Portland Magazine
January 25, 2024
The story of an antique car and its ties to The Bluff continues to be written.
Photo Credit: Thang Martin Tran
THIS 1925 FLINT Model H-40—affectionately named “Higby”—was first restored here on The Bluff more than 65 years ago. Over the course of two months during the 1957–58 academic year, members of UP’s Iota Kappa Pi fraternity reupholstered the touring car’s interior, recovered the floor, and painted its exterior.
Fast forward to 2007 when owner Gary Yelle first came to campus to do a little digging. Thanks to our University Archives & Museum staff, Gary was able to see some photos and Beacon clippings and learn about his car and its connection to UP.
Gary has since sold the car, but he has kept in touch with UP and remains invested in Higby’s provenance. Bill Hoaglan, the current owner (pictured above), enjoys taking Higby to car shows. He says there’s as much interest in the University of Portland story as in the car itself.
He’s also had UP grads leave notes on his car, and once had a nice conversation with a UP student at car show in Arizona.
Bill does all his own maintenance and restoration. When he bought the car, he could see that someone had put rattle can paint over the University of Portland letters under the door. Curious, he buffed the exterior, and it turns out that the University of Portland letters were well-preserved underneath. So he restored it to its 1957 glory. The detail he added was the name Higby on the door, which previously had been painted near the fenders.
Bill and Gary brought Higby back to campus for a visit during Reunion 2023. They are still looking to find out how Higby got its name. Any leads would be appreciated!University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
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