the commander · is only two blocks long. cars were organized at the middle school parking lot. as...
TRANSCRIPT
The Commander Potomac Chapter
Studebaker Drivers Club
Volume 47 Issue 7
July-August 2015
Editor
Lynda Welsh
24121 Ridge Road
Germantown, MD 20876
301-253-3723
Web Master
Bob Johnstone
12161 Holly Knoll Circle
Great Falls, VA 22066
703-450-0754
Historian
Ed Lemanski
7875 Red Jacket Way
Jessup, MD 20794
301-776-9893
Membership
Nadine & Mike Farris
4313 Landgreen Street
Rockville, MD 20853
301-460-4341
ndfarris [email protected]
Secretary
Stephen Walter
7401 Westlake Terrace #1504
Bethesda, MD 20817 301-767-9416
Treasurer
Mike Farris
4313 Landgreen Street
Rockville, MD 20853
301-460-4341
david.farris @verizon.net
Vice President
Steve Geiger
2010 Kings Forest Trail
Mount Airy, MD 21771
301-829-5155
President
Karl Veit
3703 7th Street South
Arlington, VA 22204
703-979-4763
Activities Director
Paul and Karen Johnson
4166 Golf Course Road
Martinsburg, WV 25405
304-267-2911
Shepherdstown, West Virginia July 4th 2015
The small town of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, exhibits the spirit of America by having a parade on the
4th of July followed by a community picnic. Shepherdstown Rotarians sponsor the parade and any and all
participants are welcome. They have been particularly anxious to have antique vehicles join the parade. De-
Vores and Merhauts have answered the call in past years, but fo the previous two years Steve White was
invited to bring his gorgeous ’62 GT Hawk. Steve was so impressed that this year he sought more Studebak-
ers and also convinced parade officials to group the Studebakers together to participate as the Potomac
Chapter Studebaker Drivers Club. Five signed up, but early morning heavy rains and a very iffy forecast cut
the participants to three cars, Anne and Bob DeVore in their ’61 Hawk, Steve White with Shepherdstown
Rotarian and good friend Ken Mann in Steve’s ’62 Hawk, and Karen and me in our ’64 Avanti.
The parade probably qualifies as the shortest parade in America (but also the friendliest) as the parade route
is only two blocks long. Cars were organized at the middle school parking lot. As they were checked off and
given their parade numbers, the cars moved about two blocks and lined up by their numbers. We were sur-
prised to find a very nicely modified 2R pickup behind us just before we started. The driver of the pickup
was probably more surprised to see us as he was completely unaware there was a Studebaker club (and he
had owned his truck for 25 years).
When the parade started moving the cars traveled two more blocks, turned right on German Street and al-
most coasted down the two black parade route. We were all really amazed at the large and friendly crowds
along the route, especially considering the inclement weather. At the mid point of the parade an announcer
read the materials we had given them and adlibbed a bit as well. Two days after the parade I received a per-
sonal email from the Parade Director thanking us for participating and with complimentary remarks about
our Avanti. (Continued pg.7)
Note from Editor: It seems I got off track on the Issue Dates awhile back, to get things back on track the July and August Issues will
be combined.
2
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.
Steering Column
Karl Veit
Hope you and your Studebaker are enjoying the summer. Recently I received notification for some
nearby cruise ins (not just because I drive a Cruiser): t here are four near-to-DC Cruise-ins that
may be of interest this weekend; Friday Classic Motors ( located at 11605 Old Georgetown Road
North Bethesda, MD 20852, begins at 6:00 pm) , Saturday morning Bethesda Cars N Coffee, Satur-
day evening Jimmy Cone and Sunday morning Shady Grove. Now is the time to take advantage of
such events. They are easy to reach and great fun. They are also great opportunities to meet and greet
potential new members. If you go to one, try to remember to take a few membership applications! If you
want more such event info, go to the link: http://www.cruisein.us/
WEEKLY_BROADCAST.html. It wouldn ’t hurt to email Chuck McDonald a thank-you for
providing us the great info. Be prepared to talk up your Stude, since they always generate Q’s. (As
if we need a reason to talk Studes ;-) I just got my A/C repaired and am looking for a reason to use
it! Hope to see you at a Cruise-in. Whatever the reason, try to get on the road; we ARE
a “driver ’s” club. As Roy said, “Happy Trails to You.”
July Birthday’s
Edward Lemanski 7/1
Wayne Birkel 7/15
Mary Walter 7/18
Bob Wagner 7/19
Jack Grimm 7/21
Kaiser Braham 7/23
Bob Devore 7/26
August Birthday’s
Stephen Walter 8/2
Ann Devore 8/13
Steven C White 8/13
Dan Webber 8/15
Frank fuller 8/17
Darrell Carr 8/21
Beth Axelrod 8/21
Mary I Powere 8/23
George Hamlin 8/25
Paul Bjarnason 8/30
Potomac Chapter, SDC Activities 2015
Event Date Contact
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, Culpepper, Virginia weekend Sept 18 – 20 Shirley and Terry McDaniel
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
3
June 22 1954 - This Day in Automotive History - 6/22/1954: Packard and Studebaker merger agree-
ment signed
STUDE SPOTTER 1953 Red Studebaker Pick-up 2R
Page 69 of CAR CRAFT magazine dated September 2015 has 1/3rd of the page devoted to a letter
from Garry Mcfeeters concerning his red 1953 Studebaker 2R truck. Includes a color photo and the
caption "He has best last name of 2015". He is a professional hot rodder who professes that we
should listen to our club elders as they are the history of our hobby.
4
Wild, Wacky, and Wonderful Wagons on Power Tour 2015
http://www.hotrod.com/events/coverage/1506-wild-wacky-and-wonderful-
wagons-on-power-tour-2015/?
STUDE SPOTTER-HOT ROD 07/08/15 (Kev Elliott)
Junk yard Finds: Cadillac, Nash, Studebaker, and Hudson
http://www.hotrod.com/features/1505-junkyard-finds-cadillac-
nash-studebaker-and-hudson/?
sm_id=social_aumohotrodsshub_default_20150710_48936926&a
dbid=10152869165592540&adbpl=fb&adbpr=13601527539#photo-
01
Rodney Bullock and his 1961 Hawk
STUDE SPOTTER Page 11 Old Cars Weekkly July 23, 2015
July 14 1986 - On this date in automotive history:
"Raymond Loewy, the hugely influential industrial designer who put his mark on the American au-
tomobile industry with groundbreaking vehicles such as the Studebaker Champion, Starliner and
Avanti, dies on this day in 1986 at his home in Monte Carlo at the age of 92.
5
TECH TIP by Ed Lemanski
HISTORIAN CORNER By Ed Lemanski
RUSTY BOLT REMOVAL
Us DIYer's have many tried and true methods
to free/remove stubborn rusty bolts. I've been
told to use Coke or Pepsi and wait. Kerosene
works too, but you may have to wait over-
night. General purpose lubricants are safer for
the environment but waiting for them takes long
too. So penetrating oil seems to be the best bet
to achieve results. Why?
Penetrating oils contain one or more solvents
designed to dissolve rust. They also have lubri-
cants to reduce friction. Moreover, they contain
surface tension reducers to achieve deep pene-
tration into the rust. All of these chemical ingre-
dients work together to free a rusted bolt in as
little as 15 minutes. Ask your auto shop to rec-
ommend a good penetrating oil as that is your
best bet for results.
Enjoy those Studebakers.
Michigan show. Not vouching for anything in
the area of authenticity; just kind of interesting. All Studebaker afficionados should rent the "Jersey
Boys" DVD or watch it on a cable channel. As most of
you know "Jersey Boys" tells the story of Frankie Valli
and the Four Seasons as they rise from their humble be-
ginnings through their many hits until they are inducted
into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Our readers can get
a nice preview at . Jersey Boys – Official Movie Site –
Trailer, Film Synopsis and see an overloaded bullet nose
Studebaker sail through a store window. You can enjoy
the rest of the movie and at the final credits see the Four
Seasons start their last song in front of another beautiful
Studebaker.
REMEMBERING TORREY KIRBY AND HIS
DIESEL LARK
September 2013 - This is the most recent pho-
to that I have of Torrey Kirby and his Stu-
debaker Lark (a '63 two-door, with automatic
transmission and a four-cylinder 64 hp Per-
kins diesel). The photo was taken at the Poto-
mac Chapter spring picnic at the agricultural
center. While the group chows down, he gives
an interested party the low-down. Torrey ad-
vises his Lark admirers that his is one of six
two-door sedans built, there also were 10 sta-
tion wagons and an unknown number of taxis
built. Of trivia note, they were all assigned six
-cylinder body serial numbers.
6
Orphan Car Tour for 2016 By Steve White
As you read in last month’s Commander the 2015 Orphan Car Tour, “The Howard County
Haycation,” was a success. My daughter, Allison, and I had a great time and saw some amazing
classic cars, mechanical equipment and alpacas at stops on a fun trip coordinated by the DeSoto
Owners Club of Maryland. I’ve volunteered to be the Potomac Chapter SDC representative for the
2016 tour.
Unfortunately, there is a question of whether there will be a 2016 tour. Jon Battle, the Tour’s long-
time publicity coordinator, has asked the participating club representatives to start thinking about
next year’s tour. The main objective is to lay out a tour and the rest of the club representatives can
contribute with publicity, route planning tips, keepsake photographs, meal planning, day-of-tour
assistance, and other matters so that the planners don’t get burdened with planning for the whole
event.
Jon writes that “[t]he three major tasks of the Tourmaster have traditionally been:
Find a scenic, rural area with scenic, slow-speed roads, and lay out a tour route of between 30-60
miles.
Locate alternative dining facilities at the route’s end (restaurants, fire halls, public hall with ca-
terer, etc.)
Discover three or more ‘attractions’ along the route where participants could pause and visit a
collection (or any type), historic building, museum, park or other place of interest.”
Jon said that one club’s previous-year route was used as a basis for one of the orphan car tours and
it was a success.
The question for us now is does our club want do the planning for the 2016 tour. I vote yes and I
will be happy to coordinate it from our end.
Here are two photos for your consideration. It was Studebakers on Parade as the DeVores, John-
sons and the Whites had their cars in the July 4, 2015, Shepherdstown Community Parade. The first
picture is of our Studebakers at the ready and the second is of Steve, Bob and Paul just before the
parade started.
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From Rodney Bullock regarding the 2015 Sully
Plantation Car Show- "I was very disappointed Sunday at the Sully car show. Because my lower garage has a grass entrance I was
forced to drive my 1941 Studebaker champion 4 dr. after prepping the car for 2 hours I arrived at the show
to find there was no place to park my Studebaker. The waiting caused mycar to vapor lock, It took a couple
minutes to restart it after which I founda fat cat sitting in a 1959 Caddy with his buddies in the Studebaker
area. I preregister for this show because I know I am coming so I was a little ticked off. My Packard friends
also did not have any space as well. There are a lot of folks that look forward to seeing me and they did not
know where I was, after 2 hours the wife and I left the show. There were enough spaces to park 2 Studebak-
ers. I made my concerns known at the green white tent and I hope they did not fall on deaf ears.
Just wanted the club to know.
Rodney"
Small world! While we were waiting at the staging area a group of electric cars including two Teslas, a road-
ster and a sedan, pulled in to the staging area. The Tesla roadster driver, Kurt, immediately came over to us
in the Avanti and told us how much he loved Avantis. He related that his grandfather had one from new and
that it was in grandpa’s will that he was to receive the car when grandfather passed on. However, grandpa
had to go in to a nursing home and grandma sold the Avanti to help with expenses much to Kurt’s dismay.
8
Potomac Chapter Studebaker Drivers Club
2015 Fall Tour
Culpeper, Virginia
Approximately 90 miles from Martinsburg
Dates: September 18, 19, 20 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday-3 days & 2 nights).
Departure 9:30 a.m. –Leaving from McDaniel residence, at 580 Welltown School
Road, Martinsburg, WV, 181 Exit 14, west on Dry Run Road and right onto
Welltown School Road.
Option: for those not coming to Martinsburg, the caravan may be joined at the strip
mall off US 340 just south of the exit from I-66 just north of Front royal, VA
(exact time and address to be announced prior to the tour).
AT CULPEPPER
Room & Cost: Best Western Culpeper Inn-10 rooms have been reserved on the first
floor; 2 queen beds, high speed internet, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker,
iron and ironing board; Breakfast included-$107.99 per night; check in time –
4:00 p.m. Additional rooms may be added if necessary.
Registration: Please call Terry at 1-304-263-3915 or 304-671-6704 (cell) or email to
[email protected] by August 10 confirm your reservation for the
tour. Terry has made a group reservation and the motel prefers that individual
room reservations not be made directly to avoid confusion. Credit cards will be
charged upon arrival.
In Culpeper: Upon arrival, we will go to the visitor’s center and commence our sightseeing at
the Museum of Culpeper History. There is a $4.00 charge.
Lunch: At “It’s About Thyme Restaurant”, reservations will be made ahead
of time.
Shopping: At the quaint specialty shops on Davis Street in historic downtown
Culpeper.
Lodging: Travel to Best Western to check in.
Dinner: Peppers Grill & Bar adjacent to the Motel which offers live
entertainment on Friday evenings at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: Breakfast: Hot buffet Included in registration fee
Activities: Itineraries with designated times for activities will be included
in your individual trip bags. Some sites to be included are:
Griffiti House-converted into a hospital after the Battle of Brandy
Station in March of 1863. Wounded Union and Confederate
Soldiers, using charcoal, wrote and drew on the walls of the
building. The graffiti was discovered in 1993 during renovation
work.
Belmont Farm Distillery-a privately owned legal moon shining still
with $5.00 tasting fees of up to three signature products.
Burgandine House-Culpepr’s first house
Lunch: To be announced
National Capital Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force
Museum (WWII Aviation-aircraft maintained in flying condition)
The State Theatre– just recently completed a $9,000,000 restoration
and reopened with state of the art entertainment venue that
includes national touring artist and musicians, local and regional
talent, film/ cinema with classic 35 mm as well as highly anticipated
film festivals. September performances to be announced prior to the
tour.
Sunday: Check out:12:00 p.m. Departure on own or caravan.
Questions: Call 304-671-6704 (cell) or 304-263-3915 [email protected]
9
10
YOU MUST BE A MEMBER OF NATIONAL SDC IN ORDER TO JOIN ANY SDC CHAPTER
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
SDC International National Membership #
This is a NEW Application Renewal/Update
Name: Spouse: Address: Phone: City/ST/ZIP: Cell: E-Mail: Birthday: Month Day Spouse: Month Day I own the following Studebakers (including Rockne, Erskine, EMF, Avanti) Year Make Model Body Style
I am joining SDC International at this time-Upon receipt of your national membership #, Please send information to the address to email above.
The Commander 24121 Ridge Road
Germantown, MD 20876
FIRST CLASS MAIL
We invented Cool!!
Potomac Chapter SDC web site:
http://potomacsdc.org
July–August 2015
DON’T MISS FALL TOUR INFORMATION ON PAGE 8 & 9
“What good is the warmth of summer, without
the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”
John Steinbeck
“it’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it’s a sip of wine …
Kenny Chesney
“Summertime is always the best of what
might be.” ― Charles Bowden
“Why is summer mist romantic and autumn
mist just sad?” ― Dodie Smith
“Summer’s lease hath all too short a date.”
― William Shakespeare
“One benefit of Summer was that each
day we had more light to read by.” ―
Jeannette Walls
“The end-of-summer winds make
people restless.” Sebastian Faulks
If you don’t do anything stupid when
you’re young, you won’t remember
something funny when you’re old...