Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Tinkering Times Volume 56, Number 8 www.antiqueautomushersak.org August 3, 2016 Hope Long-Running Tradition For AAMA Hope, Alaska, July 15-18: the simultaneous celebration of Hope s Wagon Trail Days and the Hope Weekend for the Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska. It s a long-standing tradition, for both the little historic 120-year-old gold-mining town and the 54-year-old antique auto club. It happens the third weekend of July. The Wagon Trail Days festival has been going since 1988. We are still researching, but we think AAMA began attending sometime shortly afterwards. Through the years, the focus of the Reminder! The Jay Ofsthun Show and Shine is this Sunday, August 7 at the Park Strip in Anchorage. Try to come before 8:30 so we can set up together. Cresap At the Hope Weekend, Princess Sophie Christensen (granddaughter of Tom and Marcy Cresap and daughter of Anton and Christy Christensen) rides on Barb and Dick Henningsen s 1956 Ford Thunderbird as they leave for one of the many traditional parades that happened during the weekend. AAMA activities has changed. In the early days somewhere around 1988 or 1989, Wiedmer We are very proud of Elizabeth Wiedmer, mother of member, Mike Wiedmer, who came in First Place in the 5-K Race in her age group. when Len and Marguerite Grau introduced our club to the joys of peaceful little Hope we went sans antique cars. Mystery games occupied rainy days, and exploring the area by ATV, gold panning and fishing took up the rest of the time. In those early years, the club camped out at the Methodist Retreat House, as we still do. The 5-K race is a draw for runners from around the state, and some of our members join in the competition. Between the race and the general run of tourists, the town s population explodes from the 192 year-round citizens to an estimated 1,000 or more. Motor homes, campers and tents pop up everywhere, and the Antique Auto Mushers have learned to expanded the weekend to four days to escape the Seward Highway traffic while getting in and out of town. We take our antique cars and do sporadic parades. These consist of drives through the three blocks of town to wave at the tourists and fishermen, then up to Porcupine Camp ground to drive and wave some more. (See p. 7, Hope ) August Meeting The August rolling meeting will begin at Day Break Center in Anchorage at 6:30 PM. Following a short meeting, we will go on a driveabout led by Ted and Colleen Kimzey. We want to thank Rich and Linda Golding for leading the way last month to some of the best burgers in Alaska at the Arctic Road Runner.
2 Tinkering Times August 3, 2016 0.21 Running Board Reflections President Brian stands next to his Jeep CJ as Mike Wiedmer, Howard Hansen, two of Howard s great-grandsons, Elizabeth Wiedmer (Mike s mom) and Tom Cresap relax with Mike s 1949 Ford at the upper end of the Palmer Creek road, several miles beyond the Coeur d Alane campground. This was a side trip from Hope weekend activities. Our condolences go out to the family of AAMA member Larry Yates, who passed away on July 14 after a short illness. Larry s obituary mentioned his love of old cars and how he enjoyed participating in AAMA activities. It was particularly fitting, then, that a good number of folks from AAMA and the Alaskan A s Ford Model A club came together July 20 th for a special Wednesday drive-around in Larry s honor. Thanks much to Jim Fredenhagen for organizing the tribute. Diane and Dennis Allen organized yet another great Hope Weekend last month. This time, the participants were met with unseasonably warm and dry weather (and a healthy insect population), but there was no shortage of good food, friends, and fun activities. Highlighting the weekend were podium finishes in the 5K run by Elizabeth Weidmer, Howard Hansen, and Dennis, in their respective age groups. Lately, I ve been thinking a lot about tires, particularly about when to replace tires due to their age. At our July business meeting, we discussed a tread separation incident involving the Golding s Buick Roadmaster, and whether that failure occurred due to a defect in manufacturing, the age of the tires, or both. The very next day, I was towing my Hudson Commodore to the shop when the left rear tire on my tandem axle trailer came apart on the Seward Highway, Will Lord during rush hour no less. I had checked the tire pressures just before departing, and an examination of the tire afterward showed no indication of a road hazard cause. I couldn t find the purchase receipt, but I think the tires were around ten years old. At any rate, I replaced them all, and took the opportunity to service the bearings and brakes. The Tire Safety Group and some manufactures recommend replacing tires as soon as every six years, regardless of wear. This is due to a normal breakdown (oxidation) of the rubber compounds, causing a tire to lose its flexibility. Considering the low miles many of our antiques receive, and the cost of purchasing new tires, it s tough to consider replacing them that often. But there s no question how important good tires are on the car or trailer, and we should be as mindful of their age as we are of inflation and alignment. Our safety, and that of others on the road, demands it. There are still lots of great activities for AAMA members ahead this summer. August activities begin with the Jay Ofsthun Memorial Show-and-Shine, and culminate with the Alaska State Fair parade and car show. In between are some car shows, the August rolling meeting, and the Wednesday drive arounds. So come on out and enjoy this last great month of summer. Brian 2016 Officers President: Brian Anderson 345-9244 Vice President: Gwyn Wiedmer 243-7005 Secretary: Pam Tanora 868-1575 Treasurer: Donn Reese 245-7203 Sergeant at Arms: Milt Tanora Members at Large Dennis Allen 345-6355 Howard Hansen 345-1268 Scott Hulse 240-4028 Past Presidents (10 years) Brian Anderson (2015) Mike Wiedmer (2013-14) Howard Hansen (2012) Donn Reese (2009 2011) Jeff Hassler/Donn Reese (2008) Jim Fredenhagen (2006-2007) Fred Schurman (2005) Tinkering Times Staff Editor: Tom Cresap Proofing, scheduling and keeping the old man in line: Marcy Cresap Send correspondence to: Tinkering Times Tom Cresap, Editor P.O. Box 770703 Eagle River AK 99577 or email: tmcresap@mtaonline.net The Tinkering Times is published monthly by Alaska s premier classic and antique automobile club, Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska, P.O. Box 232086, Anchorage AK 99523-2086. Opinions expressed by authors of Tinkering Times including references about how wonderful we are are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of the Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska or any facsimile of reality, for that matter.
August 3, 2016 One Man s Treasures Our ads are intended for members and others who wish to sell cars and related items. There is no charge, and the ad will run for three consecutive issues before being removed. To pull an ad, extend it or to place a new ad, contact Tom 694-7510. Secured EnclosedStorage West Downtown Anchorage location 9 x18 x7-1/2 high space $125/month for single 2 spaces $225 Dave Syren, 440-2982 ZDDP available now from Scott. See him at the meeting or call 349-8106 (home) or 240-4028 (cel). For sale: 2001 Toyota Corolla sedan; 130,000 miles; excellent condition; rear seat folds down to extend trunk space. $4,250 Includes 2-years registration and 4 mounted studded tires. Kurt: 344-5554. Tinkering Times 3 Schedule of Events August 6 4-9 PM Anchorage Pre-Show-n-Shine carshow, McDonalds at Dimond/Jewel Lake (Jim Fredenhagen, 351-3115) August 7 8-4 PM Anchorage Jay Ofsthun Show-n-Shine, downtown Park Strip. Enter on P St. (Jim Fredenhagen, 351-3115) August 10 6:30 Rolling Meeting at Day Break Center (Kimzeys) August 13 8 AM Soldotna, Barb Dilley family Rib Feast, leave Carrs Huffman at 8 AM, lunch and carshow at Barb Dilleys, pot luck, bring a salad, chips, or dessert. Barb s place is 5 miles south of Soldotna at RV PARTS sign on left, Barb s phone 252-4700. (Jim Fredenhagen, 351-3115) August 13 4-9 PM, Hot Summer Nights Carshow, downtown Palmer (Jim Fredenhagen, 351-3115) August 17 6:00 Wednesday driveabout, Sears parking lot (Brian Anderson, 345-9244) August 24 6:00 Wednesday driveabout, Sears parking lot (Brian Anderson, 345-9244) August 27 State Fair Parade, line up at Palmer borough offices on Dahlia at 9 AM, more info at 745-2652. August 31 6:00 Wednesday driveabout, Sears parking lot (Brian Anderson, 345-9244) September 3 Adopt-A-Road (Cresaps, 694-7510) September 7 6:00 Wednesday driveabout, Sears parking lot (Brian Anderson, 345-9244) September 14 6:30 Regular Meeting at Day Break Center (Chair?) September 19-21 Denali Park Tour (Tamea Isham, 688-3671) October 12 7:00 Regular Meeting at Day Break Center (David Jensen) November 9 7:00 Regular Meeting at Day Break Center (Tanoras) December 10 Christmas Party at Day Break (Ishams and Allens) For Sale: 1952 Dodge 1-1/2-Ton flatbed truck. New tires, windshield has been replaced, has turn signals, titled and registered. Runs. John Fisher 250-1643. For Sale: 77 VW Convertible. $11,000 OBO. Call Howard at 440-1002. For Sale: 1972, Chevrolet C-10, 34,668 miles, 350 small block, dual exhaust, custom sound system, prismatic paint, owners moving south, $15,000. Matt Dean 907-441-5427, Marty Dean 907-441-5477
4 Tinkering Times August 3, 2016 Larry Yates: October 9, 1947-July 14, 2016 Larry poses with his newly-finished Model A on June 11, 2011. After a short illness, Larry Yates, 68, passed away on July 14, 2016 at home in Anchorage, Alaska. Larry was born in Spokane, Washington to Paul and Fay Yates on October 9, 1947 and served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. After his honorable Godsoe discharge, he returned to Anchorage, where he worked as a sprinkler fitter for over 40 years. His employment was cut short by a stroke in 2004, and he spent his remaining years enjoying his grandchildren, watching dance recitals, hockey games, motocross races and spending time with his youngest Hope Cemetery Contains AAMA History grandson, Dillon. Larry was a member of the Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska and a proud owner of a beautiful Model A Ford. He looked forward to his time spent traveling and storytelling with club members, who quickly became close friends. On the evening of July 20, nine Model A s and four other vintage cars and their owners gathered for a memorial cruise and dinner, where we celebrated the wonderful times we had with Larry. The family wishes to express their appreciation to his car friends, as well as others, for being part of Larry s life. Many loving family members and friends are among Larry s survivors. His father and brother preceded him in death. A funeral Mass was held at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Chruch on July 22, and there will be a private burial at Angelus Memorial Cemetery. One Man s Treasures Cresap Cresap While we were in Hope for our annual Hope Weekend, we took time to swing by the historic Hope Cemetery, where we visited with Gary Stoops, March 20, 1944- February 17, 2006. His head stone is at left, and, above, his widow, Sara relates some things about his having been buried there. Others in the photo: Dennis Allen, Howard Hansen, Anton and Christy Christensen, Diane Allen, Barb Henninsen, Hannah and Sophie Christensen, Dick Henningsen, Elizabeth and Mike Wiedmer. For Sale: 1914 Model T Calliope with unique circus-style body carries a 43-key Tangley Calliope with a keyboard and roll player. Modified in 1915 to fit the winter sleigh tracks in Fairbanks. Rebuilt engine. 12-volt. Twelve Type A player rolls each have 10 tunes, marches to ragtime. Can be heard at a quarter mile and draws a crowd like a magnet. Lots of fun in parades and celebrations. Entertains all ages. Asking $16, 500. Tandem axle trailer also available. Bruce Campbell, (907-345-3129)
August 3, 2016 Tinkering Times 5 Thomas Wolfe Was Right Humor by Rich Golding I ve been a VW man all my driving life. My first car was actually a VW van. 1966, blue and white. Lots of windows all the way around the vehicle. It was beautiful, and terribly impractical. Something mechanical was always broken or about to fail. I ve owned many VW s since then, and they were all afflicted with this same malady. To this day, these ancient vehicles were and still are, a lot like me something s always about to go south, something s always needing to be remedied. Perhaps that is why I love them, they remind me of me. And so I decided to journey down to southern California a few weeks ago, as I have done several times in these past few decades, to be with these venerable friends, these ancient vehicles, these accidents waiting for a place to happen, these mirrors on times past. I flew down to Los Angeles and made my way via rented car to the annual VW Classic. Miles and miles of old air-cooled German steel on display, several shined up proud like ancient royalty, lots more slowly rusting away into oblivion. Twenty dollars. Enough to power Picnic Basket Looks For New Home Free: Marainne Robinson has a beautiful wicker picnic basket perfect for outings with an antique automobile. Unfortunately it does not fit her Model A Ford, Elsie. As she is currently reducing items that are taking up storage space, she would be glad to your insect shaped ride for a couple of months, back in the day. Twenty dollars would get you an oil change, chassis lubrication, and a tune-up. Twenty dollars, one Andy Jackson is the price of admission the young lady at the ticket booth collects from each and every older person pushing his way through the gates of the fairgrounds, enroute to revisiting his youth. I wander the rows of old cars, convertibles and vans and crane my neck for a closer view of indexed front pulleys and chromed push rod tubes. There were lines of others doing the same before me, and many that would follow. Older guys telling stories of journeys they took, tires they had to change, festivals they traveled to and the girlfriends they made love to in these cars. Some have their grandchildren, now teenagers, with them. Unaffected by that which surrounds them, they look bored and roll their eyes as their elders repeat stories to them they must have heard a million times. Mostly their attention is taken up by the lit-up screens of cell phones they carry religiously, grasped tightly in their hands, as they text and tweet and quietly, surreptitiously occupy their own cyber space, in a time and reality of their own. I think I must have been drifting in and out of the present, admiring an old blue and white 1966 window van when I give the basket to someone who would enjoy using it. Its dimensions are 32 x15 x11. It includes plastic plates and cups. Contact her at mrobinsonak@nwlink.com. felt a tapping on my shoulder. I turned as an old man put his hand on my shoulder. It sure looks like the one you used to have, Rich, he said with a smirk. I studied and stared for a moment. There was something about his grey, ponytailed haired face that was familiar. Come on, think hard, man, he whispered in my ear, Harding Street, three homes down from yours. Steve? I asked, my voice breaking half way through his name. Oh my God, is that you, man? In the flesh, man! What the Hell are you doing here, man? Looks like the same as you, man. Hey, you still got that old blue VW van, man? I wish, man! was all I could say. Steve turned and motioned unsuccessfully at a skinny older fellow admiring a car a few feet away, eventually screaming at him over the din of the crowd, Hey man, come over here, look who I found, man, It s Rich from the old neighborhood. The man approached. He was balding, but still possessed a respectable ring of grey hair that circled the rear of his head. He wore thick wire rimmed glasses. We both squinted quizzically through the California midday sunshine at each other. Although I hadn t seen Steve in over forty years, I was able to recognize the (See p. 6, Thomas Wolfe... ) Adopt-A-Road Cleanup Reminder Adopt-A-Road chairperson, Marcy Cresap, has reminded us that the third and final cleanup for 2016 will take place on September 3. That s a month from now, but this is the last chance to put the reminder in the newsletter. We will meet at 9:00 AM for a tailgate breakfast and visiting before actually starting our job at 9:30. Correction In the July issue, we forgot to list Bruce Campbell as a participant in the Anchorage 4th of July Parade.
6 Tinkering Times August 3, 2016 A Hope Weekend Celebrity Model A Shows up 0n Dalton When AAMA member, Chris Harding, saw this Model A on the Dalton Highway near Pump Station 4, he had to report back to us. Thomas Wolfe Was Right (Continued from p. 5) Cresap Uncle Sam enjoys the races at the Hope Weekend. He joined the rest of the Antique Auto Mushers, who annually cheer on the runners during the Hope Wagon Trail Days Festival in Hope, Alaska. smile and the voice hiding beneath his weathered flesh. This other guy was harder to read. Time had not been particularly kind to him. He walked with a limp, and seemed to have trouble straightening out his upper torso. Well I ll be damned, man, he cried upon approaching me. He stuck out his hand for mine. Is that really you, Rich? Jeez, I said, Is that really you... uh... uh... It s Darren, man! he interrupted. Right-on, man! I thought you were dead, man! So did I, man, he responded jovially. We all three laughed and slapped each other on the shoulders. Do you still have the 66 van, man? he asked. No, man, Steve answered for me, he must have sold it. Whaa? I said HE MUST HAVE SOLD IT, shouted Steve. Oh... oh, too bad, man, answered Every year there are A s that come up to Alaska for the adventure. Some are club affiliated, some not. It s always fun for us in the Great Land to hear of the sightings, and Prudhoe is an adventure all its own. AAMA member, Chris Harding, works at Pump Station 4. He sent the following note today: "Saw a model A pickup last night on the Dalton. He had bed rails that read "Key West to Prudhoe Bay". Nice little yellow truck. First thing I thought was "there goes Walt Sonen Darren, his hand cupped up behind his right ear, it would probably be worth a fortune now! The rest of the day was spent by the three us wandering the vehicles and the t- shirt vendors and parts suppliers. There was a wine bar set-up amidst the food tents, and we eventually found our way into its friendly confines. Bellying up to the bar, we spent the rest of the afternoon partaking of the liquefaction of the Napa grape, whilst reviewing the lost four decades of our lives, in an effort to catchup. I haven t been back to Chicago in thirty years, man I proclaimed half way through my first glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, How s the old neighborhood? How s your sister Louise, and your brother... ah... Elliot, chimed in Darren, sucking up his Pinot Noir, Dead and dead. What about Iggy and Pat, the ones that had the red twenty-one window bus and the Karman Ghia? Pat kicked off years ago, said Steve starring into his Merlot. Iggy passed last year. How bout the Carson twins and Old Harry that lived on the corner. They always had a couple of beetles up on again," but I don't think Walt s truck is back on the road yet. The yellow pickup has a website you can follow. The guy s name is Bob Kehn and the site is Keywesttoprudhoebay.com. His web page has day-to-day details of his road trip. So, be on the lookout for a yellow A pickup. If you see him, extend a Howdy and any help he might need from the Alaskan A s network. blocks in their driveway. They re all dead, man, said Darren. There aren t any beetles there anymore. He ordered another round for us all. Remember the BugHaus where Wild Bill used to work? He s dead now, too, man. No more BugHaus, man. No more bugs, man, cried Steve, his voice breaking. No more Karman Ghias or buses or Fastbacks or nothing, man. They re all gone. They re all dead. We sat quietly through still another round, or two, or three, I forget. None of us could think of a thing to say. Finally Steve broke the silence It s like we are surrounded by ghosts, nothing but ghosts, he downed the last drop from his glass then whispered, they re all ghosts. I clutched my glass, and carefully studied it s crimson contents through the rays of California sunlight streaming in from the windows. No my friends, it is us that are the ghosts, then I drank down what was left of my courage. All three of us sat quietly and gazed back and forth at each other and then out at the old cars then back at ourselves. Bartender, shouted Darren to the young pretty blonde barmaid, another round of wisdom, please.
August 3, 2016 Tinkering Times 7 Fredenhagen Wiedmer Wiedmer (Top left) Tom and Marcy Cresap, Dave Burkhardt and Jim Fredenhagen with Jim s 1930 Model A Ford at Primrose Senior Apartments in Wasilla. (Top Right) Dennis Allen, Elizabeth Wiedmer and Howard Hansen with their race ribbons. (Pano) The group stops at Dacha Campground for ice cream. (Above) The Henningsens came prepared for the mosquitoes. Hope: Annual Weekend in Historic Town (Continued from p. 1) Usually, on Saturday, a few of us take a drive up the Palmer Creek Road to enjoy the scenery and to get as close as possible to Paystreak Mine and other abandoned mines in the area. Traditionally, we also take time to visit the grave of Gary Stoops, a former member who is buried in the historic Hope Cemetery. On Sunday morning, we cheer on the runners, some of whom are from our club. This year, Dennis Allen (2 nd place) Howard Hansen (2 nd place) David Henningsen and Elizabeth Wiedmer (1 st and only place at 92!) participated. Other runners from our group were Howard s grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Stacy and Cara Joseph and Matt, Brody and Dane Joseph. Activities varied this year: RubiCube, Robert Service readings by Dennis and Mike (quite entertaining!) and Birthday celebrations for Dick Henningsen and Elizabeth Wiedmer. We had six antique cars: 1977 Volkswagen (Hansen) 1956 Thunderbird (Henningsens) 1973 Volkswagen (Goldings) 1930 Model A (Fredenhagen) 1930 Model A (Burkhardt) 1934 Ford (Allens) 1958 Chevrolet BelAire (Stoops) 1941 Cadillac (Wiedmer) 1979 Jeep CJ-7 (Anderson.) Those attending: Anton, Christy, Hanna and Sophie Christiansen; Dennis and Diane Allen; Mike and his mom, Elizabeth Weidmer; Dick and Barb Henningsen; Bret, Kim and David Henningsen; Tom and Marcy Cresap; Howard Hansen and daughters, Debbie and Gayle; Brian Anderson and Shirley and Will Lord; Sara Stoops; Matt, Sarah, Brody and Nicole Joseph and Stacy and Cara Joseph. Thank heavens for the beautiful weather and thanks to everyone who showed up to make this yet another fun Hope Weekend.
8 Cruisin With the Model A s At a recent car show for the tenants at Primrose Senior Complex in Wasilla, the theme was Movie Personalities. Rumor was that Marilyn Monroe would make an appearance. That was not confirmed, but Boyd Watson stood guard by Curley Packer s pickup where some nice 20 s action took place just in case. Tinkering Times August 3, 2016 August August Birthdays Fritz Wohlwend 4 th Marianne Robinson 6 th David Tullis 8 th Barbara Russell 11 Lawrence Aschenbrenner 16 th Roger Reese 19 th Scott Grundy 25 th Bill Chace 31 st William Fields 31 Anniversaries Judy & Donald Morfield 19 th Marcy & Tom Cresap 31 AAMA P.O. Box 232086 Anchorage AK 99523-2086