Potomac Chapter The Commander Drivers Club Volume 47 Issue 3 May 2015 The 2015 Potomac Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club Spring Tour Newport News, Virginia By Mary Walter

This year’s spring tour started in Frederick Maryland with four cars. By the time we reached Lowery’s Restaurant in Tappahannock we were a caravan of seven. After lunch and a fill-up at June Parker’s Gas Station, we continued on to Newport News. The hotel was a welcome sight as everyone was road-weary and in need of a rest before dinner. Lunch at Lowery’s was ample so there was no formal club dinner. Some smaller groups ate at the Second Street American Bis- tro and Tida Thai and others skipped dinner entirely. It must have been prom night judging by the many high school students seen in tuxes and gowns that evening.

By the next morning our caravan had grown to eight cars and we set out for the Mariner’s Museum. We found our tour guide eagerly awaiting our arrival and ready to get started. He was quite knowledgeable about naval history and shared some interesting tidbits such as how the Monitor’s gun turret malfunctioned during its critical battle or that the many mustard bottles found on the Monitor were not used for holding mustard but rather served as personal whisky flasks for sailors.

The Civil War Battle of Hampton Roads is explored in depth in this museum. It involved the first two ironclads ever built, the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia and there were models of both in all sizes ranging from a few inches to full scale. Parts of the actual Monitor are undergoing restoration on-site. A replica of the captain’s quarters of the Monitor was on display and some of us were surprised by its size and elegance, small by cruise-ship standards, but for the 172 foot ironclad, quite extravagant. A film detailed the events of the four-hour battle which included direct quotes from the captain and crew and artist’s conceptions of the events, while the boom of gunfire and flashes of light from the ceiling above brought the drama to life.

President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Activities Director Karl Veit Steve Geiger Mike Farris Stephen Walter Paul and Karen Johnson 3703 7th Street South 2010 Kings Forest Trail 4313 Landgreen Street 7401 Westlake Terrace #1504 4166 Golf Course Road Arlington, VA 22204 Mount Airy, MD 21771 Rockville, MD 20853 Bethesda, MD 20817 Martinsburg, WV 25405 703-979-4763 301-829-5155 301-460-4341 301-767-9416 304-267-2911 [email protected] [email protected] david.farris @verizon.net [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 Karl Veit

By the time you are reading this some of you will have gone on our Spring Tour. Sadly we did not, since our kids were in the Stotesbury regatta in Philadelphia, where they represented their high school; both were in 8-person shells. The event took place on the Schuylkill River; it is the largest national regatta (698 boats entered). Our team had an entry in the adaptive double race (a team member is paired in a 2-man skull with another member with a physi- cal handicap) - and they won a national gold medal!

This "pairing" put me to thinking - might such a pairing encourage new membership in PSDC? When first joining, I remember having may questions (who does good mechanics in my ar- ea, who does interior or exterior appearance work, who sells parts, etc.) If we paired with new/ prospective members, maybe owning an antique car would seem less intimidating. (Studes are fun, but they do take a lot of specialized knowledge.) Perhaps some of our more knowledgable mem- bers would volunteer to be "big brothers"? Just thinking.... Thanks, Karl May Birthday Sabrena Willis 5/5 New Members: Peggy Conner 5/8 Kurt Languirand & Pamela Leigh Larry Pugh 5/10 1851 Stratford Park PL #408 Shirley McDainiel 5/10 Reston, VA 20190 Larry Merhaut 5/11 703-629-5878 Faye Fuller 5/14 [email protected] Paul Johnson 5/21 Submitted by Bob DeVore-- An Oldie but Goodie Gordon Kertqel 5/28 Check out th is website for most Studebaker bro- David Eppig 5/28 chures: http://www.lov2xlr8.no/stude.html Anne Mortenser 5/20 Darlene Pugh 5/30 Check this one out. http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2015/05/19/legend -studebaker-lives-on-in-this-modern-tribute-car/? intcmp=obnetwork

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.

2 Potomac Chapter, SDC Activities 2015 Event Date Contact

Potomac Chapter, SDC Activities 2015

Event Date Contact

Orphan Car Tour, Howard County, MD June 6? Paul Johnson (Potomac Chapter is one sponsor)

Spring Picnic, Washington County Agricultural Center, Boonsboro, MD June 7 Paul Johnson

Sully Plantation, Chantilly, VA June 21 non-SDC

51st SDC International Meet, Aug 16 – Aug 22 Paul Johnson

Rose Hill Manor car show, Frederick, MD Aug 16 (not confirmed) non-SDC

*International Drive Your Studebaker Day Sept 12 Paul Johnson

Fall Picnic, Washington County Agricultural Center, Boonsboro, MD Sept 13 Paul Johnson

Fall Tour, Northern West Virginia weekend tbd Shirley and Terry McDaniels

Hershey Fall Meet, Hershey, PA Oct 7 - 10 AACA

Bradfield Show, Bridgewater, VA Oct 11 Paul Johnson

Antique and Classic Car Show, Rockville, MD Oct 17 Bill Morgan (Potomac Chapter is one sponsor) Ron Salen

Reedsville Swap Meet, Reedsville, PA Oct 15-17 Max Corkins

Chapter Planning Meeting Nov 7 Paul Johnson

Chapter Holiday Party Dec 20 Paul Johnson

* Firm date- will always be the second Saturday in September HISTORIAN CORNER TECH TIP by Ed Lemanski by Ed Lemanski

A HAWK THAT S-P DIDN'T BUILD HEADLINERS AND SEAT COVERS

(2007) At the Fairgrounds in York, Pennsyl- (1985) I ordered a white headliner and a set of gold seat covers for my Hawk. At first I was concerned about all of vania, quite a gathering occurred after a Jerr the wrinkles seen when opening the packages. But, when Dan flatbed truck parked along side of the "old the job was done, I was thoroughly impressed with the Main" building. On it was a black '57 or '58 results. Golden Hawk? Or, was it a '53 Commander or '53 Champion? No one could tell for sure. First, I tackled the headliner. The old was worn and frayed so I removed it by cutting it down from the sides

and off the hangers. The hangers were three long rods The black paint was a foot deep like a bril- that the new headliner will slip onto. It is just like string- liant mirror. The metal panels were perfectly ing a curtain onto a rod. I removed the front and rear straight and aligned. The whole car came to- window trim and re-installed enclosing the edge of the gether very well. It obviously was based upon new headliner. The sides are gently pressed into the frame above the windows. I used a putty knife. The wrin- the C pillared coupe of '53-'61 vintage. Could- kles went away after a few minutes with an electric hair n't have been a Golden Hawk as they were dryer. built as hardtops only. There was no sign on the window so I never found out an exact an- Second, I installed the new seat covers right over the swer to the mystery hawk. previous as they were in somewhat good condition and the padding felt OK. I removed all the seats from the car and did a test fit. They fit like a pair of gloves. The Turn- ing Wheel vendor in southern California lived up to his reputation as they knew their . A bag of hog rings finished the installation. After a couple of ruined rings, I got the knack of closing them securely using a pair of regular pliers. The remaining wrinkles disappeared after a few days.

4 Potomac Chapter Spring Picnic Sunday, June 7th, 2015

After suffering vast quantities of sycamore tree pollen and a severe lack of parking spaces at Devil’s Back- bone Park last spring, we decided to move our Spring Picnic to the Washington County Maryland Agricul- tural Center, south of Hagerstown, Maryland on the Sharpsburg Pike (Maryland Highway 65). This excellent venue has been the site of our fall picnics for several years. So, the Spring Picnic will be held rain or shine, dining starting at 1:30 pm. Once again food will be Covered Dish style. It is still absolutely free- (no charge for second members or guests). All you have to do is bring a favorite dish to share- no assignments, bring what you want and bring your own drinks (non-alcoholic). Also bring plates, cups, flatware and napkins. And, don’t forget your wallets for the 50-50 drawing.

Directions- Interstate 70 to Exit 29 at Hagerstown, turn south on Maryland Route 65. Follow 65 about six miles. The Center is on your left, very visible from the highway. For those of you who are more adventurous or don’t like driving on the Interstates, there are a number of backroads shortcuts that are very pleasant drives. For example take Alternate US 40 from Frederick to Boonsboro, turn south to Sharpsburg then turn right on Maryland Highway 65 and follow it past the Antietam National Battlefield Park to a right turn in to the Agricultural Center, Or, simply program your GPS device to take you to 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boons- boro MD 21713-2431. Turn in to the Center and stay left. The Potomac Chapter Picnic will be about a half mile on your left (past most of the park buildings and the early settler farmstead). We will be using the Red- man’s Pavilion for this picnic due to a horse show at the first pavilion. Pull in to the large parking lot just past the pavilion, park, stroll over to the large, nice picnic shelter and enjoy. Watch for the Studebakers

As before, we will Show and Tell but this time with a little different twist. After we eat, introduce your Studebaker. Tell us a little about the faithful Studebaker you drove today (history of your ownership, inter- esting facts about the car and more).

5 6

Speaking of the Orphan Car Tour, we need someone to step up to represent us in the continuing Or- phan Car Tour organization. The Potomac Chapter is one of the Tour's six sponsors and its members have actively attended Orphan Tours for years. After 25 years as Tour organizers, Susan Johnson and Jon Battle retired from their duties last year. That means that -- unless someone steps forward -- there may be no more Orphan Car Tours after this year. However, if our club would like to see the Tour continue, a representative of our club could join with those of other sponsoring clubs to participate as a member of the governing committee to guide the Tour in future years. The committee would make overall policy decisions, enlist individuals or groups to host the Tour in upcoming years, and offer assistance to the hosts to make their jobs easier. The committee would- n't actually plan the details of each Tour, however. Both Susan and Jon will be happy to offer the committee their advice, experience and help; they just don't want to be the "instigators" anymore! Per the flier in this Commander, the DeSoto Owners Club of Maryland, is hosting the 2015 Tour. However, Orphan Tours involve a great deal of work; and all of the Tour sponsors should assist the hosting club, in some minimal way, both in planning and on the day of the event. (If all the responsibility falls alone on the shoulders of a host, then the pool of potential hosts will soon dry up!) If you are interested in representing our chapter on the committee, please let me know.

Paul Johnson’

Potomac Chapter Activities Director [email protected] 304=267-291

Stude Spotter- page 67 of the large print Reader's Digest for May 2015 and page 3 of Reminisce Extra for May 2015, both magazines contain a full page ad for a Studebaker Cuckoo Clock featuring a '50 Champion, '59 Lark Regal, and a '63 Avanti. Instead of a cuckoo, a front end of a bullet nose lights up and revs an engine sound, each hour.

STUDE SPOTTER - South Bend IN “Former Studebaker assembly plant begins $17 million transformation into high-tech center” http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2015/05/12/former-studebaker-assembly-plant-begins-17- million-transformation-into-high-tech-center/?refer=news

STUDE SPOTTER Automobile Magazine June 2015, UPSHIFT on page 106, a 1957 Provincial station wagon. Sold at $26,400. Author noted that the factory installed "Provincial" trim script had been replaced with a "Studebaker" script. Fully priced for its condition. Car of the Week: 1948 Studebaker Land Cruiser

Edward Philie was the only teenager in his corner of the world who had an old Studebaker "limo" when he was a kid. Four decades or so later, he's the only one around Rockland, Mass., with one, and that's just the way he likes it.

"The very first car I ever owned after I got my license was one of these," he says, referring to his classy and unique 1948 Studebaker Commander Land Cruiser. "It was a big four-door, exactly like this one. Everything is exactly like the car is today only my first car was black, and I liked it! I went to Chevy after that. I had a '54 Chevy and then a '62 and a '66 ... I always told my wife when I am getting ready to retire, I want to find one of these."

Philie was hoping to find a Land Cruiser that could be a bit of a pro- ject car, although not necessarily one that needed everything. Even- tually, he found one through a dealer in California.

Ayln Edwards article on Barney Vinegar

You never know what is hiding in the bushes. Enjoy very interesting. Evan Severson The link to April 3, 2015 article and interview of Barney Vinegar: http://driving.ca/studebaker/auto-news/news/88-year-old-classic-car-restorer-still-going-strong

A Maple Ridge resident buys a couple of Avantis that were covered with blackberry bushes and builds modified Avanti from the both of them. The link: http://driving.ca/studebaker/auto-news/news/buying-collector-cars-sight-unseen

Stude Spotter (local TV 8) Submitted by Bob DeVore who points out that they mention that the B-17 has Studebaker engines.

Two Air Force Pilots, Major Howard V. Andre Jr. & Major James E. Sizemore, were buried at Ar- lington National Cemetery and honored with a flyover by civilian pilots flying vintage military planes. The Air Force pilots were killed in action over Laos during the Vietnam War and their re- mains were discovered just a few years ago and returned for proper burial at Arlington. This Flight of Honor was awesome for the families and pilots who conducted it. Take a couple minutes and watch this video from a local news outlet in the D.C area. God rest the souls of the two pilots lost so long ago! And a Bravo Zulu to those Aviators.

Click on link below — sound on: www.youtube.com/embed/G7TZqJMQWeU?feature=player_embedded Jay L's visit 4/16/15 to the Avanti Guest House and Museum

Some news from South Bend I thought I would pass on to all of you. As some of you know, SDCer DONALD LINDNER bought the property next to the Studebaker Museum in South Bend and has remodeled it into the Avanti Guest House and Museum. Here he is showing it to a well known auto enthusiast. It is always great to hear good news from South Bend

GWA is Bringing Back Studebaker in a Big, Scary Way: https://www.yahoo.com/autos/s/gwa-bringing-back-studebaker-big-scary-way-120044630.html Note: Designated as the ‘Veinte Victorias’ , GWA plans to build 20 performance-tuned Studebaker Commander Star liner Coupes – one in honor of each victory at the Panamericana . 19 of these coupes will be sold wearing yellow racing liveries, while one black liveried example is expected to be kept as a pace car. We think you’ll agree, they look stunning.

On 5/12/2015 11:16 AM, Edward Lemanski wrote: “Former Studebaker assembly plant begins $17 million transformation into high-tech center”

STUDE SPOTTER - The Pottsville Auto Museum (not far from Philadelphia, PA) Open May through October. They have a '64 Turquoise Avanti prominently on display in the middle of the main floor. This is Jerry's Auto Museum, on S. Centre Street, with two floors featuring cars from the 40's, 50's, and 60's. Trivia note, the building was originally home to the Morgan Studebaker dealership in the 20's and 30's. Governor Larry Hogan has signed into law legislation to allow the issuance of only a single license plate to historic vehicles and street rods that are 50 years or older. The law goes into effect on Octo- ber 1, 2015. (Spring Tour continued from pg. 1)

My naval architect consultant (aka Steve) tells me that the steam-powered propulsion engines of both ironclads were very advanced for their day, especially the Monitor, as was the engine powering the Monitor’s rotating gun turret, the first of its kind. There were small-scale models of both of the Monitor’s engines which actually moved so visitors could see the inner workings in action.

Another exhibit, Extreme Deep; Mission to the Abyss, presented the strange and fascinating world of the oceans’ deepest, darkest regions. The entire exhibit space was darkened, setting a tone of mystery, and video images of fantastical deep- sea organisms were projected on the gallery walls. Several submersibles were on display equipped with the latest tech- nology for deep-sea exploration. I tried my hand at operating robotic arms with remote controls to pick up objects on a simulated ocean floor. Another display illustrated just how inhospitable the extreme deep can be to humans. A Styrofoam cup subjected to deep-sea pressure kept its shape but had shrunk to the size of a thimble.

Museum staff were on hand to give a lesson on a deep-sea creature known as the angler fish, notable for having a built- in headlamp. Visitors could make and wear their own angler fish illuminator using pipe cleaners and glow-in-the-dark beads. The museum education department would be pleased to know that one member of our group took some of these educational headlamps home with him to pass onto his grandkids, furthering the dissemination of knowledge. An extreMurrayly good idea.

Both exhibits had something for everyone. There was plenty to draw the attention of the scientists and engineers among us, but also entertaining to people of all ages and backgrounds. Before leaving, drivers assembled their Stu- debakers in front of the museum for a brief photo shoot, then embarked for Fort Monroe.

Fort Monroe was a Union stronghold throughout the Civil War. The Casemate Museum is housed within the emplace- ments that form the fort’s walls. Some of our group explored this museum while others, including Steve and me, partic- ipated in an outdoor guided tour of the fort’s inner parade grounds. The tour was a reenactment of sorts. We tourists were asked to play the role of escaped slaves seeking asylum within the Union fort. Sometime prior to our arrival (in 1861), three enslaved men escaped from the Confederate lines and fled in a boat to Fort Monroe. Union Commander General Benjamin Butler refused to return the slaves calling them “contraband of war.” Word spread quickly of the General’s decision and asylum seekers began arriving in droves. As new arrivals, we were routed to various locations within the fort and presented to a series of historical figures who were actually present at the fort in the 1860s including General Butler, former slaves serving the Union Navy and laborers. Each of the historical figures shared their story and a personal perspective of this era in American history. It was a very engaging and educational tour.

Later that day we assembled at Salsa’s Restaurant for Mexican fare. The company was amiable, the food yummy and the Margaritas extra-large. There was no room for dessert afterwards. I wasn’t even tempted to go to Maggie Moo’s across the street after dinner. (OK, maybe just a little.)

(Spring Tour continued)

SOUTH BEND SUPER SWAP MEET AND CAR SHOW APRIL 30-MAY 2, 2015

I have always had an interest in attending this event. This year Pat and I took the bull by the by the horns (so to speak) and made arrangements to attend. We left on April 30 arriving in South Bend on May 1. Potomac Chapter member and friend Bob (Dusty) Wagner also attended the meet. We shared two dinners with Dusty plus time at the Swap Meet. It is always special to share time and war sto- ries with this old friend. We attended the meet on Saturday May 2. We were surprised at the size of the event. There were at least 75 to 100 vendors. We took a rough count of the Studebakers at the car show. There were at least 125 -150 cars. This show also included Brand X cars. These two groups were on separate fields. That arrange- ment worked surprisingly well. After lunch we visited the Studebaker Museum. That is really a state-of-the-art facility. It was nice to see Chester Bradfield's Land Cruiser (I think) on display. What a beautiful Stude. We also saw Bob Devore's Champ on display. There was a display of the '50 Bullet-nose used in the Mup- pets movie. It is in sad disrepair. The museum is soliciting funds to have it returned to its original condition. Pat and I had a wonderful peaceful, relaxing trip to South Bend. Maybe we should promote a club trip in the coming years for this event. Larry Merhaut 2015 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

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May 2015