GRAACA Summer Tour 2023

June 24, 2023

Enola, Fort Hunter & Mechanicsburg, PA

By Angelica Yost

We began our day with coffee and donuts at Adams-Ricci Park in Enola, PA. Around 9, everyone started their journey over a mountain and through some winding country roads heading north to Duncannon, and then across the Susquehanna River to Fort Hunter Mansion and Park.        

Originally settled in 1725 by Benjamin Chambers who later founded Chambersburg, the property passed on to Chambers’ brother-in-law Samuel Hunter. Hunter had several mills on the land until the British turned it into a fort during the French and Indian War. Since then, the property has passed through several hands. Today, Fort Hunter is owned by the County of Dauphin and the Board of Trustees for Fort Hunter.

Several tour guides met us that day and split our members into groups for a very informative tour of the mansion. Afterwards, we headed across the road to a pavilion for a picnic lunch catered by Simply Turkey. Some people then chose to burn a few calories strolling around to the many historic buildings including the Centennial Barn, the Everhart Covered Bridge, and the Tavern House.

After lunch, we took a nice scenic drive along the river and through the country to Ashcombe Nursery and Farm Market. Apart from offering a wide array of plants, baked goods, and gifts for sale, Ashcombe’s also has a menagerie of cats, rabbits and farm animals onsite waiting to greet visitors.

Dan and I had a lot of fun planning this tour. Many thanks to everyone who joined us on this adventure. We hope you enjoyed the day and finished your shopping before the storm rolled in.

Past Event – GRAACA Spring Tour

On Saturday, April 30th, the Gettysburg Region met bright and early at Performance Motors of Hanover for a “coffee and cars” event. The owners of Performance Motors were very generous and not only provided us with coffee, tea and donuts, but also kindly sectioned off a portion of their lot just for our club. In addition, the showroom was open which is full of Mustangs and other interesting vehicles, including some bumper cars. This seems to be a popular event and Performance Motors will be a hosting another “coffee and cars” on May 14 from 8:00 to 10:00am if anyone is interested.

After getting our directions and walkie-talkies from tour organizer Bob Channell, we headed out on a relaxing, scenic drive over to the Royal Farms in Hampstead, Maryland where we met up with members of the Chesapeake Region before making our way back to PA to visit Treasured Motorcar Services in New Freedom. They were having their Spring Open House & Car Show which was free to attendees. Beef-it-Up catering was onsite serving up delicious pit beef and pulled pork.

After filling our stomachs, perusing the many cars present for the show and on display at Treasured Motorcars, and possibly even making a few new friends, we went for a final 10 minute drive over to Brown’s Orchard & Farm Markets. Many members walked out with various goodies including sweet treats, fresh produce, and flowers.

It was a beautiful day for a leisurely drive. We couldn’t have asked for better weather. Despite a few people experiencing some car trouble (happens to the best of us), I think everyone enjoyed themselves. Bob did an excellent job organizing the day’s activities, which were made all the more enjoyable since we were not on a strict timetable. Many thanks go to Bob and everyone else who helped make the day a success!

Lots more photos can be found on the region’s Facebook page!

Trains, Planes & Automobiles

On Saturday, May 22nd, the Gettysburg Region met at the Northern Central Railway station in New Freedom, PA  for a very special event organized by Bob and Martha Channell. Region members showed off their cars and got to spend the day catching up with friends and meeting some members of the Blue & Gray Miniature Aircraft Squadron who were gracious enough to bring out some of their planes. The club is located about 4 miles east of Gettysburg on Cavalry Field  Road and  their events are open to the public.

Although it was hot, attendees got to cool off with some ice-cold orangeade offered at one of the food trucks available. Another way to beat the heat and get out of the sun was to purchase a ticket for a ride on the train! For anyone who missed out on this opportunity, don’t worry. You’ll have another chance on the Summer Tour.

Many thanks go to Bob and Martha who worked hard to put this event on. Thanks should also be extended to Blue & Gray for joining us for a fun time. More photos are on our Facebook page.

 

Latimore Valley Car Show 2021 in Review

Festivities resumed this year at Latimore Valley Fairgrounds! Our annual car show took place on Saturday, June 12, and despite having gray skies in the morning, it was an overall success. with 122 cars on the field.

         Attendees got to experience some new things this year. Lunch was provided by the York Springs Lions Club and Rock-It Pizza & Subs food truck from Newberrytown. Also, the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing hosted a valve cover racing event at our show. It was a hit, and there’s talk that attendees might get to take part in the fun at Latimore again next year.

 

 

 

Annual Dinner 2020– a look back

–Saturday, February 1, 2020

Always held right before the National AACA Convention, this event is our region’s opportunity to install officers for the New Year and show our appreciation for our members. The committee–Ron Green, Karl Krouch and Ed Rogers–did a great job of planning the evening. Held once again at the Lower Allen VFW Post #7530, attendees got to enjoy a buffet dinner and entertainment from The Klineklaus Duo who played “jazz and popular music with a groove” from the 50’s to the 70’s. They were a hit and, wouldn’t you know it, they also have an interest in cars!

Honored guests for the evening included AACA Executive Vice President Jim Elliot, AACA Executive Director Steve Moskowitz, and AACA Museum Executive Director Jeff Bleimeister. Jim and Steve both gave exciting updates about the national club, the new headquarters, the convention in Philly, and the recent purchase of the Free Library of Philadelphia’s auto archives by the AACA Library. Jeff also graciously spoke about the museum and the new “Age of Aquarius” exhibit. He also talked about the importance of the museum’s volunteers, some of whom are Gettysburg Region members including Bob And Dottie Shultz.

The most important part of the evening was the installation of officers in which the gavel was passed from President Annette Yost to new President Bon Barlup. Other new officers for 2020 include Karl Krouch as Vice President, Deb Sherwood as Secretary and Al Maybee as Treasurer. Also, Jim Yemzow and Pat Shaffer were given the Outstanding Service Award for 2019.

For photos, please visit our Facebook page.

 

AACA Annual Meeting 2019

The AACA held its 83rd Annual Meeting in Philadelphia from February 7th  through the 9th. These meetings are great ways for members to socialize, make new connections, learn something new, and find out what’s going on at the national level or in other regions. This year’s meeting did not disappoint and even held some new surprises for attendees.

This year’s theme was “Women in Automotive History” and showcased a special series of speakers and seminars focusing on women drivers and innovators who helped shape the automotive industry and hobby. Speakers included Constance Smith, author of Damsels in Design: Women Pioneers in the Automotive Industry, 1939-1959. Constance, a former designer for General Motors, presented at the First Lady’s Breakfast and was also available for book signings. Other speakers included: Terry Bond who hosted seminars on the racing career of Joan Newton Cuneo as well as women’s roles in automotive art and advertising,; Chuck Crane who discussed many female innovators who made significant contributions to automotive history; and Sally Barnett whose seminar explored the stories of women drivers such as Blanche Stuart Scott and the ambulance drivers of WWI. The series received very positive feedback and shed some much needed light on an area of our hobby that is often overlooked.

Another major focus of this year’s meeting was the new National Headquarters building. Designs for our new HQ were proudly on display. The first floor will be dedicated to offices and will include an area to display cars, while the second floor will hold the library. On a personal note, this is perhaps the most exciting as new features of the library are to include cold storage, a media studio, and a digitization lab. Also, the library’s fast growing collections will now be housed in a glass enclosed closed stacks. None of this would be possible without the support of AACA’s members. Apart from making a previous sizeable donation to the building fund, President Annette Yost also presented a check on behalf of the Gettysburg Region to the library at the President’s Dinner on Friday night. Many other regions did the same. Every little bit will help give our club the HQ it deserves. After all, this is our nerve center.

Attendees also got to enjoy the trade show, hospitality room sponsored by J.C. Taylor, and the awards banquet on Saturday night. It was great to see old friends (several people from our region made an appearance) and make some new ones. I highly recommend going to at least one Annual Meeting if you’ve never been. There’s so much to do, and if you get some down time, Philly is a wonderful city to explore.

Hope to see you next year!

~Angelica Yost, GRAACA Webmaster & Newsletter Editor

Ladies’ Day 2018

–Saturday, September 8th

After having to cancel our annual shopping trip to the Gettysburg Outlets due to rain and flooding, Annette Yost, event host and Gettysburg Region President decided to reschedule. And then cam more rain. And more flooding. June. July. August. Hot weather and a bit of sun finally showed up and it looked as though we might get a lovely day. Alas it was not to be, and it rained once again.

However, some of us, who had perhaps been feeling a bit of cabin fever, were undeterred. With umbrellas in one hand and coupons in the other we arrived determined to shop!

In a bit of a strange twist, everyone who showed up (three cars in total) brought along their convertible—Dottie Shultz; Roxanne Vandermark Hess and Mike Hess; Annette and Dan Yost, Angelica Yost, and Howard King. We were a small crew, but Annette made sure to bring a tent, hot drinks and donuts, and Roxanne won the “door Prize”—a beautiful autumn mum.

For anyone that signed up back in May and received their  complimentary tote bag with coupon brochure, your coupons are still good until the end of 2018, so you can shop on a sunny day.

Many thanks go to Annette Yost for her organization and optimism, and to the Gettysburg Outlets for their hospitality and lovely giveaways.

 

Summer Tour 2018 to the Bulgari Collection

–By John E. Sayler, Jr.

Gettysburg Region tours often bring special opportunities, and the club’s Summer Tour on August 24 was no exception.  On one of the month’s most pleasant days, approximately 40 people in 20 cars embarked on scenic roads for Allentown, where they were the guests of The NB Center for American Automotive Heritage, the private collection of Nicola Bulgari.

At the collection, members were treated to a 3½-hour guided tour by curator Keith Flickinger and other center employees.  The explanations given—stories behind some of the cars, tours of the restoration work in progress, instruction on how high-quality upholstery differs from lesser methods, etc.—were invaluable.  And over 150 interesting cars were on display.

Mr. Bulgari, having a special love for American cars of the 1930’s and 1940’s, lavishes expense and care on average models which might otherwise go unrestored.  He was not on site at the time, but he was sure to request a photo of members’ old cars lined up in the driveway, so he could see the Gettysburg Region cars as well.

More photos can be viewed on our Facebook page

 

AACA Eastern Spring Meet – In Review

—July 11-14, 2018

                 Hosted by the Chesapeake Region, this year’s Eastern Spring Meet had lots in store for AACA members and spectators. The meet was held at the Wyndham Hotel in Gettysburg, which some may remember from the 2017 Founders Tour. The Wyndham, with its wonderful hospitality and accommodations, has proven itself to be an ideal venue for car events.

                 The meet kicked off on Wednesday with registration, but the Chesapeake Region also had arranged for a bus tour to Fort McHenry and the Baltimore Museum of Industry, as well as a driving tour to the UTZ Potato Chip Plant and Prueitt Restorations.

                 Thursday’s schedule included a bus tour to the Gettysburg Battlefield, and a driving tour to Antietam Battlefield. On Friday, registered attendees could enjoy a bus trip to Strasburg, PA or a driving tour to the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing. The evening concluded with an ice cream social.

                  Saturday was the last day of the big event. Hardly a cloud was in the sky on the day of show. If you’ve never been to an AACA National Meet, it’s quite a sight to see hundreds of antique cars from all over the country shining like gems in the sun, waiting to be judged.  It was hot, but food vendors provided plenty of water, and most people were too busy chatting with friends, old and new, or worrying over their cars to really notice the heat.

                Some familiar faces from the Gettysburg Region could be found on the field as several of our members were there either volunteering or just spectating.

                Congratulations are due to the Chesapeake Region for being such gracious hosts and careful planners. A complete list of the car show winners can be found on the AACA website at www.aaca.org/meetresults.

 

Summer Picnic – In Review

Sunday, July 10th the Gettysburg Region held its annual Summer Picnic at beautiful Codorus State Park in Hanover, PA. The 3,500 acre park, opened in 1970, always serves as a perfect venue for our event, and it certainly didn’t disappoint this year as we were treated to sunshine and a refreshing breeze the entire day.

             Hotdogs and burgers, expertly grilled by Bob Shultz and Dan Yost, were served around 1 o’clock in addition to  a full spread of yummy sides and desserts brought by all who attended.

After we were all sufficiently stuffed, members could burn off some calories with a game of corn hole, or take a relaxing cruise on the lake. But these cruises weren’t on any old boat, but a car! Ron Green brought along his Amphicar and acted as our captain. This unique German made amphibious automobile always turns heads when it drives into the water. Even some of the kayakers pulled out their phones for a quick photo. Ron commented that he usually gets stopped by a very confused park ranger, but luck seemed on our side that day. Imagine having a vehicle that’s registered as both a car and a boat.

Lots of other members got their antique beauties out for the day and filled up the parking lot outside the Classroom building so it looked like a min-car show. Visitors to the park could be seen taking a stroll or driving through the lot eagerly snapping pictures. And why not? Antique cars are extremely photogenic!

             Many thanks go to President Annette Yost for organizing the event, and to all who helped  with food, set-up, clean-up, or just brought along their smiling face to make the day such a  success! Can’t wait to do it again next year.