Uncover the history of Orange’s most famous Chevy at Orange Regional Museum

7 August 2017

Finding an unrestored 1926 Chevrolet in a backyard shed, in relatively good condition is almost unheard of.

But that’s what happened to Dave and Larna Perry when they discovered “Emma”, in a garage sale in Summer Street East in 2015.

Emma had almost no work done to the chassis, has the original engine tool kit and even her last registration sticker from 1964.

The car is arguably one of Orange Regional Museum’s most popular objects and had sat idle for five decades before she was purchased by the Perrys.

‘Emma’s’ rich history is being discussed at the museum at a floor talk this weekend.

Emma, was owned by one family and driven by one woman until it was parked for the last time in 1964.

The story of Emma’s history sheds light on the city’s local economy in the 1920s and reveals the story of the Hartley family who ran a small confectionery businesses in Summer Street.

Bought from General Motors dealer, E. C. Cameron & Sons, Summer Street, Orange, Emma’s chassis was manufactured at the Chevrolet Plant in New York, then shipped un-assembled to Australia as a knock-down kit.

The body was manufactured by Holden in South Australia and the complete car was assembled at the General Motors Australia (GMA) plant at Marrickville in Sydney.

The Hartley family, Albert and his wife Sarah Jane (known as “Jeannie”), and their three daughters, Eva, Muriel and Eileen lived at 458 (now 402) Summer Street, East Orange and ran their first confectionery factory in the yard at the rear of the house.

Muriel, the middle daughter, was the only daughter to get her driver’s license and together with her father Albert, used “Emma” to make deliveries for the shop, in Orange and in neighboring towns.

Emma was in use until 1964 when she was placed in a shed behind the Hartley home.

None of the three daughters had children, so Emma was gifted to the family’s neighbours, the Marsh family.

For the museum’s next floor talk, 2pm on Saturday 12 August, Dave Perry, owner of Emma will talk about the history of ‘Emma’, the Hartley family and the Marsh family who cared for the car for over 50 years.

To coincide with the talk, the museum will launch a new publication on the history of Emma written by Dave Perry. The publication will be available for purchase from the Visitor Information Centre.

Free event, bookings essential 02 6393 8444 or https://emmatalk.eventbrite.com.au