Looking Back to 1936: The lost is found — the adventures of Oliver Olsen
This look back at Paso Robles history comes from local newspapers in the Paso Robles Area Historical Society collection. News for this column is selected with the assistance of the society’s Vice President Nancy Tweedie and Research Director Jan Cannon.
Excerpt from the March 28, 1936, Paso Robles Times:
– The average motorist, when he sees some article of value lying along the highway on which he is traveling, will stop to investigate — and if it can be of use to him, or if it possesses a reasonable resale value, he will pick it up.
In this respect, Oliver Olsen might be said to be an average motorist, for that just about describes an incident which he was part several weeks ago.
Off duty for the evening, Olsen decided to drive to San Luis Obispo and return. On his way there he noticed what appeared to be a generator lying by the side of the road. The one in his car was apparently functioning perfectly, but one never could tell. Besides, the thing had a substantial market value; he picked it up, took it home, and temporarily forgot the matter.
Click here to read the full front page of the March 28, 1936 Paso Robles Times.
A day or so later, it being necessary for him to make a hurried trip to Los Angeles, Olsen borrowed his brother’s newer car, headed for the south via Bakersfield.
It is a long way between settlements on the Bakersfield route, and a lonesome road at night. Motor trouble can be very inconvenient. It was on one of these long stretches that Olsen found his lights growing dim, the reaction of his motor fuel and spark becoming feebler and feebler, until the whole thing “conked out.”
Yes, his batteries were dead. There was no generator in the car! A long walk, an ingenious mechanic, and some hard-earned cash combined to make possible the installation of a misfit, second-hand generator, and the balance of the round trip was completed without further mishap.
On his return, Olsen discovered that his brother had preceded him to San Luis Obispo on that evening several days before; and that generator he had picked up was identically the one made for his brother’s car.
He tightens all bolts and nuts on his own machine at regular intervals, now.
Read previous Looking Back articles
- Looking Back to 1940: Four youths arrested in local crime wave, IRS helps locals file taxes
- Looking Back to 1950: City bans bus stop on Spring Street
- Looking Back to The Bearcat news in February 1938
- Looking Back to February 1932: Smallpox vaccines, school burglar, tax on margarine
- Looking Back to January 1959: Grave robbers hurl accusations
Thank you to sponsors of Looking Back
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