember being little and it was a big deal," she said. "He loved it."
She said the family once considered selling it, but decided not to part with the Woody at that time.
"My dad was going to sell it years ago, (but) Bunde didn't want that," she said.
Hoping to keep it local
Now, Roebuck said, it's time. She and Fuller have also sold license plates — some more than 100 years old — that have been in storage.
They both hope the vehicle stays with a local owner who will show it and keep it running.
"We're hoping it stays in town," Fuller said.
"It's hard to part with," Roebuck said.
More: Barberton flower shop edges toward 100 years — Caine’s Flowers thrives in a fading industry
Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him at aashworth@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 1931 Chevy Woody that once starred for Caines Flowers up for sale
