WWII-era Jeeps evoke history on 80-mile trip
A caravan of nine Jeeps set off Saturday morning from Westfield Oakridge in South San Jose, the starting point for a journey to San Juan Bautista. The distance of about 80 miles was chosen to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the rugged military vehicle, relied upon on battlefields and made famous in movies.
Most of the vehicles were of World War II vintage, as the drive served as an early kickoff to the Spirit of ’45 celebration taking place this weekend at History Park in San Jose to mark the end of WWII.
“I’m glad we could get together, show off our Jeeps and honor our World War II history,” said Robert Corpus, the Spirit of ’45 Silicon Valley Planning Committee’s chairman, who drove one of the Jeeps.
With its distinctive vertical-slat grill with headlights on either side, the Jeep — and there are a book’s worth of stories about the name’s origin — was manufactured by Ford and Willys-Overland. It included a shovel and axe strapped outside the driver’s seat. Civilian models — no shovel or axe included — were produced in later decades, and Saturday’s caravan included a 1971 model and brand new Jeep Compass, which looked considerably more comfortable than its ancestors.
Passing that sense of history along to the next generation is something that Ted and Michelle Glogovac were clearly doing. The San Jose couple had
their kids — Declan, 6, and Katie, 5 — buckled into the backseat of their Jeep. They bought their Ford GPW in early 2019 and have driven it in events like Morgan Hill’s July 4 parade.
The Jeeps would look perfect this weekend at History Park for the twoday Spirit of ’45 event, too. There’s a Big Band concert and swing dance on Aug. 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. and a living history day on Aug. 14 from 11a.m. to 4p.m., when the 14-acre park will be sent back to the ’40s with more big band music, a car show, tent city, a victory parade and food trucks — there must be some concessions to modernity.
Admission to the swing dance party Friday night is $20, and Saturday’s general admission is $10, with discounts for kids and members. Get more information about the Spirit of ’45 events at www.historysanjose.org.
CHARITABLE CHALLENGE » There won’t be a 19th annual Spring Lamb Barbecue and Bocce Tournament this year to support Ronald McDonald House Bay Area. Instead, the committee that hosts the event has put forth a $50,000 fundraising challenge, aiming to raise $100,000 by the end of the month for the nonprofit that provides housing, meals and other support to families with children receiving lifesaving care.
Dominique Sierra, the chair of this year’s committee, is the daughter of the event’s founder, Tim Filice. He was spurred into action after his grandson — Dominique’s son, Fernando Jr. — needed critical medical care in 2003. Since then, the spring barbecue’s organizers and attendees have raised more than $1.4 million for Ronald McDonald House.
“Having just a little part in helping these families is truly an honor,” she said. “Giving back is a way for us to honor our son and a way to reflect on all the support we had surrounding us during the most difficult time in our lives.”
Donations can be made at rmhcbayarea.org/ spring-lamb-2021.
SWEET SHOT » Santa Clara County had a pop-up vaccination clinic at Casa de Fruta on Tuesday, and owner Gene Zanger said the popular Hollister camping stop added a treat: a scoop of Marianne’s ice cream for anyone getting a shot from Casa de Sweets.
“We are happy to offer COVID vaccines through public health so that our guests can do their part to help protect themselves and those they care about,” Zanger said. If you missed out on the ice cream, you can find other vaccination clinics being offered in Santa Clara County at www.sccfreevax.org.