Meet Dave Kelley, the Manistee County man known for his classic car collection
Driving and vintage cars and trucks have been a huge element of Dave Kelley’s everyday living. He’s a driver for Manistee County Dial-A-Experience and is properly acknowledged for his classic car or truck assortment.
That selection took a massive hit in 2013 when the developing in which he saved the automobiles burned – costing him 10 of his beauties.
Driving and typical vehicles have been a big element of Dave Kelley’s existence. He’s a driver for Manistee County Dial-A-Trip and is well regarded for his vintage car selection.
Courtesy photograph“It’s been a wrestle to start around,” he stated. “I do have a new garage about close to Morton Salt and now have a few autos. We purchased a Corvette to switch my dad’s that burned, and also have a 1968 Dodge Charger and 1970 Plymouth Road Runner.”
Kelley said the soaring expense of traditional cars has virtually compelled him out of that passion.
“I do nonetheless try,” he said. “The Charger is in Nebraska appropriate now being restored and painted and the Highway Runner is a genuine challenge.”
Kelley grew up on Ninth Road and now lives in the household his grandparents owned on Sixth Avenue. The movie “Miracle on 34th Street” is his favored for the reason that he used to look at it with his grandparents.
Kelley’s curiosity in cars and trucks made many thanks to Ninth Street neighbor Dean Kruse, who was in charge of the Manistee vocational automotive software.
“When I was a child I’d stroll more than to Dean’s dwelling the place his learners would occur in excess of soon after college to function on their vehicles,” Kelley claimed. “And my father was usually tinkering with his Corvette – so cars have been right there in front of me all the time.”
Kelley eventually enrolled in and completed the Manistee High University automotive plan.
“I feel it’s the only course I at any time acquired an A in,” he mentioned.
1 Christmas tradition Kelley remembers is going with the spouse and children to Trinity Lutheran Church to pick out a Xmas tree.
“As I obtained a minor older I would attempt to adorn outdoors,” he reported. “I constantly wished lights outside. I even now do. Make a difference of reality I’m decorating my tree suitable now – which includes hanging some of grandma’s decorations.”
When he was younger Kelley would stroll or bicycle from Ninth Road to Sixth Road to see his grandparents. Now he travels from Sixth to Ninth to the household of his parents — Kathy and Pat Kelley — for Xmas.
By means of the many years as a Dial-A-Ride driver he’s served inhabitants – particularly senior older adults – take pleasure in the holiday getaway time taking them purchasing, on shade excursions and to occasions like the Sleighbell Parade.
“As a driver I have dreaded New Year’s Eve, but all of the many others had been fantastic,” he mentioned.
These times he requires developmental instruction learners to and from school.
“In the mornings if we have a number of minutes I’ll choose the children close to to see some Xmas lights on their way to school,” Kelley explained. “That’s anything we did when I was young. Mom and dad in the front and my sister and I in the back again, driving all around wanting at lights. I try out to share that with the little ones on the bus.”
INTRODUCING DAVE KELLEY
• Lived in Manistee County his whole existence
• Favorite Christmas motion picture is “Wonder on 34th Avenue” since he applied to watch it with his grandparents
• Preferred day (Dave) of the calendar year is possibly the last working day of faculty.
Kelley mentioned his Xmas track playlist features several motor vehicle music.
“There are a few of Beach front Boys songs, one is ‘Little St. Nick,’” he stated.
Up until now Kelley has by no means been provided a automobile for Christmas. But who is familiar with, it’s possible this will be the yr for Santa will go away some thing exciting in his driveway, with a massive crimson bow.
“I’ve gotten plenty of car stuff, but so much by no means a motor vehicle,” he reported.