NATIONAL FUNERAL
DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION CONVENTION
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
OCTOBER, 1961 |
~Click the pictures for the enlarged version~
Autumn in
the Northlands . . .
. . . is always a special time of
year, but for funeral service professionals, October 1961 was very special.
The National Funeral Directors Association held their large (largest of its
kind!) annual convention in downtown Minneapolis at the Leamington Hotel.
As professional car enthusiasts, we believe that the selection of fall for a
convention is so the professional car manufacturers can display the latest
offerings on the model that was just beginning to appear in dealer showrooms
across the country. NFDA may have other reasons for selecting fall, but we
know the most important reason!
In 1961, noted automotive
historian, Walter M.P. McCall attended the convention, camera in hand.
Here's a glimpse inside the exhibit hall and the new 1962 offerings from
Superior, Miller-Meteor and Eureka, plus a peek outside on the parking lot, too.
Our special thanks to Walt for sharing these photographs.
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Superior Coach displays its 1962 Superior Cadillac Crown Royale
Landaulet (with short skeg moldings) in sparkling white, along with
about seven other models at the 1961 NFDA Convention. |

Also in the Superior display was this 1962 Superior Cadillac Crown
Sovereign Brougham. Superior was front-and-center on the main
stage with the largest vehicle display. |

Another view of the 1962 Crown Sovereign Brougham. Notice the
formal draperies, suicide doors, the elegant brougham decoration on the
rear door, and the way the rear door extends into the roof.
Interestingly, we see this again in 2009 with the Superior Premier. |

The Crown Sovereign Brougham was Superior's finest offering, for the
nation's finest funeral directors. |
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Miller-Meteor exhibited their 1962 M-M Cadillac Landau Traditional.
Notice that the skeg moldings traverse the full length of the side of
the car. |

This white Eureka Cadillac Limousine Combination was obviously destined
for delivery to Watkins & Sons after the convention. |

As Walt will tell you, in these days the first stop at the convention
was the parking lot, to see what used vehicles were being traded in on
the new coaches inside. This 1959 Miller-Meteor Cadillac Limousine
Combination is parked behind another 1959 Cadillac, either a sedan or
limousine. |

Seen here on the parking lot are a 1959
Miller-Meteor Cadillac limousine combination, a 1958 Eureka Cadillac
landau and a 1958 S&S Victoria. |
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A casket is displayed on the extension table of the 1962 Miller-Meteor
Cadillac Hearse. Not only is M-M demonstrating the practicality of
an extend-table, but also the wide-swinging rear door and the room on
top of the casket for the flower spray. What practical funeral
director could resist?! |

From the December, 1961 issue of The
Mid-continent Mortician. |

Also from the December, 1961
Mid-continent Mortician magazine. Note the special mention
of the "Presidential Victoria" by S&S, delivered to Carson & Sons of
Independence, Missouri. |
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