The Model Garage may have only been a setting in the
series but maybe it was also a state of mind. It was a
representation of all those small town shops that dotted the American
landscape, a place where mechanics such a Gus did their magic.
Although only a character
in a magazine series, Gus Wilson was, and still is, the mechanic's mechanic.
Long before "Click and Clack" of NPR fame and "Mr. Goodwrench" of the
GM mantra, there was Gus Wilson, major character in a
wonderful monthly series in
Popular Science Monthly.
Gus was patterned after
the small town natural mechanic that were so prevalent in the early days of
motoring. He was an honest man who could "figure out" most any
automotive problem that came through the door of "The Model
Garage." The shop was the stage for the stories that dazzled young and old
alike.
I was one of those
"dazzled" readers and I'm still a "Gus" fan. His problem solving techniques
and common sense were traits I always tried to emulate. There were times
when I thought I had done jobs he would've called his own and it gave me a
great feeling of satisfaction..
This site was made to
introduce new readers to Gus Wilson and his friends. I think you'll
like everyone in and around the Model Garage and agree with me that the
heroes of youth should never be forgotten.
Thanks to Don Miller, Mary
Viramontes, Dave Mantor and Joe Way for helping make this website possible.
Mike Hammerberg
mike@gus-stories.org
