The Porthole - Mason-Dixon Chapter

The Porthole
January/February 2016
Newsletter of the Mason-Dixon Chapter of the BCA
UPCOMING EVENTS -- MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Mason-Dixon chapter items are in red
2016
Sunday January 24 – Mason-Dixon Chapter Membership Meeting, 4 p.m., Hoss’ Restaurant, East York,
PA (NOTE: Change of time and location -- 3604 East Market Street off of U.S. Route 30 – this is on the
east side of Route 83) Exit Rt 30 at the Mt. Zion exit (Rt 24S) then at second light, left, East on Market to
Hoss's on your right (past York VW on your left).
February 11-13 – AACA Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA
February 26-28 – Atlantic City Classic Car Auction & Flea Market, Atlantic City, N.J.
Sunday, February 28, 2016 - “SUNDAE” at the Movies. We have been invited by the York Antique Car Club to
attend this fun winter event. It is a meeting which features vintage films, featuring old car films, comedies (which
are generally car related), cartoons, news reels and other films of interest to “car people”. After the films are shown,
we will then make ice cream sundaes, featuring a variety of toppings and sauces. Snacks and drinks also available.
All is free to members and families. Donations accepted. The film show/make your own sundae event is held at the
Scout Cabin, 15 Emig Road, York. Take N. George St. (Rt. 181) to Emig Rd. (gas station at signal light). Turn onto
Emig Rd. Look for Emigsville Recreation Area with tennis courts and baseball diamond on right. Turn right at
green street sign labled “parking” and continue to parking lot in front of the cabin. If you get to a one lane
underpass, you've gone too far. N. George St. (Rt. 181) runs parallel to Rt. 83. Emig road would be between exits
24 and 22, South of exit 24 and North of exit 22. We would like a head count. Contact John Hess at: 717-757-7666
or email at: hocusfocus@verizon.net. Doors open at 1pm....showtime is 2.
March 3-5 – Greensboro (N.C.) Antique Car auction
Sunday, March 6 - Hamburg Swap Meet and Car Corral, Hamburg Fire Co. Field House, 7am – 2pm. Admission:
Adults - $2.00 Children under 12- Free. 127 South 4th Street-Rear (Pine St.). Sponsored by: Ontelaunee Region
AACA, Hamburg, PA 19526. For details contact: Lester Manweiller 610 944-8619
March 17-19 – AACA Winter Meet, Naples, Florida
Sunday April 4 – Mason-Dixon Chapter Membership Meeting, 3 p.m., Hoss’ Restaurant, Mechanicsburg
April 7-10 - Charlotte Autofair and AACA Southeastern Spring Meet, Charlotte, N.C.
April 20-24 – Spring Carlisle (Collector Car Auction held Thursday April 21 and Friday April 22)
Saturday May 7 (TENTATIVE DATE) – Central Penn Region Annual Spring Show at Kelly Cadillac,
Lancaster PA – all makes of cars welcome
May 5-7 – AACA Special Spring Meet, Auburn, Indiana, in conjunction with Auburn Spring Auction
May 19-21 – AACA Eastern Spring Meet, hosted by the South Jersey Region in Vineland, N.J. (For information –
609-221-5435)
Sunday May 22 – Mason-Dixon Chapter Membership Meeting, 3 p.m., Hoss’ Restaurant, West York, PA
June 2-4 – AACA Annual Grand National Meet, hosted by the Susquehannock Region in Williamsport, PA (For
information – 570-368-2570)
Saturday June 4 - The Mason-Dixon Chapter and Freysinger Buick host their 8th Annual Buick Show at
Freysinger Buick/GMC, 6251 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA. All makes of cars welcome this year. Peer
Judging with 9 Buick Classes, 3 awards per class. Two classes for other GM makes, two classes for nonGM makes, and an all-inclusive modified class, 3 awards per class. Other awards include Best of ShowBuick, Best of Show-Other Makes, Dealer’s Choice Buick, Long Distance, and Oldest Car awards. Dash
plaques to the first 75 entries. Registration 8:30-10:30. Show 9-3. Advance registration $10 until May 25th,
$12 day of show. Free hot dog and drink to all exhibitors. For information, contact Larry DiBarry, 717263-3804 or dibarjo@hotmail.com; or Dick Beckley, 717-395-7128.
June 10-12 – The Elegance at Hershey - Grand Ascent Hillclimb held on Friday June 10; Antique Car Auction and
Seminars held on Saturday June 11; Concours d’Elegance on the grounds of the Hotel Hershey held on Sunday
June 12. (For information – 717-534-1910)
June 17-19 – GM Nationals at Carlisle
June 18 – AACA Museum Car Show, Hershey, PA
June 23-25 – Barrett-Jackson Northeast Auction – first-time event, held at the Mohegan Sun, Uncasville,
Connecticut (between Boston & NYC).
July 14-16 – Central Penn Antique Auto Auction (Grant Miller), Lock Haven, PA
Saturday July 16 (TENTATIVE DATE) – CLC 10th Annual CLC Inter-Regional Meet at AACA Museum – all
makes of cars welcome
July 17-21 – AACA Founders’ Tour, hosted by the Allegheny Mountain Region, Huntingdon , PA (For information
– 814-251-2299)
July 21-23 – Mecum Auction in Harrisburg – 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, PA 17110
Sunday July 24 – Mason-Dixon Chapter Membership Meeting, 3 p.m., Hoss’ Restaurant, Mechanicsburg
July 27-30 – Buick Club of America National Meet in Allentown, PA – BCA’s 50 th Anniversary meet will be
hosted by noted collector Nicola Bulgari.
August 11-13 – AACA Southeastern Fall Meet, hosted by the First Capital Chapter, N.C. Region, in New Bern,
N.C. (For information – 252-637-2319)
August 16-20 – Professional Car Society National Meet, Gettysburg PA
September 22-25 - Charlotte Autofair
Sunday September 25 – Mason-Dixon Chapter Membership Meeting, 3 p.m., Hoss’ Restaurant, West York,
PA
September 28-October 2 – Fall Carlisle (Collector Car Auction held Thurs. September 29 and Fri. September 30)
October 5-8 – HERSHEY
Thursday November 24 - Frostbite Run, sponsored by the Historic Car Club of Pennsylvania – on the grounds of
the Massey House in Broomall, PA. A Thanksgiving morning tradition.
Sunday November 27 – Mason-Dixon Chapter Membership Meeting, 3 p.m., Hoss’ Restaurant,
Mechanicsburg, PA
Support your Buick Club events! There are many car shows, but no others
that focus specifically on our favorite marque.
We are still asking for someone to step forward to be coordinator of our yearly car show.
We as a chapter are extremely lucky with the support of Freysinger's. Many other
chapters have to go begging for support and foot the bill for awards themselves. So our
ambassador of good will to the dealership is very important. Our need is for a person that
is near by the area of the dealership to be able to meet and coordinate. I am an hours
drive to all the activities but do try to make these meetings.
Larry
Dues are due now!!
If you haven't done so already, please be sure to pay your
dues for 2016 now, in order to continue your membership and to continue receiving this “Porthole”. See renewal form at the end of this newsletter. Send the form and your check for $10.00 to John Kuchtiak, Treasurer.
Thanks!
Directors Message
Happy 2016!
As I am writing this (New Year’s Eve) we have just returned from Hagerstown MD, where, they
had “The Doughnut Drop”. Seems that every town has to have some sort of drop on Dec. the 31st.
Quite a crowd, with free Krumpie’s doughnuts, hot chocolate, soup and
games for the whole family. The drop was at 7:00 so we could be back
home and welcome in 2016…Well I have put this off far too long as it is
now Jan.4th. I had hoped to get all done and turned into John before
Christmas. Another of last year’s resolutions not fulfilled. I had tried to
contact Gary Freysinger before Thanksgiving about a possible date change
for the car show and he did not get back to me until Dec, the 28th. (See the announcement for June
4th in our events calendar.) We had to look into this since there were other car show/event conflicts
on the 18th (our traditional date) and 11th of June. Also we have now opened our show up to all
makes. Our January meeting will start the discussion as to how the awards will be structured. We
still have to fill some positions on the car show committee. Hope to see all in attendance.
On a sadder note I had mentioned to our e-mail recipients the passing of long time car enthusiasts
and Mason-Dixon club members Hank Reus Sr. in September and Jack Frank in November. The
old car hobby is poorer at their loss. The accumulated knowledge, skill and enthusiasm these men
possessed will not be able to be duplicated. Please share your special talents and love of the hobby
with others so as to keep our hobby alive and thriving.
In the previous Porthole I told of my experience at the failed attempt to
acquire a 1915 Buick C-36 Roadster. I really do love the early Buick cars
and friends in the hobby feel that I really need an early cage valve Buick.
The latest attempts have been 2, 1913-Model 31 touring cars.
One
very nicely restored (1980s) example in Michigan and one closer to home in
Belle Vernon PA. This one is about 10 miles from where I grew up (145 miles away now). It
once had an AACA First Place Award but that was in the 1950s. It does have a deteriorated 60
year old restoration and neither car is anywhere near tour ready. Either car still seems to be way
out of our budget. But someday maybe…..
Dick Beckley is still looking for help with coverage for the welcome tables at the BCA 50th
Anniversary celebration at Allentown. It is looking like a busy Buick year for many of us. I am
also working with John Schieb in Conn. on the Pre War activities. We are always in need for
articles of your hobby experiences to populate the pages of the Porthole. Please share them.
Reminder...2016 Dues are now payable. Please don’t forget our upcoming meeting January 24th
at Hoss’s, York.
A Happy, Healthy and Fulfilling New Year to all:
Larry
Sympathies Jack Frank
Jack H. Frank, 91, of Maytown, died on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Hospice and Community Care, Mount Joy after a brief
illness. He was the son of the late Harry P. and Ada J. Frank. Surviving are a son, Jack C., married to Bonnie Frank, his companion,
Judith Scott, and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Margaret, in 1990, his second wife of 8
years, Ann, in 2008, and a son Robert A. in 2014.
Jack graduated from East Donegal High School in 1942 and Elizabethtown College in 1950. He retired from AMP, Inc. after 35
years of service as a systems analyst. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy in WWII and participated in the D-Day invasion at
Normandy aboard the LCT 542. In recent years he enjoyed attending various WWII Navy reunions held around the country. Jack
was a well known trumpet player and played with numerous bands, most notably the Bainbridge Band with whom he spent over
60 years. He also had a highly successful jazz combo for many years known as The Majors.
A well-rounded individual, Jack co-founded the Maytown Historical Society in 1985 and served in numerous capacities within the
organization. He had a passion for antique automobiles and spent over 20 years showing his beautifully restored 1937 Buick which
won every award available. He was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Maytown, a charter member of American
Legion Post 809, a Past Master of Ashara Lodge #398 Free and Accepted Masons, and a member of the Lancaster Lodge of
Perfection as well as the Harrisburg Consistory.
A funeral service honoring Jack’s life was held at Saint John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 11 North Queen Street, Maytown on
Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 11 AM. Family and friends were received on Friday, November 20, 2015 at the Sheetz Funeral
Home, Inc., 16 East Main Street, Mount Joy from 6 PM to 8 PM with Masonic Services being recited at 8 PM. Interment was
private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jack’s name can be sent to The Maytown Historical Society, P.O. Box 293, Maytown,
PA 17550, The Bainbridge Band, c/o Mike Weaver, P.O. Box 443, Bainbridge, PA 17502, or St. John’s Lutheran Church,
PO Box 96, Maytown, PA 17550.
To our Membership:
If you have not done so lately, please check out our web site to see what is new. Chuck Hoffman,
our website manager, has added a new menu bar "NEWS AND INFORMATION". This was for
the Freysinger Show results. Also at the bottom of the page Chuck has included a leave a reply
section. Try it out!
As to the "MEMBERS CARS” menu bar. If you look what is there it is what was initially sent to
me. I know we have more members with more car pictures. Please submit them to me or Chuck.
Larry
Congratulations
to your newsletter editor John Hess, who’s 1964 Buick Skylark convertible was
nominated for an AACA National award after the Hershey show in October. There were less than 300 cars nominated
for 70 awards out of the almost 4,000 cars shown in AACA shows in 2015. The awards will be given at the AACA
annual meet on February 13th in Philadelphia.
It’s Time to Register for the 2016 BCA National Meet – July 27-30 in Allentown, PA
We are fortunate to have next year’s BCA National Meet very close to home. This meet,
celebrating the Club’s 50th Anniversary, is expected to be one of the largest turnouts ever
of Buick cars and enthusiasts.
It’s now time to register, and to reserve your hotel rooms. Full information is now available
on the BCA website, including registration forms, tour reservations, hotel information, and
an aerial view of Nicola Bulgari’s “Celebration of the American Motorcar Complex”, which
we will be invited to tour. Registration can be accomplished on-line with a credit card, or
by printing out the form and mailing it. Hotels are now accepting reservations.
There will be tours to appeal to everyone in the family. They will include Lehigh Valley
covered bridge tours; visits to the AACA Museum and Library in Hershey; tours to
Philadelphia including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Simeone Foundation
Automotive Museum; a visit to America on Wheels, a great automotive museum in
Allentown; a visit to the C.F. Martin Guitar Company; an historic Bethlehem tour; visits to
Dorney Amusement Park and Wildwater Kingdom; and a visit to the Clover Hill Vineyards
and Winery, Josh Early Candies and the Allentown Farmer’s Market. And, for those who
want to tour on their own, other local attractions include the Mack Truck Historical
Museum, celebrating the history of the trucks with the famous bulldog mascot, and the
Coca-Cola Baseball Park, home to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the triple-A level minor
league baseball affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. This variety of interesting destinations
should help to attract visitors from all over the country. Last but not least, the opportunity
to visit Mr. Bulgari’s collection will be nothing short of memorable.
The Buick Heritage Alliance is planning a dinner on Friday evening, and the BCA will host
a buffet dinner on Saturday evening. Visit the BCA website for more information, and
register early in view of the large turnout expected.
Please Note....f you'd like to submit any information, articles, cars for sale...whatever....contact newsletter e
itor John Hess at (717) 757-7666 or via email at:
York, Pa. 17402.
hocusfocus@verizon.net or via snail mail at 1285 Christensen Rd
Wanted
old signs, automobilia, petroliana, old gas pumps, barber shop collectables, etc.
Contact Dick Beckley at dbeckley@epix.net , phone 717-395-7128. PO Box 128, Lewisberry, PA
17339.
For Sale
Parts For Sale
Set of 1969 Electra tail lights. Used condition. $50.00
1969 Electra 4 dr. Rocker stainless.
$20.00
1949 Buick radio with nice chrome grill. $100.00
Larry DiBarry 717-263-3804
For Sale
Hi All,
I have decided to sell my dad's 1941 Century sedan. Basically a nice original well maintained car, early production
model in very good condition. I am asking $22,500 and hope to place it in a good home. If you may have an interest
or know of someone who might please have them contact me.I also have parts, literature, tools and a couple of old
V8 Ford's I will be selling as well. I hope that you all are enjoying a Happy Holiday Season and wish you and
yours a very prosperous New Year!Best Regards,
Hank Reus, Jr
Cell (410) 499-6196
Home (410) 377-8331
For Sale
1964 Buick Riviera....425 Nail head V/8, Auto. PS/PB, Runs good, no smoke or leaks,
45K miles, sat for many years outside. Complete car needing complete restoration or great
parts car. Good glass, stainless, bucket seats. Asking $3500. Call for more details:
Chuck, 201-416-3345
For Sale
Jack Frank Estate
Former long-time Mason Dixon member Jack Frank passed away last November. His son (whose
name is also Jack) is at present attempting to liquidate the cars that Jack still had at the time of his
passing. His beautiful 1937 (AACA Grand National Award) Special Phaeton which Jack had shown
at our show several times is available.
Jack had a project 1941 Olds 6 cylinder 4 door sedan with Hydramatic all complete but
disassembled, plus a rolling chassis and driveline. Also there are many extra parts. Some already
restored.
There were also several other late model cars. I do have more photos if anyone else is interested.
Jack also had many spare parts and much miscellaneous stuff which are to be auctioned possibly
later in the coming spring. If you are interested in any of the cars please contact me Larry DiBarry
@ 717-263-3804 and I can get you Mr. Frank's contact information.
For Sale
1985 BUICK CENTURY LIMITED 4-door sedan, 60,061 miles, offered for sale by the AACA
Museum. Attractive cream color with tan vinyl roof and tan plush velour upholstery. Fully
equipped including factory A/C (which blows cold), power windows, power seat, power door
locks, divided front seat, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, and much more. Front wheel drive
(good for winter traction), 2.5 litre 4-cylinder engine, and automatic transmission. This Buick
was donated to the Museum in 2011, and is now being sold to make room for new acquisitions.
All sales proceeds go to the Museum. This Buick is in very good overall condition, and runs
well. The water pump was replaced recently. The car is being sold “as is” with no warranty,
and will need PA inspection as the sticker has expired. Price is $1,500. You are welcome to
inspect this Buick at the Museum by making an appointment with Stanley Sipko at 717-5667100, extension 104.
Mason-Dixon Chapter of the Buick Club of America
Dues Reminder Notice!
Dues are $10.00 per year
Must be a member of the BCA to be a member of Mason-Dixon
This is the only notice you will receive!
Name ____________________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________________
Zip _________________
BCA# ____________________________________
Phone ____________________
Buicks owned:
State_____________________________________
E-Mail _____________________________________
Please list year, model, body style, etc.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Dues are $10 per year, due on January 1 of each calendar year. You must be a member of BCA national to
be a member of our Chapter.
Mail check payable to Mason-Dixon Chapter BCA to:
John M. Kuchtiak, Treasurer
453 Clearview Road
Hanover, PA 17331
Meetings are bi-monthly, last Sunday of the month, 3PM
Quarterly Newsletter, by e-mail or snail mail if no e-mail
Annual show
Other Events as planned
Contact:
Larry DiBarry, Director
dibarjo@hotmail.com
Tim Spigelmyer, Assistant Director tlspsu@aol.com
Phone 717-263-3804
Phone 717-514-5728