The year was 1976. The United States celebrated its bicentennial. Ford’s presidency gave way to Carter’s. Willie Scheel, owner of the Black Saucer, began to drive Paynesville’s queen and princesses to area parades in his newly purchased 1960 Dawn Rose Cadillac.Scheel is now in his 23rd year of chauffeuring Paynesville’s royalty. He enjoys it as much today as he did that first year.
“My favorite part has been the camaraderie of making new friends each year. Within a few days [of meeting the new royalty], it’s like we’re old friends,” Scheel said.
Erin Pelton, 1996 Second Princess, said, “Even when it rained, it seemed like the sun was shining, because Willie always made us laugh.”
Scheel said, “I enjoy keeping in contact with past royalty, especially when they bring me candy to restock my supply.”
Scheel owns a lavender ‘58 and a mauve ‘59 Cadillac, among others. The three are alternated to transport Paynesville’s royalty to the 20+ parades per summer in true courtly fashion.
“My least favorite part of chauffeuring the queens is getting so blooming hot,” he said. “Too bad I don’t have air conditioning.”
In addition to showing off the queens and the cars in area parades, Scheel also uses his vehicles chauffeuring for weddings. Scheel is scheduled to drive in four weddings in August.
Scheel has been serving the Paynesville community for over 50 years. His business ventures in the area have ranged from owning a roller rink in 1947 to owning the S & S Drive In in 1948, to owning the Black Saucer Steak House in 1963, which became the Black Saucer Motel in 1970.
Although Scheel and wife, Gloria, would like to retire from owning the Black Saucer, Scheel said that he won’t think of retiring from chauffeuring the queens for another two years.
“I’d like to hit 25 years,” he said. “All in all, it’s been a great ride.”