Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/591462
2 8 | BULLDOG | 2 0 1 5 V 3 LETTERS M y name is Edward J. Imperatore, the founder and owner of Imperatore crane service in Cranston, Rhode Island, for 55 years. I am writing to you because I bought a Mack truck (with a) P&H Crane, when I fi rst started my business; and it was integral to my success. When I was discharged from the Navy in 1945, I won a bid on a Mack truck P&H crane (sight unseen), from the U.S government, for $8,500. It was a 1927 Mack with a chain drive and between the rear tires it had a chain sprocket to drive the two wheels in the back duels. I went to pick up the crane at a government surplus equipment yard in Framingham, Massachussetts. Upon inspection, I determined that it was in deplorable condition. I was so disheartened that I sat next to the crane on the ground and cried. Then I composed myself, lifted the hood, and saw the engine, I didn't know where to begin to get it back home. I had no money to buy batter- ies, fuel, or registration plates. Luckily, the men at the yard helped me by giving me three big 12 volt batteries, fuel, and they helped me get it started. For one month, I traveled from Providence to Framingham to repair it. Finally, it was ready to take home, (it was winter and snow was falling). I left Framingham at 11 a.m. and proceeded, slowly, down the road, and came to a railroad bridge in Uxlridge, Mass. I was unsure that the crane could clear the bridge. So, I got out, assessed the situation, and oiled the chains. I spotted something like oil dripping under the main rear end and transmission. So I had to get on my back in snow and sleet to see what was wrong. The rig housing was cracked in half and all the gears were showing. I didn't know what to do, so I got back in the crane. Finally, that night, at 11 p.m., I arrived in the Olneyville area of Providence, on "a wing and a prayer" to the Mack Truck shop for repairs. The Mack Truck shop fi xed it, and, fi nally, I could go to work in Rhode Island. For the next 12 years, I did crane work with that 1927 Mack truck P&H Crane. (It was one of only three truck cranes in the Rhode Island area at that time). During that time, I made between $10 million and $12 million dollars! I sold it in 1958 for $12,500. I want you to know that I have a high regard for you and your com- pany. Your Mack truck helped me build a successful business. Best Regards, Edward J. Imperatore We love reading your letters and seeing photos of your Mack trucks. Send letters and photos to Jim McNamara, Bulldog Editor, Mack Trucks, Inc. 7900 National Service Road, Greensboro, NC 27409 or email: james.mcnamara@macktrucks.com and yours may be selected to appear in the pages of Bulldog magazine. Letters may be edited due to space. To help us verify information, please include a phone number. Edward J. Imperatore operates a 1927 Mack P&H crane in the early 1950s. 1927 Mack helps launch successful business