Everything Except Retired
BY MARSHA ALLEN PHOTOS BY MARSHA ALLEN
Lynn Haven residents Ron Merritt and Julie Bullock enjoy the outdoors, music, animals, and vintage vehicles. Whether they are cruising in their 1941 Plymouth Special Deluxe convertible or camping with their 1967 Airstream Caravel – it’s done in style.Their favorite thing about travelling with their vintage vehicles? “Seeing people smile and helping them relive a childhood memory,” says Ron. “The day we bought the Airstream, we stopped on the way home and people were stopping to look at it.Even when it is dirty it draws a crowd”.
The Airstream and Plymouth are seeing much use.Partially restored, the Airstream camper is mostly original but some modern upgrades have been added. The kitchen cabinets, counters, sink, and stove are original but it also boasts a modern toaster oven, microwave, and dishwasher. The floor plan of the 17-foot trailer includes a combination dining/living area, a kitchen, and a tiny bathroom with a full shower.The bathroom is all-original with the exception of the toilet.
The iconic Airstream name came into existence in 1934 after founder Wally Byram perfected his “travel trailer” plans. He used aircraft construction methods to reduce wind resistance and weight and the Airstream took on the streamlined look we know and love.Ron and Julie’s Caravel, built at the Ohio plant, was originally sold at a dealership in Tampa, Florida. It spent many years at a fish camp in Canada before Ron and Julie purchased it in 2011. Currently it is under restoration. They are enjoying the work along with the fun while using it frequently when traveling to music festivals and vintage camping gatherings.
Not to be outshone by the Airstream is Ron and Julie’s 1941 Plymouth Special Deluxe.Advertised by Plymouth as “The One For ’41,” the Plymouth’s soft top has a cushy bench seat and the original push-button radio. While the Plymouth and Airstream look wonderful together in photos, the Plymouth is not used to pull the Airstream since the car has a six-volt electrical system and the trailer has a 12-volt system.
The Plymouth is a “survivor,” a collectible car that has not undergone a restoration and retains many original features. To some collectors, a survivor car is more prized than a restored vehicle.
The Plymouth has been in Julie’s family since 2012.Her father knew the original owner and he often saw it being driven around Williamstown, Massachusetts, his hometown.It was originally purchased by the town librarian in Williamstown and was later owned by a professor at Williams College, a liberal arts college in Williamstown.Julie’s father purchased the car in 2012 and it came to live with Julie and Ron in Lynn Haven. The Special Deluxe returns to Williamstown every summer when they go back to participate in the annual Fourth of July parade – a tradition the Plymouth has followed on and off for at least 25 years.
When asked if they would consider selling either the car or the trailer, Ron replies “They are not for sale. However, if someone offered me $1,000,000, I would consider it but, even if they offered twice what they are worth, we would not sell.”
Just like their vehicles, Ron and Julie impress through authenticity. There are many facets to their accomplishments.Ron, a retired Air Force officer and Julie, a former veterinary surgical technician, helped start the Panama City-based company, DeTect, Inc., that builds specialized radar systems for detecting biological targets in the atmosphere, specifically birds and bats. DeTect radar systems are used by USAF, US Navy, and NASA to reduce bird strikes to military aircraft. The DeTect team assisted NASA in launching the final 23 space shuttles.
While Ron and Julie call themselves “retired,” the term could not be further from the truth. They can be often seen on the water, conducting shorebird surveys and collecting water quality data as part of the Bay Watch program with the St.Andrew Bay Resource Management Association. Both are active members of the Bay County Audubon Society.
Ron and Julie are also very active in the Bay County music scene. They play in local bands and are founding members of The Ukulele Orchestra of St. Andrews, a group that can be seen and heard at many community events.
With very active lives that never get dull, they share their home with three dogs, a duck named Darrell, and two flying squirrels named Rocket and Raquel. It is only appropriate that their vehicles are not just showpieces, but loved items that see much use.The way Ron and Julie “roll”represents their way of life.
[author image=”https://www.panamacityliving.com/media/2014/07/Marsha-Allen.jpg” ]Marsha Allen is a local photographer and long time Bay County resident. She is the owner/photographer at 2Cool Photography and a founding member of the American Muscle Car Club of Panama City. Her work has been seen in Panama City Living Magazine and displayed at the Visual Arts Center. [/author]