"This is how it all began - 41 years ago ! ! !"
Our club began innocently enough in February, 1968, on an elevator in the Bellvue-Strattford Hotel (of Legionnaire's Disease fame) in Philadelphia, PA. Mr. "Winks" von Schilling (on the left behind the elevator operator) and Mr. Bob Baucom were attending the Annual AACA business meeting being held then at the hotel. Both men were complete strangers to one another, "Winks" identified only by his name badge saying, "AACA Member - Hampton, Virginia". A short introduction between the two men, captured here in this most valuable photograph, led to a drink, and the inevitable question; Why isn't there an AACA Chapter or Region on the peninsula ? So, following the meeting, and after returning to Hampton, the two men got together with a handful of other local faithful antique automobile enthusiasts, and the Historic Virginia Peninsula Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America was organized.
And the rest, as they say, is history !
(The above information was extracted from an article written by Mr. Bob Baucom upon the death of his close friend and our co-founder, Mr. "Winks" von Schilling)
Below is the actual letter written by Bob Baucom inviting all interested enthusiasts to attend the "Founder's Meeting" on July 30, 1968, at "Winks" von Schilling's home.
Below is the letter from the new club Secretary, written in early August 1968, announcing that the groundwork had been laid for the formation of the fledgling organization !
Below is the letter written to announce to the new members that they had received "word from National" that the application for charter had been approved !
The treasured new Charter finally arrived, and was formally presented to "Winks" von Shilling, (on the left below) the first HVPR President, by L. Eldon James.
These are the signatures of the Founding Members of the HVPR, scribbled on three small pieces of paper, and found at the head table the night the Charter was presented to "Winks".
Mr. James (r) presents the new Charter to an elated HVPR President and his Executive Board. This photo appeared in the January 24, 1969 issue of the Daily Press.
We, the loyal followers in your footsteps, sincerely
"Thank You"
for your wisdom, foresight, conviction of purpose, and tenacity.
We truly appreciate your unfailing efforts ! !
The club now proudly lists over 100 members from
Hampton and Newport News to Gloucester County to Smithfield and all adjoining
communities.
