1924 Mercedes Barn Find

[@davidjones8070]

Yes thanks John for a wonderful story. I work for a electric utility and we had a junk man named Smitty. He used to wear old worn big smith bibs and really was the nicest older gentleman I’ve ever met. The whole relationship was very touching. Thank you again.

[@philipshucet9481]

What a terrific story. Thanks John.

[@malcolmlawrence3169]

Lovely story John. Thanks

[@alanfricker]

Your work is a treasure John. Always an inspiration. Thank you.

[@lights80088]

I love this story about You and Oliver and the Mercedes very very interesting. I really don't think there are very many men like You anymore. Thank You John for being a great man and photograper.

[@markthomas1351]

I could listen to your stories all day long. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@theampedlife]

Thanks John, you always make me smile.

[@patrickemmerechts6054]

What a great story, please keep them coming.

[@bullasbullas]

Lovely story John.....hope you guys are well.xx

[@andrewfrost8866]

A beautiful recollection of a unique point in history! I could listen to you all day John.

[@ElvisPriscillaPresley]

Wonderful story.

[@certified_street_photographers]

amaaazing as always Mr Free

[@johnygunn3188]

Thank you John! I learned a lot watching you shoot.

[@gussytwoshoes2435]

Beautiful story! Love your enthusiasm as to why you are shooting the picture, trying to catch the story. Truly Inspiring.

[@LScott97]

Be Strong and Free!

[@henrygreen19]

Amazing story John. Any more images and detail on this car ?

[@wullieg7269]

Big LOVE!,keep the peace.

[@BmcN72]

❤ love this. 5 times I’ve watched this

[@danieldorward5638]

You mentioned in one of your videos, John, that you were working on a book about your time with the tramps. Any updates on that? I know I can’t be the only one that would be very enthusiastic to purchase a copy when it’s done. On a side note, thanks for sharing your work with us for all these years. Many a time it’s inspired me to head out with my camera in my free time and see what I can capture. Your photo of the individual crawling through the sand on the beach towards the ocean with their crutches in their wake knocks me out every time I see it. Hopefully someday I’ll train my eye to see and capture an image as poignant as that.

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Thank you Daniel. You can train your eye to find precious stones. I can train my eye to notice bad paint jobs on cars. Yes, we must train our eyes and our subconscious mind to help us find subject which, is right in front of our faces most of the time.

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Olivers car was famous for another chapter in its life, when it was used in a Charlie Chaplin movie. The car can be seen in the "Great Dictator". The car had driven about 3000 miles total.

[@dgmann11]

Moving story John. Yes, it is the human connection that is important.

[@JohnFreePhtography]

My friend Deeno did a great job with this video.

[@hoppy760]

You are a great storyteller. Very refreshing contrast from all these young YT photographers. Hope you post something new soon.

[@danieln.3412]

Great video John. You are a big inspiration and I always love your content. Where in Connecticut are you from?

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Naugatuck and in 1955 moved to Old Saybrook. What about you?

[@danieln.3412]

@@JohnFreePhtography Hi John, Thanks for the reply. I'm definitely familiar with those towns your from. Im sure Naugatuck is quite different these days Haha. I'm originally from Rockville, CT and grew up in Manchester, CT. You are a treasure John. Your passion, knowledge and of course your work ceases to amaze. Everything you contribute and share is greatly appreciated. Thank you again. Dan,

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Oliver had two cars. His 1947 Studebaker was the most battered car I had ever seen operating under its own power on the street and pulling a trailer. His other car was the most valuable car I had ever seen in unrestored condition. Oliver had been a junkman since 1925. His mother had a silver mine stolen from her by the American government. Oliver lived in filth with his sister who was very protective of her brother when it came to his Mercedes.

[@JoeLopez]

Such a great story! Where is the car now?

[@JohnFreePhtography]

We don’t know. Yet

[@JohnFreePhtography]

We are going to locate the car soon.

[@JoeLopez]

I love it! Aside from the F3 / 55mm f2.8 and Nikon F / 28mm f2, which other camera/lens combos do you enjoy shooting?

[@JohnFreePhtography]

I mostly use those two.

[@JoeLopez]

@@JohnFreePhtography Solid performers. Thanks John!

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Now I am looking for a 50mm f/1.8 long nose.

[@rileysmithphoto]

BOOM! Goes the dynamite.

[@kerder8660]

Hehehe... Everybody has a story if only one has a time to listen..