Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Tinkering Times Volume 55, Number 10 www.antiqueautomushersak.org October 7, 2015 An Even Dozen AAMA Cars Relax at State Fair by Brian Anderson After several days of a north wind, it was dry but quite cool on August 29 th, the first Saturday of the Alaska State Fair. AAMA members brought twelve vehicles to the parade in Palmer and subsequent car show at the fairgrounds. When I arrived in Palmer at 9:00 AM, I found event leader, Mark Graber, already busy securing refreshments and registering our entry in the parade. Unfortunately, Mark s Packard had recently experienced a mechanical problem, which prevented him from bringing the car that day, but his organizational efforts made for smooth sailing for us during the parade and in transitioning to the car show. At the fair, we took turns attending to the cars while others explored the fair and its culinary delights. The show was pleasantly located off the beaten path at the Woodlot, where traffic is normally slow except when the lumberjack show lets out. After a relaxing day, most of us had left for home by around 4:00 p.m. The following AAMA vehicles participated this year: Allen s 1966 Ford Thunderbird; Musty s 1964 Oldsmobile Jetstar 88; Hulse s 1958 2015 Denali Tour Provides Interesting Adventure by Tamea Isham We got skunked this year! We did not see The Mountain. But we had a fabulous time anyway. When we left on Saturday, 19 September, it was a beautiful day. The temperature was 34 F. The travelers included Donn Reese 1960 Imperial, Kimzey s 1961 International pickup, Hulse s 1958 Rolls Royce, Evans 1969 Chev PU, Weidmer s 1949 Ford convertible, Isham s 1963 Imperial, and Fowler s 1914 Model T. We had been watching the weather reports and knew that we were going into Antique Auto Mushers enjoy the Palmer State Fair Parade. Hulses 1958 Rolls Royce, Mustys 1964 Oldsmobile Jetsar 88, Finch s 1956 Thunderbird, Drydens 1931 Model A Taxi, Allens 1966 Thunderbird, Ishams 1980 Mercedes Benz 450 SL, Stoops 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air, Foster/Kellers Radio Flyer, Wiedmers 1949 Ford Custom Convertible and 1956 Thunderbird and Brian Anderson s 1964 Jeep FC-170 (not pictured that s where the camera was.) unknown conditions, but we went ahead anyway. When we arrived in Healy, the weather was iffy. But we had a wonderful BBQ at Monty and Dianne Burkbanks home that evening. They served us chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs and spirits, and we provided side dishes and desserts. We then gathered in their garage and it was a delightful evening spent kicking tires and sharing stories about our cars and learning about Monty s Mopar collection. (See P. 4, Denali Tour ) Anderson Rolls Royce; Stoops 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air; Evans 1955 Cadillac Eldorado; Wiedmer s 1949 Ford Custom Convertible; Wiedmer s 1956 Ford Thunderbird; Dryden s 1931 Ford Model A Taxi; Finch s 1956 Ford Thunderbird; Isham s 1980 Mercedes Benz 450SL; Keller-Foster s Radio Flyer wagon and Anderson s 1964 Jeep FC-170. October Meeting October is the time for nominations for election of officers. Come to the meeting and volunteer for the nominations committee; it s good for self defense. The meeting will take place at 7:00 PM at Day Break Center. Be there or be nominated. Cresaps and Tanoras will provide the snacks. Thanks go to Brian Anderson for leading the last-of-the-year drive about after last month s meeting.
2 Tinkering Times Running Board Reflections October 7, 2015 One of the founding members of the AAMA, Marco Mike T. Spezialy, passed away on August 27. Mike wasn t currently a member of AAMA, and I don t know when his membership lapsed. I had the opportunity to meet Mike only once, at the 2013 Fur Rondy car show where host Bill Brown had arranged to display a couple of Mike s cars. When I recently inquired about Mike s history with the club, Donn Reese dug into the archives and retrieved a copy of a report entitled Car Topics (Vol. 1, No. 1, 1963) documenting the first few years of the club s existence. It shows that Mike was in attendance at the first meetings of the fledgling organization, and that he was among its first treasurers. Whether or not you remember Mike from his active days with the club, I m sure you will agree that his passing represents a significant milestone in the history of the AAMA. The aforementioned Car Topics document made for some very interesting reading, and invited a comparison of the information presented then with what we include in our reports today. One similarity between then and now was the use of the term modern car when describing a vehicle used by Anderson In this 1975 photo, our president, poses with his 1964 Falcon Futura. Brian graduated from high School in 1974, so he says this may have been about the end of his freshman year at Colorado State University. participants who couldn t bring an antique vehicle. Boy, how I wish they would have specifically identified those modern cars that accompanied trips in the early 60 s! I also found it interesting that this early report included a roster of cars owned by members, which was broken down into three categories: 1) cars currently participating in events; 2) cars under restoration or awaiting restoration; and 3) cars owned by members but located in the lower 48. Wouldn t it be a fun exercise to assemble and publish such a roster today? We have finally reached the end of the club s 2015 driving season, but we finished with a bang! Despite some seasonal weather challenges, our members participated in fun activities throughout September. Be sure to check out all the photos posted on our website (thanks, Donn!). Now, we enter what I think of as the garage season, when we can come indoors and spend time maintaining and improving our vehicles (while waiting for the ski season to begin). Also, the holiday season is rapidly approaching, and I m already looking forward to the AAMA Christmas party just a couple of months from now. Brian www.antiqueautomushersak.org 2015 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: Sara Stoops Members at Large Dennis Allen 345-6355 Tam Isham 688-3671 Kurt Rein 344-5554 Past Presidents (10 years) Mike Wiedmer (2013-14) Howard Hansen (2012) Donn Reese (2009 2011) Jeff Hassler/Donn Reese (2008) Jim Fredenhagen (2006-2007) Fred Schurman (2005) Diane Allen (2004) 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 who contribute to Tinkering Times are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of the Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska.
October 7, 2015 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. Tinkering Times Schedule of Events October 10 Trouthouse Tour with Model A s (Jim Fredenhagen, 351-3115) October 14 7:00 PM Regular Meeting at Day Break Center (Refreshments Cresaps and Tanoras) November 11 7:00 PM Regular Meeting at Day Break Center (Donn Reese and Howard Hansen) December 12 4:00-TBA at Day Break: Christmas Party 3 Secured EnclosedStorage West Downtown Anchorage location 9 x18 x7-1/2 high space $125/month for single 2 spaces $225 Dave Syren, 440-2982 For Sale: 1968 A100 Dodge P.U. $15,000. Call Howard at 440-1002 For Sale: 1940 Ford pickup project, mostly complete but apart. Either resto or rod. Has 351 windsor eng also apart. Make offer. In Jewel Lk area. Call Monte Handy, 230-8557. For Sale: 1930 Model A pickup with extra motor; $16,500; Sharon or Skip, 907-229-2369, 907-562-7082. For Sale: 1953 Kaiser Dragon $18,000, call Howard at 440-1002 For Sale: Maxwell 1-Ton truck; worm drive transmission with approximately a 15-mph top speed; engine still turns with crank; needs attention. Registered in Alaska as a 1919, on books in Nebraska as 1917 or 1918. Comes with copies of original Nebraska titles and many interesting spare and original parts. Asking $7,500 with extra parts; will be released in stateside publication in August for $15,000 O B O. E r i k C h r i s t e n s o n, ekchristenson@gmail.com o r 907-223-8045. FOR SALE: Rolling Model A Chasis; 1930-31; will sell as one piece or as parts; excellent condition! Also, miscellaneous parts of all kinds just ask. Call Lee, 745-4404. 1940 Dodge Coupe with dual carbs and dual exhaust. $15,000. Call Howard at 440-1002 For Sale: 1977 Volkswagon convertible $14,000. Call Howard at 440-1002 For Sale: Pair of '56 AK reproduction metal plates like new but slight scratches under mounting bolts. These plates do not have the more correct metal tag slots. $125/pr incl shipping. Tim Godfrey / Portland OR. twgodfrey@hotmail.com or 971-279-5878 (See p. 4 for more.)
4 A gentlemen-only luncheon? Yep: men only at Raven Hall on the Palmer, Alaska State Fair Grounds. It was a centennial event for the Pioneers of Alaska, and all igloos of the state attended. With a theme of Farms, Barns and Colony Charms, the event featured some good food and a display of antique vehicles with Alaska roots. The Friday, September 26 th event was for men only, following the previous day s luncheon for lady Pioneers only. Denali Tour Has Interesting Weather Tinkering Times October 7, 2015 Classy Classics Show in Palmer Helps Promote Senior Center For some, the activities of AAMA s Model A enthusiasts may seem to be dizzily hyperactive, but for sure, our compatriots know how to enjoy the summer and how to have great fun celebrating their marque. Of course, the rest of us can always join in the fracas. Fearless leader, Jim Fredenhagen, has reported on some of the activities that kept these guys out of the bars lately. Classy Classics Eleven of us A's and Wiedmers 1941 Cadillac were featured in the warm Palmer sun at the historic Palmer train depot on September 7 th for Palmer Senior Center s Classy Classics event. The Model A group was peopled by Ken Holland, Bob Bartlett, Boyd Pioneer Gentlemen s Lunch in Palmer After lunch, the Antique Auto Musher participants presented a brief background of their vehicles and their Alaska background. Then, the entire group adjourned to the paved area in front of Raven hall to see the cars and to have some rides around the grounds. Bill Waldron, Mike Wiedmer (with the help of his friend, Rick Gustin) Scott Hulse, Fred Scharper, Dave Syren, Dale Dryden and Tom Cresap participated. Watson, Dave Burkhardt/Larry Yates, Rich Golding, Louis Finch, Dale/Ingrid Dryden, Lee Truesdell, Art/Tam Isham, and John Tichenor. Other cars were Weidmers Caddy and Dale Wright s Chevy. Like most of our outings there was a little drama. Shortly after leaving Northway Mall, Mike Weidmer s Hupmobile developed a different noise so he wisely diverted immediately to his mechanic and switched to his Caddy. Model A Day Here in Anchorage and the Valley the weather was perfect for a cruise on (See p. 5, Model A s Lead ) One Man s Treasures (Continued from p.3) Reese Above left: Monty and Diane Burbank, posing by one of their Mopars, hosted a barbecue for the AAMA Denali adventurers. Right: Anchorage and Fairbanks cars gather in Burbanks driveway. (Continued from p. 1) The Grundys and Larricks from Fairbanks joined us. After photos Sunday, it was off into the park for an interesting adventure. It had snowed the night before and road clearing was iffy. We traveled easily to Toklat and stayed there for two hours before receiving word that we could go further. The Hulses and Larricks turned around at that point and headed back to Healy, while the rest of us went on to Reese Eielson, where we encountered a huge traffic jam. At that point, all of us, except the intrepid Wiedmers, turned around. They drove some of the way with the top down, even though it was snowing and/or raining. No one had any mishaps and it was a safe but interesting journey for us all. There is always a first time for everything. Hopefully next year will be more kind to us weather wise. For Sale: Three 1953 Hudson Hornets in Wasilla, one club coupe, and two Hollywood hardtops. All need restoration after sitting for many years. Enough parts to complete at least one car, including a rebuilt and assembled 308 engine with Twin-H Power option. Contact Gwen Mitchell at 376-3774. Questions: call Brian Anderson, 748-1698. He has seen the cars.
October 7, 2015 Tinkering Times 5 Ken Holland Does the Last Frontier Honor Flight Ken Holland poses with MSSRA President, Lenny Olson, at the 2013 Jay Ofsthun Show in Anchorage. Ken received that year s Mr. Ed s Pick Award for his 1930 Model A. Model A s Lead Dizzying Array of Summer Events (Continued from p.4) Saturday, September 19: Model A Day. Five of us met at the Palmer Tesoro; Louis Finch and his friend Amy, 28 Special Coupe; Jim Fredenhagen/Boyd Watson, 29 Tudor; Carl Godsoe/Larry Yates, 30 Tudor; Chad Ringler, 29 Tudor; Dale/Ingrid Dryden, 31 Taxi. The mission was to go to Hatcher Pass for lunch at the lodge. The day before had reported snowy conditions so we were a bit apprehensive as we started out. With such great weather and fall colors, though, we would get as far as we could. Turned out to be a great drive. The only snow was above the parking lot at the mine. Lunch and raspberry/blueberry pie were quite good at the chalet with a great view down the valley. The way back went through the winding Fishook Road area that was golden in fall color. The only mechanical issue happened with Dale Dryden s taxi on the way home when it developed an electrical short in the distributor. He had a spare, though, and was on his way quickly. Fall Colors On Saturday, September 26 th, six If you know Ken Holland, you know that through the years he has affected our hobby through his interest and by his uncanny, creative mechanical abilities. Often, this self-taught machinist has been known to repair things that no one else could; and when a repair couldn t be made, he would remanufacture the part. He has always been very giving when it comes to helping a fellow Model A owner or Antique Auto Musher. Kenny will be going on The Last Frontier Honor Flight to Washington DC on October 13 through 17 th. Drafted in 1944 and discharged 1946, he served in the 132 nd Infantry Regiment American Division (liberation of Philippines) and the 1 st Cavalry Division (occupation of Japan). We of the Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska wish you an enjoyable Honor Flight, Ken. You earned it. We also thank you for your service to your country and for your friendship and inspiration in our club. Everyone can join the Honor Flight Homecoming on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at noon. It will take place on the upper floor of the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Come help us welcome these Veterans home. Model A s headed for Seward in a light rain. Going by Beluga Point the group was treated to dry conditions that would last until they returned to the same point later that evening. Bypassing Alyeska, the group made its first stop at Canyon Creek for a pit stop and pics. The valley colors were great and traffic was light. Next was a brief stop at scenic Summit Lake lodge. Even though closed for the season, it made a great background for pics. Another 15 miles down the road, we stopped at Tern Lake where John and Linda Piper met us in their 30 Model A Sport Coupe. In Seward, we were joined by Dick and Kaye Cruse in their 30 Model A Tudor Sedan and a new local person, Rolf Bardarson, in his 1934 International Harvester one-ton flatbed truck. After lunch at Christo s Palace, we did a series of photos around Seward, saw humpback whales near the beach, had ice cream, went to the Exit Glacier then headed home. Even with somewhat heavier traffic the group arrived in Anchorage about 6 PM, and there were no mechanical issues all day. Our group included Dale/Ingrid Dryden, 31 Taxi; Jim Fredenhagen/ Boyd Watson, 29 Tudor; Ted/Colleen Kimzey, 31 Tudor; Rich Golding, 28 Fordor; Curly and Heidi Packer, 31 Pickup; Carl/Kathleen Godsoe with Larry Yates, 30 Tudor. Trouthouse Run Our last run of the season will be the 4th Annual Trouthouse Run to Wasilla and Palmer on Saturday, October 17 th meeting at noon at the Trouthouse Restaurant for lunch and photos. Then we ll tour over to Palmer via the Palmer-Fishhook Rd and have dessert at the Valley Hotel on Main St. Anchorage caravaners can meet at Northway Mall at 11 AM. Weather, of course, will dictate whether it s a go-no go. Not planning to drive in rain or snow, but a little morning fog might be all right if it looks sunny. That s all the scheduled activities for October, but if it s a nice Indian Summer, maybe we ll do some impromptu lunch runs to Girdwood. Newly retired Jim will be visiting his dad in Illinois during October, but he ll be anxious to hear about your Trouthouse gathering. Thanks, Jim, for arranging all these activities.
6 Walt and Sachiko Sonen s Epic Journey by Walt Sonen Sachiko and I took off this past summer in our Model A pick-up for a long talked-about road trip to the Canadian Maritimes. It was a great trip, one without any particular schedule and some vague goals: a vacation! Our journey took the form of a lazy 8. Outbound, we traveled down through Canada crossing at Niagara, our most southerly point, then through New York to Maine with a ferry to Nova Scotia and another to Newfoundland. We returned with another ferry back to Nova Scotia, then over what I have come to call the hump of Maine through Canada to western Ontario where we crossed into Maine. The Minnesota-to-Washington leg was next to the border for the first half; then we took US 2 into Seattle. We detoured to Port Townsend and the BC sunshine coast and returned via Whistler, BC and the Cassiar Highway. The only portions of our trip that we traveled the same road were 150 miles above lake superior and from the northern junction of the Cassiar (near Watson Lake, Yukon) back to Homer. Tinkering Times October 7, 2015 Sonen Sachiko and Walt pose with their trusty Model A Ford pickup somewhere along the way in Canada. They made a 79-day journey in the little truck to the Canadian Maritimes and back to their home in Seldovia. We were away 79 days. The nearly 3 weeks that we spent in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland were the most enjoyable. We spent our working lives fishing, so this area held a special attraction for us. But the whole trip was an unforgettable adventure, memories of which are on prime time in our dreams. Prior to our departure, we had talked about GPS, maps, communications, etc., but it all seemed too complicated/expensive, so it was a relief of sorts when we decided not to take a phone or computer. Road maps and our ITT calling card it was. It all worked fine. (There ARE a few pay phones left in Canada!) Of course, we got lost a few times and went off track and talked to people that otherwise we may not have met, but that was part of the trip, all good. Outbound to the Maritimes, I intended to stay in Canada to the north to avoid Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal; this was to be a blue road trip after all. In the back of my head I knew that the national MARC (Model A Restorer s Club) convention was happening in Niagara, Ontario, hosted this year by the Canadian region. We had left AK earlier than we originally planned, and we had made good time through western Canada. I hadn t thought of attending, but Sachiko urged me to go, mentioning that if I didn t go to this one I would probably never go to another (correct). So I checked on the dates, and yes indeed it was a go. Through a chance meeting with a fellow in a campground that evening, we learned about a shortcut, a ferry (saving time and avoiding congestion) over a portion of lake Huron. Any way I can avoid four-lane chaos is a good thing, especially in a Model A! We arrived on the afternoon of the 2 nd day of the meet and couldn t figure out where the headquarters hotel was, what with model A s driving all around honking at us. We finally flagged one down and got the scoop. We found a cheap place to stay just blocks from the fancy hotels. The falls are fabulous, and the city is held away at least a block or two by a wonderful park-like setting overlooking the falls. But the rest of it reminded me of Las Vegas. We registered at the convention, did the swap meet, did a morning coffee in the hospitality suite and talked with a few people and ogled the hundreds of show-quality A s lined up in the hotel garage. Wow! The Canadians had really gone all out and I m sure it was a memorable gathering, but it wasn t our cup of tea. We tried to register for the welcome dinner that night, but it was a full house. We chose to proceed with our trip the following day and had an enjoyable 2 days driving from New York to the Maine coast, visited a friend, and at his suggestion took the ferry from Portland, Maine, to Nova Scotia. Our morning routine was to make coffee, perhaps a bowl of granola, strike camp and hit the trail. A normal day was 300-350 miles. One was 30 and one was 450. I drove and Sachiko would study (See p. 7, Walt and Sachiko )
October 7, 2015 Tinkering Times 7 Walt and Sachiko s Trip to Canada (Continued from p. 6) maps and guidebooks with an eye to museums, parks and nifty places to visit. So we stopped from time to time for several hours, half a day, or two. The cab of our truck IS pretty small, so our walkabouts were refreshing. There are several coincidental experiences that have come to light. One that some of our long-distance AAMA cohorts can relate to is that we encountered an excited woman at the entrance to a campground in Nova Scotia. She recognized our pick-up from three years before at the Arctic Circle pullout on the Dalton Highway! She was visiting from Australia! And among the many, many things, people and places that we saw, met and touched, there is one incident that we will always laugh about. We were traveling west on North Dakota 5 about 10 miles south of Saskatchewan. We had passed through a decent sized town a while before with a half tank of fuel. It became my habit not to become too concerned about the fuel situation until we got below 1/4 tank. Well, I was getting concerned. We pulled off in Flaxton, over the tracks by the grain elevators to find an empty town, dead city! The brick buildings were sagging. Everything was boarded up. But wait there was a bar, and it had 5 pick-ups pulled up in front. Out the door comes a fellow obviously feeling no pain, toting a cold case of bud light. So we got out of the car to inquire, is there a gas station around here? Not in THIS town. Is there any place we can get groceries? Not in THIS town. And he staggered away. We found a farmer s co-op 2 towns further along. Next month I will continue with some of the more technical aspects of our trip. Walt Sonen, Seldovia Long Distance Drive Announced Humor by Rich Golding Where do you drive to when you ve already driven everywhere you can reach within a few days journey from Anchorage? Unlike living in the real world (aka the lower 48 ) there are definitely a very limited number of roads and destinations that drivers can set out onto in search of adventure behind the wheel of our antique automobiles. We ve been to Seward dozens of Marco Mike Spezialy passed away at Providence Hospital on August 27, 2015, surrounded by family. He was born on May 1, 1929 in Oil City, Pennsylvania, the son of Vincent and Jessie Spezialy. He had four brothers and four sisters. Mike came to Alaska with the military in 1948 and fell in love with the state. He was a businessman and commercial boat captain and worked until he was 80 years old. Mike loved to hunt and fish and to restore antique cars. He was a charter member of the Antique Auto Mushers. He was treasurer in 1963-64. In later years he remained times. Homer, and all points within the Matanuska Valley certainly don t offer much that we haven t seen or done already. We ve driven to Valdez and Fairbanks more times than anybody would ever care to. Deadhorse... Whitehorse... Dawson City? Been there, done that. Lets face it, there s really very little that s new to see in the Great Land from a behind the steering (See p. 8, Long Distance ) Marco T. Spezialy, 1929-2015 Cresap Mike Spezialy posed with his Packard at last February s Fur Rendezvous Car Show at Bob s Services in Anchorage February 28, 2015. a friend to the club, most recently donating items for us to sell at events. It was always a treat when he would bring one of his cars usually his Packard to one of our shows. He loved his family and friends and always had a cherished dog by his side. His best buddy, Moe, will miss him. Mike is survived by his three children, Steve, Cynthia and Gary, six grandchildren, and eight greatgrandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Dominic and two sisters, Neva and Florence.
8 Tinkering Times October 7, 2015 (Continued from p. 7) wheel perspective, here in Alaska. That is why, it is with great excitement and pride that I wish to announce our 2016 Antique Auto Mushers long distance drive to Mount McKinley. Not the park hell, we ve been there a million times... I m talking about the mountain. Never a club to be outdone, we intend to be the first old car club to drive to the top of north america s highest peak. Our cars will begin by staging at the Wonder Lake Tastee-Freez for ice cream and last minute potty breaks before embarking on our once in a lifetime cruise up the West Buttress trail. Be sure to bring snow tires and crampons. " As motel rooms on the mountain can be rather limited, it is advised that you make your reservations early. As always, Tam Isham will be in charge of accommodations. Day one will see us all gathered at Base Camp Alpha where we shall reconnoiter and share our first supper. The Allens will be providing the food for this evening. Diane has asked me to remind everyone that Dennis will be cooking hot dogs and hamburgers on the first night only. We will, of course, be stopping every hour or so at local donut and ice cream shops along the route. Bruce Campbell will lead us all the next day as we drive along the northeast fork of the Kahiltna, where we will all gather for a group photo alongside our cars on the glacier. Master Editor Tom Cresap will be taking an official club photo for the next cover of the Tinkering Times. Marcy, the Master Editor s master, has asked me to remind you all to bring gloves and perhaps a scarf or hat, as the winds occasionally present a problem. It is also advised that you Long Distance Drive Announced check to be sure your windshield s defrosters are in good working order. Packing a plentiful supply of mosquito repellent is also highly recommended Be forewarned that our Sergeantat-Arms Sara Stoops will be diligently checking to be sure each of us is wearing our club badges, and will be collecting mandatory twentyfive cent fines for all those who do not show up sporting same. Musher President Brian Anderson has made preparations for our club to participate in the 13,400 foot Windy Corners parade. He wishes to remind all parade participants that at the insistence of the National Park Service, we are asked not to toss candy to the children along the parade route. Flags and GPS beacons on our vehicles are allowed and encouraged. If all goes to plan, We should reach the summit early the next afternoon, after stops along the route for breakfast, followed by ice cream, followed by lunch, followed by pie, followed by ice cream again. Webmaster Donn Reese will post to our website the entire journey from commencement to the ceremonial planting of the Musher s banner at Long-time Chugiak, Alaska resident and Midnight Sun Street Rod Association member, Bernie Edwards, 83, passed away Saturday, September 19, 2015. Bernie was regarded as the mechanic who could fix anything. He was an old gear head and a familiar face to most of us in the old car hobby. His interest was in hot rods, and we will remember him for his works of art: a 1937 Packard, 1935 Ford Pickup, 1934 four-door sedan chopped four inches, just to mention a few. Bernie was a Korean War veteran who earned numerous medals, most recently the Korean War Veterans the summit. Secretary Pam Tanora shall be responsible for recording all official minutes relating to these activities. Mike Weidmer has assured me that he will be scouting ahead for gas stations along the route, thus assuring we have plentiful access to fuel and candy bars, potato chips, soft drinks, and various other sundry snacks throughout our trip. That is, as long as his Hupmobile doesn t develop any mechanical problems during the drive. Finally, Jim Fredenhagen, President of the Model A subgroup of the Antique Auto Mushers, has asked me to pass along an invitation to all Model A s that are planning on attending the 2016 Mt. McKinley drive that he will be leading a short post-event looped cruise across Mt. Foraker and Mt. Hunter. BREAKING NEWS: I have been advised by the White House in Washington D.C. to announce that due to recent federal legislation, a mandatory last minute change be made to our plans. The name of our trip has been changed from the 2016 Mt. McKinley cruise to the 2016 Denali drive. Bernie Edwards, 1932-2015 Memorial Thanks and Honor medal from the Ambassador of Korea in 2014. He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Jackie Fave Roberts; and infant d a u g h t e r. Survivors include a son, Bernie M. Edwards; two daughters, Lynnda J. Edwards of Chugiak and Beverly Edwards- Cathcart of Comanche, Texas and grandsons.
October 7, 2015 Some Wildlife We Saw on Our 2015 Denali Park Tour Wiedmer One Bull Moose browsing... Wiedmer One Dahl Sheep climbing... Tinkering Times 9 Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska September 9, 2015-Minutes The meeting was called to order by President Brian Anderson at 6:40 pm. Minutes for the August meeting were read and with several corrections they were approved as changed. The treasurer reported $7,173 in the account. Dues for 2016 will be due soon. Marco (Mike) Spezialy passed away. Mike was a charter member of the Antique Auto Mushers. He was treasurer in 1963-64. He came to Alaska in December 1948 on a cruise ship Ṫhe state fair parade and show went well. Mark Graber chaired the event again this year and did a great job. Eleven cars participated. Gwyn and Mike took their Cadillac to the Seward Car Show. The Goldings and the Wiedmers attended the Classy Classic car show in Palmer. It was 95% Model A s. Kurt asked if he could report on the Packard event that he attended in Switzerland at a future meeting, and Brian suggested that he could do the program at the October meeting. Dennis was acting sergeant at arms tonight. He collected two dollars for lack of a name tags. Split the pot was won by Jerry Roach. October meeting, Tanora s and Cresap s will provide refreshments, November meeting Donn and Howard will provide the refreshments. September 25 is the Pioneer Show, men only lunch at the Fairgrounds. There will be a presentation of each car during the lunch. Be prepared with Alaska history on your car if you will be attending this event. There are ten cars expected to attend. The Denali trip is set. The passes have been obtained and directions have been handed out by Tam and Art. Walt Sonen and Sachiko will return soon after their 15,000-mile trip in the Model A truck. They were on the road 75 nights, the majority of those nights camping. The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 pm. Eighteen people attended tonight s meeting. Brian led us around the hillside for a fall color show and then we ate at Uncle Joe s on Old Seward. The October meeting will start at 7:00. There are no longer Wednesday drive arounds for 2015. Respectfully submitted, Pam Tanora secretary One Ptarmigan hiding... Wiedmer and One 1949 Ford convertible with its top down. Reese
10 Tinkering Times What the Wildlife Saw in Denali Park Allen Barry and Doris Fowler high tailing it out of the snow and muck in their 1914 Model T Roadster. October 7, 2015 October Birthdays Bill Waldron 5 th Sara Stoops 6 th Donna Waldron 9 th Fred Scharper 12 th Cindy Hulse 13 th Dave Chiotti 16 th Milt Tanora 26 th Donn Reese 31 st Anniversary Diane & Fritz Wohlwend 13 th AAMA P.O. Box 232086 Anchorage AK 99523-2086