February 2012 - Volume 41
In This Issue
Member Contribution
Club Items
Library & Research
Museum News
Speedy's Notes
Calendar Spotlight
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links

Welcome to SPEEDSTER!

 

We just wrapped up another successful Annual Meeting in Philadelphia! A warm welcome to our new 2012 president, Herb Oakes, as he looks forward to the year and continues his long dedication to the hobby.

Thank you to all who helped make this meeting possible and to all who attended!  

 

Also new for the year is the introduction of 3 New National Awards; The Corvette Award, The Military Vehicle Award, and The Thunderbird Award.

Read the details and full press release.

 

 A special congratulations to all the 2011 National Award Winners.  Full list of winners is available HERE!

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Member Contribution

Grandpa's 1936 Dodge

By Member Steve Hathorne 

 

I remember that as a child we would visit my grandparents in Boothbay Harbor, Maine quite often. We would always enter through the basement garage and workshop and walk past Grandpa's 1936 Dodge. I don't remember it ever leaving the garage (but I am sure that it did) until Grandpa passed in the early 60's. The car went to Mom's brother Ben Jr. in Augusta, Maine. Uncle Ben drove the car some had it painted sometime in the mid 60's. The car mostly sat in his barn until Uncle Ben's house burned and he moved to South China, Maine. The car was kept there and not driven until my brother Corey bought it from Uncle Ben in the late 70's. Corey worked on it some and took it to some car shows until 1990 and stored it in the back of Dad's garage in York, Maine. The car stayed there until March of 2006 when I bought it from Corey and brought it to South Carolina. Through asking questions and some research I have found the history of the car and a few stories. My mom (Peggy, born in 1925) was raised in Boothbay Harbor in a family of 12 children and they all called my grandfather Papa. Grandpa always ran his own general store in Boothbay Harbor made a good living for his family.

 

A local historian named Francis Green who lived on Townsend Ave. in Boothbay Harbor originally purchased The Dodge, as everyone called it. He apparently never drove the car much and just kept it in his garage. I am not sure of the exact year but sometime in the early forties he sold it to Grandpa. My mom and her sister Pat went with him when he bought it and mom tells this story about that day.

 

It was a real treat to ride home in the Dodge and Papa was proud of his new car. When they got home Papa made granny come outside to see it. He stood up proud and put his thumbs in the straps of his coveralls and said " Hum, They didn't think that I would have $300.00 in these old jeans."

 

Aunt Pat has told me that The Dodge had many adventures and was present at all the dances in Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties. There was dances in Back Narrows, Edgecomb, Hayes Casino, Clary Lake, Island Park, Wits End, Huntoon Hill and many more.

 

She goes on to say that she and Ben Jr. went to Fisher College in Worchester Mass. to bring their sister Betty home for Christmas vacation. It was SO cold and The Dodge heater never did work well so her feet were frozen by the time they got home. She told me that The Dodge almost hit a seagull at Pemaquid Point. Didn't know if the dodge was flying high or the seagull was flying low. Papa was the only one in the neighbor hood who had a car so on rainy days The Dodge would pick up all of the neighborhood children and take them to school. The Dodge could be temperamental at times and on occasion they have walked a few miles to get help.

 

My dad tells a story of when he and mom were dating and he went to pick her up to go to the dance. The dance was to be in Damariscotta, a town a fair distance away. Dad drove a 1939 Chevy and Grandpa didn't think that it was a good car. He told dad that they should take The Dodge because the Chevy wouldn't go that far. After some discussion dad gave in and said ok. Grandpa and dad went out to start the Dodge but it wasn't cooperating. They tried and tried then all of a sudden it backfired and blew the muffler apart. They drove the Chevy to the dance.

 

Mom always told me how much she hated "THAT CAR". It was always hard to start and was always cold in the winter. Mom said that she would have to push the starter pedal while Grandpa worked under the hood and complain that it wouldn't start. I always thought about that and wondered how she felt about it being around almost all of her life. I do think that she would be proud of it now though. It must like the south because it starts every time.

 

Aunt Betty Richardson said that she drove The Dodge from the time she got her license until she got married and probably more than Grandpa. She tells a story of one time that she and Pat went to an Air Show in Brunswick and had some car trouble. Three cars of guys helped them get it going and followed them home to make sure they were all right. Of course they were all invited in for coffee and cookies. She says that Mama and Papa were such good sports and their friends were always welcome.

 

Another time they were going home from a dance in Dresden and it was so foggy they could hardly see. Going across the Wiscasset bridge Pat had her head out the passenger side window telling Betty which way to go.

The Dodge even went to a Bah Mitzvah. When the local dentist's son was having Bah Mitzvah his friends, Don Kensington and the Maddocks Twins, (Sewall an Ross) wanted to attend but had no way to go there. So she took her friend Pracilla Rowe and the boys and off they went. They had a great day and the boys still talk about it.

 

 

The Milhous Auction - February 24-25

 

 

Located near West Palm Beach, Florida, Bob and Paul Milhous have assembled one of the world's most admired and extraordinary private collections, encompassing everything from valuable mechanical musical instruments to rare and important automobiles to a wide variety of Americana and collectibles. RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby's, is delighted to present this world-class collection at auction. It is one of the world's most notable assemblies of fair and dance organs, orchestrions and theatre organs. 

 

Here are some great videos for the auction, check them out!

 

More information on the auction is available on the RM Auctions website. Lots of rare and extraordinary auction items!

 

 

MEMBERSHIP ROUND TABLE. WHAT IS IT? 

 

When attending a National Meet, you will receive a schedule of events. On Friday afternoon you will see the Round Table listed. Members will ask Round Table? What is that? I have heard members remark why they do not attend , "The round table is for directors only" sorry, NO, the Round Table is for YOU, our Members. This is a time to meet your National Directors and let them know what is on your mind.

 

Let's look at this meeting as a learning classroom. You are the teachers and our board hopes to learn from you. At the same time though, we can tell you about the latest things happening in the club. Any topic can be brought up, except Judging questions which can be asked at the Judging School that follows. Hopefully, you will come away armed with a lot of new ideas to bring to your region or chapter. The meeting will last an hour. If you have a question for a Director, this is the perfect time to ask it.

 

At Your Meeting, we will be taking notes. The Board of Directors will later discuss each item. You would be surprised to know how many good ideas come form these sessions. It may take time and not all suggestions will become a reality. The whole picture has to be beneficial for our members. So at the next national meet, bring along a friend and attend Your Meeting.   Let's allow the Round Table to be a KEY information tool to bring our members together, and to learn from each other. So I will be looking for you to attend, and bring your ideas to the Round Table meetings this year. I look forward to seeing past friends and making new ones!

 

Joanna Cooper

VP Membership

 

New Mileage Award Program!

 

Touring is not a spectator sport, so for those who enjoy driving their vintage vehicles the AACA Board of Directors has approved, as part of its long range plan, the AACA Mileage Award Program (MAP). Beginning in January 2012, all AACA members will be eligible to sign up for the MAP. The application and criteria may be downloaded at AACA.org and accessing the touring document MAP. Further information may be obtained by contacting Sherm Carey ([email protected]). So, as the old saying goes, "Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines" and prepare to enjoy AACA touring.

 

PURPOSE:

The Mileage Award Program has been established to recognize AACA members who drive an AACA-approved vehicle throughout the calendar year. Participation is voluntary and tracking mileage is the owner's responsibility; although subject to review it is intended that all activity and mileage will be governed by the vehicle's owner.

 

Any time that the vehicle is driven - anywhere for any reason - the mileage counts towards the award level.  Miles where the vehicle is towed (emergency or nonemergency) do not count towards the total annual driving miles.

 

PROCEDURE:

1. The vehicle owner (AACA member) must register each vehicle (eligible in AACA) that they would like to be included in the MAP. Registration includes completing the MAP form and returning it with $25 to AACA Headquarters. Once the application is received at national the vehicle badge will be mailed to the owner. (The first badges will not be mailed out until after May 2012.) 

 

The form and fee are a one-time registration and do not need to be renewed or paid annually.

 

2. When the vehicle has been driven 2,000 miles it is eligible for the first MAP award. The badge has a section where the number of miles is placed; the section is upgraded at each level.

 

a. 1st Award - 2,000 miles

b. 2nd Award - 5,000 miles

c. Subsequent Award(s) - at each 5,000 mile increment

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

 

* The MAP Award can stay with the vehicle when it is sold.

 

* Awards will be mailed to the owner; special arrangements can be made by a region to identify and award all of their member's awards at a single time and event.

 

 

Program Registration Form available online.

 
Members Attention 

As a member newsletter we need to hear from YOU!

Send us your stories and photos from the past year so we may showcase your articles here on SPEEDSTER!

 

Email us at [email protected]

AACA Library

Cars in the Mail

   

Have you ever found an unexpected treasure in one of your books before? Here at the library, a recently donated antique book yielded an unusual find. Upon turning a few pages, a small piece of purple colored paper slipped out and fell to the floor. Upon closer inspection, I was surprised to see the stoic face of George Washington staring back at me from an unused 1932 U.S. postage stamp. The discovery set off a light bulb in my head, prompting me to scan our miscellaneous files. As luck would have it, we happened to have a folder dedicated to automotive stamps.

 

While 1847 marked the first official year of the postage stamp (the British Penny Black), it wasn't until the 20th century that automobiles began to make there mark in the philatelic world. According to stamp aficionados, the first stamp to feature a motor vehicle was released in 1901 to coincide with the Pan-American Exposition. With the U.S. Capitol building as its background, this four cent stamp depicted an early electric car.

 

Since then, the U.S. Postal Service has released a plethora of stamps commemorating the vehicles, people and even organizations behind the history of the automobile. For example, a stamp released in 1952 for the fiftieth anniversary of the American Automobile Association featured an antique car alongside a then-modern streamlined vehicle. In 1988, a set of twenty-five cent classic car stamps with artwork by Ken Dallison was released; a 1928 Locomobile, 1935 Duesenberg, 1932 Packard and 1929 Pierce Arrow. More recently, the 2008 series titled "Fins and Chrome" provided stamp collectors images of iconic cars of the '50s.

 

In addition to the stamps themselves, a number of enthusiasts have been collecting what are known as first day covers (FDC). The stamps on these postmarked envelopes are canceled to coincide with their first day of issue, often in a city associated with the stamp's subject matter. For example, a 1968 FDC commemorating the life of Henry Ford was postmarked in Greenfield Village, a large indoor and outdoor museum complex he had founded. Quite often, an FDC envelope like the Henry Ford piece is accentuated by an elaborate cachet (artwork), which enhances its desirability and value.

           

Aside from the U.S. Postal Service, several other countries have released their own stamps highlighting historic automobiles. In 1906, Bosnia Herzegovina printed a stamp showcasing one of their postal trucks. Monaco, a city famed for auto racing has released a number of stamps celebrating the long-running Monte Carlo Rally. In 1961, the small city-state even released a set of stamps depicting early vehicles from around the world, including a 1912 Chevrolet, 1898 Peugeot and 1905 Rolls-Royce.

 

Other countries have released stamps with automobiles which held little to no relevance to their country's history. For example, it feels a bit odd to find a Mongolian stamp with a 1904 Armstrong Siddeley or an Oman American Bi-centennial stamp with a 1912 Rambler. Even the small island nations of Tuvalu and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines designed a series of stamps in the 1980s to celebrate a century of automotive history. Strange as it may seem, there is certainly a market in the stamp collecting world for these pieces.

 

All of the stamps pictured here are in the Library's collection and, while we have a nice assortment, it is far from being complete. If you or anyone you know have any extra postage stamps depicting automobiles, feel free to mail them to the library. We would love to add them to the collection. Not into stamps? Whether you're into collecting photographs, mascots, signs or even toys, we have a nice selection of automobilia collecting reference books that are sure to be up your alley.

 

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eBay Auctions and Book Sales:

Last month, our eBay auctions generated over $2,000 for the library. We can't thank the donors and buyers enough for helping us out. This month, we're selling more books and collectibles in order to raise money for the library. Auction link here. Keep your eye on the time, as these auctions will end soon. Don't forget, we also have several books for sale on abeBooks, including a number of rare pieces. If you're looking for the perfect gift for an antique auto enthusiast, we just might have something for you.

 

More info available on our website. Visit AACA Library or Call us at 717-534-2082 

 

Trivia

 

1.  When roads were not available, what paths did early cross-country motorists follow? 

 

2.  When did the term automobile become popularized and where did the word originate?

 

3.  Where do we get the word station wagon

 

4. In 1902, T.H. Shevlin, a native of Minneapolis, had the distinction of being issued the first speeding ticket. How fast was he going and how much was he fined? 

 

Senate Version of Maryland Bill to Restrict Eligibility for Historic Vehicle Registration Scheduled for Committee Hearing on Wednesday, February 29

 

A Senate version (S.B. 846) of the bill to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as "historic motor vehicles" has been scheduled for a Feb. 29, 2012 hearing in the Judicial Proceedings Committee.  The bill is identical to House Bill 550, under which the age requirement would be raised from 20 to at least 25 years old and these cars would be prohibited from being used for "occasional transportation."  The measure would also require that an historic vehicle is insured by an historic vehicle, show vehicle or antique insurance policy.  It's time to let committee members and Senate sponsors know how you feel about this bill.

 

We Urge You to Contact Members of the Judicial Proceedings Committee and the Senate Sponsors of S.B. 846 Immediately to Request Their Opposition to the Bill. List and more information available here

 

 

AACA Collaborates with Indiana State University

 

Last issue we featured an article by student, Patrick Myers, of Indiana State University (ISU) as a part of the partnership between the University and AACA to promote automotive history. We have long supported education through seminars, events and scholarships. New ideas to bring young people into the hobby of antique automobiles are always welcome. For the 2011 class, the student assignment was to write a research paper on topics from a prepared list of notable characters, cars and incidents. This month we wanted to showcase the runner up article from the class by student, Peter Timpe. Great job again to both students on their research! 

 

Zeder, Skelton, and Breer

 By Peter Timpe

 

Fred Zeder, Owen Skelton, and Carl Breer are three of the most important engineers in automobile history. Their work led to the "standard equipment we see on all makes of automobiles today, such as hydraulic brakes, floating power, downdraft carburetors, air cleaners, oil filters, curved windshields, and many others" (Breer & Yanik, 2004, p. xi). The story of these three engineers is a remarkable one that demonstrates what hard work and dedication can produce. With the use of quality engineering and the desire to make the best product Zeder, Skelton and Breer left a lasting impression not only in the automobile industry but also in the engineering profession.

 

Read his entire research here --> 

 

AACA Museum

New Alternative Energy Vehicles Exhibition 

 

The AACA Museum will begin 2012 by "going green "with an Alternative Energy Vehicle Exhibition. Electric cars and hybrids are all the rage today with the movement toward a cleaner environment and the crippling cost of gasoline.

 

What most people don't know is that these technologies have been around as long as the automobile itself! In the car's formative period, electricity went head to head with steam and the internal combustion engine as countless manufacturers competed for market share in this burgeoning new industry.

 

This exhibition will look at the entire history of automobile propulsion beyond the internal combustion engine. Included will be early steam and electric vehicles, plus newer variants produced later in the century. We are also focusing on other "alternative energy" vehicles produced over the years, including wood burners, and other "converted" machines. The exhibition will enter the 21st century with select modern vehicles that aim to offer everything from high mileage, performance, comfort and low emissions all in one affordable package.

 

There will be 12-15 different cars and trucks on display using various types of power.   Exhibit cars will include:

 

1899 Crouch (John A. Kelso Collection)

1903 Northern

1908 Studebaker (congressional vehicle from the Swigart Collection)

1909 Stanley Steamer


1912 Baker Electric
1912 Rauch & Lang Edison Electric  (J.W. Rich Collection)

1930 Col. Green's unique 1930 Stearns-Knight Hybrid (J.W. Rich Collection)

1938 Walker Dynamotive - Model 500 Gas/Electric Power Milk Truck (NATMUS - courtesy Jay Crist)

1956 Coal-Powered Citroen (J.W. Rich Collection)

1976 Citi Car

2012 Fisker Karma - (March 2-10 ONLY)

Segways - from Segway of Hershey

 

  

 

Family Fun Weekend at the AACA Museum

March 31 & April 1

 

Looking for some springtime fun?  Join us for family fun weekend at the AACA Museum in Hershey.   We're offering admission for just $5 per person (half off our normal adult price).   We'll be showing a special movie - "Back to the Future" at our indoor drive-in theatre twice each day at 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM.  Our Roads to Rails model train display will be running along with an Easter Egg Hunt on March 31@ 1:00 PM.

 

 

 For a full listing of exhibits and events visit www.AACAMuseum.org  

 

Trivia Answers

 

1.  When roads were not available, what paths did early cross-country motorists follow? Railroad tracks served just fine, although the ride could get quite jolly!   

 

2.  When did the term automobile become popularized and where did the word originate? Automobile is the French word for a motorized car. It was first introduced into the US in published reference to motor vehicles in 1897.

 

3.  Where do we get the word station wagon? In the 1800s most of the larger cities had depot wagons which carried people to the local railroad station. The term station wagon became synonymous with depot wagon.

 

4. In 1902, T.H. Shevlin, a native of Minneapolis, had the distinction of being issued the first speeding ticket. How fast was he going and how much was he fined? Shevlin was fined $10 for driving over 10 mph.

Speedy's Notes

Introducing the AACA Credit Card!

Members can now apply to receive an AACA Visa Card!

 

- No annual fee.

- $50 donation by the bank when you first use your card.

- Ongoing contributions made when you continue using the card.

- Low introductory APR on purchases and no balance transfer fees for 6 months.

- Enhance Visa Platinum benefits, including 24/7 Emergency Customer Service.

- Earn point at hundreds of participating online retailers.

- Choose one of the four created cards or upload your own vehicle.

- Show off your very own car on the front of card.

 

Visit the website to apply and learn more about the AACA Credit Card.

 

 

AACA Official Custom Car Signs

The only approved AACA Car show sign! Promote AACA while letting everyone know more about your car.

You fill in the blank portion of the sign (as seen below in the center photo). Sign can be staked in the grass or put your fire extinguisher on the lip. Size is approx. 16.5 high by 12 wide.

*Intended to be used for AACA National Meets.

 

To order, send your text exactly how you want it to appear on the sign in a Word document to [email protected] or for information call Adriana Bruno at AACA headquarters 717-534-1910

Cost is $25.00 plus shipping.

 

 
AACA Merchandise and Gifts
New items are on the way! We have lots of unique Merchandise and gift ideas available on our online catalog. Plenty of to choose from for the whole family and friends. Visit the merchandise website and start shopping! 
  
AACA Facebook
Visit the Official Antique Automobile Club of America page on Facebook!  Become a fan and stay connected to the AACA family!  Visit our AACA Library and Museum facebook pages too.  
Find us on Facebook  

AACA Forum
Join in the discussions and check out our topics on the AACA Forum  
  
SPEEDSTER Archives

masthead

Read and print newsletters. Visit the links provided in each section for more information. Use the articles in your region publications and updates. Join our mailing list and please share issues with family, friends and future AACA members!  SPEEDSTER Archives Here.
 
Calendar Spotlight! 

 

March 15-17, 2012 AACA Winter Meet at Melbourne, FL hosted by Cape Canaveral Region.

 

April 19-21, 2012 AACA Southeastern Spring Meet at Charlotte, NC hosted by Hornets Nest Region.
 
May 17-19, 2012 AACA Eastern Spring Meet at Reading, PA hosted by Ontelaunee Region. 
 
June 14-15, 2012 AACA Annual Grand National & Southeastern Special Meet at Shelbyville, Tennessee hosted by Celebration City Region.
   
Visit the Calendar on our website for a complete listing of AACA national events and much more! 
 

 

The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is the country's premier resource for the collectible vehicle community. Since its formation in 1935, the Club, through its national office, publications, and membership, aids individuals, museums, libraries, historians and collectors dedicated to the enjoyment and preservation of automotive history.
  
Contact Information for Speedster Newsletter:
AACA Headquarters
501 W. Governor Road
Hershey, PA 17033

Phone: 717-534-1910
Website: www.aaca.org