Jeep Fest 2021

SPECIAL SECTION

S I N C E

1 9 4 1

AUGUST 6-7, 2021

CELEBRATING 80

YEARS

JEEP FEST RETURNS! PG. 11

PLAN YOUR TIME AT THE FEST PG. 6

TOLEDO AND JEEP: AN 80 YEAR HISTORY PG. 7

TOLEDO CITY PAPER | JEEP FEST 2021 GUIDE

2021 YARK JEEP

t n u H r e g n e Scav AUGUST 1-5

YARK JEEP SCAVENGER HUNT PHOTO PROMPTS

Visit yarkauto.com/jeep-scavenger-hunt.htm or ToledoCityPaper.com, or pick up the August issue of the City Paper and see the Special JeepFest Section for Scavenger Hunt photo prompts.

Use your smartphone camera to capture a picture of the items listed here.

REQUIRED Minimum 10 photos to be eligible for prizes!

Judges can award “style” points, so BE CREATIVE!

Capture photos with your Jeep and follow the rules listed below.

Come to Yark Jeep, 6019 W Central Ave beginning at 6 pm on Thursday August 5 (until 8 pm) for judges to review your entries. Winners will be chosen beginning at 8pm, Thursday, August 5.

YARK JEEP SCAVENGER HUNT RULES Prompts will be announced on August 1, 2021 online at YarkJeep.com, ToledoCityPaper.com and in the JeepFest ‘21 Special Section of the Toledo City Paper. Capture photos on your smartphone of a MINIMUM of 10 Jeep scenes from the prompts listed below.

Stop by Yark Jeep on Thursday August 5, beginning at 6 pm until Yark Jeep closes at 9pm to have your Yark Jeep Scavenger Hunt entries scored

by Judges.

Photos/ Participation in the Yark Jeep Scavenger Hunt will be judged on the following criteria:  Following the prompt  Creativity - Judges WILL be awarding style points, so don’t hold back. The purpose of the Scavenger Hunt is to have some fun!

 Use of YarkAuto.com logo in any photos.  Wearing Jeep logo wear to the Yark Jeep Scavenger Hunt photo review event on Thursday, August 5.

Points and Prizes For each point awarded to participants by the Judges, each participant will receive a corresponding number of raffle tickets.

All raffle tickets will be placed in a Jeep Tote Bag and winners will be drawn beginning at 8:00 pm at Yark Jeep, 6019 Central Ave, Toledo, on Thursday, August 5th. Winners will receive certificates and prizes including

Jeep with view of Toledo skyline Jeep with public art installation ( taller than the Jeep ) Jeep at Fifth/Third Field

 Yark Jeep logo wear  Toledo City Paper Best of Toledo t-shirts  other swag

Hannon’s Block

Jeep with a cow

Toledo Farmers Market

Jeep with 3 or more children passengers ( Under 10 years old)

Lowrider Cafe

Jeep with YarkAuto logo/ sign Jeep in fast food drive in lane

Toledo Museum of Art Imagination Station Adams Street Cafe

Jeep in hill climb off road

Maumee Bay Brewery / Oliver House

Jeep loaded with iced cooler

Glass City Metropark

Jeep with “dancing “ passengers

Middlegrounds Metropark Toledo Club

Jeep with Overland stack in the photo

Adams Street Publishing OF course!!

Jeep at the Toledo Zoo

Carlos Poco Loco

Find and photograph Yark Jeep Willys

Handmade Toledo

Jeep with passenger holding City Paper JeepFest ‘21 Special Section

ALL POINTS AWARDED FOR THIS SCAVENGER HUNT ARE IN THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE JUDGES AND THEIR DECISIONS WILL BE FINAL.

Ye Olde Durty Bird

Jeep with Metropark sign

Jeep with Jeep tattoo

 gift certificates to local restaurants  free oil changes at Yark Jeep

TAKE A PHOTO WITH A JEEP AT ANY OF THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES, FANS OF THE CITY PAPER.

Toledo Main Library The Docks Restaurants - Kobe Bay / Hamburger Mary’s, etc.

yarkauto.com/jeep-scavenger-hunt.htm

6019 W. CENTRAL AVE. TOLEDO, OH 43615.

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August 1 • August 31

419/842-7730 www.toledojeepfest.com

FREE TO THE PUBLIC • FAMILY-FRIENDLY • COMMUNITY FESTIVAL SUMMIT ST

P JACKSON ST

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

MADISON AVE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8TH

11 am:

Grogan’s Towne & Charlie’s All-Jeep Parade Start 10 am – 6 pm: Directions CU Park-n-Shine

HUNTINGTON CENTER

JEFFERSON ST

PROMENADE PARK STAGE 12:00 pm: 1:30 pm: 3:00 pm: 5:00 pm:

Distant Cousinz Amelia Airharts Arctic Clam Out of the Box

MONROE ST

5/3 FIELD

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Athens Wheeler The Villains

KID’S ZONE STAGE 1:30 pm:

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StanG

OWEN’S CORNING

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LAFAYETTE ST

HENSVILLE PARK 8:00 pm:

D

WASHINGTON ST

LEVIS SQUARE 12:30 pm: 2:30 pm:

ST. CLAIR ST

ENTERTAINMENT

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SUPERIOR ST

8:00 pm:

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HURON ST

4:30 pm:

Family Zones Lathrop RC Rock Crawling Course Official Program & Awards (SeaGate Centre) Dueling Pianos

ERIE ST

Jeep Country Federal CU Speaker Series North Star BlueScope Steel Kid’s Zone

MAUMEE RIVER

P

SeaGate Centre Exhibit

by Key Bank

Yark Jeep Vendor Midway

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SUMMIT ST

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VENDOR MIDWAY

MAIN LIBRARY

MICHIGAN ST

11th ST

ADAMS ST

0

125

250 500 ft

Dueling Pianos

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Parking

Restrooms

Information

Parade Route

TARTA Shuttle Stop

Exhibit Entrance

Stages

Festival Area

First Aid

Food

Vendor Midway

Kid’s Zone

Park-n-Shine Show

Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area Walk within the boundaries with an alcholic beverage!

Family Zone

www.toledojeepfest.com

August 1 • August 31

A

Levis Square – Entertainment

B

Promenade Park

C

SeaGate Centre – Vendors & Display Jeeps

D

Hensville Park – Entertainment

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Festival & Car Show

F

Imagination Station

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CELEBRATING 80 YEARS ® OF JEEP HISTORY

PROUD AND HONORED TO BE YOUR PARTNER IN OPEN AIR ADVENTURE

Bestop, the sole supplier of factory soft tops on Jeep® Wrangler since 1986.

BESTOP.COM

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August 1 • August 31

www.toledojeepfest.com

Presented By:

Join us August 6TH through 8TH for the 4TH Toledo Jeep Fest in Toledo, Ohio—Home of the Jeep.

DAY 1

DAY 2

DAY 3

FRIDAY, AUGUST 6

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8

12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

11:00 am

9:15 am – 10:00 am

• Jeep Off-Road Course Welcome Partyhosted by Monroe Superstore

18 obstacles, live music, unique give-aways and more!

6:15 pm

Kick-Off Concert

JOSH TURNER & LAUREN ALAINA The health and well-being of our community are of the utmost importance to ProMedica.

• Grogan’s Towne & Charlie’s All-Jeep Parade

10:00 am – 6:00 pm

• Outdoor Park-n-Shine Show presented by Directions Credit Union • Indoor SeaGate Centre Exhibit presented by Key Bank • Vendor Midway driven by Yark Jeep • North Star BlueScope Steel Kid’s Zone @ Festival Park hosted by Imagination Station • RC Rock Crawling Course presented by The Lathrop Company • SeaGate Centre Speaker Series presented by Jeep Country Federal Credit Union • Family Zone @ Hensville Park • Live Bands & Entertainment • Food Trucks • Beer Gardens presented by Ohio Lottery • Levis Square presented by Comprehensive Centers for Pain Management • Official Program & Commemoration

8:00 pm

For tickets and more information visit promenadeconcerts.com

9:30 am

• Rouen 4-Mile Run hosted by Run Toledo

10:30 am – 2:30 pm

• Indoor SeaGate Centre Exhibit presented by Key Bank • Vendor Midway driven by Yark Jeep JEEP.COM

• • • •

Live Bands & Entertainment Food Trucks Beer Gardens presented by Ohio Lottery North Star BlueScope Steel Kid’s Zone @ Festival Park hosted by Imagination Station

• Family Zone @ Hensville Park including inflatable games • Levis Square presented by Comprehensive Centers for Pain Management

4:30 pm

Dueling Pianos FREE Concert @ Hensville Park

• Rouen 1 Mile Walk hosted by Run Toledo

Visit our website to reserve your seats in the Rudolph Libbe VIP Section!

FREE TO THE PUBLIC • FAMILY-FRIENDLY • COMMUNITY EVENT

ToledoJeepFest.com

#ToledoJeepFest

Jeep® is a registered trademark of Stellantis.

www.toledojeepfest.com

August 1 • August 31

5

SAT 7

SCHEDULE

Grogan’s Towne and Charlie’s All-Jeep Parade

Monroe to Huron St., Huron to Adams St. See a slew of Toledo’s trademark vehicles!

11AM

Levis Square Stage:

FRI 6

12:30PM: Athens Wheeler 2:30PM: The Villains

Jeep Off-Road Course Welcome Party

Kid’s Zone Stage: 1:30PM: StanG

Monroe Superstore, 15160 DIxie Hwy., Monroe, MI Enjoy an off-road course with 18 obstacles, featuring live music and giveaways!

Hensville Park:

8PM: Dueling Pianos

NOON-6PM

Kick-Off Concert— Josh with Lauren Alaina

Turner

SUN 8

Promenade Park, 400 Water St. Country and gospel singer Turner comes to Toledo!

6:15PM, GATES OPEN AT 5PM

SAT 7 Grogan’s Towne and Charlie’s All-Jeep Parade Monroe to Huron St., Huron to Adams St. See a slew of Toledo’s trademark vehicles!

11AM

Official Program and Commemoration

SeaGate Centre, 401 Jefferson Ave. 4:30PM

Outdoor Park-n-Shine Show Madison Ave. Meet Jeep owners and their vehicles!

8AM-5PM

Indoor Exhibit

SeaGate Centre, 401 Jefferson Ave. Featuring rare and historically significant Jeeps!

10AM-6PM

Vendor Midway N. St. Clair St. Expanded for 2021!

Kid’s Zone

Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way Featuring a fire engine, puppet show, sidewalk chalk and more!

10AM-6PM

Jeep 4-Miler & 1 Mile Walk 310 N. Summit St. Register at runsignup.com!

9:15AM

Indoor Exhibit

RC Rock Crawling Course

SeaGate Centre, 401 Jefferson Ave. Enjoy an indoor course just for radio controlled Jeeps!

10AM-6PM

SeaGate Centre, 401 Jefferson Ave. 10:30AM-2:30PM

Vendor Midway N. St. Clair St.

SeaGate Centre Speaker Series SeaGate Centre, 401 Jefferson Ave. 1PM: SEE EXCERPT 

Family Zone

Hensville Park Enjoy the Hensville Inflatable Theme Park with a variety of Mud Hens and Walleye themed inflatable games! Also featuring rock climbing and other activities provided by the Toledo Metroparks.

10:30AM-2:30PM

Kid’s Zone

10:30AM-2:30PM

Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way

Family Zone Hensville Park

10:30AM-2:30PM

10AM-6PM

Live Bands

Live Bands

10:30AM: Union Rising 12:30PM: Intuition

NOON: Distant Cousinz 1:30PM: Amelia Airharts 3PM: Arctic Clam 5PM: Out of the Blue

Levis Square Stage:

Promenade Park Stage:

Promenade Park Stage:

11:30AM: Barefoot Gypsies

10AM-6PM

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August 1 • August 31

www.toledojeepfest.com

SeaGate Centre Speaker Series

SeaGate Centre, 401 Jefferson Ave.

1PM: DEAN SHIRLEY, EAST COAST OVERLAND ADVENTURES Dean comes from a 12-year background in outdoor education and combines it with his experience as a professional photographer and author. With a passion for the outdoors, the 4x4 community and DIY projects, he will deliver a dynamic talk that will be of interest to people of various ages and backgrounds focused on the growing “Overlanding “ aspects for modern Jeepers.

HISTORY

A Brief History of Jeep in Toledo 1909

1962

1938

American Motors Corporation purchases Kaiser Jeep from Kaiser Industries for $70 million. The plant is again renamed to Jeep Corp.

John Willys moves the Overland Auto Company from Indianapolis to Central Ave. in Toledo, at the site of the former Pope-Toledo plant. The new company, dubbed Willys-Overland, would be ranked second in nationwide automobile production from 1912-1916.

1:45PM: DANIEL FRY, VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER 4XE WRANGLER PROGRAM Daniel Fry was born and raised in Michigan, and has worked in Chrysler Engineering for 17 years. Most recently, Dan has been the Vehicle Development Engineering manager in charge of all customer-facing product attributes for the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, beginning before project approval in early 2017 and continuing through its commercial success today. He studied engineering at Carnegie Mellon and the University of Michigan, and business at INSEAD. 2:30PM: CHIP MILLER, OWNER/OPERATOR OF “WAGONMASTER” Chip Miller and his father Leon have been restoring the classic Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneers produced in Toledo from 1963 to 1991. Their business based in Kerrville, Texas has become recognized around the world for their restorations of the iconic Jeep Wagoneer.

Wagonmaster was founded to preserve the timeless beauty of the American automobile by a father and son whose love for the Grand Wagoneers has been passed down through generations. Now 25 years later, the legacy continues, driven by their passion for perfection.

www.toledojeepfest.com

Willys-Overland bids to produce a new, lightweight truck for the War Department. New chief executive Joseph W. Frazer directs engineer Delmar Roos to improve Willys’ 4-cylinder engine to better handle the kind of pounding such a vehicle would take. Production of the Willys MB vehicle— also known as the “Jeep”— officially begins in 1941.

The Jeep Gladiator, a full-sized pickup truck, is introduced, as well as the Jeep Wagoneer to replace the Jeep-styled station wagons. In 1963, Willys Motor Company is officially renamed Kaiser-Jeep.

1970

1978

Initial plans for a two-and-four door sport utility vehicle take shape at American Motors. The vehicle will eventually be released in 1983 as the XJ Cherokee, Jeep’s first all-new design since the Wagoneer.

1945

1987

1946

Chrysler moves the production of the Wrangler from Canada to the Toledo plant. The Wagoneer ceases production in Toledo.

By the end of World War II, Willys-Overland manufactures nearly 360,000 Jeep vehicles— over half the total number produced for the war effort. Instead of returning to traditional passenger vehicles, the company begins production of the first Jeeps for civilian usage.

The Jeep Utility Wagon, a station wagon based on the Jeep’s engine and transmission, is released.

By the end of 1947, Jeep sales have topped 100,000 vehicles.

1950

After a lengthy application process with several denials, Willys-Overland is finally awarded the trademark on the term “Jeep” on June 13.

1953

Kaiser Motors of Michigan purchases WillysOverland and officially changes the name to Willys Motor Company. By the end of 1955, the company stops producing passenger cars to focus on making Jeeps exclusively.

Chrysler officially buys American Motor Corporation for $1.5 billion, or over $3.4 billion in 2021 dollars. The Stickney plant is renamed the Toledo Assembly Plant.

1991

1997

Construction begins on a new Toledo Jeep plant next to the Stickney plant. Opening in 2001, the new facility produces the Jeep Liberty.

2003

New parent company DaimlerChrysler announces intentions to expand the Toledo Jeep plant to boost production of the Wrangler. The resulting Toledo Supplier Park, which sits on the same site as the original Stickney plant, opens in 2007.

2016

The first Toledo Jeep Fest is held in celebration of the vehicle’s 75th anniversary.

August 1 • August 31

7

1940s

The Jeep® Brand: 80 years of freedom, adventure, authenticity and passion

1950s

Born in the heat of battle, the 4x4 emerged a hero to thousands of Allied soldiers around the world, firmly establishing the Jeep Brand as the undisputed leader in 4x4 technology.

The 1950s saw the rise of the recreation vehicle, as well as engineering superiority. Grass-roots enthusiasts helped launch Jeep® Jamborees and took the original freedom machine to new heights in sales thanks to seven unique models.

You know Jeeps are fun. You know Jeeps are the coolest looking vehicles around. But did you know these fun facts?

The original design only took two days

The United States government knew its aging fleet of Model T’s was no match for WWII. With US involvement in the war on the horizon, Karl Probst began designing a small, lightweight, three-seat, four-wheel-drive vehicle for a truck company called Bantam on July 17, 1940. Two days later, the entire proposal was ready to go.

Willys and Ford came in later

As a small company, Bantam was unable to produce the number of vehicles needed, so the Army handed the blueprints to Willys and Ford. Ford innovated the “Pygmy” design and four-wheel steering was introduced with the Willys Quad.

While the Pygmy’s flat front grill is an iconic style today, the design wasn’t for the sake of fashion— it simply made quality production easier.

Willys MBs were all over Europe during WWII, but one received a Purple Heart for its role in the Pacific area. On August 7, 1942, a Willys MB Jeep rolled onto Guadalcanal’s famous Lunga Beach. During its 18 months on duty, “Old Faithful” served four Marine generals, carried nearly every ranking Marine officer and visiting official on the two battletorn islands, and survived Operation Watchtower in Guadalcanal, Operation Cherry Blossom in Bougainville, and received two holes in the windshield caused by shrapnel from a battleship shelling the island.

Congra tulatio

JEEPns

ON 80 YEARS!

Actually, it was a lot of steps. The first time the public saw a 4x4 was when it was driven up the steps of the U.S. Capitol. When a curious audience asked what the vehicle was, the driver said, “It’s a jeep.”

Willys-Overland filed a trademark application two years later.

The longest off-road trip was 21,000 miles

Thank Ford for the front

An MB was awarded a Purple Heart for its role in WWII

The first public outing of a 4x4 was a big step

In 1978, 14 people took six stock Jeep CJs to the southernmost point of South America. Five months later, the crew finished trekking more than 20,000 miles through some of the world’s harshest terrain and reached the northern reaches of Alaska. Not only was it absolutely badass, “The Expediciones De Las Americas” was the longest off-road trip in history.

1960s

Fun Facts About Jeeps

The All-New Jeep® Wagoneer represented unparalleled refinement and innovation. Prestige and individuality ruled the day. The Jeep Brand lineup grew to include 14 models—for work, play, recreation and luxuriously capable transportation.

1970s

For over 80 years the Jeep® Brand has been indelibly linked to freedom, adventure, authenticity and passion.

Our core values are embodied in every Jeep Brand vehicle’s DNA. Throughout our storied history, Jeep Brand vehicle owners have learned that Go Anywhere.

Do Anything.® is a way of life, not just a slogan. The Jeep badge stands for more than a brand. In truth, it’s a badge of honor. Explore our legendary lineup, then create your own timeless story.

The Jeep® Brand’s 4x4 leadership continues in the 70s with the introduction of the first full-time 4x4 system. The sporty 2-door full-size Cherokee (SJ) sweeps the 4x4 of the Year awards. Six models help elevate sales to all-time highs.

Jeep is the most Instagrammed car A Honda Civic just doesn’t look as good.

“Willies” isn’t the right pronunciation

Before “Jeep,” the vehicle was “Willys,” named after John North Willys. While it is most commonly pronounced “willies,” Willys himself pronounced his last name as “Willis.” When you mention this, Jeep historians and enthusiasts typically become “willy” argumentative.

1980s

FACTS

The All-New Jeep® Cherokee (XJ) helped revolutionize the 4x4 market.

The mighty XJ introduced many industry firsts, including the first compact 4-door SUV, first UniFrame construction, and first full-time 4x4 system with shift-on-the-fly capability.

• Air Purification Unit

• Mold Remediation

• Total Booth Management

• IAQ Testing

• Janitorial Services

• High Pressure Blasting

• Air & Liquid Filtration

• Industrial Cleaning

• Paint Cleaning

• Vacuum Truck Services

1.866.643.9590 • ISO 9000 • ISO 14001 • Q-1 AWARD 8

August 1 • August 31

www.toledojeepfest.com

1990s

FACTS

FORD, WILLYS, AND BANTAM THEN FURTHER DEVELOPED THE CONCEPT Bantam didn’t have the capabilities to produce the sheer quantity needed to fight the Nazis, so the Army brought Willys and Ford to the table and handed them the blueprints. Ford had a number of innovations on its “Pygmy” design, while the Willys Quad even featured four-wheel steering.

TODAY, THE WILLYS MB IS CONSIDERED AN INTERNATIONAL HISTORIC MECHANICAL ENGINEERING LANDMARK. You can officially count the Society of Mechanical Engineers as fans.

THE NAME IS A MYSTERY While it’s commonly thought that “jeep” is a truncation of General Purpose vehicle, or GP, that’s likely wrong.

Ford’s version was officially named GPW, where G means Government, P refers to the distance between the wheels (80 inches), and W stands for Willys, since the vehicles Ford produced were technically under license from Willys. Alternately, some say it was common lingo to refer to all military prototypes as “jeeps,” and that “peeps” even entered the lexicon briefly. All we know is... maybe?

AN INTERESTING THEORY IS THAT JEEP IS NAMED AFTER A CARTOON CHARACTER. Eugene the Jeep was a character in “Popeye” that was first drawn up a few years prior to the Bantam 4x4.

www.toledocitypaper.com

THE FAMED “CJ” NAME stands for Civilian Jeep For the first time, Willys were available to civilians after the war.

THE WILLYS STATION WAGON WAS THE FORERUNNER TO THE MODERN SUV Willys intended to sell its vehicles mostly as utilitarian farm vehicles. As it turns out, farm vehicles can be pretty fun, and almost as soon as the war ended, the Willys Station Wagon hit the streets...and trails.

THE STATION WAGON’S REPLACEMENT, THE WAGONEER, WAS THE FIRST SUV When it came time to replace the Station Wagon, the Wagoneer had modern conveniences like an automatic transmission and power steering, kicking off the long route to the luxurious rides dotting the landscape today.

ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO COPY THE ORGINAL JEEP Land Rover at least had a few innovations on the Series I, but Toyota even used “Jeep” in its advertising until a less-than-friendly call from attorneys convinced it to change to Land Cruiser. Plenty of other companies around the world have made copies under license, including Mitsubishi and Ford.

JEEP’S OWNERS HAVE BEEN ALL OVER THE MAP—LITERALLY AND FIGURATIVELY In 1953, WillysOverland was bought by Kaiser

Motors (think Kaiser Permanente—same guy), which was eventually sold to American Motors Company. AMC was then bought by first Renault then Chrysler.

Since then Chrysler has been owned (or merged with) by Daimler, a private firm whose investments are overseen by Dan Quayle, the U.S. and Canadian governments, and now Fiat.

“JEEPING” IS A SPORT UNTO ITSELF A man named Mark A. Smith organized the first Jeep trek across the Rubicon Trail near Lake Tahoe in 1953. They’ve never stopped since, and today Jeep Jamborees are large enough to warrant Jeep bringing unique concept vehicles to thank the loyal fans. Jeep Jamboree IN 1959, JEEP INTRODUCED A SPECIAL VERSION JUST FOR RESORTS Depending on the market, it was called the Surrey or the Gala, and it featured a fringe-lined canvas top.

THE USPS MAIL JEEPS LED TO THE HUMMER...KINDA In addition to supplying the military with vast quantities of vehicles, Jeep produced the USPS mail trucks for 30 years. To keep up with production, it established a separate facility for government orders. After the AMC takeover, that facility was made into a separate company, AM General, which went on to produce the Hummer.

August 1 • August 31

The radical 2003 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon was the most capable vehicle ever produced by the Jeep Brand.

A new 4-door Wrangler took the industry by storm. The Compass and Patriot were the first Jeep Brand vehicles to reach into the small cross-utility segment.

2010s

Jeep fun facts...

2000s

The All-New 1993 Jeep® Grand Cherokee (ZJ) set a new industry benchmark thanks to its unique balance of on- and off-road capability. The super-capable Wrangler (TJ) with its new coil suspension was introduced in 1997. In 1999 the new Grand Cherokee (WJ) was marketed as the most capable SUV ever.

Sales soared to 629K units for the decade.

The Jeep® Brand resonates with consumers around the world as global sales increase to the highest point in over 75-year history with 1.41 million units sold worldwide for 2016.

Strategic launches of the All-New Grand Cherokee, Renegade and Compass vehicles.

THE

FUTURE Redesigned Wrangler and all new 2020 Jeep® Gladiator Truck built at the Toledo Assembly Complex.

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The Original Jeeps

“Willys’ key decision was putting their engine— the Go Devil engine— into their pilot model and all of their subsequent models. That engine was used in all 330,000 Jeeps that were built for the War. I found detail of how an engineer, named Delmar Roos, had taken that engine and made it even better.”

Author Paul Bruno relates an inspirational tale

By Jason Buchanan As the Blitzkrieg blinded Allied troops in the summer of 1940, a devastated American military and three automobile manufacturers tackled a challenge from the U.S. Army. That challenge would birth one of the most iconic and versatile vehicles of the 20th Century: the Jeep. In “The Original Jeeps,” author Paul Bruno examines how Germany’s “Lightning War” sparked American ingenuity in a way that’s worth celebrating in these divided times.

The follow-up to Bruno’s 2014 debut book “Project Management in History: The First Jeep,” the new book chronicles an oft-overlooked chapter in American wartime history. Created in a moment of historic desperation, with a military demobilized after World War I and an economy crippled by The Great Depression, the era created a pressure-cooker climate of innovation.

The U.S. Army needed a combination light-weapons carrier and command and reconnaissance vehicle that could speed the US to victory. Three companies— Willys-Overland Motors, Inc., the

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A change of plans

Author Paul Bruno originally planned for “The Original Jeeps” to be developed into a feature film.

American Bantam Car Company and the Ford Motor Company— would rise to the occasion by creating a vehicle that would serve the purpose on the battlefield while also paving the way for the recreational vehicle craze.

The importance of resolve

For people of Toledo, the resolve displayed by automotive pioneer John Willys in his efforts to win the military contract to create such a vehicle offers a worthwhile lesson in perseverance.

“Willys didn’t get the first contract but stayed in the running,” said Bruno.

“Then they almost didn’t get the second contract and stayed in the running. Then they almost didn’t get the third contract, and stayed in the running! By doing that and then perfecting their vehicle, they (Willys-Overland Motors, Inc.) eventually were chosen to be the ones to build the vehicles for the war. It’s a miracle that they pulled it off, and a testament to their ability that Toledoans are particularly proud of.”

Part of Bruno’s extensive research involved a personal visit to the National Archives, in an attempt to unearth the documents that detail this historic effort.

August 1 • August 31

It was a pivotal moment in engineering history that Bruno had not found properly documented in the past, and one that he knew would be of interest to a wide range of history buffs.

Though Bruno’s initial attempt to adapt the story into a feature film didn’t pan out, as a writer he realized there was still a story there worth telling. “They (the original manufacturers) had few resources and the deadline was considered impossible, but the fact that they delivered the vehicle with half-an-hour to spare on the deadline day felt like a great movie.” recalls Bruno.

As often happens with creative projects, the screenplay morphed into a book. “The First Jeep” helped to establish Bruno as a respected historian with a talent for storytelling. “The Original Jeeps” depicts an even bigger picture.

“It really was an exceptional, miraculous journey of, first Bantam, and as I delve further into the story, Willys and Ford. This vehicle is still around and on the road and the DNA from the first three are in every Jeep that was ever built.”

www.toledojeepfest.com

Jerry Huber, retired plant manager of Toledo Jeep and the chairman of Toledo Jeep Fest.

Jeep Fest Returns How this year’s event came together

By Jeff McGinnis

It all began in 2016. A group of Jeep enthusiasts in the Toledo area came together with a simple idea: A celebration of the vehicle that had been a staple of the American experience since it was first built here three quarters of a century prior.

“A group of us got together, UAW in particular, people in the city and county, and said hey, this is really a big part of our Toledo history,” said Jerry Huber, retired plant manager of Toledo Jeep and the chairman of Toledo Jeep Fest. “We need to celebrate the 75th anniversary.

So we decided we would start with a parade and a car show and so forth.”

The first Jeep Fest was small, a half-day event, held on August 13, 2016. Festivities started at noon and ended by 6. But the response— from both Jeep fanatics and the Toledo community as a whole— was remarkable.

“It was kind of a shoestring operation, but it was so well-received in the community, northwest Ohio, and in what I’ll refer to as the Jeep community, because it was something to do locally that paid respects to not only the 75th anniversary of Jeep as a vehicle, but also that longstanding relationship in the community,” Huber said.

with the downtown city environment, you can’t duplicate out on some beach,” he said.

Return of the Jeep

This year’s festival is almost certainly the most anticipated ever. In addition to acting as a celebration of Jeep’s 80th anniversary, the 2021 Jeep Fest will see the event’s triumphant return following its forced COVID-related cancellation last year. Plans for the event began to tentatively take shape in the fall, but really got rolling as soon as gathering restrictions began to be lifted earlier this year.

“The Jeep community is resilient, and they’re anxious to travel.”

An annual celebration

Jeep Fest has now evolved into an annual event, held over two and a half days and featuring a slew of activities, from the trademark parade and vendor midway to a kids’ area and speakers honoring the history of the vehicle. The festival attracts sponsors such as the Dana Corporation, which has built the axles for Jeep vehicles since 1941.

Toledo’s annual celebration of this iconic vehicle is not unique— other Jeep Fests are held around the country— but Huber stated that the event’s downtown location gives it qualities that can’t be found anywhere else. “(Attendees) have access to a lot of restaurants, a lot of entertainment and so forth, and the amenities that come

www.toledojeepfest.com

“We figured we could do a parade, and maybe some kind of an outdoor car display, and maybe that’s all it would be.

But very quickly as things started to evolve, and some larger venues started to be accessible and so forth, we decided, hey, we’re going to try and plan for the best and see what happens,” Huber said.

Things came together rapidly— like a Jeep driving down a steep hill, one could say. The vendor midway sold out, even though they’ve expanded the midway to include Summit, St. Clair and Jefferson streets.The parade is sold out, too. The car show is full. The number of activities offered on Sunday has been expanded.

Ready for the crowd

In 2019, it was estimated that Jeep Fest drew over 70,000 people to downtown Toledo over the course of three days. This year, even as people get used to attending large gatherings once more, Huber expects anywhere from 50-60,000 people will come to the event.

“The pent up enthusiasm to get outdoors and do things that we have done in the past is remarkable,” he said. “The renewed interest, not only from people who have participated in the past, but from people that have heard about the event and are reaching out to us this year and saying, hey, how can we get involved?”

Jeep. History In The Making.

1941 1954 1987 1997 2007 2018 2020 Throughout its evolution, the legendary Jeep Wrangler has always been manufactured with Spicer drivetrain products, and we are proud to be part of this original vehicle. ®

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Jeep and the Jeep vehicle trade dress are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC. ®

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© 2021 Dana Limited. All rights reserved.

August 1 • August 31

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keystonepresstoledo.com 1801 Broadway Toledo, Ohio • 419.243.7326

THE KEYSTONE PRESS, INC. • CELEBRATING 100 YEARS

Jeeps Around the World

The international impact of an American original

By Evan Laslo Jeep is an American classic, but that doesn’t mean that only Americans love their Jeeps. From Europe to East Asia, Jeep is a popular brand. The history of Jeep is as global as it is American, so here are some fun facts about Jeep from around the globe.

In 1941, the Japanese reverseengineered an American Jeep into the prototype of the Toyota Land Cruiser.

Nowadays, Japan is the largest market for the Jeep Wrangler outside the United States. Through 2023, Jeep plans to operate almost 200 new dealerships in Japan and sell over 20,000 vehicles per year.

Stellantis, the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group, is set to spend 30 billion euros (36 billion USD) to convert cars— and countries—to electric power with the construction of battery factories.

This means that the lineup of electric Jeeps may come as soon as 2025 on a global scale, especially throughout Europe.

By 2030, Jeep plans to push the definition of “off-road vehicle” by going off land and underwater. However, it takes less than a multi-billion dollar plan to make a million dollar point; i.e. Million Dollar Point, a now popular scuba diving spot in the South Pacific Ocean where, after World War Two, the United States dumped millions of dollars worth of equipment and vehicles into the ocean—yes, that includes Jeeps.

Sources: DetroitNews.com, santo.travel, offroadaction.ca, autonews.com, bloomberg.com, greencarreports.com.

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UAW REGION 2B Jeep is PROUDLY built by members of UAW Local 12

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Jeep Cuts Great cinematic and TV moments with our favorite vehicle

By Jason Webber

Back to the Future

PHOTO CREDIT: ZAPHAD1 ON FLICKR

When Marty McFly is late for school, he hitches a ride by grabbing onto a 1985 Jeep CJ-7. This Jeep was produced from 1944 to 1986, when the CJ-7 was phased out and replaced by the Jeep Wrangler.

Band of Brothers

M*A*S*H

The opening sequence of the original classic movie when Hawkeye and Duke steal a Jeep from U.S. Army headquarters is legendary, and sets the perfect tone for this wartime comedy. A lesser known but equally hilarious scene occurs towards the end when Dago Red, the Army chaplain, extols a blessing on a Jeep. Amen!

PHOTO CREDIT: ADAM GERARD ON FLICKR

This 2001 Golden Globe-winning HBO series included an estimated 600-1000 Jeeps to make the World War II scenes as accurate as possible. Behind the scenes, HBO and Chrysler worked out a shrewd promotion—“Band of Brothers” production happened to coincide with Jeep’s 60th anniversary.

Dukes of Hazzard

Jurassic Park

Sure, the 1968/69 Dodge Charger got star billing, but who can forget Daisy Duke in her white CJ-7 Jeep named Dixie?

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Spielberg’s fabled dinosaur movie prominently features the 1992 Jeep Wrangler YJ Sahara, which proves to be a good choice for escaping the jaws of giant lizards. Sales of Wranglers soared after this 1993 box office sensation.

August 1 • August 31

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2021 YARK JEEP

t n u H r e g n e Scav AUGUST 1-5 Visit yarkauto.com/jeep-scavenger-hunt.htm or ToledoCityPaper.com, or pick up the August issue of the City Paper and see the Special JeepFest Section for Scavenger Hunt photo prompts.

Capture photos with your Jeep and follow the rules listed.

Come to Yark Jeep, 6019 W Central Ave beginning at 6 pm on Thursday August 5 (until 8 pm) for judges to review your entries. Winners will be chosen beginning at 8pm, Thursday, August 5.

SEE DETAILS ON P2 OF OUR OFFICIAL JEEP FEST GUIDE

6019 W. CENTRAL AVE. TOLEDO, OH 43615.

www.toledojeepfest.com

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419/842-7730

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■ UAW Local 2213 Professional Registered Nurses ■

JEEP COLORING CONTEST

Color me!

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ENTRIES will be accepted using this page or a photo copy of this page

Please select General Public or UAW Local 2213 Member

CONTEST RULES:

1. Entries are due by midnight on Tuesday, August 31, 2021. 2. Contest officials are not responsible for lost or stolen entries. 3. First, second, third and forth prizes will be awarded in each category, the general public and UAW members. 4. No phone calls regarding this contest will be accepted. Decision of the judges is final.

PRIZES: Ist: Cedar Point Tickets.

2nd: $25 Movie Pass.

3rd: $20 Cold Stone Gift Card.

4th: Toledo Zoo Family Membership.

TO OUR HEALTHCARE io ss

THANK YOU

Registe re nal d

N Pro fe Emilee Snider RN BSN

Alison Sodd, BSN RN

Brittany RN CLC IBCLC

Brooke Peters RN BSN

Holly Troutman RN BSN

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UAW Local 2213

UAW Local 2213

Joanie Esposito RN MSTICU

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Registe re nal d se ur

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Pro fe

HEROES

❏ GENERAL PUBLIC ❏ UAW LOCAL 2213 MEMBER NAME: _______________________________________________ ADDRESS: _________________CITY:__________ST:_______ZIP:_____ PARENT NAME: __________________SIGNATURE: _________________ ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY AUGUST 31, 2021 MAIL TO: UAW LOCAL 2213 Professional Registered Nurses P.O. Box 9536 Toledo, Ohio 43697

LaToya Thomas, BSN, RN

Myung Armstrong RN BSN

August 1 • August 31

Nicole Sipe, RN

Virginia Militello RN BSN Case Management

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