Potomac Chapter The Commander Drivers Club Volume 50 Issue 12 December 2018

Christmas Party 2018

Treasurer Secretary President: Vice President Activities Director Mike Farris Murray Welsh Steve White Ron Hoff Terry & Shirley McDaniel 4313 Landgreen Street 24121 Ridge Road 17801 Farley Farm Road 1005 Bedford Street 580 Welltown School Road Rockville, MD 20853 Germantown, MD 20876 Rockville, MD 20855-1661 Cumberland, MD 21502-1206 Martinsburg, WV 25403 301-460-4341 301-253-3723 301-977-2627 301-724-1617 304-263-3915 (hm) david.farris @verizon.net [email protected] [email protected] 301-784-9548 cell 304-671-6704 (cell) [email protected] [email protected] Membership Historian Web Master Editor Nadine & Mike Farris Ed Lemanski Bob Johnstone Lynda Welsh 4313 Landgreen Street 7875 Red Jacket Way 12161 Holly Knoll Circle 24121 Ridge Road Rockville, MD 20853 Jessup, MD 20794 Great Falls, VA 22066 Germantown, MD 20876 301-460-4341 301-776-9893 703-450-0754 301-253-3723 ndfarris [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Steering Column By Steve White

The end of 2018 is approaching and it’s time to say thank you to my fellow officers, all those members who planned our Potomac Chapter SDC events, those who participated in our activities, and all of us for keeping our and the Studebaker name alive and well. I know you don’t need a reminder but here is a list of our officers: Vice President- Ron Hoff, secretary – Murray Welsh, Treasurer – Mike Farris, Editor – Lynda Welsh, Activities Directors – Terry and Shirley McDaniel, Membership Chairman – Nadine and Mike Farris, Webmaster – Bob Johnston, and Historian – Ed Lemanski. Every one of the officers actively ensured that our SDC chapter remained strong with communications, activities, and our budget. Of course, there are other members who made sure we had fun in 2018: Spring Picnic – Larry and Pat Mer- haut, Hershey Fall Meet – George Hamlin, Rockville Antique & Classic Car Show – Bill Morgan and Murray Welsh, and the Fall Tour – Paul Johnson and Terry McDaniel. I hope you enjoyed being a part of this year’s Chapter as much as I did. I hope Please let me know if I forgot someone with this list. I only repeated an officer’s name if he or she coordinat- ed an event with another member.

Our chapter’s Facebook page, website, and “The Commander” were visited frequently and the photos and stories were viewed and read not only by our members but other Studebaker friends as well. “The Commander” continues to bring our message to many and Lynda Welsh deserves special appreciation from all of us. She publishes this periodical so all of us remain connected. Not only that, she is just a wonderful friend.

Just a week ago we celebrated the close of 2018 and anticipation of 2019 at our Holiday Luncheon at The Inn at Charles Town. It rained like crazy but the miserable weather did not stop us from making it to the The Inn and enjoying a deli- cious lunch and, even more than that, the camaraderie of our Chapter members. The presents we exchanged were amaz- ing and there were a generous number of gifts for the Toys for Tots program.

Our officers remain the same for 2019– 2020. Please let one of us know if you will be interested in becoming a member of the Board in 2021. Also, we want to add photos of our members with their Studebakers to our website and our Face- book page. Please send a picture or pictures to me. Mike Farris or Bob Johnstone will add them to our Internet sites.

The Commander is the 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 15th of the month for the following month’s issue. The Commander is also an internet publication. 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. POTOMAC CHAPTER, SDC 2019 Planned Activities

Event Date Contact

Luncheon 03/09 Nadine Farris Mount Airy Tavern, Mount Airy, MD (11:30 a.m.)

Spring Tour 05/03 Murray Welsh Gettysburg, PA 05/04 (possible bus tour once there) 05/05

Orphan Car Tour TBA Steve White Jarrettsville, MD

Spring Picnic 06/08 Mike Farris (Final location TBA)

Sully Plantation/Historic Site 06/16 non-SDC Chantilly, Va.

Luncheon & visit to Sandy Spring Museum 07/20 Steve White Red Hot & Blue Restaurant Rockville, MD

Rose Hill Manor Car Show 08/18 non-SDC Frederick, Md.

International Meet (caravan) 09/10-Sat.09/14 Steve White Mansfield, Ohio

International Drive Your Studebaker Day 09/14 TBA

Fall Picnic .09/21 Mike Farris (Final location TBA).

Fall Tour 10/04 Terry & Shirley McFront Royal, VA 10/05 10/06

Hershey Fall Meet 10/09 - Sat. 10/19 George Hamlin Hershey, Pa. (AACA)

Rockville Antique & Classic Car Show 10/19 Bill Morgan & Rockville, Md. Murray Welsh

Reedsville Swap Meet 10/25 Long Island Chapter SDC Reedsville, Pa. 10/26

Chapter 2020 Activities Planning Meeting 11/02 Terry & Shirley McDaniel McDaniel residence, Martinsburg, WV (12:30 p.m.)

Holiday Party 12/08 Mike Farris

3 The Greatest Generation

Out of adversity comes strength, whether we are talking about Studebaker or the ag- ing "Heroes" among us. The "Great Depres- sion" of the late 1920's, into the entire 30's, shaped what was to come for America. The "Greatest Generation" came out of the 1920's. Through the lean years of the thir- ties, both Studebaker and citizens of our country sacrificed. When World War II came upon us, our men and women as- sumed a roll beyond belief. Women went to work building trucks and aircraft en- gines for Studebaker while the men went to war. This was a time when everyone would serve for "The Duration." When the War was over, our country began, just as Studebaker, with the "Forward Look" Advancements from med- icine, technology and science have been amazing. While we still have a few of this generation with us, we feel an urgency to give thanks for brave contributions. We in the Potomac Chapter have been blessed by having several members, over the years, of this very generation. Leonard Summers had been an active member for a long time as well as a loyal Studebaker owner. Back when WWII came upon us, like many, Leonard went into the Army and trained as an aircraft mechanic and aerial gunner. He arrived in England several days after "D Day" in June 1944. He was assigned as a flight engineer and top turret gunner on -B 17's with the 384th Bomber Group of "The Mighty Eighth Air Force" His duty was to assist the pilots with engine operation, fuel management and aid wounded crew members in the forward section of the aircraft as well as man the top turret

4 guns. At the time, the Eight Air Force was suffering heavy losses. Leonard flew his first mission on June 22, 1944 over Lille, France. two days later, over Bremen, Ger- many. By Nov 4, 1944, he had accumulated 35 combat missions over Germa- ny. Crews completing 35 missions were required to be sent home as "Survivors." Among his awards were three Air Medals, and The Distinguished Fly- ing Cross. After returning to the U.S., he married Lorraine and they went to Florida, where Leonard served as an instructor until wars end. He has had many Studebakers since then and a reporter from a local newspaper asked him; "Why did he like Studebakers?" His reply was; "The B-17's had Stu- debaker made engines and they got me over and back 35 times, so why not?" Leonard's last Studebaker was a 1963 GT Hawk. He is a widower and is now living with his daughter and son-in-law in Myrtle Beach, SC. He will be Ninety-Five on January 11, 2019. He would welcome hearing from his "Studebaker Buddies".

Leonard Summers 1208 Tidewater Drive Myrtle Beach, SC, 29582

5 HISTORIAN CORNER By Ed Lamanski

1958 Studebaker Starlight - 1959 Cadillac Starlight Concept

The 1958 Studebaker hardtops were called Starlight in the ad's but I don't think that the script ever appeared on any of the vehicles themselves. Over the years I've seen both the President and Com- mander, but not any Champion versions (none built?). The photo is of a President Starlight in Arc- tic white and Tiara gold.

In 1959, Cadillac introduced their latest concept vehicle to the public and it was named Star- light. These vehicles are surrounded with design coincidences. Is it because the stylists at Cadillac had taken note of the Studebaker models of the same name. I think not. Even 1957-59 DeSotos used similar designs on their hardtop sedans. This was the look at the time.

STUDE SPOTTER - 1950 CHAMPION

STUDEBAKER'S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE CLOSES

1950 yellow two door, This car has not been on the road in almost 40 years, it is mounted as a sign topper outside of a restaurant that recently closed in Sault Sainte Marie, Michi- gan. Read about it in Hemmings Motor News. It is for sale.

8 TECH TIP by Ed Lemanski

BATTERY SAFETY - Maintenance

Most of us give little thought to the handling of the battery. We connect and disconnect the cables without realizing the dangers, if a short should occur. Best procedure is to always remove the ground cable first. On most Studebakers this would be the negative (usually black) cable. Then you can safe- ly proceed with your maintenance knowing that a misstep with a wrench won't cause a spark. Re- verse the procedure when reconnecting the cables, the negative cable should go on last.

What happens when the ground cable isn't removed first? If a wrench removing a positive connec- tion hits ground, a huge spark will occur. There is enough power to weld a wedding ring onto the wrench. If the short is prolonged, the battery may explode causing much harm and distress.

When cleaning the battery (terminal corrosion/whitish powder) the best product to use is plain bak- ing soda from the kitchen mixed with water.

Always remember to remove the ground cable first and install it last. The photograph is of a Champ engine bay. Notice that there is much room to remove the positive cable (on the right) with- out the risk of hitting ground. Notice also that both cables are black. Enjoy those Studebakers.

9 10 2019 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: Spouse:

Address: Phone:

City/ST/ZIP: Cell:

E-Mail: Spouse cell:

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

MEMBERSHIP CORNER Attention ALL members !!! It time for membership renewal for 2019 We have about 1/3 to 1/2 of the 2018 members renewed

Please fill out an updated application ASAP and forward it and $15 to:

Nadine and Mike Farris 4313 Landgreen Street Rockville, MD 20853

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

December 2018