New from Whelan’s Garage on Cornwall Avenue

Bern and Cliff Whelan were agents for a number of different makes over the length of time the two brothers operated their dealership / garage in St. John’s. The above advertisement was brought to our attention last week. A friend discovered the nearly 75-yearold newspaper tucked in among keepsakes belonging to his late father.

This was a copy of the January 10th., 1940 issue of The Evening Telegram. One item had been clipped from it, but otherwise there seemed to be nothing more about this particular Saturday issue that would make it “a keeper”.

Of course 1940 was early in the war. Thumbing through the paper from our point in time you would tend to wonder how many people were to die violently before the next five years had come to pass. But for now, life went on.

For example, car-buyers who still enjoyed peace and plenty here were asked to give some consideration to this large and qualitybuilt automobile:

It’s the Packard you’ve always wanted to own ... comfort and luxury from bumper to bumper ... stream-lined beauty as modern as tomorrow ... with new power, acceleration, economy - yes, every inch a famous Packard.

“This year you will save money by buying a Packard. Prices are the lowest in history. And Packard economy challenges comparison not only in fuel and oil but in servicing as well.

“Drive one of these new 1940 Packards today - it will reveal to you more car for your money than you have ever thought possible.”

An extra message in one small corner of the ad said that customers should “Ask to see the amazing ‘Light Test’ of the smoother Packard ride.”

The Packard was considered a luxury car. It was on the market nearly 60 years with the last ones rolling off the line in 1958.

Note. The Evening Telegram at this time was printed on pink newsprint.