Porky’s Drive-In

I’ve always been a classic car enthusiast. I starting designing & building vehicles at 20.
Being from Saint Paul, I was drawn to Porky’s . As soon as I became a Friday,Saturday, and Sunday regular, I hung out with WWll Veterans. To say it was an education an understatement. Over the next 25 years, I learned more than any school education. I learned welding, auto body work, electrical, and how to take any vehicle, and turn it into a full custom ride.
They taught me to be a gentleman, how to treat women respectfully, and enjoy other ” car guys ” at Porkys on the weekends.
The history lessons I learned about them during the war set me back on my heels. Frankie Primo & Vern Sass were buddies before the war. They spent 4 years together in Europe. They talked about both being with Patton during a speech. Neither one appreciates him.
Frankie was short in stature, and for 4 years, he carried a BAR rifle that weighed almost as much as he did. Smaller guys were carrying a large weapon because they could hide behind trees. Their famous story was to liberate a French village. Vern drove a large power wagon pulling armament. The two of them got smashed when the villagers fed them, gave the adult beverages, and dancing. It was a story that made them very happy to share.
The heart & soul of all the Veterans at Porky’s was a joy to watch. Each and everyone was a history lesson, and a study in human nature. Their hotrods were each unique as the men who drove them . Each vehicle told a story of the man who built it.
The 20 year olds started showing up and causing problems for the group by burning tires, driving recklessly. Police started patrolling on a daily basis. It tarnished the shine these Veterans brought to the car culture on University Avenue.
As the Veterans got older, and started to pass away, the remainder kept it going. They were the entertainment committee for the families and young people who came on weekends. They kept it civil and fun.
Each guy had their parking spot at Porky’s . Tables under the canopy were full of Vets. The stories flowed. We would arrive at 3-4, and still be there at closing time. Most every weekend we repeated it all over again.
As years went on, fewer would come. Time took its toll on the men who fought for our freedom. Each one a hero to me. Knowing them as I did, they’d be ashamed of how Americans treat the Veterans.
All I wanted to make people aware of by doing this, is how important Veterans should be to every American.
Thanks for your time, keep the rubber side down