The Gladiators of Redlands Car Club

This page from the 1954 Makio, Redlands High School's yearbook, features the Gladiators car club. Pictured alongside their advisor, Verne Kasper, the club members include Ivan Hinerman, Allan Hayes, Jack Cowan, Bruce Wiseman, Brent Reedy, Jim Fox, Bob Braga, and Herman Broome. The centerpiece of the photo is Herman Broome's 1931 Ford fitted with a 1932 Ford grille. The Gladiators were dedicated to promoting safe driving and contributing to the community, and this photo captures the spirit of their automotive passion during their first year as a club.

The Gladiators Car Club was established in the fall of 1953 at Redlands High School in Redlands, California. The club was founded by a group of automotive enthusiasts among the student body. In 2010, some of the original members remained active in car restoration and automotive work.

The Gladiators was formed as an auto club for both day and night school students at Redlands High School. According to the school's 1954 yearbook, Makio, the club's mission was "dedicated to sane driving and service to citizens of our community." During its first year, the club quickly became an active group, organizing events such as the Car Rodeo, which was designed for the entertainment of other car clubs in town.

The founding officers of the club included:

• President: Jim Hill
• Vice-President: Herman Broome
• Secretary: Ivan Hinerman
• Treasurer: Brent Reedy
• Advisor: Verne Kasper

The Adviser: Verne Kasper

Verne Kasper, a respected auto shop and machine shop teacher at Redlands High School, played a central role in shaping the club. He was widely regarded as a mentor and a great inspiration to the students. According to Don Sewell, a contemporary of the Gladiators, Kasper was instrumental in guiding the students in their automotive pursuits. Before his teaching career, Kasper had served as a pilot in World War II. After his tenure at Redlands High School, he moved on to teach at Yucaipa High School when it opened.

Notable Members and Their Contributions

Several Gladiators from the original group have been recognized for their continued involvement with cars. The members pictured in the 1954 yearbook include:

• Ivan Hinerman
• Allan Hayes
• Jack Cowan
• Bob Wiseman (referred to as "Bruce" in the yearbook, possibly due to an error or a middle name)
• Brent Reedy
• Jim Fox
• Bob Braga
• Herman Broome

Sewell specifically recalled recognizing Herman Broome and his custom-built car—a 1931 Ford that he restored and built himself. Broome and other Gladiators were still involved in car restoration in 2010, showcasing a lifelong passion for automobiles.

Another key member, Brent Reedy, went on to establish Reedy Oil Co., a well-known business in Redlands. Ivan Hinerman followed in his mentor Kasper’s footsteps, becoming an automotive instructor at Yucaipa High School and later at Mt. San Jacinto College.

Legacy and Impact

The Gladiators not only provided students with the opportunity to learn about and work on cars, but they also had access to the school's shop facilities, where they could fabricate parts and engage in hands-on projects. The club was a focal point for automotive education at Redlands High School, fostering a strong community among its members.

More than 50 years after their formation, the Gladiators' legacy continued to endure. Many original members, including Broome, continued to meet regularly, maintaining their shared love for cars. Every Friday, a group of automotive enthusiasts, some of whom are former Gladiators, gathered in Mentone, California, to share stories and work on cars, demonstrating that the spirit of the Gladiators was still alive and well.