Man's hobby finds a home at museum

One man's junk became another man's hobby and, eventually, the Yakima Valley Museum's treasure.

Arnold Thomas, 93, has donated to the museum a 1925 Chevrolet one-ton pickup he spent as many as 20 years restoring.

"It's a dandy," said his son, Chawley Thomas.

Museum Director John Baule picked up the truck Thursday morning.

Arnold Thomas moved to the Yakima Valley from Arkansas with his family during the Great Depression and earned the nickname "Doc" for his handyman skills. All six of his children work on their own plumbing, electricity and cars because of his instruction.

In the 1950s or 1960s, he found the pickup as a rusted out hull in a Tieton apple orchard. The owner just gave it to him.

Thomas spent months waiting for old parts to arrive through antique car clubs, but he eventually painted it black and green and built a solid oak bed and side rails from discarded shipping pallets.

At one point, Thomas was offered $100,000 for the truck, but turned it down.

For years, he and his wife, Oma Thomas, drove it in parades and car shows. It was featured in 1984 on the cover of Truck Magazine.

Oma Thomas died in 1998.

Arnold Thomas lives in Good Samaritan Nursing Home. He has more than 20 grandchildren and more than 20 great-grandchildren.

"Slice of Yakima" spotlights interesting people and happen-ings from the Yakima Valley. If you have a suggestion, e-mailslice@yakima-herald.com or call 509-577-7724.

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