Howard Johnson
&
The People's Choice Award
Our People's Choice Award is sponsored every year by the Howard Johnson family.
But why? And who was Howard Johnson?
Dan Stewart explains:
"Growing up, Howard was my dad's age. I remember he always had his kids driving such unique cars when we were in high school. As I grew older and was home ranching, Howard and I developed a friendship because of our interest in cars and Howard was always driving something unique himself. We shared an interest in shooting pool in a pool league and had time to visit about his cars. He always had an interesting story about where he acquired them and why he acquired those specific models. We took a couple of rides together in a couple of his cars, and he always let me drive because he knew that driving them was a privilege and a real treat.
He was a real gentleman and a great mentor, respected by everyone in our community. He always had his trademark short cigar in the corner of his mouth, never lit, and a passive personality. He was a successful farmer and owned an elevator business in Lieth, ND.
After his passing I missed our friendship, so I wanted to do something to honor him at the car show. I approached his family and that is when we decided to do the People's Choice Award in his name.
His daughters still own some of the cars he had. He is greatly missed by many but we bring his memory back to life every year at Rods N Rock!"
Howard's daughters and family try to make it to the car show every year when they can. They get the honor of presenting the People's Choice Award to the winner in memory of their father and his legacy.
Below are some past years presenting to the winners.
THANK YOU HOWARD JOHNSON FAMILY!
