Old Truck book launch stirs Tu¯ rangi memories
Nearly 100 community members share their stories of big event in local history
History was relived with nearly 100 community residents and family at 44 Te Herekiekie St Tu¯rangi, as recovery stories were shared and the importance of community support and those passed was acknowledged.
The occasion was the launch of the book Old Truck and the Flood, which told the story of the 2004 Tongariro River flood that overwhelmed Te Herekiekie St in Tu¯rangi and badly damaged the 1921 Model 10 Republic truck parked in the garage of the home of John and Fran Somervell.
John had already twice restored the truck and, when the floodwaters had receded, had the mammoth job of repeating the task again, this time helped by his brother-in-law Nico Jongeneel.
The book follows the tale of Old Truck shared in Jennifer Somervell and Margery Fern’s previous books Old Truck and The New Old Truck.
At the launch last month John shared some of the truck’s 100-year history, including the rise and demise of the Republic Truck Company. He recounted the travels of Old Truck from Alma, Michigan, in the United States to Auckland, and on to Napier in 1923, and its purchase by John and Jennifer’s grandfather in 1938 for £25.
Jared Goedhart from Sporting Life in Tu¯rangi shared his experience as a part of the search and rescue team. On the night of the flood they went door to door evacuating residents. He also got some photos of the flood.
Highlights included a bagpipe march composed for the occasion by Wellington composer Neil Whitehead (who travelled especially for the launch), live music by Twisted Timber, including home-grown Tales From The Farm songs written for the books by Rene Andre´ (illustrator Margery’s husband). Children and adults were amazed by the centrepiece on the birthday cake — a scale replica of the truck made from sugar. The occasion culminated in truck rides for children up and down the street on the real Old Truck.
It was a great celebration and, according to John, people on the street are still talking about it.