Text by Al Walker. Photos courtesy James Wayner. Original article appeared in the owen sounder.
In 1965 "The Dictions" was a commercial rock band in Owen Sound. This early rendition of the Tombstones was Dave Fearnall (keyboards), Dave Clark (drums), Bob Watson (guitar), Arnold Clark (guitar), Alf Dale (guitar) George Dahmer (bass), Neil Robb (Glenn) (vocals) and friend Dave Cripps - who came up with the name "Tombstones" - and Bill Murdoch (manager).
The Tombstones were ready for their first jobs. The lineup now was: Neil Robb (Glenn), Jim Wayner (vocals), George Dahmer, Arnie Clark, Bob Watson, Dennie Scott (drums), Dave Fearnall and another new addition Ted Graper (sax). With the addition of Jim Wayner the focus became clear: the band would have a R&B slant. Material by Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett suited Jim's energy and style. Jim quickly became the talk of the town with his acrobatics and showmanship. His trademark was jumping off stage and hitting the floor doing the splits. With a couple of lineup changes in 1967, Neil Robb (Glenn) departed, Arnie Clark hung up the guitar, Bob Watson likewise and the addition of Dan Rouse (guitar) the band was in it's heyday. In following years Chris Georgas and Ian Glenn would also compliment the horn section.
The Owen Sound Herald January 13, 1966: "The Tombstones are getting better! No foolin' they are developing a real nice style that the kids in Owen Sound obviously go for." "Jim never ceases to amaze the crowd with singing and dancing.", from the Toronto Township News-Review Apr. 5, 1967. In the summers The Tombstones would headline the Sauble Beach Pavilion or be the opening act for bands such as the Ugly Ducklings, Shawn & Jay Jackson & the Majestics or George Oliver & the Mandella. Of all the places the band played one place seems to stick out, Bracebridge. The band was booked to play at a teen dance at a converted YMCA. After the Tombstones had arrived and set up they noticed some older looking types with robes and blue jeans. When questioned the reply was "all my brothers dress the same" "Why would your family dress like that?" the boys questioned. "Because we are Anglican Priests" was the reply. After the dance the band was invited to spend the night at the monestary, the problem was they had some after work beverages. "No problem" the priests replied "we like to drink too".
Marty's place was a turning point for the band and not a good one! Marty's Place was a TV show featuring live groups from southwestern Ontario. The boys recorded their session at the TV studios and to them it sounded great, but when they saw it later at home it was bad. Real bad. The engineer had used only one microphone on the PA column to record the the group. Bill Murdoch had given up his day job at Edwards in July of 1967 to promote The Tombstones full-time. By early 1969 Bill was forced to re-enter the work force. Ian McFall took over management of the band which was quickly taking on water. Dave Fearnall, with his arrangements, sweeping leslie and thick chords left the band, Ted Draper's sax was also gone. The bands last hurrah was playing at the Hawk's Nest in Toronto, but unfortunately fame sidestepped this great Owen Sound band.
GEORGIA STRAIT SOUNDER THE TIRES THE SHARKS
1949 Dodge John JC Little hearse
The hearse made a special appearance with the band in Owen Sound again, for the 140th OSCVI Anniversary parade. Photos taken at corner of 6th Street East and 3rd Avenue (turning onto 3rd Avenue). The Tombstones photos are in front of Murray Gibbons' house (Ross Gibbons, Lynne Gibbons, Paul Gibbons). Thanks to Bryan Leckie and Ron Sellwood for the photos and background.
As far as I can tell, from the Tombstones the hearse ended up in the Ingersoll museum. Then it ended up again in private hands (Bill & Marlene Steele, then of Oshawa, ON) in 2006. They sold it to Jase Pence of Washington DC Nov. 19, 2011. Jase then sold it to Michael Trinagel of New York in spring 2019. This is the only known 1949 Dodge Hearse ever manufactured, built by J.C. Little. Originally from Scotland, John J.C. Little (1888-1971) started his North American career as a coachbuilder at Canada's largest coachbuilder, the O.J. Mitchell Hearse Company of Ingersoll, Ontario. He built his first home-built coach sometime in 1937 and by 1940 had saved up enough money to open his own body shop. From his small shop, which was located in the service bays of an Ingersoll Shell station, Little produced a series of hand-built professional coaches until he closed in the late Fifties. He specialized in modifying regular wheelbase production vehicles into sedan-ambulances and funeral cars.
Jase Pence of Washington DC writes: Found in a small town museum in Ingersoll, Ontario, by the last owner (Bill & Marlene Steele, then of Oshawa, ON), the car is currently completely unrestored. It is the ex tour vehicle of the band THE TOMBSTONES of Owen Sound, Ontario. I have a good Virginia title in my name. Be advised, this car is pretty rusty and needs a full restoration. Stored in a museum in Ontario for many years, and stored inside since my purchase. Pretty complete, does not run. Flathead 6cylinder engine, 3 spd non-overdrive. Jase has a blog on his acquistion of the hearse from Ontario in the fall of 2011, reproduced here for posterity's sake.
JAN. 2018... Photos from a Facebook Album by GraveLimos.
Update (May 2019): The '49 Dodge hearse was sold to Michael Trinagel of personaltouchautobodyny.com in New York City. Michael Trinagel comments: "It is safe indoors and waiting for a new shot in life. I plan to start restoring these cars as soon as I sell my shop! I'm retired the day I find a buyer. Been in my location just about 40 years now. After I sell it I will get a private crew and restore them and put them in my own little museum I plan to build on my farm. All help and donations welcome! This is how I plan to live out the rest of my life..."
From From a series of articles written by guitarist web work by |
