Belltown Antique Car Club - P.O. Box 211, East Hampton, CT 06424 November, 2019 NEXT MEETING - The “Annual Meeting” Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at the East Hampton Library at 7:30 p.m. On the Agenda: - Comments on October tours - Holiday party details - Vote on proposed amendments to 2020 membership dues - Close nominations for 2020 officers and hold elections FUEL FOR THOUGHT “Strive for perfection in everything. Take the best that exists and make it better. If it doesn’t exist, create it. Accept nothing nearly right or good enough. ” - Sir Henry Royce, co-founder of Rolls-Royce CLUB NOTES Once again we enjoyed a strong turnout of members and associate members at BACC’s October business meeting. This has been a positive situation for the Club all year. In attendance for the first time were new member Rollin Karoll and his wife Shari, who reside in Berlin, Conn. Welcome! Treasurer Cliff Baker confirmed making the previously approved donation to Alzheimer ’s research through Chestelm. He also stated that the IRS has our 501C application and noted that a decision is likely to take three months. Once we have IRS approval he plans to apply for a state sales tax exemption (e.g. for Club shirts). Jon Grant reported that we have a signed contract with the state of Connecticut to use The Fireman’s Grounds at Salmon River State Forest in Colchester for our Antique Engine & Tractor Meet next April. This is where our April show was held prior to 2017 when it was moved to Haddam Neck. The Fireman ’s Grounds was a good location for a springtime show due to the good drainage at the site. In other words, it is not prone to mud problems. The agreement with the state forbids charging admission although we may collect donations. We are also restricted from allowing any vendors on the field who are not listed on our application (the only one being the Lion’s Club, who will again be the food vendor). Moreover, BACC has to agree to restrict the flea market to sellers of engine and farm machinery-related items. If the flea market is not limited to hobby-related items our license could be revoked by the state. Jon recognized member Frank Shaw for helping get this venue secured. It is up to us to follow the rules and be able to continue the event there. Cliff Baker reported that he and Diane attended Mike Goldblatt ’s open garage and picnic in Norwich, along with two other BACC members and spouses. Cliff estimated that 40 to 45 people attended, mostly from the Yankee Yesteryear Car Club. He enjoyed seeing Mike’s recently-acquired 1928 Cadillac roadster. In other news, Mark Aldieri volunteered to take over responsibility for advance publicity for our annual events in April and August from Dan David, who has handled this for the past eight years. Following adjournment of the meeting, Betty Lichota volunteered to take over as administrator of the Club’s facebook account from Jon Grant’s daughter, Jes. “Thank you,” Mark and Betty, and good luck in your new roles. Ray Lichota announced that the Central Connecticut Region AACA is organizing a tour to West Stockbridge, Mass. to visit Gunnar Gudmundson’s private collection. [An email was sent out when the details were final.]
Transcript
Belltown Antique Car Club - P.O. Box 211, East Hampton, CT 06424 November, 2019
NEXT MEETING - The “Annual Meeting”
Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at the East Hampton Library at 7:30 p.m.
On the Agenda: - Comments on October tours
- Holiday party details
- Vote on proposed amendments to 2020 membership dues
- Close nominations for 2020 officers and hold elections
FUEL FOR THOUGHT
“Strive for perfection in everything. Take the best that exists and make it better.
If it doesn’t exist, create it. Accept nothing nearly right or good enough.”
- Sir Henry Royce, co-founder of Rolls-Royce
CLUB NOTES
Once again we enjoyed a strong turnout of members and associate members at BACC’s October business meeting. This has been a positive situation for the Club all year. In attendance for the first time were new member Rollin Karoll and his wife Shari, who reside in Berlin, Conn. Welcome!
Treasurer Cliff Baker confirmed making the previously approved donation to Alzheimer’s research through Chestelm. He also stated that the IRS has our 501C application and noted that a decision is likely to take three months. Once we have IRS approval he plans to apply for a state sales tax exemption (e.g. for Club shirts).
Jon Grant reported that we have a signed contract with the state of Connecticut to use The Fireman’s Grounds at Salmon River State Forest in Colchester for our Antique Engine & Tractor Meet next April. This is where our April show was held prior to 2017 when it was moved to Haddam Neck. The Fireman’s Grounds was a good location for a springtime show due to the good drainage at the site. In other words, it is not prone to mud problems. The agreement with the state forbids charging admission although we may collect donations. We are also restricted from allowing any vendors on the field who are not listed on our application (the only one being the Lion’s Club, who will again be the food vendor). Moreover, BACC has to agree to restrict the flea market to sellers of engine and farm machinery-related items. If the flea market is not limited to hobby-related items our license could be revoked by the state. Jon recognized member Frank Shaw for helping get this venue secured. It is up to us to follow the rules and be able to continue the event there.
Cliff Baker reported that he and Diane attended Mike Goldblatt’s open garage and picnic in Norwich, along with two other BACC members and spouses. Cliff estimated that 40 to 45 people attended, mostly from the Yankee Yesteryear Car Club. He enjoyed seeing Mike’s recently-acquired 1928 Cadillac roadster.
In other news, Mark Aldieri volunteered to take over responsibility for advance publicity for our annual events in April and August from Dan David, who has handled this for the past eight years. Following adjournment of the meeting, Betty Lichota volunteered to take over as administrator of the Club’s facebook account from Jon Grant’s daughter, Jes. “Thank you,” Mark and Betty, and good luck in your new roles.
Ray Lichota announced that the Central Connecticut Region AACA is organizing a tour to West Stockbridge, Mass. to visit Gunnar Gudmundson’s private collection. [An email was sent out when the details were final.]
P. 2 of 6 The Belltown Bulletin Nov., 2019
CLUB NOTES, continued from p. 1
Alan Carlson, having just returned from vacation, did not have a speaker lined up for the evening. Instead, he asked Rollin Karoll to tell us about his background in the hobby. Rollin obliged and explained that he likes to work on old cars and his current interest centers on the Mercedes-Benz 380SL. Formerly he was into muscle cars and Mustangs in particular. He and Shari are also avid motorcyclists. As a matter of fact, Rollin is semi-retired from the motorcycle industry, having closed his career as VP of sales for Spectro Oils, a Conn.-based company that specializes in lubricants for motorcycle and powersports engines and transmissions. A regular attendee of the Belltown show, he revealed that he likes its homey atmosphere.
The nomination period for Club officers for 2020 is officially open. Treasurer Cliff Baker stated that he would like another term to “complete unfinished business,” as he put it. Nominations for the other three offices and one elected director will be made at the “Annual Meeting” in November, at which time elections will be held. None of the current officers expressed a desire to step down at year end and each one would continue to serve at the pleasure of the membership. Any member who is interested becoming an officer is encouraged to ex-press that interest to, and discuss the responsibilities with, the incumbent ahead of time. Fresh thinking is good for the Club!
The other issue to be voted on at the Annual Meeting is whether or not to revise BACC’s annual dues. Any change would not take effect until March 1, 2020 (all renewals for 2020 that are paid when due will be at the current rate of $15 per member). The proposal made at the October meeting is to increase the annual dues to $20 for those members receiving a printed newsletter in the mail. Members who only get the newsletter via email will not see an increase. Dues for associate members would remain at $1 per annum in either case.
October Happenings - Cliff Baker reported that, by his count, sixteen BACC members and spouses attended the DD Living History Farm Open House in Roxbury on October 19. The weather was very cooperative and there were a lot of antique farm tractors to appreciate. In fact, host Dudley Diebold told Cliff that their collection currently includes 264 tractors!
MEMBER MILESTONES
Happy Birthday to: Diane Baker Nov. 2nd Bob Hellstrom Nov. 20th (84)
Howard Maseles Nov. 8th (81) Linda Elgart Nov. 24th Gardner Perry Nov. 8th Maureen Hartzell Nov. 26th Elena Towle Nov. 12th Bill West Dec. 3rd (82) Harold Waters Nov. 15th (80) Eileen Mastronunzio Dec. 8th (85) John Peterson Nov. 16th (100) Roy Hallberg Jr. Dec. 12th (90)
John Beveridge Nov. 17th Connie Lieder Dec. 17th (75)
George Birner Nov. 18th (94) Doug Mackeown Dec. 19th Tammy Mackeown Nov. 18th Peter Hoydilla Dec. 26th
Tony Adams Nov. 19th (93) Nancy Cardone Dec. 27th
Happy Anniversary to: Maureen & John Hartzell Nov. 26th
BELLTOWN CLASSIFIEDS
Send your sell/wanted ads for cars, parts and hobby-related services to [email protected]
For Sale – 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe 5-window Coupe with rumble seat, maroon body
with black fenders; has new battery and radiator. Restored in the mid-1970’s; still looks good and runs well. $16,500 (price reduced / negotiable)
Call Richard Skinner, 860-598-9543, or email [email protected] [BACC member]
[Photo: Cliff Baker]
P. 3 of 6 The Belltown Bulletin Nov., 2019
MR. & MRS. VIKING’S FIRST TRIP TO HERSHEY - 2019
By Cliff and Diane Baker
The planning started more than a year ago even though the Viking was not yet back on the road. I remember telling Jon Grant about the planned trip and he would not tell me what to expect. He was right to hold back his experiences. “Hershey” is an overwhelming place to the uninitiated. To try to do it justice in a conversation would be futile.
Each day began with me escorting Mrs. “Viking” to Polly and Richard Beckwith’s campsite. Both welcomed the com-pany and Diane was very thankful that she did not have to walk the field (which I did more than once…but not quite twice and which Diane would not do even if her sciatica was in good shape).
You could almost spend one full day just looking at the cars in the car corral alone. I, however, did not do this. My mission was Viking parts and literature. So, wearing my new hat professing “VIKING-1929” across the front of it, I ventured off with some positive expectations.
On day one I walked for several hours all through the Green Field and most of the Orange Field, returning to the Beck-with’s space empty handed, with aching shins and calves. Looking across from under Richard’s tent I spotted a flea marketer featuring booklets and literature and there, much to my surprise, I found three (3) pieces of Viking literature (price not to be divulged)!
Each of the next two days started off the same way, with the “Mrs.” camping with the Beckwith’s. I would like to take this opportunity to send out a very special thank you to both Richard and Polly for taking both Diane and myself under their “wings” and allowing us a spot to hang out in.
Day two found me busing to the end of the Red Field along the stadium area where I found the Belltown “gang,” in-cluding Ray and Betty Lichota, John Beveridge, Karl Helming, Jon Grant and Scott MacGregor, manning their booths. With a knowing chuckle Jon reminded me that, “You need to experience Hershey to understand it.” Moving past the Belltowners onto the Chocolate Field, the overriding reply to my hat’s announcement was a friendly “NO” or “Keep walking.” Some “fleas” did query me about what a Viking was.
I made a point of locating Olson’s Gaskets and got to meet the man who made the gaskets I ordered for my old Viking. Worth mentioning is that the volume of cars scattered throughout the field had those in the car corral matched one for one and then some. Having completed the Red and Chocolate Fields, I headed back to base camp at the Beckwith’s setup in the Green Field, with sore ankles, shins and calves, needing to sit down for a well-deserved rest.
After a brief respite I mustered up the energy to locate the Oldsmobile Club of Ohio. Upon my arrival I asked if they had any information regarding a Viking and I was told that there was another Viking owner at their strong-hold. After introductions it turned out that the other owner was a person from Texas that I have had some contact with via emails. And, it was a maiden voyage to Hershey for the both of us! We chatted and compared notes, mostly mine, for the next twenty minutes. He invited, or should I say “encouraged,” me to join the club so he could nominate me to be the Viking Advisor for the club. Blown away is all I can say. What a day!
The third and final day started out the same except for the addition of sore feet and toes. I worked my way over to the Orange Field Annex (which I totally missed on day one) to continue checking out displays and cars. I headed back to base camp a bit earlier than the previous two days, totally wiped out, but happy that I had attended this event. I raised the white flag, threw in the towel and rang the bell to conclude the round… I was done.
Jon Grant was so right. You need to see Hershey to believe it. The sheer volume and variety of the wares brought to this event, spread out over twenty-nine (29) plus miles of aisles of flea market booths, is completely overwhelming. There are so many venders and the fields are so large that they stretch out as far as the eye can see. You must master the fine art of scanning the many tables and crates with one eye, while avoiding moving golf carts, bicycles, automobiles, scooters...and throngs of people doing the same thing you are...with your other eye.
The late Jimi Hendrix once asked his legion of fans, “Are you Experienced?” Well, now I am!
OMG...
P. 4 of 6 The Belltown Bulletin Nov., 2019
CONNECTICUT AUTOMOBILIA
Submitted by Bill Petras, Jr.
HOBBY HEADLINES & HISTORY
W.O. Bentley and Andres Citroen founded their eponymous car companies 100 years ago - Both Bentley and Citroen are still in business, producing automobiles. Bentley’s vision was to “build a fast car, a good car, the best in
its class.” Bentley has been true to this maxim ever since. Today it is owned by Volkswagen and it is exclusively a product of Crewe, England. Citroen was propelled to great initial success in Europe by pioneering mass production methods at its main factory in Paris, France, influenced by the manufacturing process of Ford and others in America. In the 1930’s Citroen introduced front wheel drive and unitized construction in Europe, adapting
American ideas not yet in general use. Citroen has been part of the Peugeot group since the mid-1970’s.
ANOTHER THANKS-GIVING
Unmuffled Exhaust from the Editor
As I close out my fifth year as your newsletter editor, I would like to extend my thanks to those who have contributed to The Belltown Bulletin during 2019 in ways big and small.
Special thanks to “Connecticut Automobilia” regular Steve Rossi, and to Bill Petras, Jr. for filling in for Steve in this month’s issue. Much appreciation to Cliff & Diane Baker and Ray & Betty Lichota for their event reportage and photos from tours, etc. Thank you to those who answered my gotcha questions on the record and to those who had the patience to do a longer form interview, namely Tony Adams, or submit written responses to my inquiries, including Joe Frey, Jon Grant and Joe Lombardo. Thanks also to Bill Nitschke and Steve Rossi for answering the bell to provide info on places to get parts or service for our old cars. Finally, kudos to those who submitted Classified Ads and comments (good and not so good) this year, and to Steve Rossi for the only letter to the editor since I have been wearing the green eye shade.
With the new year I will “reset,” trusting (hoping?) that I will continue to get at least as much, or more, input from Club members and thereby be able to keep things fresher and more interesting than I otherwise could.
WHO, WHAT, WHERE OR WHEN
Challenge your automotive history IQ
No new question this month since there is no newsletter until the end of December.
The answer to last month’s Who, What, Where or When,
“Since its debut for 1953, where have all the Chevrolet Corvettes sold to date been built?”
> B.) Flint, Michigan, St. Louis, Missouri, and Bowling Green, Kentucky
Corvettes were assembled in Flint until December, 1953. After that, production was moved to St. Louis. As from June 1, 1981, all Corvettes have been built at a dedicated assembly plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where the new, mid-engine C8 will soon be ramping up. The private, non-profit National Corvette Museum was later built on an adjacent property in Bowling Green, opening on Sept. 2, 1994.
NEXT ISSUE
The next Belltown Bulletin is the combined December, 2019/January, 2020 issue. The copy and classified ad deadline is Friday, Dec. 20. Monday, the 30th is the planned printing date, with printed copies to be mailed Dec. 31. E-delivery is scheduled to take place by Jan. 2. Your content suggestions, comments, classified ads and other contributions are most welcome. Send them to the editor at [email protected] (or call 860-526-3189).
BELLTOWN ANTIQUE CAR CLUB (2019)
President - Alan Carlson Elected Directors* - Bob Sutton (yr. 1 of 2) & Dan David (yr. 2 of 2) Vice President - Mark Aldieri Sunshine Chairperson - Polly Beckwith (860-345-4256) Secretary - Bruce Johnston Newsletter Editor - Dan David ([email protected], 860-526-3189)
Treasurer - Cliff Baker Editor Emeritus - Bob Hellstrom
*) The Board of Directors consists of the four current officers + the previous president (Jon Grant) and two elected from the membership-at-large
Club web site - www.belltownantiquecarclub.org [webmaster: Ralph Phil, [email protected]]
Disclaimers and Words to the Wise: The opinions expressed by the authors of the content of this newsletter are theirs and are not intended
to represent a position taken by the Belltown Antique Car Club or its officers. Reproduction of this newsletter in whole or in part is subject
to prior approval by the editor. Information presented herein is for the edification and entertainment of antique automobile enthusiasts who
should use their experience, prudence and good judgment in applying it. Product mentions should not be interpreted as endorsements.
UPCOMING EVENTS (Club participation events in bold)
Wednesday, Nov. 6 - BACC Annual Meeting, East Hampton Library, 7:30 p.m. Last business meeting of
the year; 2020 officers to be elected.
Sunday, Nov. 10 - CSRA’s 28th Annual Fall Swap Meet at Lake Compounce, 186 Enterprise Dr., Bristol,
Conn., 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. Admission $10. Info at: https://www.csra.org/pages/events_list.php.
Friday - Sunday, Nov. 15- 17 - Conn. International Auto Show, Mohegan Sun Expo Center, Uncasville, Conn., take exit 9 off I-395. Adults $14, seniors $10. More info at www.ctautoshow.com.
Sunday, Dec. 1- Indoor Antique Auto Flea Market at Powder Mill Barn, 32 S. Maple St., Enfield, Conn., 7 a.m. - 11 a.m., first one of the season (held on the first Sunday of the month, Dec. to March). Tables are $15, donation $2.00. Now hosted by CVWA. Questions, call Jack Moccio, 413-237-4141, Don Passardi, 860-942-2086 or Virginia O’Rourke, 413-584-6777.
Sunday, Dec. 15 - BACC holiday party, St. Joseph Church hall, Rte. 154, Chester. Starts at 1:00 p.m. BYOB. After you receive your invitation in the mail, please RSVP Polly Beckwith by the date she specifies, indicating your meal choice and including the per person remittance.
Wednesday, Jan. 8 - Next BACC monthly meeting at the East Hampton Library, 7:30 p.m. First business meeting of the new year, 2020 officers presiding.
By the Way...
• If your newsletter was delivered by email, be sure to download and print the second attachment, which is your 2020 BACC Membership Renewal form. Extra printed forms will also be available at Club meetings. Dues are payable January 1. The newsletter will be cancelled as from March if dues are not received by the publication date of that issue in late February.
• Mail your membership renewal with applicable dues (checks, no cash) to the Club mailing address in East Hampton. Please do not send it to the newsletter editor!
E-Delivery Bonus*
Four bonus pages have been added to this month’s issue for members who get their newsletter delivered by email. The first contains the second of two submissions to “Connecticut Automobilia” by Bill Petras, Jr. The following three pages contain a profile of BACC member Dick Everett, that appeared in the October 17, 2019 edition of East Haddam News, reprinted by permission. Enjoy!
In connection to the mention about Citroen’s 100th anniversary in “Hobby Headlines & History” this month, your editor would like to indulge his personal interest in the marque by sharing a link to an amateur video shot by fellow Citronut, Phil Caron, a Francophile who lives in Hamden, Conn. Phil is a musician who repairs Citroens (as well as Lincolns!) as a sideline. He and two other Citronuts took their “driver” Cits to the last Caffeine and Carburetors of the year, held at Waveny Park in New Canaan on October 20th. Phil’s car is special because it is an early DS 19 and one of the first Citroens imported to the U.S. Before Phil acquired it, it sat in a barn in Wisconsin with a bad transmission for 52 years. It only had 36,000 miles on it when he got it. After not working on it for awhile, Phil has managed to get it back on the road. The video was shot during a shakedown run prior to heading off to Waveny Park. He says he still has a little work to do on the hydraulics and the clutch, but it’s a fun car all the same. [Warning: Some audible Explicit Language rendered in a French accent]. According to Phil, the shift lever on the classic DS makes a characteristic “Klong-Pshiiit” sound, which is music to the ears of Citronuts everywhere. See if you can figure out the shift pattern!
The second video, also shot by Phil, gives an quick overview of the area of the Caffeine and Carburetors show field surrounding his 1957 DS and its Citroen brethren, an SM coupe and an Ami Break (a commercial version at that).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btDEH40b4Pg&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGkM07Ywp4E
*) The E-Delivery Bonus is a feature not found in the printed version of this newsletter
that is distributed via the USPS.
Note: All links in the electronic version are “clickable” as long as your browser is open.
MORE CONNECTICUT AUTOMOBILIA
Submitted by Bill Petras, Jr.
Published in East Haddam News; reprinted by permission
Published in East Haddam News; reprinted by permission
Published in East Haddam News; reprinted by permission
