Belltown Antique Car Club - P.O. Box 211, East Hampton, CT 06424 Dec. 2018 - Jan. 2019

NEXT MEETING

Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at the East Hampton Library at 7:30 p.m.

On the Agenda: - New officers presiding

- Update on April Antique Engine & Tractor Show plans

- Membership renewal status

- Suggested club tours and activities for 2019

- Club logo shirt orders

FUEL FOR THOUGHT

"We have transitioned to looking at our cars as collectibles, but we have real,

hands-on memories of driving and enjoying them from the beginning. In the not-

too-distant future, we with our first-hand knowledge, will be gone … I hope that

enough of our children have learned to appreciate our lives with Triumph and will

both keep them and enjoy driving them." - Mike Cook, retired long-time U.S. public

relations executive for Triumph and Jaguar, and, more recently, editor of The Vintage

Triumph club magazine. He died of pneumonia on Nov. 27, 2018 at age 85.

CLUB NOTES

Our “annual meeting” was held Nov. 7th. Attendance was reasonably good, and more than sufficient for a quorum.

Polly Beckwith confirmed the arrangements for our holiday party, to be held Sunday, Dec. 9th at St. Joseph’s parish hall on Rte. 154 in Chester, beginning at 1:30 p.m. 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, every-one who attends will get a fun gift as part of the festivities. A gift budget was approved at the meeting.

Cliff Baker described a proposed Club logo shirt program comprised of embroidered no-pocket polo shirts as well as screen-printed T-shirts, to be available for purchase. An order form will be available at an upcoming business meeting and included in a future newsletter. Cliff will manage the order flow to the local supplier.

After much discussion, the meeting approved proceeding with planning our next Antique Engine & Tractor Meet, set for Sunday, April 28, 2019, at Danaher Field in Haddam Neck. All show publicity, including our web site, shall state that the show is rain or shine, “field conditions permitting,” and to “check web site for updates.” Furthermore we need to put out a cell phone number that entrants can call to check for last minute updates. If field conditions do not support having the show, it will be cancelled. Alan Carlson was authorized to finalize the arrangements with the Danahers.

An increase in membership dues was approved. Effective with renewals and new memberships received on March 1, 2019 the dues for a primary member will be $15 per year. Associate memberships will remain at $1 each.

The election of BACC officers for 2019 was held. Alan Carlson and Mark Aldieri agreed to stay on as president and vice president, respectively. Scott Macgregor and Peter Christianson did not wish to remain in their positions. Cliff Baker accepted the nomination to replace Scott as treasurer. No one volunteered to take Peter’s role as secretary so he agreed to stay on for now. Bob Sutton volunteered for another two year term as an elected member on the board of directors. The slate was elected without dissention. Note: if any member is interested to take over as secretary, please let Alan or Peter know before the January meeting. Many thanks to Scott for being our treasurer the last two years.

Photo: Richard Truett, Automotive News

CLUB NOTES, continued from p. 1

News since the annual meeting -

The Club’s annual holiday party, held on Sunday, December 9th was a great success. According to Polly Beckwith, 76 tickets were sold this year, a noteworthy increase in attendance. Many thanks to Polly and her elves for organizing the event and wrapping the gifts. Again this year, Farrell’s Restaurant of Portland did the catering and we were treated to a bountiful feast befitting the occasion. Special thanks to Mary Criscuolo and Sandra Staski for the platters of cookies to munch on afterwards, and to Chris Beckwith for handling the audio system and holiday music throughout the afternoon.

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

• Bob Hellstrom received the Henry Burr Award for Outstanding Club and Community Service, recognizing his long and influential tenure as our newsletter editor.

• Jim Way took home the Bill Perry Award for Outstanding Service to BACC, for his dedication to helping out at our annual shows, in particular his willingness to be first on the scene at the gate to let in the earliest arriving vendors.

• Cliff Baker earned the John Marinelli Award for Enhancing the Overall Enjoyment of the Old Car Hobby for his successful efforts as our new tour coordinator to cajole and remind members to participate whenever they can.

Congratulations to this year’s award recipients!

MEMBER MILESTONES

Happy Birthday to: Peter Christianson Jan. 1st (65) Alan Miller Jan. 19th

Sean Grant Jan. 11th Stan Mirecki Jan. 20th

Raymond Willis Jan. 12th Garrett Grant Jan. 26th

Nancy Shaw Jan. 14th Jim Mulconry Jan. 26th

Mike Somma Jan. 16th

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

In Memoriam: Member Lawrence Harder of Portland passed away on Nov. 30th at age 86. Larry served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a graduate of Paier School of Art and had a career in the graphic arts. Larry enjoyed old cars, but more importantly, he was a genuine humanitarian and was a co-founder of Protectors of Animals. Our condolences to his wife of 54 years, Dru.

Belated Condolences to the Hodge family: We just learned that associate member Jean Hodge, 81, wife of Ron Hodge, passed away at their home in Newington last March.

New Members: Please welcome Anthony Adams of Wallingford, Conn. and Harold Waters of Hebron, Conn. to the Club. Anthony, who is a Franklin owner, actually joined BACC on the day of our Vintage Motorcar Meet in August, however, we were remiss in not acknowledging his membership at that time. Harold joined us in November. He owns four antique General Motors vehicles, among them a 1940 Chevrolet Special Deluxe sedan and a 1951 Pontiac Chieftain two-door. Harold’s interests also include old tractors and small engines.

With Much Appreciation: Our thanks go to Dudley Diebold for enclosing a generous donation to the Club along with his 2019 membership renewal. Thanks also to Phil Hamilton and Bill West for their extra contributions.

P. 2 of 8 The Belltown Bulletin Dec. 2018 - Jan. 2019

P. 3 of 8 The Belltown Bulletin Dec. 2018 - Jan. 2019

AACA Eastern Fall Meet in Hershey, Penn., Oct. 10-13, 2018

Above: Cliff Baker (hat) chats with shop owner David Cardone, who is also a BACC member.

Cliff reported that other Belltowners in attendance were Nancy Cardone and Bruce Johnston (also of Cardone’s), Don & Nancy Liepelt, Jim Way, and Diane Baker.

Cardone & Daughter Automotive’s Fall Open Shop in Old Saybrook, Oct. 20, 2018

Above left: Jon Grant and Karl Helming

relaxing in their flea market booth.

Above: Richard and Polly Beckwith await

customers, shaded from the sun.

Left: Steve Rossi poses with his 1929 Nash

400 Twin-Spark Six Coupe, bought in

Michigan, that he was about to shuttle home

from Hershey to East Haddam, Conn.

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P. 4 of 8 The Belltown Bulletin Dec. 2018 - Jan. 2019

THE “STRAIGHT SIX”

The Bulletin asked members at our holiday party, “What is your favorite old car-related activity during the winter months?”

1 - Bruce Johnston: “I love rebuilding carburetors in the winter. It’s such a good time to do it!”

2 - Dick Everett: “I don’t do much with cars in the winter. I like to read, though. Right now I am reading The Devil’s Mercedes, which is a true story about a ’41 Mercedes 770K touring that was specially-built for Hitler, and what became of it. Come to think of it, what I really like to do this time of year [when there are no shows, etc.] is deliver machinery for people using my antique Chevrolet-GMC truck.”

3 - John Hoban: “We go to Florida for the winter and drive our old cars down there. Like here in the summer, we go to cruise-ins and car shows, or we just go for drives in the rolling hills of central Florida. We have a place north of Orlando where we keep an original 1964 Ford Galaxie 500XL along with our ’96 Mustang Cobra convertible. I like that Mustang for going up to the hill country.”

4 - Ray Lichota: “I enjoy coming to these club banquets and such in the winter. The hobby is not just about cars, it’s the people.”

5 - James Borbas: “I keep active with several clubs I belong to, attending the winter meetings and being involved in discussions about subjects people bring to the meetings.”

6 - Joe Frey: “My intention is to spend time getting to know my newly-acquired 1937 Ford sedan. It should be usable as is, but first I need to get it registered and check it over. It’s in nice shape, painted light gray with a red pinstripe, and it has the 85 hp V-8. I found it on Craigslist in Waltham, Mass.” Like a proud new father, Joe pulls out his phone and scrolls through pictures of his Ford, as other Early V-8 enthusiasts lean in to have a look and offer advice.

How do you plan to derive enjoyment from the antique car hobby this winter?

BACC Holiday Party, Dec. 9, 2018

[Photo credit: Dan David]

P. 5 of 8 The Belltown Bulletin Dec. 2018 - Jan. 2019

UPCOMING EVENTS (Club participation events in bold)

Wednesday, Jan. 2 - Next BACC monthly meeting at the East Hampton Library, 7:30 p.m. First business meeting of

the new year, 2019 officers presiding.

Sunday, Jan. 6 - 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

Model A Ford Club of Conn. Questions, contact BACC’s Jim Way or call Don Passardi at 860-684-2675.

Fri. - Sun., Jan. 18-20 - “Auto Mania” powered by Carlisle Events, indoor flea market at the Agri-Plex, 302 N. 17th St.,

Allentown, Penn. Adult adm. $10 per day. Info: http://www.carlisleevents.com/carlisle-events/automania/default.aspx.

Sat. - Sun., Jan. 19-20 - “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. (4 p.m. on Sun.), $12 adm. per day. Held in any weather. Details at

www.apswapnsell.com.

Sunday, Feb. 3 - 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 (held on the first Sunday of the month, Dec. to March). Donation $2.00. Sponsored by

Model A Ford Club of Conn. Questions, contact BACC’s Jim Way or call Don Passardi at 860-684-2675.

Wednesday, Feb. 6 - 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. 16 - 17th Annual “Northeast Gas Bash” petroliana meet (no reproductions), American Legion Post 127,

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

limited, apply early). Contact Bob Harrington, 203-494-0566 or email rharrington32@yahoo.com.

MAIL BOX

OK, Belltowners, we finally got a letter to the editor to share with you.

More On Monoblocks

It was nice to read about the Viking vs. Ford V-8 engine discussion in the November issue of The Belltown Bulletin. As a matter of semantics, the first “monoblock” V-8 engine is generally attributed to Hispano-Suiza. Dating back to 1915, the Spanish-Swiss concern developed cylinder blocks that were cast in one piece, together with the cylinder heads. That’s where the monoblock term originated. Before that, there were no “blocks” because cylinders were rou-tinely cast individually, or in pairs.

The discussion at the East Hampton Library meeting seems to have instead been about V-8 engines with cylinder blocks that were cast together with a common crankcase, like Viking’s [ref. cross-section drawing at right] and Ford’s. Obviously, it’s understandable why “monoblock” has since been applied to that later technique, as well. More recently though, the term cast “en bloc” has often been used.

So I, for one, am looking forward to inspecting Cliff Baker’s ’29 Viking when it makes its way back to Connecticut. Interestingly enough, period advertising mentions his engine’s “compactness and rigidity” with “thorough ribbing and trussing”…but certainly focuses more attention on that V-8’s unique, horizontal valve arrangement. “They combine efficiency with quietness, simplicity and rigidity,” according to Viking. “…the valve mechanism may be easily reached by lifting two cover plates from the top of the engine.”

Thanks for including such discussion in the Bulletin!

- Steven Rossi, East Haddam

P. 6 of 8 The Belltown Bulletin Dec. 2018 - Jan. 2019

CONNECTICUT AUTOMOBILIA

Submitted by Steven Rossi

According to the New Britain Industrial Museum, the Fafnir Bearing Co. had its roots in an experimental department of the Hart & Cooley Co. in New Britain. At first it took seven men to produce 150 ball bearings a day. When Fafnir was incorporated in 1911, the ball bearing market was in its infancy and it was mostly supplied from Europe. The bearing business grew rapidly as production of cars and trucks expanded. Fafnir’s strategy of innovation led to the development of the wide inner-ring bearing, the pillow block and the self-locking collar, all prior to 1925. During WWII Fafnir made airframe bearings. Later on their innovations were applied to the space program. In the 1980’s Fafnir merged with the Torrington Co., which was acquired by Timken in 2002. Timken still sells bearings under the Fafnir name today.

ANOTHER YEAR IN THE BOOKS

Unmuffled Exhaust from the Editor

It’s rather hard to believe, but this issue marks the end of my fourth year as editor of The Belltown Bulletin. It seems like only yesterday that Bob Hellstrom turned in his eyeshade and retired from active duty. Equally surprising is how much I have learned putting out this publication - about the subject of old cars, yes, but also about people involved in the hobby, including, of course, the members of our Club.

Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this newsletter during 2018, including president Alan Carlson (inspirations); Steve Rossi (his Conn. Automobilia submissions); Cliff Baker, Chris Beckwith and Ralph Phil (photos); and Gordon Hallberg (the newspaper article included in the e-delivery version of this issue).

A “tip of the hat” also to the interviewees who shared their old car stories: BACC members Alan Carlson, Cliff Baker, Don Liepelt, Steve Rossi, and Richard Skinner, author Pat Foster, antique engine owners Glenn Fuller and Rich Zappone, Hupmobile Club president Brian Spear, and ’34 Cadillac owner John Ricci. Lastly, thanks to those members who are occasionally accosted by your editor at meetings and banquets for quotes I can use in the newsletter in lieu of doing a proper, (relatively) in-depth interview of the sort that you may or may not have come to expect in these pages.

BELLTOWN CLASSIFIEDS

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

For Sale – Two 1987 Chevy El Caminos, both of them registered and running. One has a 305 V-8 and some body rot. The other one has no body rot, but could use a paint job. The second one has a newly-installed Summit high performance 350 V-8 with less than 1,000 miles on it. $6,500 takes the pair. Located in New Haven, Conn.

Call Phil La Rose, 203-782-9850. If no answer, leave a message and I’ll return your call. [BACC member]

For Sale – 1974 Lincoln Continental Mark IV, gold with tan leather, sunroof, 60K miles. Runs great and dependable. Solid #3 condition. $4,900.

Call Ray Mastronunzio, 860-389-2180 [BACC member]

For Sale – 8 hp generator, old in years not in hours of use, $75; 15 plastic totes, 18 gal. or larger, good/clean condition, for parts storage or flea marketeering, $3 each; NAPA 3-drawer bottom chest, on wheels, $25; Kennedy 2- drawer machinist’s mid-chest, $35; Box of 3 emergency triangles, $10.

Contact Scott Macgregor, 860-391-2889 after 7 p.m. or at jscotmac@sbcglobal.net [BACC member]

Wanted – Circa 1956-57 VW parts, 1950’s-60’s VW for parts, repair manuals 1920’s to 1980, British and VW engines.

Call David Cardone [BACC member] at Cardone & Daughter Automotive, 860-664-0727 or email us at cardoneauto.nancy@gmail.com.

WHO, WHAT, WHERE OR WHEN

Challenge your automotive history IQ

Which of these model names was never used on a vehicle built in America?

a.) Century Caballero

b.) Brubaker Box

c.) Crown Southampton

d.) Sterling Hawk

e.) El Morocco

The correct answer to last month’s Who, What, Where, or When, “What do

‘Hollywood,’ ‘Skylark,’ and ‘Beverly’ have in common?”:

The Graham Hollywood and Hupmobile Skylark are RWD sedans manufactured by

Hupp based on the body tooling of the discontinued Cord Beverly FWD sedan that

was purchased by Hupp Motor Car Co. after A-C-D went out of business. All three

vehicles shared the same body shell, doors and related hardware.

NEXT ISSUE

The next Belltown Bulletin is the February, 2019 issue. The copy and classified ad deadline is Thursday, Jan. 24. Monday, the 28th is the planned printing date. E-delivery is scheduled to take on or before Jan. 31.

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 - 2019 OFFICERS

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

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

Secretary - Peter Christianson (temp.) 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. 2018 - Jan. 2019

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.

Illustration copyright NikoMoritz

HOBBY HEADLINES & HISTORY

The Coker Group has new owners - One of the leading tire suppliers to the antique car hobby, Coker Tire, has been sold to its CEO, Wade Kawasaki, and the management team. Started in 1958 by Harold Coker, the company was taken over and expanded over the years by his son, Corky Coker, who retired from active management in 2014. The sale of Coker Group, which is based in Chattanooga, Tenn., includes other hobby-related units such as Wheel Vintiques and Universal Tire. Corky Coker will continue to own and operate Honest Charley Speed Shops.

When you get knocked down, get up, dust yourself off, and get back to work - In the summer of 2017, well known old car advertiser Country Classic Cars of Staunton, Ill., was heavily damaged by a five alarm fire. As reported on Hemmings Daily News, the dealership was again visited by misfortune a little over three weeks ago when widely-spread tornados ripped through the area, destroying two of their storage buildings and damaging two others. No one was injured there, but several cars in inventory were affected. Undaunted, owner Russ Noel said they will rebuild again and, in the meantime, remain open for business.

By the Way...

BACC’s holiday party 2018 was notable also for the fact that every Club president of this century (at least as far back as your editor can remember) was alive and well and in attendance, including Polly Beckwith, Jay Beveridge, Lee Harris, Bob Sutton, Jon Grant, and the incumbent, Alan Carlson. Nice to see all of you!

REMINDER: Don’t forget to mail in your 2019 Membership Renewal and dues check to

the Club by the end of January, if possible, or see the Club treasurer at either 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. Dues will increase to $15 per year, effective March 1, 2019.

E-Delivery Bonus*

Curious about the East Haddam swing bridge? Here is a short video about the bridge that was recently shown on Valley Shore Community Television and is available on their web site:

http://www.esenetworks.com/player.aspx?id=51988&content-id=198260

BACC member Gordon Hallberg, who is a part-time resident of Florida (Naples), sent us an article from the local newspaper, The Naples Daily News, about a meeting of the Pierce Arrow Society at the Wilderness Country Club, attended by the great-granddaughter of George Norman Pierce. We have reprinted it as a supplement to this newsletter. Note the invitation to see more photos and video at www.naplesnews.com.

Last but not least, more images from our 2018 holiday party are also attached. Cheers!

*) The E-Delivery Bonus is a feature not found in printed copies of the newsletter that are distributed via the USPS.

A reminder: all links in the electronic version of the newsletter are “clickable” as long as your browser is open.

E-Delivery Bonus p. 1 The Belltown Bulletin Dec. 2018 - Jan. 2019

Hobby news from Naples, Fla., submitted by snowbird & BACC member Gordon Hallberg

Article published in the

Naples Daily News on

Monday, Nov. 5, 2018.

E-Delivery Bonus p. 2 The Belltown Bulletin Dec. 2018 - Jan. 2019

More Pictures from the BACC Holiday Party on Dec. 9, 2018

[Photo Credits: above - Dan David

below - Cliff & Diane Baker]