Cadillac & LaSalle Club Potomac Region Caddie Chronicle · 2016. 4. 14. · Cadillac & LaSalle Club Potomac Region Caddie Chronicle September 2008 Visit us on the web! 2 LETTERS TO

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Potomac Region Caddie Chronicle September 2008

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE BY VINCE TALIANO

I am thrilled to announce that three Potomac Region members won major awards at the 2008 CLC Grand National. Steven Sisson, who co-founded the Potomac Region in 1969 with Ron VanGelderen, won the CLC’s most prestigious award, the Henry M. Leland Award. Chris Cummings, author of “The Cadillac That Followed Me Home”, won the Maurice Hendry Award. Yours truly won the LaSalle Discovery Award for efforts related to last year’s Legacy of LaSalle event. Read all about Steven’s and Chris’ accomplishments in this issue. In addition to individual awards, over 15 Potomac Region members won awards for their cars. A full list of those winners appears on pages 19-20. Congratulations to all the winners.

Congratulations to Jack Hotz, Grand National Chairman, and the Valley Forge Region for hosting an incredible Grand National. It was great to see so many Potomac Region members in Cherry Hill. We hope our 2009 National Driving Tour will equal the success of this milestone event.

On Saturday September 13th, the Hampton Roads Region is hosting their 12th Annual Suttle Motors Show. George & Rita Boxley have generously offered overnight accommodations at their Northern Neck home for two-three couples who plan to attend and do not want to return Saturday evening. Anyone interested should contact George & Rita at 301-261-5634 or [email protected]. Regarding the Hampton Roads Region, Art Matthews, founding Director and Potomac Region member, recently passed away. Our sympathies go to his wife Bettie and to the Matthews family. See page 22 for a tribute to Art.

Also, we offer our sincerest condolences to Harry & Julia Scott on the recent passing of Harry’s mother.

Vince Taliano

2008 OFFICERS:

REGIONAL DIRECTOR NEWSLETTER EDITOR WEBSITE MANAGER VINCE TALIANO

ASSISTANT REGIONAL DIRECTOR DAN RUBY

NATIONAL DIRECTOR BILL SESSLER

SECRETARY ASSOCIATE NEWSLETTER EDITOR VALLEY FORGE REGION LIAISON SANDY KEMPER

CAR SHOW COORDINATORS CENTRAL PA REGION LIAISONS DIANE & HENRY RUBY

TREASURER HARRY SCOTT

MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN NEWSLETTER COLUMNIST RICHARD SISSON

ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR CENTRAL VA REGION LIAISON NEWSLETTER COLUMNIST STEVEN SISSON

OTHER KEY POSITIONS:

AUTOMOBILIA AUCTIONEER HAMPTON ROADS REGION LIAISON GEORGE BOXLEY

NEWSLETTER COLUMNIST RITA BIAL-BOXLEY

SHOW WEEKEND COORDINATOR SHELLEY CHADICK

NEWSLETTER COLUMNIST CHRIS CUMMINGS

CAR SHOW DISPLAYING/PARKING DERRICK FISHER

CAR SHOW DISPLAYING/PARKING NEWSLETTER COLUMNIST JIM GOVONI

CAR SHOW SPONSOR AND HOST DANIEL JOBE & CAPITOL CADILLAC

NEWSLETTER COLUMNIST TOM MCQUEEN

HONORARY MEMBER NEWSLETTER COLUMNIST VERN PARKER

HONORARY MEMBER NEWSLETTER COLUMNIST BOB RUCKMAN

CAR SHOW MASTER OF CEREMONIES NATIONAL CLC ADVISOR NEWSLETTER COLUMNIST RICHARD SILLS

Vince Taliano 2008 CLC LaSalle Discovery Award

Winner Photo by Jack McClow


Visit us on the web! www.clcpotomacregion.org

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Vince, THANK YOU for your fine article on Vern Parker. He has become a friend to many old car enthusiasts in the Washington, DC area and well deserving of your fine accolades. Vern helped bring historic automobiles mainstream in the thoughts and minds of John Q. Public. Best of all, he invites all those featured cars and owners to his yearly meet at the Spring Hill Recreation Center, near Tyson’s Corner, and personally greets every owner as they arrive. Chad Coombs Lincoln-Mercury Friends Vince, Many thanks again for the promotion you gave the Professional Car Society (PCS) in the June issue of your newsletter. As you might well imagine, Cadillacs figured prominently in the 65-or-so funeral vehicles, ambulances and limousines in attendance. Saturday's car show even attracted a news crew from the CBS affiliate in Philadelphia (check out Anne-Marie Green's report at http://cbs3.com/video/[email protected] as she did a superb job summarizing what the PCS stands for and how our preservation focus stands apart from other hearse clubs that play up the macabre). We also had a couple from Australia - the Lemons - who were moving on to the CLC Grand National after our meet. Best Wishes, Gregg D. Merksamer Publicity Chair Professional Car Society



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2008 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION CONTACT INFORMATION

Sep 5 Fri

4:30 pm – 10:00 pm

“An Evening in Black and White”

Howard County General Hospital

Columbia MD

Lisa Macek at 410-309-1200 or [email protected]

Sep 7 Sun

8:00 am – 3:00 pm

AACA Sugarloaf Mountain Region's

39th Annual Car Show

Mt Airy Fireman's Park

Mt Airy MD

Bill Brown at 301-662-6778

Sep 8 Mon

7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Potomac Region Monthly Meeting

Capitol Cadillac Greenbelt MD

Vince Taliano at 301-258-8321 or [email protected]

Sep 13 Sat

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

12th Annual CLC Hampton Roads Region Car Show

Suttle Motors Newport News VA

Tom Bottoni at 757- 538-1518 or [email protected]

Sep 19-20 Fri-Sat

GM Heritage Tour Weekend Greater Detroit MI area Stuart Popp at [email protected] or 734-453-8920 or

Sep 20 Sat

8:00 am – 3:00 pm

33rd Annual Edgar Rohr Memorial Antique Car Meet

Manassas Museum Manassas VA

Bill Sessler at 703-361-5491 or [email protected]

Sep 21 Sun

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

16th Annual Car and Truck Show

MVA Frederick MD

Earl Chesley at 240-446-6657

Sep 27 Sat

8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Annual Corvettes and Classics Car Show

Forrest Career and Technology Center Leonardtown MD

Bill Gilligan at 301-994-3926

Sep 27 Sat

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

2nd Annual Driving Out Cancer Motor Rally & Car

Show

Edgewater MD to Solomons Island MD

Heidi Thomas at 410-467-360, [email protected] or

www.drivingoutcancer.org Oct 1-5

Wed-Sun Gates open

daily at 7:00 am

Fall Carlisle Carlisle PA 717-243-7855 or www.carsatcarlisle.com

Oct 4 Sat

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Inaugural Dogfest 2008 Car Show

Shawan Downs Cockeysville MD

Andrew S. Levine at 410-561-7666, [email protected] or

http://www.dogfest2008.org/car_show.html Oct 8-11 Wed-Sat

Opens at 7am

AACA National Eastern Fall Meet

Giant Center Hershey PA

http://local.aaca.org/hershey

Oct 11 Sat

10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Fun Fall Day and Antique Car Show

Sandy Run Farm Thurmont MD

Linda and Arthur Goldberg at 240-476-6523 (cell) or 301-340-0313 (office)

Oct 18 Sat

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

8th Annual UPS Classic Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show

UPS Facility Laurel MD

Jim Lanham at [email protected], 301-390-9085 (home), 301-741-3721 (cell) or

301-604-4579 (office) Oct 18

Sat 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

City of Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show

Rockville Civic Center Rockville MD

240-314-5022 or www.rockvillemd.gov/events/carshow.htm

Oct 20 Mon

7:30 pm – 9:30 pm


Silver Diner Merrifield VA


Oct 26 Sun

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Capitol Cadillac/Potomac Region Fall Car Show

Capitol Cadillac Greenbelt MD

Diane & Henry Ruby at 301-894-8026 or [email protected]

Nov 1 Sat

Starts at 10:30 am

Vintage Collector Car Auction Howard County Fairgrounds

West Friendship MD

Bernie at 443-807-8883 or 410-243-9999

Nov 17 Mon

7:30 pm – 9:30 pm


Washington Dulles Airport Marriott

Dulles VA




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Cadillac Dream Cars Proposed for Capitol

Cadillac Show Sunday October 26, 2008

Capitol Cadillac and the CLC Potomac Region are proud to announce that -- depending upon contributions that we hope to receive from members and friends of the region -- this year’s fall car show theme will be Cadillac Dream Cars. General Motors has offered to provide us with four dream cars for our event: the 1953 LeMans, 1959 Cyclone, 2003 Sixteen and another Cadillac concept car to be determined. This is a rare opportunity to see these historic cars. In order to cover the expenses related to transporting the cars from Michigan to Capitol Cadillac, the Potomac Region is undertaking a fund-raising effort. In appreciation to individuals who donate $200 or more, an exclusive invitation-only reception will be held at Capitol Cadillac the Saturday night before the show to preview these unique vehicles.

Each of the past four fall shows at Capitol Cadillac in Greenbelt, Maryland has been theme-related. Theme for 2007 was the Legacy of LaSalle: 1927-2007. The show attracted 90 cars, including 18 LaSalles. It was featured in The Self-Starter and in Hemmings eWeekly newsletter. The 2006 theme was Eldorado Extravaganza: 1953-1966. Over 100 cars were in attendance, including 25 rear-wheel drive Eldorados. The show was featured on the front cover of Old Cars Weekly, in The Self-Starter and Hemmings Classic Car.

Capitol Cadillac was established in Washington, DC in 1934. The dealership is a 25 minute drive from the BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and a 5 minute drive from the Holiday Inn Greenbelt (301-982-7000), where rooms will be reserved for the night before the show at the special rate of $94 (mention Cadillac & LaSalle Club when making reservations). The Holiday Inn Greenbelt will also be the site for a dinner the night before the show hosted by past CLC President Richard Sills & Shelley Chadick prior to the reception at Capitol Cadillac.

For more information on the show or the fund-raising initiative, contact Diane & Henry Ruby, Car Show Coordinators, at 301-297-4459, 301-894-8026 or [email protected].

The 1959 Cadillac Cyclone © General Motors (GM) Corporation

The 1953 Cadillac LeMans © General Motors (GM) Corporation

The 2003 Cadillac Sixteen Source: www.carforum.net



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AUGUST 18, 2008 MEETING MINUTES BY SANDY KEMPER

PLACE: Marriott Dulles Airport Hotel, Dulles, VA TIME: 7:30 PM PRESIDING: Director Vince Taliano ATTENDANCE: Byron Alsop, Shelley Chadick, Chris Cummings, Randy Denchfield, Jim George, Jeff Gurski, Sandy Kemper, Jack McClow, Tom McQueen, R. Scot Minesinger, Dana & Lou Monette, Harry Scott, Richard Sills, Richard Sisson and Margo & Steven Sisson

DIRECTOR’S REMARKS: Vince Taliano welcomed everyone to the host hotel for the 2009 National Driving Tour. He expressed sympathy to the family of PR member & founding director of the Hampton Roads Region, Art Matthews, who died recently. Vince also expressed sympathy to Jack McClow, whose mother passed away recently. Lou Monette conducted a raffle for a comprehensive car care kit donated by Pierre J. Smith, General Manager of NAPA of Fairfax City. This is the second consecutive month that he has donated an item to the club. In return, Vince announced that we will send a thank you letter on behalf of the club.

RECOGNITION: Everyone rose to a standing ovation for Steven Sisson, who was awarded the Henry M. Leland Award, the CLC’s most prestigious award, at the GN. Also Chris Cummings was recognized for receiving the Maurice Hendry Award at the GN for his journalistic contributions to the purposes of the CLC. And Vince was recognized for receiving the LaSalle Discovery Award at the GN. Lastly, many PR members won awards for their cars at the meet and those in attendance were recognized as well.

SECRETARY’S REPORT: The Minutes from the July meeting were not read since they had been published and distributed to all members in the August, 2008 newsletter.

TREASURER’S REPORT: The Treasurer’s Report covered the time period from the July meeting to date. Harry Scott reported that the Region’s income was $463.49. The total expenses for the same time period were $1,017.23. The checking account balance as of the meeting was $1,553.77 and the Certificate of Deposit principal was $5,667.16

MEMBERSHIP REPORT: Richard Sisson reported that the 2008 membership has reached 224, a new all-time high. We reviewed the latest report of active and inactive National CLC members living in the Potomac Region from the CLC Office. There are only nine (9) PR members whose National membership has expired. We are in the process of following-up with those members.

ACTIVITIES REPORT: 1. Recently held events:

• 4th Annual Picnic w/ Lincoln-Mercury Friends, Roger Bentley’s, Aug 3: Steven Sisson said that the event was well-attended (approximately 60 people and 25 cars). The change from club-provided food to Pot Luck was a big hit as the assortment of food and desserts brought to the event was greatly enjoyed by all. Thanks to Lee Petersen for providing the karaoke. Vince added that the Club provided a poster (an original print of a ’40 LaSalle and Katharine Hepburn) to Roger in gratitude.



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• 34th Annual Metro Chapter Buick Club All-GM Show, Rockville, MD, Aug 9: Tom McQueen reported that there was a record attendance this year with over 170 registrations, including a good turnout of Cadillacs. Richard Sisson won a “Best in Class” award.

• 2008 Grand National, including Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting: Newly elected National Director Jack McClow reported the highlights of the BOD meeting. These included: membership stands at 7,142; CLC Directory deadline is Aug 31 for changes in car listings; photos are still needed for the 2009 calendar. Also, Jack and Richard Sills described the features of the GM Heritage Tour Weekend, Sept 19-20.

2. Upcoming PR events: • Fall Car Show, Sunday, October 26, 2008: Vince said that he has been in touch with

Daniel Jobe about the theme for the Fall Show. There are two possibilities based upon the availability of certain cars. This should be resolved in the next few days.

3. Other upcoming events: Steven covered a list of forthcoming AACA, and other antique or collector auto events, including: • Baltimore Cadillac Parade, Baltimore, MD, Sat, Aug 30 • 20th Annual “Out of the Past Revue,” McLean, VA, Sun, Aug 31 • 39th Annual Car Show, Sugarloaf Mountain Region, AACA, Mt Airy Fireman’s Park, Mt

Airy, MD, Sun, Sep 7 • AACA Bull Run Region Show, Manassas, VA, Sat, Sep 20 • City of Rockville Antique & Classic Car Show, Sat, Oct 18 - Rockville has requested

nominations for cars that “may illustrate an interesting aspect of the GM heritage.”

4. Other CLC Region Events: • 12th Annual CLC Hampton Roads Region Car Show, Suttle Motors, Newport News,

VA, Sat, Sep 13: Vince encouraged everyone to attend. Also, Sandy reported that, in an effort to make our members' participation in the show easier, George and Rita Boxley have generously offered overnight accommodations for 2-3 couples at their Northern Neck home.

OLD BUSINESS: • 2009 National Driving Tour: Sandy briefly described the hotel’s banquet rooms, picnic area,

parking lot and the amenities of the hotel. We expect to be able to begin booking room reservations in September. Also, we will be holding another Tour Steering Committee meeting within the next few weeks. Vince commended the donation of promo cars that J. Roger Bentley made to the club for the NDT.

NEW BUSINESS: 1. 2008 Potomac Region Election: Vince reminded everyone that the election of officers for the

term 2009-2010 will be held in November. Any member in good standing is eligible to be elected. A nomination form will be distributed to all members in September.

GENERAL DISCUSSION: Much of the discussion throughout the meeting pertained to the Grand National, including a photo image display by Tom McQueen. Also, Steven alerted everyone to reports of problems with a chrome plating company in the Baltimore Area.

NEXT MEETING: Monday, September 8, 2008, 7:30 PM at Capitol Cadillac, Greenbelt, MD ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 9:50 PM



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4TH ANNUAL SUMMER PICNIC WITH LINCOLN MERCURY FRIENDS STORY BY J. ROGER BENTLEY AND STEVEN SISSON

PHOTOS BY J. ROGER BENTLEY, JEFF GURSKI AND STEVEN SISSON

Earlier during the week, the weather forecasters were predicting a very hot 95 degree day for Sunday, August 3rd, the day of our 4th Annual Summer Picnic. To the contrary, it turned out to be the most beautiful day one could have wanted for a picnic – low humidity, nice breeze, sunshine and warm temperature. The attendance was very good, with some 60 plus people in attendance with their Cadillacs, LaSalles, Lincolns and Mercurys. There was even a 1956 Pontiac convertible, a mid-60s Mustang, a 1961 Buick convertible, and a rare ‘80s Riviera convertible at the picnic, as well as a few late model cars. All in all, there were about 25 cars at the event.

Considering the price of gasoline, it was surprising to see so many people who came a great distance from numerous areas in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland. It just goes show how much everyone loves their clubs and members. Attendees included Bob Norrid, Steven & Margo Sisson, J. Roger Bentley, Chad Coombs, Dave & Mary Crawford, Tom McQueen, Harry Goins, Joe & Maria Camelio and guests, Alex Figueroa and Margaret Rasor, Derrick & Barbara Fisher, Jim & Brenda George, Vern Parker, Dave & Norma Blum, Russ Spears, Jim & Carolyn Popp, Steve Templeman and guest, Lee Peterson and Sue Kennedy, Eugene Woodruff and Sonya Sobrian, Jim & Joyce Dillard, Byron & Alida Alsop, Randy & Susan Denchfield and guests, R. Scot Minesinger, Richard Sills & Shelley Chadick, Frank Lindberg, Henry & Diane Ruby, Dan Ruby, Harry & Julia Scott, Richard & Jan Sisson, Jeff & Nola Gurski and Vince Taliano, among others.

New School Cadillac vs. Old School Lincoln

Garage Mahal



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The Garage Mahal was cleared of all but three cars, and a row of tables were set-up for the food by Roger Bentley, Henry & Diane Ruby and others. Lots of fried chicken, cold platters, many good sides and plenty of desserts were lined up on the long tables. Most of the food disappeared leaving only some to be parceled out for members to take home. Nobody left this picnic hungry or thirsty.

The entertainment provided by Lee Peterson and his Karaoke friend Bill, plus the added benefit of songs by Julia Scott was terrific. The music mix was perfect and the pleasant sound gently wafted over the expansive tree shaded front lawn of the beautiful English Tudor home.

At the appropriate time, our Director Vince Taliano, took the microphone. He thanked all who came, our host Roger Bentley, Lee Peterson for the music and all who helped with this event. Vince presented Roger with a specially-procured print of Katharine Hepburn standing next to a LaSalle. He also thanked the weather gods for such a beautiful day. If you missed this year’s picnic, I surely hope you are able to attend next year’s. It’s really a good time. [Editorial note: Thanks to Roger for his continued hospitality. We look forward to next year’s event!]

Pot Luck aplenty!

Three LaSalles were present including these two convertibles

All makes, models and years were welcomed



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STEVEN SISSON WINS HENRY M. LELAND AWARD BY VINCE TALIANO

Steven Sisson, who co-founded the Potomac Region in 1969 with Ron VanGelderen, is the 2008 recipient of the CLC’s most prestigious award, the Henry M. Leland Award. The Leland Award is presented to an outstanding CLC member who has performed acts of great merit. Steven has been performing acts of great merit for the CLC since 1969.

It all started in the summer of 1968 when Steven and his brother Richard answered a classified ad in The Washington Post for Cadillac parts being disposed of by the widow of a collector who had several 1938-40 era senior Cadillacs. After being led to the parts stash in the basement, they met Ron VanGelderen who was rummaging through the parts. They soon learned that Ron owned a small fleet of some 4 or 5 collector Cadillacs and he recently moved to McLean, Virginia from Chicago. They invited Ron to their Dad’s nearby home to see Steven’s ‘46 convertible. Talking there, they were amazed to learn that Ron had come from a very active CLC Region in Chicago and he had already become distressed to learn that there was no active local Region in the Washington, DC area. A few months later, Ron called Steven and asked if he could come up with a mailing list of interested Cadillac fanciers in the area. Ron wanted to explore the ide of forming a local region. Steven said yes because he was a member of the local AACA Region and CHVA Region and knew a lot of people. He came up with some 20-25 names and forwarded them on to Ron. Then Ron and his wife Sherie did the mailings and invited the people of Steven’s list to their home for a meeting.

Steven Sisson 2008 CLC Henry M. Leland Award Winner

Photo by Vince Taliano



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The first meeting took place in January 1969 with some 15-20 potential members in attendance and was featured in The Self-Starter (see photos below courtesy of Chris Cummings). Ron led the meeting and announced that he wanted to get a local Region started. In October 1969, the first Cadillac & LaSalle meet was held at Turkey Run Park in McLean, Virginia with 12 classics in attendance. About a month or so later, another get together was held at his home and after some discussion, it was decided that the Region would be called “Potomac” and Steven Sisson would be its first Director. The first order of business was to apply to the National Club for provisional status and to get a good mailing list organized. These things were done and the Potomac Region was off and running.

Steven directed the infant organization from 1969–1976. It was very loose in a number of ways in the early days, including not even requiring dues for the first couple of years. The hat was passed around at the various get-togethers and this brought in enough money to buy paper supplies and pay for postage. Steven more or less ran the club from his office on 15th Street, while also serving as its newsletter writer/editor. Different people came up with ideas for gatherings, meetings and so forth. Eventually dues were put in effect when it became necessary to buy trophies to give out at the national sanctioned shows.

From the beginning, the Potomac Region kept growing. In the early years of the 1970s, its members included a number of members who remain active today. Besides the DC area enthusiasts, Cadillac and LaSalle owners from Pennsylvania and New Jersey made the journey south to attend Potomac Region events during the mid ‘70s.

L to R Standing - Martha Jane Kennedy, Fred Westenberger, Earl Broyles, Juan Aranda, C. P. Johnson, Robert Schilling and Ralph Perkens L to R Kneeling - Zane Griner, Ellwood Brown, Steven Sisson and Richard Sisson

L to R Standing - George Teebay, Sue Teebay, Mike Smith, Sandy Smith, Cari Davis, Aiken Davis, Glen Cole, Pat Cole, Bryce Frey and Nancy Frey L to R Kneeling - Ron VanGelderen and Sherie VanGelderen



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By then, Steven who was the CLC's Eastern Vice President of Regions, felt that there was a need for a CLC Region in Pennsylvania, because, "we have a large number of members residing there, but no Region for them to be involved with." Steve published an open letter to CLC members residing in Pennsylvania in the February 1975 The Self-Starter, promising that if there was interest in a CLC Region in Pennsylvania, “The New York, Potomac, and New England Region people will assist you in getting started and I assure you I will give you all of the guidelines necessary.” From this appeal came the Valley Forge Region which has not only flourished but has become one of the most active Regions in the CLC and host of the club’s 50th Anniversary Party, the 2008 CLC Grand National.

For a time during the ‘80s and the early ‘90s when the Potomac Region became less active and questions were raised about its continued viability, it was the Valley Forge Region -- which had begun with an enthusiasm sparked by the Potomac Region – that provided welcome support to its neighbor to the south. Several Valley Forge Region members joined the Potomac Region when it was trying to build its membership back up, and a considerable number of cars with Pennsylvania and New Jersey license plates continued to regularly attend the Potomac Region’s meets and shows.

The Potomac Region survived until its recent resurgence in 2003, due in part to Steven’s efforts over the years as well as to the support and generosity of Daniel Jobe and Capitol Cadillac. Since 2003, Steven developed the club’s initial website, participated in the design of the Region’s logo and served as Activities Director, liaison with the Central VA Region and newsletter columnist for the Region’s nationally recognized Caddie Chronicle newsletter.

In addition, he has continued to attend numerous national CLC and AACA events across the country including the three most recent Grand Nationals held in California, Georgia and New Jersey, respectively. His account of the numerous events has been a featured column in the Caddie Chronicle and his story on the 2006 Charlotte Auto Fair Spring Meet was also featured in Hemmings Classic Car.

Steven truly exemplifies the best that the hobby and the CLC have to offer and has been an ambassador of the club since the late 1960s. And to celebrate his 40-year involvement with the CLC, he is serving as co-chair of its 2009 National Driving Tour, the first ever national CLC event hosted by the Potomac Region! Congratulations Steven!

California Dreaming The Denchfields and Sissons at the

2006 CLC Grand National Photo courtesy of Steven Sisson



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CHRIS CUMMINGS WINS MAURICE HENDRY AWARD STORY AND PHOTO BY VINCE TALIANO

Congratulations to Chris Cummings of Manassas VA, the 2008 recipient of the CLC’s Maurice Hendry Award. The Hendry Award was established by Maurice D. Hendry, author of Cadillac, the Complete History as well as numerous other literary contributions to the hobby. This trophy is awarded to CLC members who excel in journalistic contributions in furtherance of the purposes of the CLC. Criteria for the award include excellence in writing skills, style, originality, content, research, and illustrations.

In 2006, Chris Cummings’ book titled “The Cadillac That Followed Me Home” was released by McFarland & Company. The book is a compilation of various articles, emails and notes collected over a 40-year period describing Chris’ fascination with Cadillacs that began in the mid-1960s at the age of 12 after reading an article in The Reader’s Digest about a teenager’s purchase and restoration of a 1941 Cadillac.

A couple of years after reading the article, Chris purchased a 1941 Cadillac Series 75 Sedan, and approximately a year after that he purchased a 1941 Cadillac Series 61 Fastback Coupe. He kept both cars until 2005, when the culmination of his dream occurred: the purchase of a 1930 Cadillac V-16 Series 4330 5-passenger Imperial Sedan. Chris’ book traces his journey with Cadillacs from a teenager to the present.

Chris Cummings 2008 CLC Maurice Hendry Award Winner



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In April 1968, Chris wrote to the CLC asking where he may be able to locate parts, reading material, etc. related to his two ‘41 Cadillacs. Norm Uhlir, CLC co-founder and President at the time, personally replied to the teenage collector stating that The Self-Starter would be the place to obtain any help needed (see right). Soon after, Chris became a member of the CLC.

While working on the book, Chris provided the Potomac Region members with snippets of his experience via its Caddie Chronicle newsletter. His contributions were a major factor in the Potomac Region winning two different national awards for its newsletter.

The book has been extremely well-received in the hobby and received tremendous reviews from Old Cars Weekly and Hemmings Classic Car. As Chris states in the July 2007 issue of The Self-Starter, “…there was the letter I got from a total stranger in Arizona, who wrote to tell me about his Cadillac experiences and how much he’d enjoyed the book.”

Letter courtesy of Chris Cummings



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GOLDEN JUBILEE – 2008 CLC GRAND NATIONAL AUGUST 12-16, 2008

CHERRY HILL, NEW JERSEY BY RITA BIAL-BOXLEY

Grand Nationals are always exciting and fun-filled events to attend. As a long-time CLC member, I have attended many Grand Nationals over the years, and this year’s Grand National, held in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, lived up to all my expectations.

Tuesday August 12th

On Tuesday morning, my husband George and I loaded and secured our 1938 V-16 Imperial Cadillac, once owned by the DuPont family, in our trailer, checking and double-checking the straps. No one wants any mishaps on the road, especially if they can be avoided ahead of time. We always try to be on the road early in the morning to arrive at our destination and relax before the festivities begin in full force.

The Crowne Plaza, Cherry Hill, New Jersey 2008 CLC Grand National Host Hotel

Photo by Rich Hartkorn



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Right on schedule, we arrived in the afternoon at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cherry Hill, the host hotel. After parking our rig in the designated lot for the transport trailers, we went straight to the registration desk where we were greeted by the friendly and knowledgeable Valley Forge Region hosts. After receiving our stuffed goodie bag and schedules and tickets for the events of the week, we dined at the hotel restaurant, Embers, where the service was great and the food was prepared and presented well. We then retired early that evening to get ready for all the fun the rest of the week had in store for us.

Wednesday August 13th By Wednesday morning, we watched a steady flow of beautiful Cadillacs and LaSalles arrive and settle into their pre-assigned parking spaces. We observed how our fellow Valley Forge Region hosts were working early in the morning placing numbers on the parking lot pavement so owners of the vehicles knew exactly where to park. Naturally, we offered our help; the job wasn’t easy, but it is always enjoyable to help our fellow car club enthusiasts.

As soon as the parking lot was properly marked, George was relaxing at the pool and enjoying the therapeutic powers of fresh cold water on his bad knee. The water was a bit cold at first, but once in the pool, he did a few laps and the water was fine.

In the evening, a welcome reception was held at Taylor’s Restaurant where we were shuttled by bus. The restaurant was within walking distance, and some members took advantage of a beautiful evening stroll. We were soon at Taylor’s enjoying a great array of hors d'oeuvres that included shrimp, clams and chicken fingers served fresh from the kitchen in ample supply. The wait staff was friendly and helpful, and offered unlimited refills if you so desired. Taylor’s was first class in every regard, the place was packed with CLC enthusiasts from all over the world, and we enjoyed the camaraderie immensely. While the adults were enjoying themselves at Taylor’s, the youth group members had their own pizza party going on in an adjoining room.

Massive showfield Photo by Bill Van Luven



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It is so great to see the young people from our club getting involved and having a good time. We know these kids are the future of our hobby, and that they will bring their own ideas and themes to future Grand Nationals, and will, hopefully, continue to preserve the old cars of the past. The hospitality suite at the host Hotel was open soon afterwards and frequented by many of our members. Thursday August 14th

Thursday morning dawned as a beautiful day. The television weather people called for rain during the day, but it held out until the evening. The tour busses were lined up bright and early to take those with an interest to local sites. There were many places to see such as the historic Philadelphia tour, Longwood Gardens and Winterthur. Having read so much about Longwood Gardens and Winterthur and the lifestyle of the DuPont’s, I was excited to go on this tour. It was a spectacular tour, but I found you need at least two days to fully appreciate Longwood Gardens and to take in all the beauty and planning that went into making this such a great home for the rich and famous at the turn of the century. There is so much to see at the home in Winterthur with its many gardens as well.

When we arrived back at the hotel later in the evening, cars were steadily rolling in, some on trailers and roll backs, all taking their respective places on the ample showfield (numbered in excess of 400 cars!) for the remainder of the week.

Friday August 15th Friday started out overcast, but the sun finally came out later in the afternoon. Some members were off to the Philadelphia tour and the Maritime tour that were again on the tour schedule. In the specially designated vendors section of the showfield lot, Potomac Region Members Henry & Diane Ruby and Harry Scott were all set-up for selling their automobilia wares and parts, along with several other vendors selling every kind of item. After a leisurely stroll of visiting all of the vendors, and purchasing some special Grand National memorabilia, we had lunch and visited poolside with Walter & Daisy Wary.

Independence Hall, the back drop for Dan Reed’s Grand

National poster Photo by Rich Hartkorn

A first-time Grand National attendee checks out

the famous Liberty Bell Photo by Rich Hartkorn



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The grand event of the evening was the General Motors Corporation 100th Anniversary / CLC 50th Anniversary Reception held at the hotel’s Pavilion room, hosted by past President Ron VanGelderen and current President Glenn Brown. Mike Valerio, Regional Sales and Marketing Manager for General Motors, was the featured speaker on hand to inform us about the future plans for General Motors and, more specifically, upcoming Cadillac division products. Mr. Valerio showed a presentation of the new Cadillac models for 2009, followed by another presentation, in the form of a DVD message from Gary Cowger, GM Group Vice President, congratulating the Cadillac & LaSalle Club on its 50th Anniversary achievement. The reception was packed with at least 700 people in attendance.

Saturday August 16th

By Saturday morning, the cars that were scheduled to be judged were present. George and the other judges from regions near and far arrived at the Judges’ Breakfast bright and early at 7AM to gear themselves up to judge over 300 cars! It was a very hot day so water was supplied via two roving golf carts, driven by Valley Forge Region’s Bud Coleman, Motor City Region Secretary Sue Pashukewich and Potomac Region Director Vince Taliano among others, to the judges and others to help ward off the threat of dehydration. The judging went smoothly and by 2 PM most of the judging was completed. My husband and other members celebrated the completion of their judging by enjoying a dip in the huge pool. While judging was taking place, a Ladies Tea/Fashion Show was being held in the hotel. While I wasn’t able to attend, I heard it was a huge success.

Saturday evening was just great. Members and their spouses and guests were dressed in their evening best, enjoying cocktails on the veranda before being seated in the huge banquet room for the awards banquet; there was an estimated 710 people in attendance per the information posted on the Valley Forge Region website.

George Boxley and Vince Taliano provided beverages to the thirsty

judges and others Photo by Margaret Rasor

Double vision! Photo by Margaret Rasor



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Welcome remarks and introductions were made by Jack Hotz, the Grand National Chairman. Invocation was by Andrew Jacoby, Valley Forge Region Vice President. At 8PM the Official Golden Jubilee Celebration started with a very inspiring and touching video with remarks by Norm Uhlir, co-founder and past President of the club. The second speaker was past President Richard Sills, who talked about his experiences in obtaining his first Cadillac. The third speaker was past President Bill Edmunds, who inspired us to be more inclusive and reach out to the youth of the CLC membership. Introductions of club officers were made by Glenn Brown.

An auction was then held for the original 2008 Grand National Poster designed and painted by Dan Reed. It was conducted by my husband George, the Potomac Region’s Auctioneer. The auction was very spirited and very exciting, and the final bid belonged to the owner of the car in the painting, Woody Rohrbach, who paid $8,000 for this original piece of automotive art and history. Achievement awards were announced by Gary Fisher, Awards Committee Chairperson, during which time the Potomac Region and its members received three of the club’s most prestigious awards. The Judged Show Class Awards followed and were announced by Paul Ayres, Acting National Chief Judge; he was assisted by Raritan River Region past Director Bernie Cooney. All the awards and their recipients will be posted on the CLC website, with Potomac Region winners highlighted in this issue. The 2008 Grand National Award Ceremony came to an end with a video and quick announcement by John Bergler, Chairman of the 2009 Grand National Meet, for us all to join him and his region for next June’s event at the spectacular South Point Hotel in Las Vegas! We will see you there!

Thanks again to the Valley Forge Region and all the other assisting regions that worked together to make this a very SPECIAL 2008 Grand National and a VERY MEMORABLE EVENT.

Until next time, Happy Motoring!

Rita

[Editorial note: Visit www.cadillaclasalleclub.org to see hundreds of pictures from the event]

Fins at night! Photo by Margaret Rasor



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2008 CLC GRAND NATIONAL WINNERS STORY AND PHOTOS BY VINCE TALIANO

Congratulations to the many Potomac Region members who won awards in Cherry Hill. Below is the list of winners and pictures of some of the winners.

Category Owner City and State Year and Model Past Presidents’ Preservation Award

Michael J. Fahey Mt Airy MD 1964 6339 SDV

Primary Class P-02: 1924-35 Cadillac V-8 First Place

Henry H. Lewis Owings Mills MD 1928 8055C IMP

Primary Class P-10: 1939-40 Cadillac V-8 Second Place

Bob & Grace Gluck Long Valley NJ 1940 7529 C4D

Primary Class P-13: 1948-49 Cadillac w/o Series 75 First Place

Randy & Susan Denchfield

Chevy Chase MD 1949 6267X CCP

Primary Class P-14: 1950-53 Cadillac First Place

Bart Mitchell Brooklandville MD 1953 6267SX ELC

Primary Class P-15: 1954-56 Cadillac Third Place

Richard Sisson Potomac MD 1954 6267SX ELC

Primary Class P-20: 1963-64 Cadillac plus 1965 Cadillac series 75 Third Place

Michele & Daryl Hauf Pasadena MD 1963 6257 CPE

Primary Class P-22B (Split Class): 1969-70 Cadillac without Eldorado First Place

Mark E. Brodsky Chevy Chase MD 1969 68347 CDV

Primary Class P-22B (Split Class): 1969-70 Cadillac without Eldorado Second Place

Mark E. Brodsky Chevy Chase MD 1970 68367 DVC

Primary Class P-22B (Split Class): 1969-70 Cadillac without Eldorado Second Place

R. Scot Minesinger Fairfax Station VA 1970 68367 DVC

Primary Class P-22B (Split Class): 1969-70 Cadillac without Eldorado Third Place

Mark E. Brodsky Chevy Chase MD 1969 68367 DVC

Primary Class P-28B (Split Class): 1990-97 Cadillac Second Place

Richard Sills Lancaster PA 1996 KF69 CSD

Primary Class P-28B (Split Class): 1990-97 Cadillac Third Place

Steven & Margo Sisson Ashburn VA 1992 EL57 ETC

Senior Class S-05: 1930-40 Cadillac V-12 and V-16 First Place

Byron & Alida Alsop Oak Hill VA 1936 8529 C4D

Senior Class S-08: 1950-60 Cadillac Third Place

Richard Sills Lancaster PA 1960 6337 CDV

Senior Class S-99: Commercial and Professional Vehicles Second Place

Mike & Vicky Barruzza Bristol PA 1977 6ZZ90 AMB

Touring Class T-03: 1930-40 Cadillac V-12 and V-16 First Place

George & Rita Boxley West River MD 1938 9033 IMP



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Category Owner City and State Year and Model

Touring Class T-08: 1967-76 Cadillac Third Place

Mark S. Russo East Hanover NJ 1970 68367 DVC

Touring Class T-09: 1977-88 Cadillac w/o Allante First Place

Rosemary Spicuzza Spotswood NJ 1978 6CD47 CDV

Touring Class T-99: Commercial and Professional Vehicles First Place

Mike & Vicky Barruzza Bristol PA 1963 8690 CHS

Youth Club Award – Original

George & Rita Boxley West River MD 1938 9033 IMP

CLC Henry M. Leland Award

Steven Sisson Ashburn VA

CLC Maurice Hendry Award

Chris Cummings Manassas VA

CLC LaSalle Discovery Award Vince Taliano North Potomac MD

Some of the Potomac Region Award Winners: Top Left to Right: Richard Sisson, R. Scot Minesinger, Denchfield Family, Byron & Alida Alsop,

and Richard Sills & Shelley Chadick

Bottom Left to Right: Rita & George Boxley, Mark Brodsky, Mike Fahey, Michele Hauf and Mike Jones and Bart Mitchell



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IN MEMORIAM: ART MATTHEWS www.dailypress.com

POQUOSON - Arthur N. Matthews Jr., better known to all who knew him as 'Artie,' was born a Yankee in South Bend, Ind., on April 23, 1932. He was the first of five children born to Arthur Sr. and Helen Ridenour Matthews. The family moved to Roanoke, Va., after his dad was offered the position of vice president/actuary of Shenandoah Life Insurance Co.

He graduated from Jefferson Senior High School in Roanoke and entered VPI as a Cadet. He left Tech and served in the U.S. Army during the time of the Korean War. Artie met Bettie Jeanne Jones, his future wife, during Christmas holidays of 1956 in Roanoke. They were married almost a year later on Dec. 21, 1957. He then returned to Tech and received his BS degree in Business Administration in 1959.

To this union were born two children, Judith (Judy) Matthews Leeming and Arthur Nelson III (Tres) Matthews. Art, and his very fine example of a life well-lived, was a great role model. These two devoted and loving children continue to be a comfort to their mother and will join her in both mourning his passing and celebrating his life. Artie retired as Director of Juvenile Court Services for the 9th District after a long and distinguished career.

He was a talented musician, skilled on the clarinet, but more at home behind a set of drums. He worked with many different bands and formed his own group known as the 'Socialaires.' Dixieland music was his favorite because he felt it 'reached your soul' on so many levels. He especially enjoyed playing at the 'Occasion for the Arts' in Williamsburg because his music reached so many people who might otherwise have never heard that true New Orleans style. Sleep well, dear Artie and make sure the Angels keep their harps tuned.

Artie’s 1979 LeCabriolet Convertible

Photo by Tom Bottoni

Artie Matthews 1932 – 2008

Photo courtesy of www.dailypress.com



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CADDIE CLASSIFIEDS

Cars For Sale 1960 Series 62 Convertible – 60,500 miles – White on white with red interior – Beautiful car (paint a 10, interior great, motor showroom clean, etc) – Owned since 1988 and restored in 1990 – Top showing some age but no rips or splits just a little fading and wrinkles from always being down in the spring and summer – Chrome is great, all redone except grille (some spots and a little fade) – Motor and transmission run great – Good glass all around car with no cracks or chips – Wire rims and Coker Radials just installed in the last year (original rims and sombrero wheel covers available), vintage AM/FM radio with cassette (original radio available) – All original other than tires and radio – Shop manuals all go with car – You could have fun with this car – www.clcpotomacregion.org/60cadillacforsale.htm for pictures – Asking $49,500 negotiable – For more information, contact Joe Pagliaro at 301-343-8925 or [email protected] – Car is located in Maryland 1979 Seville – 34k original miles – Light Cedar Firemist paint & vinyl top w/ dark cedar leather – Beautiful, totally original condition & hard to tell from new – Needs absolutely nothing and everything works as it should – Very well equipped including sun roof, wire hubcaps (also includes a beautiful set of optional Elegance wire wheels), spare trim and mechanical parts, all sales literature, dealer sales books, shop and parts manuals and original owner’s sales receipts – www.clcpotomacregion.org/79cadillac2forsale.htm for pictures – Asking $18,000 obo – For more info, contact Bill Pittman at 202-413-6305 – A Southern California car now located in Maryland

1981 Coupe de Ville – Black exterior, tan interior, AC, sun roof, partially restored, new carpet and vinyl roof, drive away, some parts available – Asking $3,000 obo – For more info, call 703-380-5642 – Car is located in Fairfax, Virginia

Information Wanted

New CLC member with a 1959 convertible is looking for recommendations on body shops in the Baltimore / Washington area – For more information, contact Jack Miller at 240-375-4419 or [email protected]

Other

Good Carma Garage, LLC

Classic Car Storage Facility Climate Controlled Environment

24/7 Monitored Security and Fire Protection

Contact Mike Milan to discuss your needs at 301-946-1116 or [email protected]

Visit www.GoodCarmaGarage.com



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2008 OFFICERS

NAME

POSITION(S)

PHONE NUMBER

EMAIL ADDRESS

Vince Taliano

Regional Director Newsletter Editor Website Manager

301-258-8321 [email protected]

Dan Ruby Assistant Regional Director


Bill Sessler

National Director


Sandy Kemper

Secretary Associate Newsletter

Editor Valley Forge Region

Liaison


Diane & Henry Ruby

Car Show Coordinators Central PA Region

Liaisons


Harry Scott

Treasurer


Richard Sisson

Membership Chairman Newsletter Columnist


Steven Sisson

Activities Director Central VA Region

Liaison Newsletter Columnist


Documents

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Potomac Region Caddie Chronicle · 2016. 4. 14. · Cadillac & LaSalle Club Potomac Region Caddie Chronicle September 2008 Visit us on the web! 2 LETTERS TO