50 th ANNIVERSARY EDITION MAY 5, 2007 From your friends at ACI,PO Boxcongratulations 81691; Cleveland, OH 44181 to www.corvettecleveland.org Corvette Cleveland 9 on your 50th Anniversary! 2 PO Box 81691; Cleveland, OH 44181 www.corvettecleveland.org Welcome Letter 4 That was then – 1957 6 That was then – 25 th Ann Party 7 Newsletters 9 The Road to Today 1957 10 1967 15 1977 21 1987 27 1997 31 Charity 38 CC in Blue Bars 39 CC Art 44 Club Officer Listing 46 Competition 59 Nelson Ledges & Corvette Cleveland 62 Events 64 Track Records 68 National Corvette Museum 77 50yrs of Corvette Ads 79 Members 83 In the Blood 100 Editor’s Note: If you have any corrections to this book or further information, we want to know! Please send corrections via email ( [email protected] ) or to the PO Box. In addition, if you have any club photos or memorabilia that you do not see this evening and would like to share, please let us know. We will copy/scan your photos and photograph any memorabilia. Thank you! © 2007 Corvette Cleveland, Inc. 3 From the 50 th Anniversary Committee: Welcome to the 50 th Anniversary of Corvette Cleveland. We hope that the celebration weekend and this booklet bring back many fond memories. The committee had many projects, including finding former members, compiling LOTS of information, collecting and organizing club history, organizing, and labeling and dating club photos and albums. Thanks to the photo albums of: Phyllis Baumgardner, Bob Ruth, Ernie Papp, Brock Landers, Gene Stenger, Roy Triska, Virg Tussey, Dave & Virg Ulmer, Ken Kavalchek, and Don Veselenak. Thanks to former and current members:Roy Babiak, John Bodner, Nancy Ciganko, Heather Daina, Jim Egan, Al & Carol Etzel, Rich Hoover, Bob Kirsch, Fred Kubiak & Betty Ward, Pat Mitchell, Don Obert, Tim & Cherri Obert, Warren & Elaine Obert, and Tom & JoAnn Prusnek for their efforts toward this celebration. From the President: Welcome Corvette Cleveland members, former members and associates. We are celebrating 50 years of organized Corvette Cleveland activities and friendships. Who could have guessed in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s or 90’s that we and our marque could have survived until 2007 and beyond? For each of us, Corvette Cleveland and its members have created some incredible personal memories. I encourage you to re-introduce yourself to as many people as possible. Go through the photo albums. You are sure to find yourself there, along with many of your old friends. Looking back at our history, I cannot imagine the founding members could have guessed the impact they and this car would have on so many. In fact this flame of interest, that was kindled back then, continues to survive today, locally as well as nationally. We remain active as one of the 5 original founding member clubs in the National Council of Corvette Clubs. Over the years, our club has evolved from when we were all in our early 20’s. Speed, parties and Corvettes consumed us. Corvettes could be purchased for $3000. Obviously none of this describes us today. We have become a family- oriented group. We have second generation members with young families of their own. Some of us still enjoy speed events and competition. We still enjoy the parties and other activities that are available locally, regionally and nationally. We must have had over 600 members pass through our club. My only regret is that we did not keep better records on all of them. About four years ago, I asked Elaine Obert to become our Historian. She along with her family and friends have put together this commemorative weekend. Because of this effort you are here to celebrate with us. We remember those who have passed way. They all made an indelible impression, as have all of you. You are all part of who we are today. Welcome Home! Al Etzel “Andy would be thrilled and shocked to see how our little Club has grown!” Phyllis Baumgardner 4 CORVETTE CLEVELAND A club for those with a strong interest in a fine motor car, a desire to socialize and/or compete with others who have like interests and for those who not mind a little work with their fun. Memento to Corvette Cleveland – Virg Tussey C – is for the “Cruise” enjoyed in warm or chilly weather. O – means group that’s “Organized”, much fun keeps us together. R – for all these “Ralleys”, with different clubs we bind. V – for all our “Vivacious” gals, they’re such a special kind. E – stand for “Events” galore, each month right through December. T – is for the “Team” we have, we’re proud of each new member. T – also for the “Times” we had, and they are great, “you bet”. E – is fan an “Economy-run”, we haven’t planned one yet! C – could be “Competition” for trophys, points and fun. L – is for the “Level-headed” planning that’s been done. E – incidentally, is for “Evil”, of course, this club has none! V – stand for the “Vigor” and the plans that have been laid. E – is “Endless, Elegant” zeal, that each one has displayed. L – means that we “Love” this sport, with cars and folks so rare. A – might mean “Another” club, which never could compare. N – would be a “Night” event or “Nelson” course, that’s true. D – is for “Dandy Club”, all told; but worthless without you . Reprint from Fuel Injector, Feb. 1964 5 That was then-1957 US President Dwight Eisenhower New House $12,225 Miss America Marian McKnight (SC) Average Income $4,594/yr Indy 500 Winner Sam Hanks New Car $2157 Daytona 500 Cotton Owens (on beach course) Average Rent $90/mo World Series Milwaukee Braves Movie Ticket $1 US Open Dick Meyer Postage Stamp $.03 Football Detroit Lions Sugar $.89/10 pds Stanley Cup Montreal Canadiens Milk $1/g NCCA Basketball North Carolina Eggs $.28/doz College Football Auburn & Ohio State Ground Hamburger $.56/pd Other notables: o Virginia International Raceway opens o The Wham-O Company produced its first FRISBEES, patterned after a pie pan from the Frisbee Baking Company of Connecticut. o Russians launch Sputnik o The first US nuclear power plant begins operation in Shippingport, PA o In Detroit, MI, Berry Gordy founds Motown Records o Dr. Suess publishes “The Cat in the Hat” Music: o Jailhouse Rock – Elvis Presley o April Love – Pat Boone o Butterfly – Andy Williams o Wake Up Little Susie – The Everly Brothers o Chances Are – Johnny Mathis o Diana – Paul Anka o Round and Round – Perry Como o Honeycomb – Jimmie Rogers o (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear – Elvis Presley o That’ll Be the Day – Buddy Holly & The Crickets Movies: o The Bridge on the River Kwai o 12 Angry Men o An Affair to Remember o Witness for the Prosecution o Sweet Smell of Success o Paths of Glory 6 th That was then-25 Ann. Party As printed in the August 1982 Mako Ray : TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF CORVETTE CLEVELAND W O W!! July 10, 1982 will go down in history as one of the most memorable events in Corvette Cleveland’s 25 years. Over 120 past, present and future members gathered together to renew friendships and acquaintances and learn of the birth of our club. The evening proved to be an exciting trip down memory lane. As guests arrived, they were greeted by our welcoming committee – Elaine Obert & Norma Stenger. They were given our Corvette Cleveland Anniversary edition of the Mako-Ray and also received an anniversary dash plaque. Diane Stachowiak sold our anniversary patches and Roy Babiak took care of the T-shirts. Many guests spent a good part of the evening at the memorabilia table where Corvette Cleveland trophies and many pictures & newspapers were displayed. A beautiful cake displaying our emblem set the scene for a memorable picture of our first President, Andy Baumgardner shaking hands with our current President, Warren Obert. (25years between them)! A buffet was served enhanced by all the homemade salads brought by our members. An event such as this cannot be successful without the many hours put in by its members. Our sincere thanks go to all who contributed their time and especially Joe & Dolores Bobo for the fine job done on the printing of the invitations; to Doug & Sandy Metcalf, Don & Ginny Veselenak, Virg Tussey, and Ray Spirek for working on the invitation committee; to Elaine Obert, Norma Stenger, and JoAnn Papp for their hours of research in locating our past members; to Mike Danzey for lending us his refrigerated truck, to Wayne & Joanne Holmok for affording us the opportunity to rent such a perfect party room; and to all our members for bringing the delicious side dishes; to Roy Babiak & Elaine Obert for the anniversary edition of the paper, and last but not least, we thank all of you members—past & present—for attending. Your attendance is what made our Corvette Cleveland Reunion Party a SUPER SUCCESS!!! May I say, Ginny & I enjoyed being a part of this memorable event and look forward to seeing you at our Golden Anniversary! Chris Prusnek & Ginny Veselenak 7 th That was then-25 Ann. Party The following awards were presented at our 25 th Anniversary Party: First President & Founder Andy Baumgardner Special Recognition Bob Ruth Longest Continuing Membership Virg Tussey Longest Original Corvette Owner Gene Stenger Longest most-active members Tom & Chris Prusnek SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS: Most Offices Held Tom Prusnek – 12 Doug Metcalf – 12 Warren Obert – 10 Fred Kubiak - 10 Members Attending Dennis Litchenstine 1957 Ken Kavalchek 1958 Dave Masek 1961 Ed Hilkowski 1961 Eileen Timko 1962 Al & Carol Etzel 1962 Bernie Abrams 1962 Dave & Virg Ulmer 1962 Steve Johnston 1963 Editors – 25th Ann.Edition of Mako-Ray Elaine Obert & Roy Babiak 8 Newsletters 1957-1965 1966-March 1968 April 1968-May 1977 June 1977-Dec 1978 Jan 1979-Dec 1983 Jan 1984-Dec 1987 Jan 1988-April 1995 May 1995-Dec 1995 April 1999-Dec 2004 Jan 2005-Dec 2005 Jan 2006-present * 1997 – 7 th NCCC Newsletter Contest * 2003 – 3 rd NCCC Newsletter Contest 9 The Road to Today… The exact date of club formation is a matter of a little speculation.