John Pickle

1947 - 2008

Sit back and take a peek into some history of “The Man”, John Pickle. He was born in Brookings, South Dakota where he spent his youth and then in Riverside, California. In his early teens home was primarily in La Puente (LA County).  While living in there, John became interested in cars. Although only 14-15 years old at the time, the first car he got to drive and modify, was a 1950 Buick 2 dr. Sedan.  During this time, he was also interested in surfing, which later led him to own a 1955 Chevy Wagon. This car was his pride and joy and was equipped with a state of art Muntz 4-track stereo. If you remember those, you are old!!  The ’55 went to hang-ten heaven one night when someone crashed into it. Although our member was sad, it was funny that the tape deck was activated and stuck on a song.  Up until the end, John loved to hear In-A-Godda-Da-Vida!!!  He later had a 1962 Chevy and at that time, being equipped with p/s and a/c was unique. He says he stopped counting the cars he owned after the count went past 125!!

John went on to San Diego State and had a Masters Degree. He was a Teacher at Pacific Beach High School and at South-Western College but his first job was a baker for Marie Calendars Pies. Would you believe? He was also into art, graphics and sculpture but more about that later.

John was now hanging around with the Prowlers and wanted to be part of their club. But, their rules were pre-40 Fords, which would not allow him a membership with his ’32 Chevy.  John wanted to be in a club that had all hot rods, so he decided to start his own. One day in 1973, he made up some flyers and delivered them to all the parts stores in the area about a new car club meeting at his office, located at 32^nd and El Cajon Blvd. He was shocked when about 65 cars parked in a lot for 40 cars. The meeting was a great success. Shortly after that, John and a few rodders went to the NSRA Show in Lodi. While talking to a guy named Gary Meadors (now Mr. Goodguy), he talked about forming a car club in San Diego. Meadors told him to talk to another group from Berdoo who were doing the same thing. Well, all parties later got together and decided to form one club. Since they had to travel “Over the Hill” to each other’s meetings, you now know the start of “The Over the Hill Gang”.  The first official meeting of The Over the Hill Gang took place on Wednesday, July 18, 1973. The original name was The Over the Hill Gang with the initials SCSRA under the name that means Southern California Street Rod Association. John also drew the original cars (which belonged to Kip Dunn) that appear on the logos along with all the artwork for several car runs including “The Streak”.

The Over the Hill Gang wanted to have their own event, so, on June 8-9, 1974; Streak #1, a campout event was held at Stallion Oaks in Descanso. This first Streak cost $5.00, which included camping, a breakfast, entry and dash plaque. The event was called The Streak because that was the fun thing going on at the time. He still had his original flyer for Streak #1 along with the roster of those who attended.

John traded his 1932 Chevy 5-window to Eddie Fitzgibbons for a 1932 Chevy Sedan Delivery He drove it to the Street Rod Nationals in 1976 and won Sedan Delivery Street Rod of the year. It was also featured in 27 different magazines. He sold this car but later bought it back and sold it again. It is still alive and well with the original paint and is located near Pomona and owned by a Doctor. His dream was to have that Sedan Delivery back, and he called the Doctor regularly to see if he wanted to sell it. Other than the Streak his favorite run was the Orange County Cruise every Labor Day weekend.

John Pickle owned a rod shop in Ramona called the Toy Store, where he was building dreams for rodders each and every day. He met his lovely wife, Elaine at the Temecula Rod Run over 16 years ago. I think you now have more of an insight into the Founder of The Over the Hill Gang, which has grown to chapters all over the United States, Canada and Hawaii. What he started over 35 years ago is for all of us to enjoy and remember a great guy, John Pickle. We will all miss you.

Information obtained from an article written by Martin Hibsch who interviewed John Pickle to celebrate the

30^th Anniversary of the “Streak”                                           Sally Rae Bartz

February 9th  is going to be the date for John Pickles memorial.
It will be at the Ramona Rodeo Grounds.  Grass parking is available,
I will be doing the BBQ. Time will be 10:00 till about 3:00
this is still in planning stages, but so far it looks like this is going to work.
Jimmy Sheridan   jansheridan1@hotmail.com