Belltown Antique Car Club - P.O. Box 211, East Hampton, CT 06424 Dec. 2019 - Jan. 2020

NEXT MEETING

Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at the East Hampton Library at 7:30 p.m.

On the Agenda: - 2020 officers presiding

- Amendments to By-Laws in accordance with IRS 501(c)(3) application

- Update on April Antique Engine & Tractor Show plans

- Suggestions for club tours and activities for 2020

- Membership renewal status

FUEL FOR THOUGHT

The dashboard of the modern car isn’t really a dashboard at all, not in the classic sense. It has evolved

into what is more aptly described as a command module, combining driving

controls, real-time monitoring readouts and personalized climate settings, with

entertainment and connectivity features, many with touch controls, that were

simply unimaginable 100 years ago. In his 1955 book, Henry’s Wonderful

Model T, 1908-1927 (McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc.), Floyd Clymer

wrote that for 1920, “...[Model T bodies] remained unchanged from the 1917

style, except that only the Sedan was fitted with a dashboard. … The dash-

board (Sedan only) sported an ammeter and a combination light and ignition

switch mounted in an escutcheon plate. Stewart speedometers, when added,

appeared on the lower right edge of the dashboard.” Indeed, a speedometer and a dashboard-mounted

gas gauge did not become standard Ford fare until the brand new Model A debuted for 1928.

CLUB NOTES

Our Annual Meeting was held November 6th. Attendance continued to be strong, as it was throughout 2019.

Polly Beckwith confirmed the arrangements for our holiday party, to be held Sunday, Dec. 15th at St. Joseph’s parish hall on Rte. 154 in Chester. Invitations with RSVP’s and menu choices will be sent to all members right after Thanksgiving. Advance reservations are required. The price has been set at $28 per person. As usual, everyone who attends will get a fun gift as part of the festivities. A gift budget was approved at the meeting.

A change in membership dues was approved. Effective with renewals and new memberships received on March 1, 2020 the dues for a primary member opting to receive a printed newsletter by mail will increase to $20 per year. Dues for members who take the newsletter via email will remain at $15 per year. Associate memberships will remain at $1 each. Those who renew (or join) prior to the end of February will owe $15 for the year, regardless of newsletter delivery.

The election of BACC officers for 2020 was held. Alan Carlson, Bruce Johnston and Cliff Baker were re-elected as BACC president, secretary, and treasurer respectively. Mark Aldieri stepped down as vice president and Mark Hoydilla was elected to replace him. All four of the officers for 2020 will also serve on BACC’s board of directors. Dan David was re-elected to a second two-year term on the board of directors as one of the two members-at-large on the board, alongside Bob Sutton who enters the second year of his two-year term. Rounding out the board, Jon Grant continues as the ex-officio member, having the distinction of being the most recent past president.

Alan Carlson thanked Mark Aldieri for taking over event publicity and Betty Lichota for assuming responsibility for the Club’s Facebook page, expressing our appreciation to Dan David and Jes Grant for doing those jobs previously.

CLUB NOTES, continued from p. 1

Cliff Baker reported that he benchmarked BACC’s insurance cost versus that offered by two well-known insurers in the antique car hobby and found that our current costs are not out of line. He also mentioned that the IRS is not likely to grant our tax-exempt 501(c)(7) application, however, they will offer us another available option.

Member George Birner has moved back to Vermont due to declining health and is now at the Veterans Nursing Home in Bennington. Tom Cote has returned to his home after a hospital stay and rehab and is reportedly doing well.

New member David Degregorio expressed his concern that we need to get more young people involved in the old car hobby. He volunteered to make an initial visit to Vinal Technical High School to try to spark some interest. He offered other ideas that merit consideration as we enter the new year.

Charles Hnilicka was the evening’s guest speaker, beginning by recognizing BACC for its growth and accomplishments. He implored us to use our accumulated wisdom. He stated that he was not a founding member but he joined early on and has enjoyed it all along. Charley was brought up on a farm, learning to drive a Model A as a young boy. At age 12 he attempted to rebuild the engine of a Model T he had been playing around with and his mother made him take it out of the kitchen and do the work on the porch instead. Eventually he got it running and parlayed his interest in cars to work-ing in a garage. This lead to a job at Williams Chevrolet where he went from the service dept. to sales. Later on he qualified to be a motor vehicle inspector for the DMV and had the opportunity to volunteer as a safety inspector at race tracks. He still owns a 1928 Chevrolet National cabriolet that he bought 57 years ago and recently got it running again. He also has a 1957 Chevrolet Nomad that he has driven 40,000 miles since buying it two decades ago, travelling as far south as South Carolina and north to Nova Scotia with it. While Charley has enjoyed his cars he says his age is forcing him to seriously think about how much longer he can deal with them.

News since the Annual Meeting -

A tour of the historic Springfield Armory was held on Saturday, November 16th, organized by the CCR-AACA. About 20 members from that club plus BACC and the Valley Collector Car Club braved the November chill. Among them were the Lichotas, who reported that in 1794 the new U.S. government wanted a place to manufacture firearms rather than be dependent on those from Europe. President George Washington chose the Springfield site as the ideal location for the country’s northern arsenal. Harper’s Ferry, Virginia was selected as the southern arsenal. Weapons production began in 1795 with flintlock muskets and continued all the way up to the introduction of the M14 rifle in 1957. The Springfield Armory was closed in 1968 after the government decided to use private suppliers. The main building, which houses the museum, became a National Historic Site in 1974. On display is the world’s largest collection of military firearms as well as a variety of important antique industrial machinery. Many thanks to tour guide Paul Bosco!

The Club’s annual holiday party, held on Sunday, December 15th was a great success. According to Polly Beckwith, who organized the event, bought and wrapped the gifts, and played the part of Mrs. Claus at the party, 70 tickets were sold this year. Many thanks to Polly as well as the caterer, Farrell’s Restaurant of Portland. Among those who attended were our newest members, Rollin and Shari Karoll, and David and Suzanne Degregorio, as well as one of the original members of the Club, Ron Hodge, who brought along a wealth of memorabilia from his earlier days involved in BACC. Ron credits Richard Beckwith for inviting him to join the newly formed club back in the mid-60’s. Ron reports that he no longer owns an old car, having felt that the time had come to part with his 1969 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham.

At the conclusion of the meal, BACC president Alan Carlson announced this year’s honorees and presented the awards.

• Ray Lichota took home the John Marinelli Award for Enhancing the Overall Enjoyment of the Old Car Hobby, for his persistence in getting car clubs to work together for their mutual benefit and, in particular, for being pro-active in inviting and involving BACC in interesting tours initiated by the Central Conn. Region-AACA throughout 2019.

• Polly Beckwith received the Bill Perry Award for Outstanding Service to BACC, in recognition of the many things she does throughout the year that make membership in BACC enjoyable. From providing the refreshments at our meetings for many years, to organizing the annual holiday party, and, more recently, for taking on hosting our late summer picnic, we have counted on Polly to get the job done.

• Steve Rossi was honored with the Henry Burr Award for Outstanding Club and Community Service, for assuming the announcer duties at our annual Vintage Motorcar Meet three years ago and using that opportunity to enhance the unique character of our event. Steve’s wide-ranging and enlightening commentary on the antique cars as they arrive and leave the field is appreciated by participants and spectators alike.

Congratulations to this year’s award recipients!

P. 2 of 8 The Belltown Bulletin Dec. 2019 - Jan. 2020

P. 3 of 8 The Belltown Bulletin Dec. 2019 - Jan. 2020

MEMBER MILESTONES

Happy Birthday to: Peter Christianson Jan. 1st Alan Miller Jan. 19th

Sean Grant Jan. 11th (30) Kathy Miller Jan. 19th (75)

Raymond Willis Jan. 12th Stan Mirecki Jan. 20th

Nancy Shaw Jan. 14th Garrett Grant Jan. 26th

Mike Somma Jan. 16th Jim Mulconry Jan. 26th (55)

Happy Anniversary to: Raymond & Sally Willis Jan. 11th

Society News: Phil Hamilton and associate member Debby King, who reside in Deep River, have announced their engagement on social media. Our sincerest best wishes go out to Phil and Debby!

Making a Full Recovery: Steve Rossi of East Haddam plans to return to work in early January following a successful “valve job” in mid-November. Steve recently learned that he had been living with a heart defect since birth. Although he felt fine, he was advised to have the affected aortic valve replaced sooner rather than later, given the serious nature of the surgical procedure.

After a successful operation to replace a worn out knee cap, Alan Carlson was back on his feet and walking (with the help of a cane) in time to emcee the BACC holiday party.

Thanks to the Central Conn. Region - AACA for organizing this popular tour of the Gudmundsons’ private collection of historically significant vehicles in West Stockbridge, Mass. Around 23 Belltown members and guests made the trip.

[Photo credit: Dan David]

Club Tour of Gunnar Gudmundson’s Garage on Sunday, October 27

Left: A 1901 Columbia

Mk VIII gasoline runabout

manufactured in Hartford,

Conn.

Above: Gunnar shared his

insights into the history

and technical features of

several of his vehicles.

Thanks, Gunnar, for your

passion and hospitality!

P. 4 of 8 The Belltown Bulletin Dec. 2019 - Jan. 2020

THE “STRAIGHT SIX”

The Bulletin asked members at our holiday party, “What did you learn about old cars or the old car hobby in 2019?”

1 - Shari Karoll: “Our cars are just not old enough to be shown at Belltown!” Added husband Rollin, “We met a lot of really nice people in the Belltown Car Club. Joining was easy and we’ve felt very welcome.”

2 - Bill Nitschke: “Sourcing parts through your car club friends works. Put the word out there rather than trying eBay first. Amazing.” [Bill cited an example involving his fellow Ford Model A marque club members.]

3 - John Hoban: “I had never heard of an Owen Magnetic or seen an antique car with an electromagnetic transmission until we visited Gunnar Gudmundson’s collection in West Stockbridge.”

4 - Diane Baker: “I really had no idea that there were that many makes and models. I had NO eye-DEE-uh!”

5 - Don Liepelt: “Persistence pays off. I got the Pope [Tribune, 1904] after six years of trying to buy it. Bartering still works, too. The fellow that shows a supercharged Graham at Belltown also owns a ’31 Graham and he’d like me to work on the engine in that one. It turns out he is a skilled wood body man and, in return, he said that he could make me a body for the Pope. I like that!”

6 - Phil LaRose: “I learned that I’m tired of working on the damn things! I’m getting too old for this...been doing it too long.” [Said with a grin.]

BACC Holiday Party, December 15

[Photo credits: Dan David, all, except

lower left, Betty Lichota]

For more holiday party photos by Betty

Lichota, visit BACC’s Facebook page.

P. 5 of 8 The Belltown Bulletin Dec. 2019 - Jan. 2020

UPCOMING EVENTS (Club participation events in bold)

Sunday, Jan. 4 - Indoor Antique Auto Flea Market at Powder Mill Barn, 32 S. Maple St., Enfield, Conn., 7 a.m. - 11

a.m., second one of the season (held on the first Sunday of the month, Dec. to March). Donation $2.00. Sponsored by

the Conn. Valley Working A’s. Questions, call Jack Moccio, 413-237-4141 or Don Passardi, 860-684-2675.

Wednesday, Jan. 8 - Next BACC monthly meeting at the East Hampton Library, 7:30 p.m.; first meeting of 2020.

Fri. - Sun., Jan. 17-19 - Carlisle Events presents “Auto Mania,” an indoor flea market at Allentown Fairgrounds, 302 N.

17th St., Allentown, Penn., $10/day. Info: https://www.carlisleevents.com/events/events-detail/index?id=auto+mania.

Saturday, Jan. 18 - Join CCR-AACA and other clubs at 10 a.m. for a tour of The Paddock, a classic car restoration shop

& showroom, 285 Columbus Blvd., New Britain, Conn., www.thepaddockcars.com. Questions, call our Ray Lichota.

Sat. - Sun., Jan. 18-19 - “Auto Parts Swap ’n Sell,” Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center Bldg., 1305 Memori-

al Ave., West Springfield, Mass., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., adm. $12 per day. Held in any weather; visit www.apswapnsell.com.

Sunday, Feb. 2 - Indoor Antique Auto Flea Market at Powder Mill Barn, 32 S. Maple St., Enfield, Conn., 7 a.m. - 11

a.m., third one of the season. Questions, call CVWA’s Jack Moccio, 413-237-4141 or Don Passardi, 860-684-2675.

Wednesday, Feb. 5 - BACC monthly meeting at the East Hampton Library, beginning with a pot luck supper at 6:30

p.m. Business meeting starts at 7:30.

Saturday, Feb. 15 - 17th Annual “Northeast Gas Bash” petroliana meet (no reproductions), American Legion Post 127,

630 Grassy Hill Rd, (Rte. 121), Orange, Conn., 7 .am. to 1 p.m., snow or shine. Adm. $5, vendor spaces $60 each (space

limited, apply early). Call Bob Harrington, 203-494-0566 or email rharrington32@yahoo.com. Listed on the events

page of the petroliana-related web site, www.oldgas.com.

MAIL BOX

Stimulating More Hershey Memories

I really enjoyed Cliff Baker's report on his 1st time at Hershey [The Belltown Bulletin, Nov., 2019]. It reminded me of my first time many years ago. I still maintain a regular spot in the Car Corral, which is really great for viewing the Saturday morning Parade of Beautiful "Hopefuls" heading across the road to the Show Field in quest of national recognition from the judges. There's always room for a few more chairs on our little green hillside above the corner Gate where everyone passes thru. Cliff, you just bare-ly scratched the surface of what goes on during those 3-4 days, and there's easier ways to take in the vendors without walking miles day in and day out. If you ever go again, I'll be happy to share a visit with you on our little green hillside! - Ray Mastronunzio, New London [BACC member]

Springfield Armory Tour on November 16

[Photo credit: Ray &

Betty Lichota]

Thanks to the CCR

-AAC organizers!

P. 6 of 8 The Belltown Bulletin Dec. 2019 - Jan. 2020

TAKING STOCK

Unmuffled Exhaust from the Editor

New Year’s resolutions are apt to be hastily considered and quickly forgotten. I prefer to make a list of ten goals for the coming year and post it on the shelf above my computer screen, making it easy to periodically review it. In any given year I might actually achieve five or six of my goals, or at least be able to say I made good progress. For me, the im-portant thing is knowing what my goals are. A few might appear on these annual lists in multiple years because they require something to become habit or they are important to me, but, I just haven’t had the time to get to them.

Ah, time. It is often said that time is the one thing each of has that is finite. Which is why wasting it is such a shame. At least when you waste money you might get more of it. You cannot make time, or, borrow some and pay it back later.

And that brings me to taking stock. When I was a kid, mom and dad were in the food business and owned a small store. It was a family ritual every New Year’s Day to take an inventory of the stock on hand. It wasn’t something my parents necessarily wanted us to spend holiday time on, however, their accountant said it was necessary. My takeaway is that, whether we make resolutions or set goals for the future, an important first step is taking stock of the present.

How much stuff do I/we have? What has real value to us? What do we need or want to keep? If we have multiples of “X”, can we make do with one? Is there something we would rather have if we had the space and the available funds? Looking ahead, as car guys, how much time do we realistically need to restore, drive, show, and maintain everything we already have? What will it take to thin the herd? Where will it all eventually end up when our time runs out?

Taking stock can give each of us a lot to think about, whether or not we do it on the first day of the year... as long as we set aside some time to get it done before it’s too late.

Happy New Year!

CONNECTICUT AUTOMOBILIA

Submitted by Steven Rossi

Benny’s Home & Auto Stores were once familiar to motorists and do-it-yourselfers throughout Southern New England. Founded in 1924 in Providence, R. I. by a Russian immigrant named Benjamin Bromberg, Benny’s was the place to go for everything “everyday automotive” from replacement wiper blades to Marvel Mystery Oil, and more.

Benny’s remained a Bromberg family company throughout its near century of operation. Sadly, all 31 of its stores were closed and the family wound down operations in 2017, citing a changing retail landscape and the current generation owners’ desire to retire. Many of us fondly remember and miss dropping by our local Benny’s!

.

In the photo at left, a Benny’s store is hosting a grand open-ing sale in 1961.

BELLTOWN CLASSIFIEDS

Send your sell/wanted ads for cars, parts and hobby-related services to dan12david@yahoo.com

For Sale – Model T-era Glenwood oak icebox, complete including shelves and intact nickel- plated hardware. Could use stripping and refinishing or enjoy the patina as it is. A good place to keep old car memorabilia or vintage spirits. $175 or best offer.

Contact Dan David, 860-526-3189 or at dan12david@yahoo.com [BACC member]

Wanted – I am interested in buying any of the 8 types of Model A Ford jacks used 1928-1931.

Call Bill Nitschke, 914-323-8958 (cell), or email him at williamjnitschke@gmail.com. [BACC member]

WHO, WHAT, WHERE OR WHEN

Challenge your automotive history IQ

Studebaker Corporation built automobiles and trucks at a sprawling industrial complex in South Bend, Ind. from 1920 to 1964. Name three car brands other than Studebaker that were also produced there within that time frame.

[Look for the answer in the February issue.]

NEXT ISSUE

The next Belltown Bulletin is the February, 2020 issue. The copy and classified ad deadline is Thursday, Jan. 23. Monday, the 27th is the planned printing date. E-delivery is scheduled to take on or before Jan. 30.

Your content suggestions, comments, classified ads and other contributions are most welcome. Send them to the editor at dan12david@yahoo.com (or call 860-526-3189). Don’t be shy.

BELLTOWN ANTIQUE CAR CLUB - 2020 OFFICERS

President - Alan Carlson Elected Directors* - Bob Sutton & Dan David

Vice President - Mark Hoydilla Sunshine Chairperson - Polly Beckwith (860-345-4256)

Secretary - Bruce Johnston Newsletter Editor - Dan David (dan12david@yahoo.com, 860-526-3189)

Treasurer - Cliff Baker Editor Emeritus - Bob Hellstrom

*) The BACC Board of Directors is comprised of the four current officers plus the previous president (Jon Grant) and two elected from the membership-at-large

Club web site - www.belltownantiquecarclub.org [webmaster: Ralph Phil, mail@rjphil.com]

Club e-mail address - belltowncarclub@gmail.com

Club mailing address - BACC, P.O. Box 211, East Hampton, CT 06424

Facebook - www.facebook.com/BACC-Belltown-Antique-Car-Club-116729245345421/

P. 7 of 8 The Belltown Bulletin Dec. 2019 - Jan. 2020

Disclaimers and Words to the Wise: The opinions expressed by the authors of the content of this newsletter are theirs and are not intended

to represent a position taken by the Belltown Antique Car Club or its officers. Reproduction of this newsletter in whole or in part is subject

to prior approval by the editor. Information presented herein is for the edification and entertainment of antique automobile enthusiasts who

should use their experience, prudence and good judgment in applying it. Product mentions should not be interpreted as endorsements.

HOBBY HEADLINES & HISTORY

Another “Merger of Equals” - Thirteen years after Chrysler split from Daimler they are about to get married all over again, this time as part of their post-bankruptcy reincarnation as FiatChrysler. FCA and PSA, based in France, have announced a mega-merger deal that is soon to be concluded. Best of luck to all of the storied brands affected: Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Lancia, Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel and Vauxhall. No cuts are expected, but, we have heard that said before.

The 2020 auction season is set for its big kick-off in Scottsdale - Sold it! Sold it! (Ouch!)

By the Way...

Don Liepelt told a story at our March, 2019 business meeting about his favorite car, a Muntz Jet that he has owned a long time and never gotten around to restoring. Later Don suggested to Alan Carlson that we make such an informal member presentation a part of every Club meeting. Given the subsequent success of that idea, Alan thanked Don at the holiday party by presenting him with a framed picture of a Muntz Jet.

Don Brookes, who was also at the holiday party, mused to your editor that he isn’t sure about the status of the weekly cruise nights he has been running under the Misfit Cruisers banner. The property owner in Tylerville has not yet committed to letting Misfits use the parking lot in 2020. Moreover, Don doesn’t have the help he used to have and would appreciate having another volunteer or two to keep it going. OK, Belltowners, who wants to get involved and keep this beloved Tuesday evening tradition alive? Give Don a call!

REMINDER: It’s Membership Renewal Time! Mail your form and dues check to BACC by the

end of January, if possible, or see the Club treasurer at the January or February monthly meeting. A

renewal form was sent out with the November newsletter. The form can also be downloaded from the club

web site or picked up from the front desk at our monthly meetings. Beat the price increase effective from

March 1, 2020 (applies only to members who want their newsletters delivered by the Postal Service).

E-Delivery Bonus*

Three bonus pages have been added to this month’s issue for members who get their newsletter delivered by email. On these three pages you will read an article written by our William Nitschke that was published in the July/August, 1989 issue of the AACA’s magazine, Antique Automobile. Bill tells a story about his grand-father, Billy Giblin, who raced Loziers early in the 20th century and later became involved in a sport called auto polo. At our September meeting, Bill talked about his grandfather’s work in the automobile business after his racing career wound down. Enjoy!

*) The E-Delivery Bonus is a feature not found in the printed version of this newsletter

that is distributed via the USPS.

Note: All links in the electronic version are “clickable” as long as your browser is open.