Avid Automobile Historian to Share the “Art of the Art Deco Automobile”
Museum’s Spring Speaker Series Continues Sunday at 3pm
Hickory Corners –
All cars have stories, and this Sunday, March 30 th at 3pm, noted author David Lyon will present
“The Art of the Art Deco Automobile” as part of the Gilmore Car Museum’s Spring Speaker
Series.
Professor emeritus from Western Michigan University, David retired in 1998 after thirty-five years of service as faculty member, department chair, interim dean, and director of collective bargaining. He received his PhD in psychology from Indiana University, but his bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College is in history.
Upon retiring from WMU, David became an avid automobile historian and author of The
Kalamazoo Automobilist (2002) and The Gilmore Car Museum: Miles from the Ordinary (2010,
2012).
“I enjoyed history and I believe that my career in psychology influenced my ‘social impact’ interpretation of the design and innovation of vintage automobiles,” David shared.
In his program, David will describe and interpret Art Deco automobiles, distinguishing between the American and European Art Deco style as he contrasts this particular art form with other automotive styles. The discussion will be supported by photographs of artifacts and autos from
Gilmore Car Museum’s very own signature collection.
David’s artistic presentation will be followed next week with “Captured on Camera – Iconic
Moments of Racing History” by noted photojournalist, John Lacko. Showcasing his favorite photos of drag racing, NASCAR, Trans Am, Can Am, Indy cars, and more, John will share some of the most amazing automotive photos he has taken over the last 50 years.
The Gilmore Car Museum’s Spring Speaker Series has just 5 weeks remaining in the Series, including the following presentations:
“Captured on Camera – Iconic Moments of Racing History”
Sunday, April 6 th
John Lacko – Photojournalist and Racing Historian
“Presidential Visits to Kalamazoo”

Sunday, April 13 th DOUBLE FEATURE
“President Lincoln’s Michigan Visit: Shocking New Discoveries”
Tom George – Author and Lincoln Scholar
“President Obama’s Visit to Kalamazoo”
Von Washington, Jr. – Former Principal of Kalamazoo Central High School (winner of the first high school “Race to the Top Commencement Challenge” contest)
“Dave Rockwell – We Were the Ramchargers”
Sunday, April 27 th
Dave Rockwell – Author and Former Mopar Ramcharger Team Member
“B.S. Levy – World’s Fastest Novelist”
Sunday, May 4 th
B.S. Levy – Race Driver, Author of 5 novels including “The Last Open Road”
Whether your interest is in vintage auto racing, photography, local history or more, you’re sure to find the Gilmore Speaker Series engaging, entertaining and informative for the entire family.
The Gilmore Car Museum - America’s Signature Collection is located just 20 minutes north of
Kalamazoo or 45 minutes south of Grand Rapids.
For more information on the Gilmore Speaker Series or other upcoming events, please visit www.GilmoreCarMuseum.org
or call (269) 671-5089.
# # # # #
Photo samples attached with possible captions below
David Lyon, “The Art of Art Deco Automobiles”
Ducking into Western Michigan University's Waldo Library during a downpour 30 years ago led
Dr. David O. Lyon to become addicted to the history of automobiles. After retiring in 1998, the
WMU professor emeritus of psychology turned that addiction into a second career as an automotive historian and writer.
Art Deco Style in America’s Signature Collection (1935 Auburn 851SC Speedster)
In his program, David will describe and interpret Art Deco automobiles, distinguishing between the American and European Art Deco style as he contrasts this particular art form with other automotive styles, supported by photographs of artifacts and autos from Gilmore Car
Museum’s very own signature collection.