7^th Annual Shaker Classic Car Show

Co-sponsored by Profile Automobile League, Inc.

Saturday, October 18, 2003

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Check-in begins and 9:00 AM)

at Canterbury Shaker Village

Free Admission for driver and one Passenger to Canterbury Shaker Village

For additional info, call Sky and Dot Borst (603-230-9566) svbnh @ aol.co

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A Message From The President

Summer has flown by as usual, but there are still plenty of ideal car touring and show days left. So keep driving them!

Saw several of you at Jonathon James’s Tilton School Show. That’s a nice day! If you didn’t make it this year be sure to plan on next year.

July’s visit to John Moir’s collection with picnic on his grounds was super. Thanks go out to John and Heather for hosting the day. Several people went on to Madison Boulder which is some "stone".

Looking ahead there’s our Joint Foilage Tour in late Sept. with the Lincoln Owners Club by Bart and Lucy Carlson. Also Canterbury in Oct. with Sky and Dot Borst. This is always a good time.

I’m still wanting to hear activity ideas from members. Let’s consider 5 areas of the state with one or more member in each area suggesting an activity ( a Sue Griffiths’ idea). Areas could be: Concord/Manchester, Seacoast(Exeter/ Portsmouth), Keene/Sunapee,Nashua/Salem and Lakes Region. I’ve been told by Ted Valpey(Dover) and Court Cross (Georges Mills) that they have sites where activities could be held. Let’s look into these possibilities.

Jack Griffiths and I will attend a meeting in Sept. with members of the Mt. Washington Auto Road and the Vintage Sports Car Club of America (VSCCA). The Auto Road organization is planning a 100th anniversary Hill Climb and Auto Show. Will keep you posted on this event and the role we might play in it. It’s scheduled for July 9,10, & 11, 2004. Some administration changes are taking place. Carol Hoagland is phasing out as News Coordinator. Warren Clark, Andy Daubenspeck and Jack Griffiths will take over this task which includes the News Letter. Carol took on this job, in spite of her busy schedule, to get us "started". She’s done a great job and deserves our gratitude. THANKS CAROL!!

I’ve been seeing and hearing of lots of car buying, selling and trading in our Region. Looking forward to seeing everyone’s "current holdings"

I had occasion to visit Gerry and Joanne Griffin recently. Saw some of the license plate collection. Don’t know how anyone could have a larger one.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy fall.

Jack Armstrong, Pres.

Granite Region, AACA

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Sun Shines On First Annual Meeting

By Judy Wildman

It may seem strange to give a weather report in conjunction with the Granite Chapter of AACA’s First Annual Meeting. However, those of us who have been around New England in 2003 know that the weather has been of prime importance. Under the rules of nature mothers generally care for their young. Mother Nature, though, broke her rules in caring for the infant Granite Chapter of AACA. First, she sent a winter storm in early April forcing the cancellation of the Spring Dust-Off, and then in early May she reclaimed the _Old Man of the Mountains_ part of our logo reducing him to a pile of rubble at the base of Cannon Mountain. So it was worthy of celebration when she redeemed herself for the Annual meeting on May 31st.

The prediction for the day was iffy at best (typical for spring this year), but the weather turned out to be very pleasant, blue skied and mild temperatured. Because of the forecast a number of members came in modern vehicles, but other brought out their antique cars, representing seven decades. Jack Armstrong’s 1911 Stoddard-Dayton 20 represented the first decade, Mike Jones’ 1923 Oldsmobile Sport Touring & Ken Sommers’ 1929 Hupmobile marked the twenties, the 1936 Ford V8’s of Dick Adams and Ernie Snyder represented the thirties, Jud Holcombe’s 1941 Buick Model 44 and Jim Lowrey’s 1941 Ford marked the forties, Dwight Smith drove his 1950 Cadillac 61 Coupe representing that decade, the sixties was present in Willy Carlson’s 1961 Willys-Utility Wagon and Jack Griffiths’ 1969 Ford Galaxie XL, and the seventies group had Sky Borst’s 1972 Mercedes.

Arrivals began around 11:00 AM, and by noon around 50 members had arrived. Jack Armstrong, the host and chapter president, rang the school bell signaling members to the barn for the First Annual Meeting of the Granite Chapter. Jack called the meeting to order and began by introducing a special guest Mike Jones an AACA National Director. Next on the agenda was the vote for the slate of officers: President-Jack Armstrong, Vice President-Jonathan James, Secretary/Treasurer-Jack Griffiths, Exec. Board Member at Large-Gary Rondeau and Newsletter-Carol Hoagland. A motion to accept the slate was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. Jack Griffiths then gave the treasurer’s report, the Granite Chapter is solvent, and commented on membership, approximately eighty are listed. The by-laws which had been present and accepted at the AACA Annual Meeting were made available to members. Kudos were then extended to Carol Hoagland for the superb newsletters and to Andy Daubenspeck and Warren Clark for the establishing of the chapter web site. If you haven’t visited the site as yet (www.aaca.org/granite), you should do so. The praise is well-deserved. Discussion topics for after lunch were outlined, and the formal meeting was adjourned.

After the spring we’ve had (or not had), it was a pleasure to go outside and have a picnic style lunch under a blue sky. A light breeze even kept most of the pesky critters (may flies and mosquitoes) away. The group spread out around the Armstrongs’ spacious yard and enjoyed sandwiches, cookies, cold drinks, and conversation.

The school bell tolled again and everyone meandered back to the barn for the discussion topics. On the national level it was noted that the new library/museum was magnificent and that the Mustang raffle tickets were available. The _how often_ and location of future meetings was then discussed. The consensus was to have no more than four meetings a year and when possible that they be tied into an event that members would be likely to attend, e.g., the Kiwanis Auto Show in Concord. Tours, shows and flea markets were the next discussion topics. Tours seemed to a favorite of the group. Mike Jones mentioned that three-day tours were popular and afforded the chapter a possible revenue source. Jack next mentioned youth programs where members get together with youngsters to impart a love of the hobby. The last discussion item concerned a problem all organizations have _the need for help_. The message is if you can assist with membership (contacting others who share our love of the hobby), activities (planning/hosting an event), or the newsletter (contributing articles) do so. Any group is only as good as its active members.

The meeting ended with two raffle drawings. First, a 50-50 raffle gave two lucky members $50.00 and $25.00 respectively as well as adding $75.00 to the treasury. This was followed by a large variety of prizes from a restaurant certificate to car cleaning products to Marvel Mystery Oil. Thanks are due to Jack and Pat Armstrong for their hard work and hospitality and to Jack and Sue Griffiths for all they contributed.

With Great company, a Relaxed atmosphere, Antique cars, Noteworthy food, Ideal weather, a Terrific locale, and Elegant dash plaques, the First Annual Meeting of the GRANITE Chapter of AACA was a definite success.

For anyone interested on the nitty-gritty details, we are posting the minutes from the meeting on our web site. Check it out at

http://www.aaca.org/Granite

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Two Year Inspections For Antique Automobiles

Over the summer, Jack Griffiths did some research into the New Hampshire motor inspection law. He found the following:

"Vehicles registered as antique motor vehicles and antique motorcycles and which are 40 years old and over shall be inspected biennially. Antique motor vehicles shall be inspected in the month of April. Motorcycles shall be inspected by July 1.

You are probably wondering what this means in practical terms. No — you won’t find an inspection station that will give you a sticker that expires in two years. Instead, Jack tells us that we should just get a normal inspection sticker and then skip the next year. According to his research, police in New Hampshire have been trained relative to the special inspection law for antique motor vehicles. Keep a copy of the law in the car — just in case you run into the one officer in New Hampshire who does not know about this. You will find a clean copy at the back of this issue of the Granite Banner with the applicable section highlighted.

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Summer Sojourn

By Judy Wildman

The Alphabet Autos

    A is for AC there are quite a few.
    B is for Bentley, Brasier, Brewster, too.
    C is for Covert, Carden and Cadillac
    D is for DeDion in pale cream and black.
    E is for E-M-F a roadster quite sporty.
    F is Ford Models T, A and Woodie.
    G is GWK and GN a Grand Prix.
    H is for HRG #422 you see.
    I is for an International Charette.
    J is for a sport racer called a Jowett.
    K is for Knox as well as a Kelsey.
    L is for Lancias that are quite fancy.
    M is for Mazda, Morgan, and MGTC
    N is for a black Nash Healey.
    O is for Orient from 1904.
    P. is for Packard, Peugeot and Panhard Levassor
    Q is for Queen in a dark regal blue.
    R is for Rolls-Royce Ramseier bodied for you.
    S is for Studebakers, Spacke and Stanley.
    T is for Triumph a sports car quite manly.
    U is for UNIC a green Phaeton.
    V is For VW and a gorgeous Voisin.
    W is for Wolseleys a coupe and a hornet.
    X is for Xanthos.  There_s two letters yet.
    Y is for Yellow Cab complete with a driver.
    Z is for Zoe Zipper and also le Zebre.

The alphabet’s finished from A down to Z.
John’s collection’s magnificent as I’m sure you can see.

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Stowe : Hazy, Hot and Humid

But Well Worth The Trip

By Jack Griffiths

The unrelenting rain during the first two weeks of August scared some of the crowd away from Stowe this year, but not Granite Region members Jim Lowrey and Jack Griffiths. Stowe was just the right distance for a day trip and they, along with Jim’s son — also Jim — made the trip on Saturday, August 9. It was hot, it was humid and the rains made the field passable, but sloppy. In one tent, the temperature exceeded 100 degrees. But, as usual, there were many of the most beautiful antique cars you will find anywhere.

Rows and rows of cars from the brass era to muscle beasts. Just walking up and down the lines of cars is a trip down memory lane. And the vendors. Parts, memorabilia, signs, models, chrome services, it’s all at Stowe. The car corral was in full bloom and the writer personally witnessed heavy duty negotiations on at least three vehicles, which was a real kick. Despite economic uncertainties, prices appeared to be holding their own.

This annual event usually held the second weekend in August is one of the largest (if not the largest) in the area. If you have not been to Stowe, make plans to attend next year.

Activities get underway on Thursday with early looks at vendors, pick up steam on Friday with more vendors and the car corral and really crank up during the weekend. On Saturday, after the period costume exhibition and judging, there is a parade of antique cars with hundreds of cars traveling a circular route along Stowe’s back roads and down the Mountain Road back to the main field. Spectators set up lawn chairs along the route, break out the cold drinks, pop up the sun umbrellas and are treated to a special showing of rolling iron not often seen in person.

Heading downtown in the evenings provides the opportunity to attend the Disc Jockey show, grab an ice cream and see great antiques pass by on the main drag. Cars that drove in the parade are eligible for judging on Sunday morning. If you are interested in showing a car, you can get some great tips by watching the judges rate each entered car.

A great weekend. Like Hershey in Pennsylvania, Stowe in Vermont is an excellent take and should be on your annual calendar. This annual event usually held the second weekend in August is one of the largest (if not the largest) in the area. Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss it next year.

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Tilton School Antique Car Show

By Jack Griffiths

June 21, 2003 was a gorgeous day. After the cold winter and damp spring, the weather broke with clear skies and 80 degree temperatures. The setting was the neatly manicured lawns and grounds of the Tilton School located appropriately on School Street just off the town square in Tilton, NH.

The car exhibition is in conjunction with the school’s annual alumni weekend in mid-June. Jonathan James, Vice President of Granite Region, is not only the host and organizer of the show, but as Buildings and Grounds Manager, is responsible for the superb condition of the school property. The look and feel of the school is real New England.

The festivities began just after 9:00 a.m. as the cars began to arrive, checked in for registration, and parked on the ‘parade field’ near the center of the school. Some 65 automobiles of all types and eras were present. One of particular interest was an early 60’s Rambler American station wagon with fold-down front seats made up like a camper. Perhaps the first SUV!

A live chorus entertained the attendees (car buffs, alumni, and visitors) throughout the show. Late in the morning, those driving antique cars were invited inside for an excellent buffet lunch including a dynamite self-serve strawberry shortcake dessert. The music played, the light breeze kept the crowd cool and after lunch, some ‘low-key’ awards were made, including longest trip to the show and people’s choice antique car.

This event is a must for Granite Region membership. The date for next year has already been set for June 26, 2004. We’ll remind you again in the newsletter, but mark it down now and let’s have a great turnout next year for Jonathan and the Granite Region.

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AACA Museum

Another Reason to Visit Hershey

"Dedicated to the preservation and display of all forms of historical motor vehicles and related memorabilia, the AACA Museum exists to educate and provide enjoyment for the hobbyist and the public"

Are you planning to visit the AACA National Fall Meet in Hershey, Pennsylvania this October? If so, why not also plan a visit to the AACA Museum. The grand opening of the museum was on June 28 and June 29 this Year. The museum presents a sequential history of the motoring age through the use of its collection of 80+ automobiles and hundreds of artifacts.

The AACA Museum also encourages group tours and the sponsoring of events centering on the museum.

The AACA Museum is still a work in progress and will be for years to come. You can be part of it. The museum is looking for donations of cash, vehicles and automotive memorabilia.

Learn more about the AACA Museum. Visit their web site at http://www.aacamuseum.org

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TITLE XXI
MOTOR VEHICLES

CHAPTER 266
EQUIPMENT OF VEHICLES

Inspections

    266:1 Inspection Authorized. —
    I. The director may require the inspection of any vehicle, except an OHRV, snow traveling vehicle, moped, or any other vehicle exempted under this chapter, to determine whether it is fit to be driven. Such inspection shall be made at such times and in such manner as the director may specify, subject to the requirements set forth in this section.
    II. Any vehicle registered under this title, except an OHRV, snow traveling vehicle, moped, or other exempt vehicle, shall be inspected once a year, during the month in which the birth date of the owner is observed, if the owner is a natural person. An inspection sticker shall be valid for the same duration as the vehicle's registration, which shall not exceed 16 months. If the month in which the anniversary of the owner's birth occurs will be one of the next 4 months, an inspection sticker may be issued, with an expiration date of the birth month in the following year, of the first person named on the title application. Nothing in this paragraph shall require any person who has registered and had inspected a vehicle with temporary plates to have the vehicle reinspected upon receipt of permanent motor vehicle plates.
    II-a. Notwithstanding RSA 266:1, II, if the month in which the anniversary of the owner's birth occurs will be one of the next 4 months, and the vehicle owner provides written verification of absence from New Hampshire during the entire anniversary month, an inspection sticker may be issued, with an expiration date of the birth month in the following year, of the first person named on the title application.
    III. If the owner of the vehicle is a company or corporation or other than a natural person, the annual inspection shall be made during the month designated by the director as the registration month for such legal entity, and motorcycles shall be inspected once a year. Vehicles registered as antique motor vehicles and antique motorcycles and which are 40 years old and over shall be inspected biennially. Antique motor vehicles shall be inspected in the month of April. Motorcycles shall be inspected by July 1.
    IV. Notwithstanding paragraphs II and III, newly registered vehicles, other than OHRV's, snow traveling vehicles and mopeds, and vehicles, other than OHRV's, snow traveling vehicles and mopeds, the ownership of which has been transferred, shall be inspected not later than 10 days after the registration or transfer of ownership of said vehicle. However, if a vehicle is purchased at retail from a licensed dealer, as defined in RSA 259:18, II, the vehicle shall be inspected not later than 30 days after the date of transfer. A vehicle for which a dealer has issued a 20-day plate pursuant to RSA 261:109 shall be presumed to be capable of meeting the vehicle inspection requirements.
    V. The director may authorize properly qualified persons to make inspections without expense to the state at stations designated by him, and may at any time revoke such authorization or designation; provided, however, that inspections conducted at such stations at the request and under the direction of a police officer or a highway enforcement officer shall be paid for as follows:
       (a) In the event violations of this section are uncovered, by the owner of the vehicle.
       (b) In the event no such violations are uncovered, by the agency represented by the police officer or highway enforcement officer.
The annual fee to be paid by the inspection station upon authorization to make inspections shall be $25 and shall not be refundable.
    VI. Each inspection station shall conspicuously post on its premises a notice, in a form and size approved by the director, indicating that the station is an authorized inspection station.
    VII. Each inspection station shall conspicuously post on the outside of the building a sign showing the inspection fee charged.
    VIII. A new vehicle which has been delivered in this state with a certificate of origin in the form prescribed by the director is exempt from the inspection requirements contained in this section until it is sold at retail. Upon retail sale of such a vehicle, the owner shall be required to have the vehicle inspected pursuant to paragraph IV and as provided in this section and the rules adopted under this chapter.
    IX. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, all trucks exceeding 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight and all school buses, including buses owned or used by a religious organization or a nonprofit organization used exclusively as buses for the transportation of its members in connection with functions of the organization, shall be inspected semi-annually. The month for the first inspection shall be the month in which the birth date of the owner is observed, if the owner is a natural person; if the owner is other than a natural person, the first inspection shall be conducted during the month designated by the director as the registration month for such legal entity. In either case, the second inspection shall be 6 months later.
    X. The director may authorize properly qualified persons to inspect any motor vehicle, except an OHRV, snow traveling vehicle, moped, or any other vehicle exempted under this chapter, which has been involved in a fatal accident or an accident involving serious bodily injury as defined in RSA 625:11, VI, to determine whether the vehicle was in compliance with state inspection requirements.
    XI. (a) The department may impose an administrative fine upon any inspection station for any violation of an inspection law or rule adopted under the provisions of this chapter. The authority to impose such a fine shall be in addition to any other remedy or penalty that may be imposed, but in no event shall the department impose both a fine and a suspension of inspection privileges in the same proceeding. The maximum amounts of the fines which may be assessed shall be as follows:
          (1) For the first violation, $250.
          (2) For the second violation, $500.
          (3) For the third violation, $750.
          (4) For the fourth violation, $1,000.
          (5) For 5 or more violations, $2,000.
       (b) No fine shall take effect unless approved by the commissioner. The commissioner shall have the authority to modify the amount of the fine assessed.

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Meeting Minutes

Granite Region - AACA

Annual Meeting - May 31, 2003

Meredith, New Hampshire

1. President Jack Armstrong called the meeting to order at 12:08 p.m.

2. Mike Jones from national AACA was present as an honored guest.

3. The first order of business was the election of officers. The following slate was proposed for the term ending May, 2004:

• President: Jack Armstrong

• Vice President: Jonathan James

• Secretary/Treasurer: Jack Griffiths

• Newsletter editor: Carol Hoagland

• Member at Large: Gary Rondeau

By acclamation and unanimous vote, the above slate was voted and approved.

4. Treasurer Jack Griffiths presented the Treasurer's report (attached as a part of these minutes). The current treasury balance as of May 31, 2003 was $1093.86.

5. By motion made and seconded, the first annual meeting of the Granite Region of AACA was adjourned at 12:36 p.m.

6. President Armstrong announced that lunch was being served, after which a general meeting of members would be held to exchange comments, ideas and suggestions.

7. Following lunch, President Armstrong convened the informal discussion meeting. Among the topics discussed were the following: