Albert Drake
Albert Dee "Bud" Drake (03.26.1935 - 06.11.2023) was a well-known hot rodder, historian, and author. Born in Portland, Oregon, he was educated in public schools and followed his father's footsteps, working for years in service stations, garages, and automotive warehouses.[1]
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Albert Drake The Hot Rodder
Albert's love for hot rods began in 1951, when he built a 1929 Ford Model A Roadster.[1]
Professional Career and Authorship
Albert eventually attended Portland State College and got his degrees at the University of Oregon. He twice won The Ernest Haycox Prize for fiction. For nearly 30 years, he labored in the groves of academe, where he was cited for his outstanding teaching and rose to the rank of Full Professor. He was the first academic to teach a class in science fiction as literature, and for several years, he was Director of the Clarion Science Fiction Workshop. He has received numerous academic and creative grants, including two major grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. His fiction, poetry, and prose have been widely published in literary quarterlies and popular magazines, including Redbook, Epoch, North American Review, and The Best American Short Stories. He was also a Professor Emeritus of English.[1]
Legacy and Passing
Albert "Bud" Drake was more than just a hot rodder and historian; he was a storyteller who wove tales of the past, the thrill of the ride, and the beauty of nostalgia. Throughout his illustrious career, he penned over 400 articles that graced the pages of renowned magazines like Street Rodder, Street Rod Action, Rodder's Digest, Popular Cars, Hot Rod Mechanix, Street Rodding Illustrated and many more, enlightening generations of readers.[1]
On June 11, 2023, Albert passed away. His passing was a significant loss to the hot-rodding community. Albert grew up as an integral part of hot rodding, and due to his detailed interviews, event write-ups, camera work, exceptional memory, and writing skills, he left us with authentic knowledge of hot rodding in the 1950s. It's rare to find someone who so seamlessly blends passion and profession, artistry and authenticity.
On Sunday, August 20, 2023, loved ones gathered at the Slo Poks Clubhouse in Vancouver, Washington, for a Celebration of Life in honor of Albert Dee "Bud" Drake. Open to friends and family, this event stood as a testament to the indelible mark Albert left on the hearts of many. More than 70 people attended the celebration. Half of the arriving in rods.[2]
Albert Drake's Cars
Books by Albert Drake
- Tillamook Burn
- One Summer
- Fifties Flashback
- The Big "Little GTO" Book
- Street Was Fun in '51
- Riding Bike in the Fifties
- Beyond The Pavement
- Hot Rodder!: From Lakes To Street: An Oral History
- I Remember the Day James Dean Died, and Other Stories
- Assuming The Position
- Returning to Oregon
- Herding Goats: An Oral History of the Pontiac GTO
- In the Time of Surveys and Other Stories of Americans Abroad
- Overtures to Motion
- Jersey Blue Spirit: Pioneer Courage
- Reflections in a Spinner Hubcap: Authentic Tales of Hot Rods, Custom Cars & Nostalgia
- Peter Sukalac: Photo Journalist: A Life in Cars and Photos
- Flat Out: California Dry Lake Time Trials 1930-1950
- Northwest Oldtimers
- Portland Pictorial: The 1950's
- The Postcard Mysteries & Other Stories
- Garage: Poems (Rockbook)
- A 1950s Rod & Custom Builder's Wish Book
- Roadsalt
- By Breathing In and Out
- Christmas at Ed's Richfield
- Jacket & Plaque: Portland Rod & Custom Clubs of the Fifties
- Rock Bottom: The Al Drake Issue: Summer 1979
- The Age of Hot Rods
- The Brotherhood of Speed
References
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