Island: Great Cranberry
Vehicle: 1942 Chevy CCKW, military model
Owner: Blair Colby
“This former military truck was rescued from a yard sale in Leyden, Massachusetts and brought to Great Cranberry Island in 1998 by Blair Colby,” writes Susan White, of Great Cranberry Island.
“Blair is a wizard mechanic who can repair anything, plows island roads in winter, harvests and delivers firewood and much more.
“The truck was named “Happy Executioner” by Blair’s children for the ease with which she “jigs” blowdowns from the woods. The truck is a mechanic’s collage. The motor, a Chevy 265-horse 6-cylinder, formerly propelled a Mt. Desert Island lobster boat. The truck’s winch came from the Beal & Bunker Marine Service/Mail Boat boathouse, and is powered by a motor from a 1951 Willy’s truck brought to the island in 1980 by Chris White.
“This versatile truck has been the subject of numerous artists and is currently featured in December of the 2010 Great Cranberry Ladies Aid Society Calendar. Jana Matusz, an artist who painted the truck in 2007 said, ‘She is lovely in any season of the year.’
“Although Affectionately called “Happy Executioner,” island residents love her for her good deeds, and know the truck will continue in that vein, with the help of Blair’s special motorized brand of Tender Loving Care.