By Rev. C.J. Barry Kentner
That funny, owl shaped creature with huge eyes which appeared in the mid l960s. Cartoonist Al Capp was the originator of the Ookpick. He penned the Yokum Family in the comic section of our newspapers. Looking back over the years, several comic strips such as the Katzenjammer Kids, Terry and the Pirates, and of course The Lone Ranger held our attention. And not to mention Buz Sawyer or Little Orphan Annie would be a shame.
These were among the most cherished of all the comics which, alas, have gone the way Of the Do Do bird. But coming back to the Ookpick, we have one in our back yard. It has just been given a fresh coat of paint which did wonders for the little guy.
I was recalling the price of cars just after World War 11 with a friend, when I suddenly remembered that the Hudson, in l946. had bumpers made of wood, apparently there was a problem with steel shipments, and the first of the New Cars came out with ” five by two inch ” bumpers. At least they did in Canada. The 1946 Hudson retailed at $995 in most Canadian dealerships, while Ford sold a Business Coupe for $895. I do know that in l949, the price of a standard Ford sedan was $1,995 at one Ford dealer in Toronto, because it was advertised in a newspaper.
Beauty Unlocked
The lure of restored beauty
In broken things made whole
Is pale
Compared to what God does
When He restores a Soul
Rev. C.J. Barry Kentner
