A Vintage Ride To Honor The Founder Of State Patrol
A vintage car tour, period clothing and lots of fun was part of the fun honoring Ola Babcock Miller, who is the founder of the Iowa State Patrol.
Oskaloosa, Iowa – With the roar of a Ford V8, the caravan of antique vehicles rolled into Oskaloosa on Sunday morning.
The Ford V8 was powering a 1935 Ford Tudor Sedan State Patrol car. It along with other specimens of past state patrol vehicles were part of a tour to honor Ola Babcock Miller.
Secretary of State Miller was the “mother” of the Iowa State Patrol, or as it was known when first created, the Iowa Highway Safety Patrol.
The group left the building named after Miller on the north side of the state capitol, and worked its way to Washington, Iowa, but not before stopping in Oskaloosa to refill those tanks, and enjoy some refreshments.
The Iowa Automotive Heritage Foundation (sponsor of the Des Moines Concours d’Elegance), the Iowa State Patrol and Keep Iowa Beautiful were the key organizers of the event.
Even though the 1935 Ford Tudor that was leading the way wasn’t an original State Patrol vehicle, the make and model are the original types used. A family from Manchester donated the vehicle to the Iowa State Troopers Association.
The car spent many years sitting in a historical building, and after some money for repairs, and a love to share history, the Tudor has once again found its way onto Iowa’s roadways.
Police Car Owners of American President Norm Spurlock spoke about their participation in the day-long tour. Spurlock says the club is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of “our past by displaying the old cars”.
Membership in the club comprises mostly of active, former and supporters of law enforcement, with Spurlock saying that about 75% of the club is composed of active duty and retired law enforcement.
“It’s a very misunderstood car club. Usually the first thing I’m asked is, is it legal,” says Spurlock.
“As long as you’re not representing yourself as a police officer, and you’re not stopping cars or creating a disturbance on the highways, it’s perfectly legal,” added Spurlock who said that there are very strict guidelines that members have to adhere to.
Keeping membership numbers up is difficult, and Spurlock says that the expense in “keeping the old cars running” can be difficult.
Clubs like Police Car Owners of America can play a vital link in preserving public history, because there are few mechanisms in place for government entities to keep, store and maintain equipment for such a purpose.
Iowa State Patrol Trooper Alex Dinkla, who was dressed in vintage state patrol clothing, said the tour was a way of showing respect for the Iowa State Patrol “and remembering the heritage of the Iowa State Patrol.”
