Potomac Chapter Drivers Club The Commander Volume 45 Issue 7 July 2013 Potomac Chapter SDC Spring Tour 2013 President Ron Salen Calvert County - We invented Cool!! 14717 Lake Terrace Rockville, MD 20853 “The Charm of the Chesapeake” [email protected] 301-460-1970 Tour May 17 - 19

Vice President Karl Veit A total of nine , a couple Brand Xs and about 20 3703 7th Street South Arlington, VA 22204 members of the Potomac Chapter spent a lovely, albeit wet, 703-979-4763 weekend touring the sights of Calvert County in Southern, [email protected] Maryland.

th Treasurer Friday the 17 lulled us into a false sense of security as temper- Dave Farris atures hovered in the 70s and sun shone bright as we assem- 4313 Landgreen Street bled at the Chesapeake Grill and Deli in Dunkirk, MD. Provi- Rockville, MD 20853 sioned by Chad and his crew for the day’s events we proceeded down Route 4 with Eric Christensen and 301-460-4341 Ndfarris 1 @verizon.net his 1951 Commander in the lead and actually stayed together through a series of lights on our way to Running Hare Vineyard for a picnic lunch. We had the outdoor tasting room virtually to ourselves and Secretary we enjoyed sandwiches and wine as well a visit from the owner Barbra Scarborough. Following lunch the Stephen Walter 7401 Westlake Terrace #1504 group proceeded a few scenic miles down the road to Perigeaux Vineyards. We had arranged a tasting Bethesda, MD 20817 with the owner John and the staff was very attentive. There were 16 wines available, so everyone found 301-767-9416 something they liked. [email protected] Arriving at the Hilton Garden Inn, everyone checked in and many took advantage of the shuttle down to Activities Director the Solomon’s waterfront for dinner. Mark and Sandra Dee Henning from the Delmarva Chapter joined Paul and Karen Johnson the group that night in their 1941 Commander. 1122 Duncan Road Saturday came and so did the weather. Cool temperatures and a bit of drizzle did not dampen the spirit Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 304-876-3347 of our intrepid group. With a quick call to the Captain of the Wm B. TENNISON we were assured the [email protected] weather would hold off long enough to get in a morning boat tour. We were almost the only boat on the water and the First Mate provided a historic narrative of the waters surrounding Solomons Island. Upon Membership Nadine & Mike Farris our return we spent a couple hours at the Calvert Marine Museum learning a bit more about the history of 4313 Landgreen Street the area and wildlife of the Chesapeake Bay. Lunch was brought in by Eric’s parents Chris & Vallerie and Rockville, MD 20853 we had a sheltered spot next to the boat house to enjoy the wraps and sides including cookies. 301-460-4341 Refueled and undaunted, we proceeded north a few miles to the Cove Point Lighthouse on the banks of Ndfarris [email protected] the Chesapeake. Our docent for the tour was happy to see the group since the weather kept most folks Historian away. As an added bonus, she had never seen a Studebaker and the members were more than happy to Ed Lemanski show off their classics. As a side note our docent was born at least ten years after the last Studebaker 7875 Red Jacket Way Jessup, MD 20794 rolled off the South Bend assembly line. 301-776-9893 Dinner was a private affair at the Ruddy Duck Brewery and our “Wagon Master” Eric had to depart early [email protected] since he promised his son he would take he and his girl friend to their high school prom in the ’51 Com- mander. The cute couple was delivered to prom in style and Darrell Carr provided after dinner entertain- Web Master Bob Johnstone ment for our group in the hotel lobby. At this point new club members, Anne and John Sartorius with a 12161 Holly Knoll Circle very nice 1959 Silver Hawk, said their good-byes due to previous travel commitments. We look forward Great Falls, VA 22066 to seeing them at future club events. 703-450-0754 [email protected] Storm clouds continued to threaten Sunday morning for our departure to points north, but managed to hold off for the most part. Our drive to Chesapeake Beach and the Rod & Reel restaurant took us along Editor the bay and miraculously we all Lynda Welsh stayed together. Brunch was 24121 Ridge Road Germantown, MD 20876 wonderful both for the food 301-253-3723 and company. [email protected] All reports indicate a great Most folks are as happy as event with no mechanical fail- they make up their minds to ures. That is just the way we be. like it. Abraham Lincoln (continued pg. 4) Volume 45, Issue 7 Steering Column by Ron Salen

The Spring Tour is over and for those who missed it, you missed a most enjoyable trip. It was shorter than most in miles traveled but Eric Cristensen (our Wagon Mas- ter) had all of the details beautifully worked out to make our weekend very enjoyable from the time we met on Friday in Dunkirk until we departed on Sunday from the Rod ‘n Reel Club in Chesapeake Beach. Thank you, Eric, for a job well done. You can read about the tour in Paul Johnson’s report in this Commander. There are no new tours planned for this fall as the Atlantic Zone Meet is scheduled for September 12 through 14 in Cherry Hill, NJ. There probably will not be a tour in spring of 2014 due to the International Meet scheduled for June 29 through July 5 in Dover, DE. That gives you time to plan and to let Paul know that you are interested in leading the next tour. It’s YOUR club, let’s keep it going.

Happy Birthday NEED MORE LITTLE STUDEBAKERS? Edward Lamanski 7/1 Joyce Carden 7/3 Comes now a source we hadn't Freda Poole 7/5 known of before: Tomte Mary Walter 7/18 Laerdal, out of Norway, who makes 1/30 models Bob Wagner 7/19 in...vinyl. That's right, little Jack Grimm 7/21 rubber toys. Their line includes Tom Morith 7/21 a Champ short-bed pickup with Kaiser Braham 7/23 wide P2 box (we've seen yellow and blue) and it's pretty common on ebay right this minute. For a rubber toy, it's kind of pricey; haven't seen an example Bob DeVore 7/26 for less than $80, and most of the suppliers are in Europe, so expect serious S. Nils Straatveit 7/28 postage.

The Commander is the bi-monthly publication of the Potomac Chapter, Studebaker Drivers Club. Subscription is by membership to the Potomac Chapter at $15.00 yearly. Canada/Mexico $20.00, all other countries $25.00. Direct all membership correspondence to the Membership Director. Direct all correspondence relating to The Commander to the Editor, who retains the right to edit or modify any contribution. Deadline date is the 17th of the month for the following month’s issue. The Potomac Chapter is an officially chartered chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club, Inc.; its by-laws were approved, and charter granted by SDC in June 1967. Membership is recruited from the States of Maryland, West Virginia, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. And those from other areas wishing to join the chapter are welcome.

2 Volume 45, Issue 7 Potomac Chapter, SDC Activities 2013

Event Date Contact

Sully Plantation, Chantilly, VA June 16 non-SDC

49th SDC International Meet, Colorado Springs June 30-July 6 Paul Johnson

Rose Hill Manor car show, Frederick, MD Aug 18(?) non-SDC

Fall Picnic, Washington County Agricultural Center, Boonsboro, MD Sept 8 Paul Johnson

Atlantic Zone Meet, Cherry Hill, NJ Sept 12-14 Paul Johnson No Fall Tour due to fall Atlantic Zone Meet

*International Drive Your Studebaker Day Sept 14 Paul Johnson

Hershey Fall Meet, Hershey, PA Oct 8-12 AACA

Bradfield Show, Bridgewater, VA Oct 13 Paul Johnson

Antique and Classic Car Show, Rockville, MD (chapter is one sponsor) Oct 19 Ron Salen & Bill Morgan

Reedsville Swap Meet, Reedsville, PA October 25-26 Max Corkins

Chapter Planning Meeting Nov 9 (tentative) Paul Johnson

Chapter Holiday Party, The Inn at Charles Town, Charles Town, WV Dec 8 Paul Johnson

* Firm date- will always be the second Saturday in September

NEW MEMBER

Steven C and Irene White e-mail: [email protected] 17801 Fraley Farm Road Rockville, MD. 20855-1661 B'days Steven 8/13 Irene 1/27 Phone: 301-877-2627 SDC# A105864W 1962 GT Hawk

3 Continued from pg. 1 Volume 45, Issue 7

4 Volume 45, Issue 7 Subject: 1956 President to be put on Market STUDE SPOTTER - HOT ROD Magazine AUGUST 2013 Greetings,

I thought of contacting the Studebaker club first Page 12, "Scene by Readers", car #10 photo was taken before I put this 1956 President on the market. It by James Hawes of JAMES DEANGELO's wheel- belonged to my father Willard Barbour who was a standing 1950 Studebaker fire truck. Check out member of the club. He handed down the car to www.TheDetailers.com to see more of this truck in action. James is from Erie, Pennsylvania (more). me before he passed in 2010. This car was on the Page 13 has a 1/3 size color photo of this above men- cover of Turning Wheels in October of 1989. Vol- tioned bulletnose pickup hot rod blowing sparks as ume 21, #10. It has only been driven about 5k since it wheelies down the track. he has owned it and now has 45 k on it. It has spent most of its life in a garage, but was kept outside for Page 20 "auto Alchemy - How wrecking yards turn junk cars into gold". A 1952 Studebaker 2-door in about two years at one point. Within the last week good condition is to be offered for sale in the car cor- it has again been moved outside and has hastened ral or it may be added to the movie rental collec- my motivation to sell it. I would like to give any tion. A car such as this pictured Studebaker will sur- interested members the opportunity to purchase vive the crusher. the car before I put it in Hemmings or on eBay. The car starts and runs but seems to need carb work. It is located in Mt. Airy and I would be glad to show it to any interested parties. I'm seeking a fair mar- ket price, not yet determined, but around three months ago a similar one sold for 14k, if I remem- ber correctly. Feel free to contact me through email if there is an interest, Regards, Doug Barbour

First Class Ride Henry Christensen and his girlfriend Kendra on their way to the prom. Dad Eric drove them in the ‘51 Commander.

5 Volume 45, Issue 7

Severe Weather Threat Ruins Spring Picnic and C&O Canal Visit- Not!!

In spite of dire predictions by local weather prognosticators, a nice number of Potomac Chapter members met at the C&O Canal National Historic Park, Great Falls to show their Studebakers and enjoy fine fellowship. And, they had the last laugh too. The severe weather with high winds, heavy rains and large hail decided not to mess with our intrepid group. In fact, the temperature was cool and comfortable and the few minor sprinkles failed to dampen enjoyment of the day. Only a couple members who had planned to attend didn’t show and the Merhauts experienced mechanical problems enroute and turned back. The Stu- debakerless attendees found that there was a BIG advantage for those who did drive their Studebakers. Those who had to park in the public lots had very long walks to reach those who parked their Studebakers only feet from the meeting point. Attendees included George Hamlin with his ’63 Lark police car, Nadine, Dave and Mike Farris in their ’59 Lark hardtop, Larry and Darlene Pugh in their just complet- ed ’62 Lark Cruiser, Terry and Shirley McDaniel and guests in their’63 Lark Regal (a completely original one-family car), Paul Johnson in their ’84 Avanti, Frank Philippi in his ’56 President Classic, Theron White in his ’48 Commander Starlight Coupe, Ron and Estelle in their ’62 Lark two-door, Bill and Maxine in their ’47 Champion , Brand Xer members attending included Bob and Donna Johnstone, Ed and Marie Lemanski and family, Dave and Susan Eppig, Ron and Don Hoff. And, listed last but not least, was our member/Park Ranger/mule skinner and host, Mark Myers. Special thanks go to Mark for arranging our visit to this fascinating location, free park admission and a free ride on the canal boat Charles F. Mercer (powered by two mules led along the canal towpath by Mark). Weather predictions did not deter public attendance at the park and our location in front of the Tavern and on the route to the canal boat and falls overlook brought hundreds of people by the cars. Many pictures were taken of the cars and Studebaker folks fielded many questions and comments. Some visitors had Studebaker stories of their own and some were surprisingly knowledgeable about Studebakers. For much more complete pictorial coverage of this fun day, go to our chapter website http://www.studebaker-info.org

6 (C & O continued) Volume 45, Issue 7

Bye-Bye 7

Volume 45, Issue 7 TECH TIP HISTORIAN CORNER by Ed Lemanski by Ed Lemanski

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS FOR THE STUDEBAKER OVERVIEW STUDEBAKER LARK Excerpts from Wikipedia Sometime soon, take a good look at the fire extinguisher that you have in your Stu- The Studebaker Lark is a "" which debaker to satisfy meet safety concerns. Does was produced by Studebaker from 1959 to 1966. it say ABC or Dry Powder, then I would sug- gest removing it and replacing it with one From its introduction in early 1959 until 1962, the suitable for automotive use, such as an or- Lark was a product of the Studebaker- ganic foam or a clean agent gas (i.e., Halon). Corporation. In mid-1962, the company dropped "Packard" from its name and reverted to its pre- Spraying an ABC fire extinguisher is sure 1954 name, the Studebaker Corporation. In addi- to destroy the paint finish, the window glass, tion to being built in Studebaker's South Bend, the wiring harnesses and many other compo- Indiana, home plant, the Lark and its descend- nents of your vehicle. Don't use it on your ants were also built in Hamilton, Ontario, Cana- car, especially don't use it on someone else's da, from 1959 to 1966 by Studebaker of Canada car. The powder becomes very corrosive Limited. The cars were also exported to a number when heated. It'll put out the fire but it won't of countries around the world as completed units clean up afterwards. Stay safe. and completely knocked down (CKD) kits.

Enjoy those Studebakers. Lark-based variants represented the bulk of the range produced by Studebaker after 1958 and sold in far greater volume than the contemporary Hawk and Avanti models. Beginning with the Just What We Need 1963 Cruiser, the Lark name was gradually A recent book, "American Pickers Guide to Picking," has phased out of the company catalog and by early some content that falls into the just-what-we-don't-need 1964, Lark-based models were being marketed category. The authors, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, sug- under Commander, Daytona and Cruiser name- gest that if any of the following cars are in the garage, plates only. The Studebaker company, which cel- the reader has struck it rich (The "Reader's Digest" picked it up and used the term "Gold Mine"). ebrated its 100th anniversary in 1952, ceased au- tomobile production in 1966 The cars cited include Studebaker. Others include a range from Rolls-Royce to Plymouth to...Chevelle?! Well anyway.

The point is, this unfortunate suggestion is bound to give some folks impetus to hang onto any Studebaker until they can get several hundred thousand for it, so thanks for nothing, guys.

8 Volume 45, Issue 6 (continued from pg. 7) Volume 45, Issue 7

The passenger barge approaches lock #20

1937 Commander Starlight

Boarding is announced

Really clean lark Replica of a 1870 Passenger barge

Orphan Car Tour Bob Devore

Bob Devore 64 Crusier 1932 Studebaker Roadster

D M Bowman Collection

Some of Ed Lemanski Orphan Tour pictures

Ray Lewis 1964 Corvair Daughter Janet with a 1954 DeSoto Rear view 1964 Mercery Comet

10 2013 Potomac Chapter SDC Membership Application or Renewal

Please complete this form and mail a check for $15.00, payable to POTOMAC CHAPTER SDC. Send the completed form and check to: Nadine & Mike Farris, 4313 Landgreen Street, Rockville, MD 20853 email [email protected] Phone: 301-460-4341

Yearly dues apply from Jan 1st to Dec 31st of each year

I am a member of I am joining SDC International at this time- SDC International National Upon receipt of your national membership #, Membership # Please send information to the address to email above.

This is a NEW Application Renewal/Update

Name: Phone:

Address: Spouse:

City/ST/ZIP:

E-Mail:

Birthday: Month Day Spouse: Month Day

I own the following Studebakers (including , , EMF, Avanti)

Year Make Model Body Style

YOU MUST BE A MEMBER OF NATIONAL SDC IN ORDER TO JOIN ANY SDC CHAPTER The Commander 24121 Ridge Road Germantown, MD 20876

We invented Cool!! FIRST CLASS MAIL

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Potomac Chapter SDC web site: http://www.potomacsdc.org

July 2013