Alas!! Another Landmark's Demise

[Peter J.Heizmann]

Hello, folks...

I posted this within the AACA General Forum and wanted to share this sad news within our mutual hobby.

Channel 69 News here in PA, reported that the defunct Garden State Tanning Building, Fleetwood, PA, burned today. They reported a good 1/2+ of the building was gutted. It was so severe that the town's water supply was heavily depleted and resident's either do not have water service, or, are asked to conserve.

This building housed part of the Fleetwood Body Works complex, (namesake of the Cadillac Fleetwood). Made custom coach bodies for celebrities, Rudy Valentino was one of note, and, the well to-do.

Do yourself a favor and visit www.fleetwoodpa.org for their historical society's excellent website. Scroll down on the left column to the Fleetwood Metal Body Company icon.

Regards to all,

Peter J.

--------------------

Peter J. Heizmann

1972 Triumph TR-6 <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

[jaxops]

Thanks Peter. I am from PA and I never knew Fleetwood started there.

Merry Christmas!

[Peter J.Heizmann]

Likewise, very Merry Christmas to you.

I live about 14 miles from Fleetwood and have driven past the building for years. Coincidentally, the Garden State Tanning Co., last owner, produced leather for today's automobile seating. As is the norm, they closed and the work went to Mexico.

The Fleetwood Metal Body Building had the name painted on the brick, and, one could easily see it, although somewhat faded.

The Fleetwood Website offers a great, concise history of the custom body production.

Best regards, folks...

Peter J. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />