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I went the Ontario Elementary School for K-1st, then 4th and 5th grades. It was 1965 – 1967 when I was in 4th and 5th grades. In those days, model cars were a popular pastime for young boys, and probably some girls as well. You could find model cars at the Western Auto or even Syron’s Pharmacy in the village. I had strted to build some models by fourth grade, as my brothers Tom and Alan were builders. I wasn’t that good at it yet.

Mrs. Knowlton was the librarian at OE at the time. At least in 1965-1967, she held a model car contest. Kids could bring in their models, and enter them into the contest. I’m sure there were a number of categories, I don’t recall what they were. As I mentioned, mine weren’t that great and I knew it. I may have entered more than 1, but the one I remember entering was a “custom” build. I used parts from various kits and even used some of the plastic parts trees that held parts together coming out of the mold.

I recall the anticipation of the day the winners were announced. They were all displayed among the library shelves, with the builders name and place/category of their entry on a small v-folded piece of paper just in front of it. I remember being impressed on the quality of the builds. Those 5th and 6th graders were much better skilled! Looking at them I was pretty sure I had no chance. But to my surprise, I saw my entry had won something. I’m not sure if it was first, second or honorable mention, but I was thrilled. I think the category was “most original”, which probably had fewer entries which helped my chances.

I don’t know how long this had been going on, or how long it lasted. After my 5th grade year, the 6th grade was moved to TCA Middle School, so it only lasted two years for me. But it was something I looked forward to and enjoyed. It was a nice event that allowed students to show their creative side. If anyone recalls these in earlier or later years, please comment!

By the time I was 13 or 14, I don’t think I built anymore model cars, at least for a while. When my children were young and we were homebound most of the time, I took up modeling again. I mostly built race cars. NASCAR being the dominant choice. In maybe a 10 year period, I built about 80. I still have them displayed in cases on my wall. I probably have another 20 still in unopened boxes in the basement. Maybe one day, I’ll get back to it.

Plastic modeling is still around, but mostly for adults now. People who were kids in the 50s-60s-70s. You can’t find them in the Ontario village anymore, but Dan’s Craft and Things, Performance Hobbies in the Webster Village, and Hobby Lobby has some as well.

Thanks Mrs. Knowlton!