From the January 2004 issue:
HOLIDAY PARTY GETS RAVE REVIEWS
How can we ever thank Judy and Larry for the ‘on target’ setting, the ‘show and tell’, and the tremendous hospitality that they provided for our December 7 holiday party. Set in the highlands of Gainesville, Larry has a true ‘Dream Car’ garage. With about 3,000 sq ft of totally finished structure, including tiled floors, air conditioning, walls of lavish theme oriented decorations for auto collectors, a juke box and various old cars, this is an AACA party heaven. Not to be outdone, Judy gave the ladies a bonus tour of her studio facilities and the house...which were even more impressive, according to my wife (but, of course she doesn’t fully appreciate the beauty of an open end wrench.) In the interest of peace, let’s call the whole complex fabulous and give both Judy & Larry a ‘Best of Show’ award!
This time around, we had a mid-afternoon coordinated ‘potluck’ affair. There was no famine here. The food was spread wide and piled high, it was hot & cold and spicy & sweet and there was something for every taste. There were plenty of happy diners to sample the wares and to ‘lick their plates clean’, although a few of the more refined folks only snuck a lick of their fingers. Another great holiday dinner! Excellent job...thanks to the ladies (and any guy that may have contributed with culinary skills.)
A cooking tip to the Guys: When deep frying, you shouldn’t substitute axle grease for Crisco...it’s just not as flavorful...trust me in this!
This being the year end, it was recognition time. Certainly, Mike Whyte and Suzanne Kirk have to be commended for their continuing super efforts in gathering an outstanding and full complement of prizes for the car show. This means a great deal to the overall show presentation and experience. Frank Wheelus also continues with his major efforts regarding show administration even though he thinks that it may be more than he can handle anymore. These behind the scene jobs are exhausting and should be recognized. Give a hand (no make that three hands) for Mike, Suzanne and Frank.
We, of course, need to recognize Larry Galyean for the many years that he and Patty have worked in leadership of the club and in putting on the shows that we do every year. These are big tasks that require much time and personal sacrifice. With Larry stepping down from the presidency, the Club presented Larry a small token of it’s appreciation for his efforts. A 1955 Ford Thunderbird commemorative pocket knife (in a 100th anniversary tin) together with a photo and thanks were given to Larry. Hey, we know he’s got a Victoria and not a ‘Bird, but they didn’t make the knife with a ‘Vicky’, so close is as good as it’s going to get. THANKS Larry and Patty...and good luck. (P.S. - Patty: I’ve got some ‘hanging chads’ you can borrow.)
The Editor would like to thank the Club for the elegant plaque that was awarded to him for being selected the ‘Member of the Year for 2003'. It has been a pleasure serving as editor for over six years (this is about the 69th issue). I wish I could do more, but life’s functions just seem to always get in the way. Thanks again!
This year Jim Schmidt was recognized by way of a plaque presented to National Parts Depot for it’s sponsorship of the annual car show. Jim has done this for many years in an effort to recognize and reward those that put a great deal of effort into the antique automobile collecting hobby. This sponsorship is costly, not just in cash expenditures, but also in all of the peripheral indirect costs of supplying people and facilities. Perhaps, those of us that are in business more fully understand the significance and sacrifices that go with this sponsorship. From a business perspective, the funds could yield much better returns elsewhere, but Jim has certainly done a lot more than anyone has a right to expect for many years to foster the growth and appreciation of our hobby. Extra Thanks to Jim.
The party concluded with the usual exchange of gifts. As always, the unexpected items appear. There were some happy smiles, some sadness at losses, and some generally good feelings when everyone departed.
SILVER SPRINGS COOL FORD SHOW
The Chamber of Commerce probably would have called it an ‘especially invigorating day, kissed with the coolness of a peppermint like sea breeze’ followed by a day ‘of southern crispness wrapped in a wisp of glowing embers.’ But, Jim Schmidt, being a little more direct, called Saturday just plain ‘brutally cold’, which improved to ‘almost pleasant’ on Sunday. Not exactly the kind of days that one would hope for during this major annual event at Silver Springs. Despite the early January weather, Jim reports that 810 Ford related vehicles turned out for the two day event. That is amazing!
As usual, many cars came from all over the eastern U.S. to do this show. The show offered free tickets to Silver Springs and an excuse to take a mini Florida vacation. This year 120 Mustangs made the ‘Pony Trail Run’ from National Parts Depot in Ocala to Cedar Key. The cars formed a single line, with a police escort, all the way to the coast. Participants partook of lunch and were then freed to amble back to Ocala for the rest of the show.
Ford sent it’s Motor sports truck & trailer for display. The participants ogled & awed, shrugged off the weather and mostly enjoyed the show. After all, we are a rather hardy bunch (or maybe just plain stubborn.)
Jim wanted to specially thank Larry Galyean and mention that he was out there at six in the morning directing traffic. If Larry didn’t have ice in his veins before this...he does now.