📊 The Clarence & Delrose Chronicles
A 47-Year Journey Through American Family Life (1954-2001)
by Greg Rank
📅 The Love Story Begins
August 17, 1954: Clarence and Delrose meet
April 16, 1955: They marry and begin their adventure together!
Starting with $3,600 in 1954, Clarence works at Transco while Delrose joins Douglas Aircraft. They purchase their first home for $12,230 and buy a 1951 Mercury in 1954. The foundation of their American Dream is set!
The family moves to new house $32,500 in 1966. Cars become a theme: 1957 Dodge, 1966 Buick Skylark (Greg's car), 1966 VW Bug (Dad's car for 30 years!), and the nicknamed "NON" '60 Buick. Income steadily climbs as the Vietnam War era brings both challenges and opportunities.
Clarence settles into a long career at Teledyne while Delrose works at Lausen Buick. They weather the economic storms while building their nest egg. The 1972 white Maverick and 1970 VW (Pat's car) join the family fleet.
The golden decade! At age 56 (Dad) and 63 (Mom) in 1987, they're hitting their stride. The house is on it's way to being paid off, and they're building savings for retirement.
Clarence transitions to Magnatek, then retirement. Income drops but their savings strategy pays off. They purchase a 1994 Buick LaSabre and later a 2000 Buick LeSabre.
🚗 The Family Car Chronicles
The Automotive Journey:
- 1951 Mercury (purchased 1954) - Where it all began
- 1957 Dodge - The family grower
- 1965 Buick Special - Station Wagon
- 1966 Buick Skylark - Greg's pride and joy
- 1966 VW Bug - Dad's faithful companion for 30 years!
- The "NON" '60 Buick - Family legend
- 1972 White Ford Maverick - The practical choice
- 1970 VW - Pat's wheels
- 1990 Buick Century - Station Wagon
- 1994 Buick LaSabre - Comfort in the golden years
- 2000 Buick LeSabre - The final chapter
- The mechanics at Lausen Buick steered Delrose to the best used car trade-ins to buy from the dealer.
💬 Clarence's Wisdom: The "Clarence-isms"
🎵 Clarence's Favorite Songs
"Good Night Irene" • "Oh When the Saints" • "Beer Barrel Polka"
And his signature phrase: "Good Night Mrs. Calabash"
📈 The Bottom Line
Through 48 years of marriage, multiple jobs, house purchases, car upgrades, raising children, and navigating everything from Vietnam to economic recessions, Clarence and Delrose built a remarkable legacy.
Their story isn't just about numbers—it's about the American Dream lived one paycheck, one car payment, one house payment at a time. With Clarence's humor keeping spirits high and both working steadily through decades of change, they created not just financial security, but a rich family legacy filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable "Clarence-isms."
A testament to hard work, smart saving, and the power of partnership.
Clarence & Delrose: 1954-2001
This link will take you to a Youtube Playlist created from their 78 Record Collection