AUGUST, 2020AUGUST, AUGUST, 2020 2020 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF RICHMOND REGION ANTIQUE AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF AMERICA.

ON THE INSIDE

Cover Story ...... 2 Upcoming Events ...... 3 July Picnic ...... 7 President’s Message ...... 6 Huge Bug ...... 8 American Road Trip ...... 9 From Mark McAlpine...... 10

- - AUGUST, 2020

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF RICHMOND REGION, AACA

“Big Red” was just in the January/February Antique Automobile, but I’ll give you a few highlights on him. I’ve been part of it’s life since I was 13, and was traded for a 1935 Ford phaeton. This 148” wheel- base beast is a locomotive to drive. I enjoyed it through my teen years and college. We used the car in our wedding and it served as a playpen at car shows when the boys were little. It has a number of battle scars but I don’t plan to repaint it. I’d left the car behind in NY when we moved to VA. The sale of a family farm, (Hopkins Dairy,) this past fall caused me to get it down Marybeth and Andy Fuhrman’s here. After a frantic East Coast search for the keys with Morris Cam- 1947 Packard Super Clipper (Continued on page 4) Custom

- 2 - AUGUST, 2020 Luttuce come together. Remaine Calm. This may just be the tip of the iceburg.

AUGUSTSHELTER 1, Osborne Park  AUGUST 1- (Saturday) Southern Knights Car Show.  AUGUST 2- (Sunday) – Ice Cream Social at the Nash’s  AUGUST 6 - Club Meeting

BELMONT RECREATION CENTER 1600 Hillard Rd., Henrico, VA 23226

 AUGUST 19- Annual Triumph Registry Show & Shine  AUGUST 21-22—GRAND NATIONALS. Gettysburg, Pa. The meet location – Wyndham grounds: Located east of Gettysburg, just off Routes 15 and 30, the Wyndham is 10 minutes from Gettysburg National Military Park and the Gettysburg Battlefield Museum. Downtown Gettysburg is three miles away. Harrisburg International Airport is 45 miles from the hotel, and Hagerstown Regional Airport is 41 miles away. This change comes with all sorts of challenges as we now have to secure tents, restroom facilities, food service, etc., so we are attaching a list of activities for you to do while in Gettysburg and we will NOT have any formal activities other than judging school. Our apologies for the slimming down of the show, but it is taking all our energy to make sure the Grand Nationals happens with only 30 days to go! It WILL happen, along with the Zenith Awards!

SEPTEMBER  SEPTEMBER 3 - Club Meeting (Belmont Recreation Center)  SEPTEMBER 5 & 6 (Saturday & Sunday, Labor Day weekend)– Greenbrier Concours d'Elegance  SEPTEMBER 5 & 6 (Saturday & Sunday), Labor Day Weekend - Festival of the Wheel Concours, Charlottesville  SEPTEMBER 19 – Tidewater AACA Wing & Wheels Show in Pungo. Feature spotlight on the Corvette.  September 26 (Saturday) - 1st Annual Breakthrough Car Show, Car Club Council Event. OCTOBER  OCTOBER 1 - Club Meeting (Belmont Recreation Center) Pontiac Chief, Dodge Ram, 1938 Ford  OCTOBER 7 - 10: The National AACA Fall Meet at Hershey. Deluxe Greyhound, Rolls Royce Spirit of  OCTOBER 23, 24, & 25 - The 2020 ODMA Fall Tour is being Ecstasy, Mack Truck Bull Dog, 1955 Nash Statesman. hosted by Shenandoah Region.

COVID-19 has introduced me to gardening. I plant myself in front of the TV and grow every day. - 3 - AUGUST, 2020

(Continued from page 2) eron and Clay tinkering it up it is run- ning again like Packard should.

1937 Buick Special February, 1st, 1971 this car was purchased for $250 as a potential parts car for another Buick Special restora- tion taking place at Bennett’s. At that time it had last been registered around 1964. It’s original color was “Balmoral Green.” Fortunately it was deemed too good for parts and work on the other car continued. In 1983 I was on the Wayland Potato Festival car show committee. It 1937Bruck Special was the first year of this event and Bennett Buick would be one of the I transported the “Green Ma- to a historical Buick dealership we are sponsors. (They entered a 1910 Pullman chine” from Wayland, NY to Glen fortunate to have many of the neces- Model K. Pullman, built in York, PA, has Allen, VA this past spring. My son sary parts required to restore the car to a direct connection to the Kline Kar man- Clay has taken a particular interest in new condition. (This story has a few ufactured in Richmond, VA. It was my this car and has already completed chapters to come!) first experience with priming cups! That’s some small projects on it. With access a story for another day.) During a visit to the dealership to discuss the show I 1992 Buick Roadmaster Limited Sedan first saw the 37 ‘fastback’ in a back cor- ner of the storage perched on an early This Buick belonged to dear the Buick Club of America and our alignment machine. I was taken by the friends Roger and Maryanna Mor- local Finger Lakes Chapter. Maryan- bright factory color visible in spots and row of Clifton Springs, NY. They na served as Director in 2004 and the relatively rare body style. I visited had a wonderful collection of nicely chaired a 2004 National Meet in Bata- that car frequently over the years and restored Buicks, 1955, 1956, 1966 via, NY. The Roadmaster was entered even added it to a “list of cars I’m go- and 1976. This car was their “driver.” and won a BCA Silver Award. ing to own one day.” The Morrow’s were very active in After Roger’s passing, Maryanna traded it in at the Bennett dealership on a Buick Lucerne with the stipula- tion that it went to a good home. At Hershey in 2014, Guy Bennett Jr. mentioned that “he had something for me.” We worked a deal and with Mary -anna’s approval, I became that “good home.” I’ve driven it to AACA National Meets at both Hershey and Gettys- burg where it won 2nd place trophies. It’s also an ODMA Senior car. Not bad for 108,000 mile driver! Coincidently – these Roadmasters 1992 Buick Roadmaster (Continued on page 5)

- 4 - AUGUST, 2020 It may take a village to raise a kid, but it takes a winery to homeschool one.

(Continued from page 4) EXTENDED FAMILY were new when I worked at Bennetts, Some have heard my story be- was a kid and my parents and I went we featured a white one at the Buick fore, but when Clif asked to come thousands of miles to shows and on National Meet in 1989 also in Batavia. visit I was so pleased and wanted to tours with it. I was fortunate to cross NY. I graduated from college in 1992, share a couple vehicles that few of paths with many family and friends the same year as my car. I call it “Roger our Virginia friends had seen or who were also ‘into cars.” So yes I was the Roadmaster.” heard about. born into it. My maternal grandpar- Marybeth and I met in college 1969 Opel Kadett Wagon ents operated a GM deal- at Rochester Institute of “Oscar the Opel” belonged to long er ship in my hometown, Technology. We grad- time Richmond Region AACA Mem- Dansville, NY for uated in 1992 and bers, Bob and Kitty Smith. several decades. I were married in Opel tagged the car “The Mini- r a c e d Hot 1996. Fortunately Brute” with an elephant mascot. I’ve Wheels cars on for me Mary’s had it about a year. It was my intention the showroom late father, had to give it to Bennett’s as they sold the floor. I can been a collector German GM from 1958-1975. Over the clearly remem- of antiques, loved years they always had wonderful show- ber the first an- Mustangs and room displays. One of the more memo- tique I saw, Un- grew up with a rable had a Boy Scout theme, complete cle Walt’s 1924 Pierce Arrow. So with tent, campfire and a 1965 Opel Ford in his barn. she had some insight. Kadett Wagon. ‘A Scout is thrifty, and My father had a 1931 The McCarthy’s are trustworthy.” Chevrolet coupe when I from Syracuse, home of (l to r) Marybeth, Bentley, Andy the Franklin automobile. Two places that were spe- cial to me were Hopkins’ Farms in Bath, NY and Bennett’s Buick in Way- land, NY. I have a deep connection to both places and this past year both would move on to new caretakers. I’ve brought cars and stuff from down from there now and in this article we’ll be sharing some about those. They are my “Extended Family.”

1969 Opel Kadett Wagon

NO! You have not gained that much during quarantine. Chins up! - 5 - AUGUST, 2020

Happy summer everyone!

My message today is short and sweet! First, what a great turnout for the July 5th Independence day picnic! 40 members and friends gathered at the James River on a beautiful afternoon and enjoyed socializing socially distanced style! Great day! Debbie Nolen Unfortunately we had to cancel a "explore the counties" fun run on July 18th due to heat. Perhaps we'll try again in a cooler month. BIG NEWS!!! Thursday, August 6th is our first club meeting at 7:30 pm at Belmont Recreation Center. How exciting! The room will be much larger of distancing and we will not be sharing refreshments at the moment. Expect to have to wear a mask and have your temperature checked when entering the building. Sorry but it is protocol for all County facilities. I think it will be a mild inconvenience to be able to share time together and get an update on the status of Richmond Region and upcoming car activities! Looking forward to seeing you all then! Stay safe and enjoy the sun!!! Debbie

ith the Picnic on July 5, the Fun Run on July 18, and our first regularly W scheduled meeting on August 6 at Belmont Recreation Center, maybe we are returning to some form of normalcy. I have the pleasure of serving on the board to read the national newsletters from across the country. Every club is having the same problems of cancelling meetings and shows. It is a challenge throughout the clubs to keep the newsletters filled this year. The Gaslight is grateful for the members that have come forward with ideas and articles. “This was the first time that I have had a printed copy, I read the whole thing and enjoyed it!” Debbie Guckert. We always mail a hard copy to the cover story participants. Printed copies are available upon Clif Edwards Editor request.

[email protected] or [email protected]

- 6 - AUGUST, 2020 If you see my kids crying outside and picking weeks just keep driving. They're on a field trip.

It was a great time for everyone at the July 5, 2020 picnic. The weather was perfect for about 40 picnickers. A variety of cars turned out, from old to modern. The scarf, above right, is an antique that Cindi Nash was wearing, very appropriate for the day.

Having a large supply of toilet paper does not necessarily prevent, COVID-19, you just feel better about it. - 7 - AUGUST, 2020

1959 Beetle

(right) Richard Tupper from Gardena, California with his 1959 VW Beetle built on a 2010 Ram truck chassis. (below) Comparison of standard Beetle on left, giant on right.

The license plate says it all: HUGE BUG. The formula sounds fairly simple: Take a 1959 Volkswagen Beetle and find a way to make it 40 per cent larger. Basical- ly, it's a custom-built Bug riding atop the chassis of a 2010 Dodge Ram full-size pickup truck with a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 en- gine in front. It's unabashedly outrageous, and that's one of the reasons to admire it so much. The credit - or blame - goes to Richard Tupper of Gardena, California, who took on the project that required creating 3514 unique parts in the metal fabrication shop that he owns. It was such an incredible undertaking that even the screws created from scratch because there were none that existed in their size, Tupper says. The inside of the car is as perfect in detail as the outside. One fun feature: The dashboard instruments, by design, don't work. Instead, a digital dashboard drops down when Tupper starts the engine. After all the work, you'd think Tupper would be a VW fanatic. He's not. "I don't know a lot about VW's," he says. "I know about the big ones." Driving around town, Tupper says other drivers are startled when they see the Huge Bug. At an intersection, "If you don't move, nobody moves." Other drivers, he says, are simply staring in disbelief.

- 8 - AUGUST, 2020 Going back to the other room after spending a long day in the other room.

The First Great American Road Trip

By Christopher Klein The History Channel [email protected] (left) Bud (above) Jackson and Crocker year-old automobile en- thusiast from Burling- Francisco, a rear tire blew, and In the early afternoon of May ton, Vermont, who had given up the duo replaced it with their on- 23, 1903, Horatio Nelson Jackson his medical practice after a bout ly spare. It wouldn’t be their last and Sewall Crocker slid into the of tuberculosis—heartily accept- pit stop. front seat of a gleaming, cherry- ed. In the Sierra Nevadas, the red Winton touring car and Jackson recruited Crocker, a Winton waded through streams chugged down San Francisco’s 22-year-old former bicycle racer and weaved along narrow moun- Market Street amid a sea of horse- and a gasoline engine mechanic, tain roads never before traversed drawn carriages. The sleeping to be his Passepartout. Based on by automobile. Jackson and bags, cooking gear and supplies Crocker’s recommendation, the Crocker were forced to move packed inside the automobile tes- former physician purchased a boulders by hand. The rocky tified to a long journey ahead, but used 20-horsepower Winton roads rattled the men like bobble- the road trip on which the men touring car for the treacherous head dolls and continually sent were embarking was truly epic— journey. Jackson named his new Jackson’s personal effects—his an unprecedented cross-country wheels the “Vermont.” coats, his fountain pens and even drive to . Previous cross-country auto- his spectacles—overboard. And it all started with a $50 mobile trips had all ended in fail- Wrong turns and breakdowns, wager. ure, and Jackson’s hastily ar- such as a broken clutch and a Just four days before, a bar de- ranged drive was likely to suffer clogged oil line, slowed their pro- bate about the newfangled horse- a similar fate. Jackson had little gress. less carriages ignited inside San driving experience and less me- Although Jackson and Crock- Francisco’s exclusive University chanical knowledge, but at least er were aboard a machine that Club. While most of the tipplers he had his wife’s inherited for- would help shape the 20th centu- dismissed the automobile as a tune to fuel his impulsive voyage. ry, they were essentially stuck in passing novelty too unreliable to Still, American roads were ex- the 19th. They relied on stage- survive a trip across America, tremely primitive—fewer than coaches to bring new parts and Jackson disagreed. Then, in a sce- 150 miles nationwide were even on blacksmiths to make repairs. ne straight out of Jules Verne’s paved. There were no road signs, After they found themselves “Around the World in 80 Days,” road numbers or gas stations, stranded for eight hours in the someone bet Jackson $50 that he and automobiles were extremely desert, a cowpoke lassoed couldn’t make it to New York prone to breakdowns. the disabled Winton and had his City by car in less than 90 days. The Vermont was no differ- horse give it a tow—an equine The real-life Phileas Fogg—a 31- ent. Just 15 miles outside of San (Continued on page 12)

I will be glad when hand washing is over and I can go back to showering. - 9 - AUGUST, 2020

t’s hard to believe how much tect us. And the postponement or with your fellow Mark McAlpine I and how quickly life has cancellation of national and regional AACA members. Vice President changed in our country and how long AACA activities pales in comparison Best wishes to every- National Actvities it has been since the last AACA na- to the devastation COVID-19 is one—be safe and stay tional activity. The AACA started off wreaking on our country and fellow healthy! And I look forward to seeing 2020 with a bang: first with our Annu- citizens. you at the next AACA national activi- al Convention in Philadelphia, PA, I never imagined I would live ty—whenever it is. (Want to know followed two weeks later by the Win- through a pandemic like I read about what activity is coming up next? ter Nationals in Miami, FL. (I still in history books as a child, yet here Check the AACA website— have some tan left from our time in we are. (As I write this article, over www.aaca.org—for the most current Miami and a little ringing in my ears 60,000 people in our country have calendar of upcoming AACA national from the pounding of the flamenco died from the coronavirus, another activities.) dancer’s shoes.) Then our activities 1,000,000 have contracted the virus, calendar rapidly fell apart as our coun- millions are out of work, and millions try (and the world) was ravaged by the are struggling to make ends meet.) USED PARTS COVID-19 “coronavirus.” My observations about the cancella- FOR SALE The first AACA national activity tion of car shows and tours also pale to fall was the Southeastern Spring in comparison and possibly come Large aluminum looking casting with Nationals in Concord, NC. Fortunate- across as insensitive, but I miss par- hole on each end, some on the side, ap- ly, this show was only postponed to 12 ticipating in AACA activities. More parently hoses of some kind fit in them, -13 June (and I have my fingers importantly, I miss seeing AACA have 2. Hoses, many widths and lengths, crossed that it doesn’t need to be re- friends from around the country who some already taped up, some need a scheduled again). Days later, as social we only get to see a few times a year little taping and end shaping. Lots of distancing and stay -at-home orders at AACA activities and being able to tools, screw drivers, some straight were issued across the country, the make new additional friends. across, some like X shapes. Few have handles missing, some slightly bent but Our country will get back to dominoes continued to fall: the West- could easily be straightened. Chrome ern Spring Nationals and Founders normal. I can’t tell you when (but pieces for multiple of cars, most could be Tour in Show Low, AZ, were can- hope it’s soon), but we will get scraped off, sanded and bent back into celled, followed by the Central Spring through this. Just like every cataclys- shape. Miles of wires, if straightened Nationals in Auburn, IN, then the Sen- mic event in our nation’s history, out. Some with ends, some frayed, all timental Tour in Davis, WV; and now things will change and “normal” colors and some thick, some thin. Many the Reliability Tour in Lock Haven/ may not look the same as it did be- uses. Gallons of used motor oil, could be Wellsboro, PA. Add in the cancellation fore this crisis. (Remember what air strained and used again for short periods of AACA region/chapter meetings travel was like before 9/11?) Howev- of time. Pipes galore, appear to be tail and local, regional, and national car er, we will adapt and come back pipes, various lengths and widths. All shows, tours, and cruise-ins, plus the stronger than ever. We’re Ameri- could be cleaned up and used. Very good hydraulic jack, replacement wheel closure of car museums, and I’m dis- cans—that’s what we do. The should be easy to locate. Headlights, playing symptoms of old car with- AACA is adapting and will come many sizes, few slight cracks, none have drawal. back stronger, too—we’ve resched- been tested to see if they work. Take (Fortunately, the cravings are uled some of our cancelled activities your chances at these prices. Body parts, eased a bit by people being creative on for later this year and next year, and fenders, doors, hoods, you will have to the Internet and AACA Forum, allow- are working to add some additional identify the year and model. The rust is ing us to still vicariously experience activities both years to help you just a protective covering until restora- antique vehicle activities “virtually” make up for lost time, overcome “old tion time. Many bumpers, some left from the safety of our home.) I know car withdrawal syndrome,” get back sides, some right sides, all recoverable all the safety measures we’re practicing to normal, and have the opportunity with a little work. If interested: 555- are necessary and are in place to pro- to participate in fun activities again 1212.

- 10 - AUGUST, 2020 I miss people, places & things. So nouns. Essentially I miss nouns.

RICHMOND REGION ANTIQUE AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF AMERICA [email protected]

KENNY BAKER Director Debbie Nolen 804-240-7839 President Term expires end of 2021

804-839-5405 DAVE DICKEY Director 804-730-1450 Term expires end of 2020 Joe Guckert JOHN SMITH Vice President Director 804-530-0461 804-339-3065 Term expires end of 2020

ANDY & MARY BETH FUHRMAN Youth Coordinators Bruce Woodson 804-833-1576 Ex-Officio

WARREN MALONE Historian 804-356-7400

Alice Cameron Secretary CLIFTON EDWARDS 804-798-8125 Gaslight Editor 804-337-5815 [email protected]

MIKE JONES Mert Fowlkes Website 804-338-1404 Treasurer 804-288-4439

BRIAN & LISA MUNSEY Fun Runs 804-680-2079

Reggie Nash Legislative Representative CINDI NASH 804-320-2636 Sunshine Lady 804-320-2636

In a reversal of roles, I am now yelling at my parents for going out. - 11 - AUGUST, 2020

(Continued from page 9) ahead of them. Through it all, version of AAA roadside service. Jackson somehow Luck did not seem to be on the maintained his opti- motorists’ side. After a leak left mism, perhaps their gas tank nearly empty, thanks to the tre- Crocker set off on a 26-mile bicy- mendous reception cle ride to the nearest town. A bike he received along tire punctured, however, and the journey. In forced Crocker to walk most of the many towns, curi- way back with the fuel. It took 19 ous onlookers days for the duo to reach , crowded around to where they picked up a traveling see an automobile companion—a bull terrier named in person for the Bud whom Jackson purchased for first time. By the $15. Jackson and Crocker fitted time Jackson ar- Bud with motoring goggles to rived to a cheering 1903 Winton touring Car. protect his eyes from dust, and throng in Omaha throughout the journey the canine on July 12, his bar bet was start- beast. proudly wore them from his front- ing to captivate the nation. In spite of the fanfare it gener- seat perch. Finally, the travelers started ated, the epic road trip ended as Jackson hoped their new mas- to make good time, averaging quietly as it started. The Vermont, cot might be a good-luck charm. 150 miles a day. On July 17, they He wasn’t. Bad directions in Napa its cherry-red finish caked with arrived in Chicago and were dried mud, crawled down Manhat- sent them on a 76-mile detour, a treated to receptions by city offi- team of horses had to extricate the tan’s deserted Fifth Avenue at cials and automobile dealers. 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 26. The Vermont from a quagmire that Three days later, a convoy greet- approximately 4,500-mile journey had swallowed it up to the floor- ed them outside Cleveland and had taken 63 days, 12 hours and boards, and Bud got sick drinking escorted the Winton triumphant- alkali water. When the men went ly back to its birthplace. Outside 30 minutes. Incredibly, given all 36 hours without eating after get- of Buffalo, the road trippers sur- the problems, Jackson had won his ting lost in the Wyoming vived a scary accident that tossed wager with nearly a month to badlands, Jackson joked that they them out of the car but caused spare, although it cost him $8,000 “were stealing speculative glances minimal damage to man, car and in the process. at Bud as we tightened our belts.” As they pulled into Rawlins, Wyoming, a connecting rod to the crankshaft snapped. They waited five days for replacement parts to arrive by railroad from the Win- ton factory in Cleveland before getting back on the road. On July 1, Jackson wrote to his wife from Cheyenne, Wyoming, “Well the worst of our trip is over.” Not quite. Just hours later, history re- peated. The stud bolts on the car’s other connecting rod broke this time, and again they lost five days waiting for parts. By the time they got back on the road, it was July 7 and day 46 of the drive, and more than half the country still lay Can a sheep dog really work from home?

- 12 - AUGUST, 2020 I never thought I would approach a bank teller wearing a mask.