The repetitive sound of a portable hit-‘n’-miss engine greeted those who attended a recent ice cream social at Morrison’s Heritage Museum, 202 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL. Kenny Venhuizen, Morrison, used his mechanical creation to produce gallons of luscious vanilla ice cream in the front driveway, on Saturday afternoon, October 4, 2014.
Inside the building, it was scooped into bowls and atop pie or other desserts. Other refreshments included barbecue pork sandwiches and beverages. Second helpings were eagerly consumed, as people enjoyed conversation and chatting with the guest of honor, his wife, and grandson.
Morrison’s hometown super star drag racer is Arnie “The Farmer” Beswick, admired and adored by fans across the United States. Three of his Morrison High School Class of 1948 classmates attended the tribute. Morrison Historical Society member Ed Abbott stands beside one of Beswick’s Tameless Tiger vehicles.
Inside, Evelyn and Arnie Beswick reconnected with classmates Clara and Orville Goodenough, also MHS members.
Close to his hometown, Arnie “The Farmer” Beswick will race on Saturday, October 11, at Cordova Dragway Park, 19425 IL Route 84 North, Cordova, IL. Gates open about 9:30 a.m., and the action begins at 10:00 p.m. Dean Fait stated Beswick will work on his automobile in the morning and likely will be available for photo- and autographs. He suggested Beswick fans should arrive at noon or 12:30 p.m., in order to see him make a pass or two around the track before he begins racing. Adult fees are $12; children 6 to 12 are $3; those under 6 are admitted free. Don’t miss an opportunity to witness this hometown legend of drag racing!
Beswick brought two of his most prestigious trophies. The one at left shows a dragster standing on end. It commemorates his induction into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame-Florida in 2006.
The “Wally” statuette below–started by NHRA Board Chairman Wally Parks–was awarded to honor a lifelong contribution to the sport in which octogenarian Beswick still participates. It reads, “Arnie Beswick, For his years of faithful dedication to serving the interests of others on behalf of the entire hot rod fraternity. NHRA Lifetime Achievement Award. Presented with gratitude from a thankful sport….”
Evelyn displayed one of her quilts of racing shirts that feature her husband. She plans to complete one for each of the couple’s four daughters.
Grandson Ryan Wiersema was on hand to sell new t-shirts for autographing, along with hats, model cars, photographs, and DVD’s.
Model cars, various awards, and memorabilia now fill a display case. Note the cereal box advertisement. Morrison’s Heritage Museum is open Friday through Sunday, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., until Sunday, November 23.
The public is encouraged to view these items from the career of Arnie Beswick soon, before they are returned to him.
Historical Society member Steve Siefken, inside the Tailess Tiger, is a long-time admirer of Arnie Beswick and invited him as the guest of honor. They shared some car time together.
