Classic Car Club

Jim and Joanne attended the 10th Annual Quaker Stake and Lube Car Show in Beavercreek, Ohio. With the day being chili but sunny, they took off for the show. Arriving at the show late morning, they parked their '55 Yellow Chevrolet 150 next to another '55. According to Jim and Joanne, they day turned out to be beautiful. There were about 89 cars in attendance. They even stayed for a nice and greatly discounted dinner after awards, thanks to the Oldsmobile Club of America and Quaker Stake and Lube. Congradulations to Jim and Joanne who took home one of the Top 40 Awards.

Several Gem City Classics members enjoy attending this show every year and today was no exception. Several members met for breakfast at the local Friendly's near the show. The day started cloudy and cool. It remained that for most of the day, with a brief exception were the sun shown through. After a laughter filled breakfast we caravaned to the show.

Once again the church welcomed you with a smile and made parking very simple. Ample room was given between the show cars, allowing a lot of room to open the doors and walk around the cars. The winds kept you very cool when cleaning the car, but once you stopped cleaning, the wind was quite chilly. The show cars rolled in until noon. The judging started as soon as you placed the note on window claiming you were ready to be judged. The Vandalia Nazarene Church again offered door prizes, food and good music which made the day very enjoyable.

Gem City Classics members enjoyed each other's company and the company of friends throughout the day. The show cars were varied covering a wide range of makes, model and years past to present. At the close of registration there were 193 show cars on the field. The constant cloud covered kept many from attending but overall the show was a success.

Congratulations to Harley, Todd, Shorty, Jim C. and Jerry who all took one of the top 100 Awards.    

The day started with lots of sun and clear blue skies. The show was held at the Vandalia Amvet Post on SR 40. Gem City Classics Members, Shorty, Jim C. along with John T. all met at the show early for a homecooked breakfast buffet offered by the Post. Todd later joined them, as they had kept a spot for him in the show field. The show cars continued to cruise in until about noon, as many car enthusiasts cleaned their cars and walked the show. By the time judging started there was about 70 to 80 show cars which ranged from 1929 Fords to 2009 Dodge Chargers. 

Good music was played throughout the day. Food, desserts and shade were plentiful at the post. No shade was close in the show field. 50/50 and door prizes were given away frequently, keeping all guests entertained. The day passed very quickly as members of Gem City Classics enjoyed each other's company sharing ideas, plans and funny moments in their lives. The Amvet Post members walked the field and someone was always nearby to help if needed. Awards were given at about three o'clock. Congratulations to Shorty, Jim C., John T. and Todd who all took one of the Top 40 Awards.  

The Popcorn Festival Show was attended by Jim S., Jerry F., and friends Lowell and Larry.  Congratulations to Jim, Lowell, and Jerry who each took a Top 25 in the open class out of about 70 cars.

Bill and Marita were invited and attended the Holiday at Home Car Show, in Kettering, Ohio over Labor Day weekend. This show is a commitment by the attendee to be present, rain or shine.  Unfortunately it did rain during the event. There were 60 show cars on display for the public to enjoy including their '57, four door sedan. Only three special judging awards were presented for the sixty cars in attendance. Congratulations to Bill and Marita who took "Grand Marshal's Choice." 

This was River Church's 3rd Annual Car Show on SR 48 in Centerville, Ohio. With registration being from 12-1, there was no need to get up early. The weather was sunny and cool making it a very pleasant drive. Gem City Classics members, Jerry, Bill, Todd & Connor, John & LInda and Harley & MaryAnn attended the show. The show was held in the church's small parking lot. They had a live band playing many classics. The lunch menu was limited, but reasonably priced. Door prizes were given away throughout the day. There were over 30 cars which varied from a '61 Chrysler 300F to a 1932 Ford to Classic Chevrolets. The awards were given later in the afternoon around 4pm. Congratulations to Jerry, Harley and Todd who won one of the top 25 awards.  

Many Gem City Classics members gathered at SR 48 and Whipp Rd. where we were joined by friends, including new friends Jim and Joann. A short trip up SR 48 brought us to the show at the Parkview Church. There we were met by other members who had arrived earlier. With all the Gem City Classics members and friends we easily took up the northern part of the parking lot.  The weather was cool but quickly escalated as the morning progressed. A steady cool breeze kept many cool in the shade, under a large tree.

Parkview Church made everyone feel welcomed and expressed their appreciation for attending their show. The show had split the cars into two vehicle classes, namely Classics and Modern. Like the year previous the cars at the show covered a wide spectrum, from 40's to '09. The parking lot filled up throughout the morning with over 60 cars. The live band kept many entertained. The food was kept to a minimal menu and inexpensive, with proceeds going to church functions. The corn hole tournament again brought out the best of Gem City Classics members enthusiasm. The tournament went on into the afternoon, as other members enjoyed each others company. Congratulations to Jerry and Fred who won first place in corn hole, also Dick and Eric who took second place. 

The awards began around 4pm with Top 40 Awards. Gem City Classics members were not disappointed as everyone took one of the Top 40 Awards. These members included Fred & Pauline, Jerry and MaryAnn, Harley & MaryAnn, John & Linda, Dick M., Shorty, Jim C., Jim P., Jim S., Eric & Michelle and Todd. Many of our friends also took a Top 40 Award namely John T., Lowel and Jim and Joann. Proudly, Gem City Classics won the Club Participation Award.   

The morning started questionable as far as the weather goes but some members of Gem City Classics and friends decided to attend the show. It was again held at the Tecumseh High School and hosted by the Athletic Boosters. The boosters invited you in and made you feel welcomed to the show. The heat and lack of shade was thwarted by overcast skies and a cool breeze. The DJ kept all entertained with good music,numerous door prizes and 50/50 drawings. The boosters had set up a wide selection of breakfast foods, with lunch foods already cooking by 10:30.

The cars rolled in all morning and into the early afternoon. This show has repeatedly brought in a wide veriety of cars, trucks and motorcycles and today was no exception. The cars ranged from '29 Buicks to a '53 Cadi convertible to Classic Chevys and into modern customs. Motorcycles ranged from early 1920's to full custom choppers. There was also a wide array of trucks. As early as noon the clouds parted and the sun began to heat things up. By the time of awards there were over 250 cars, trucks and bikes in attendance at the show. Jim C., Todd, Shorty and John T. enjoyed the show. Shorty was awarded a 40 Top Trophy. His and Kathy's '55 did shine brighly and the interior was, as always, eye catching. This SR 40 Mini National car show continued to increase in size every year and one you may not want to miss it next year.    

Many Gem City Classics members met at Sara Janes for breakfast, then met up with more Classic Chevy friends at the rest stop on I-75. With everyone together,  we made our way to the Eastgate Car Show. The weather was fantastic, which made the drive so enjoyable. Once at Sharon Woods we met up with more Gem City Classics members as we were greeted by our friends of Eastgate Classics.

The show had cars rolling in throughout the morning, with cars covering 1920's to 1970's. The Tri State Chevelle Club brought out the best Chevelles in the area. The Corvair Club displayed their unique Corvairs ranging from stock to custom. Participants and spectators filled the field, enjoying the beautiful classics and good music. Eastgate once again made everyone feel welcomed and appreciated. 

Everyone enjoyed themselves among friends with the weather staying cooler and breezy. At one point, prior to judging there were over 78 classic cars covering the field. Awards were presented at 4pm. 

Gem City Classics won the club participation award. Fred & Pauline took 1st place with their '69 Camaro. They also won Best Paint at the show. Jim C. took 1st place with his original restored '57. Jim S. took 2nd place with his custom '57. Shorty took 1st place with his modified '55. Jerry took 2nd with MaryAnn's '62 convertible. This show was one to attend, if you enjoy classic cars. Eastgate Classics, once again, put on a great show.  

The International Chevy Convention was held in the Chicago area in a suburb called Arlington Heights. The Greater Chicago Chevy Club hosted the convention at the Sheraton Hotel. Jim, Tammy and Alexis, Jim C. with Kathy and Jera, Shorty & Kathy and Todd, Sheri and the kids all met Bob Evans for a quick breakfast before heading out. Once on the road we encountered a light rain going around Indianapolis. We all stopped off in a town called Renneselear, IN where we met more of Jim C.'s family. We had lunch at a wonderful little diner owned by Jim's cousins. After a great lunch we headed back out to Chicago. No problems were encountered until traffic came to a stop and crawl, going around the city. We arrived at the convention around five in the evening and settled in for the evening. 

On Thursday many went to the Museum of Science and Industry. The trip was worry free and all who went had a great time driving through the city, taking in the sights and enjoying the huge museum. Others stayed near the hotel and located a diner not far from the hotel with good food and atmosphere called Gus'. The welcome barbeque took place a few miles from the hotel at a local church's parking lot. The skies clouded up and just as the barbeque was being served it rained. Nobody was dry.

On Friday everyone was out cleaning their cars, laughing and just simply enjoying themselves. The weather could not get any better, with a nice cool breeze. The host hotel featured a huge water park, where all the kids had a good time for most of the day. Many people lounged around during the evening enjoying the huge display of cars in the show field. Connor, Jenna and Alexis entered the model car and doll contests.

On Saturday morning many were out cleaning their cars for the judging. Todd, Jim and Shorty had signed up to judge but were not needed due to the large number of people who had previously signed up. Jenna and Connor, however, did participate in the Junior Judging. The club members simply enjoyed each other's company as the sun shined periodically throughout the day. With judging over, the club all drove to a local steak house for a good dinner. That evening the 50's dance was held in the hotel's grand ballroom. Somehow, Shorty became entagled in the decorations and was able to be freed after some work (see picture at right). Gem City Classics members enjoyed themselves dancing to a good band called the "Ragtops", which kept everyone entertained.

Sunday morning started very early with breakfast and awards. There were over 222 entrants at the show, with many bringing more than one car. Several of the show cars were trailered from all parts of the United States and Canada, as well as several driven in from all parts of the country. Shorty and Kathy's '55 took first in Modified Class, scoring a 960. Jim and Kathy's '57 took first place in '57 contemporary scoring a 976. Todd and Sheri's '55 took first place in '55 contemporary scoring a 996. Jim and Tammy's '57 won a Cruiser Pick award. Jim C. also won Best Paint Original Driven. Todd also won Best Engine Original Driven. For the drive home we were joined by Chuck and Sandy of Mid Ohio Classics. We encountered rain again going through Indianapolis. Nearing Ohio, Jim P.'s battery died and had to be replaced on the side of the road. Jim C.'s window regulator spring broke causing minor greif to close it. Todd's engine had a ticking problem caused by dirt in the lifter and Shorty's missing in the engine had been resolved early in the trip as he didn't have his number one wire on the spark plug. All problems were minor and everyone made it to Chicago and back okay.

Once again the most enjoyable part of this convention was the wonderful club members of...

        Gem City Classics.

The Trim Parts car show was another huge success. Trim Parts opened their factory doors to anyone who has a love for the classics. The weather was good and Gem City Classics memebers, Jerry & MaryAnn, Fred & Pauline, Dick & Linda and Jim & Sharon, all attended the event. The open show brought in over 300 cars, passing up last years show as the largest turn out for Trim Parts. All who attended had a very good time.

Fred and Pauline were again pleased to be interviewed by a television program. According to Fred a program called "Lo-Car" interviewed him about his '69 Camaro. The Fox network will air the interview on August 16th at 10am.  

Bill and Marita, Shorty, Jim and Lexi, Jim C., Todd and John T. all met for breakfast at Bod Evans then left for the show. Todd's newly rebuilt carb. was having issues and not allowing him to drive too fast.  The members let him lead, to set the pace. Arriving at the show the field was filling up. Once again the Rolling 50's Car Club put on a great show at the Darke County Fairgrounds. The weather was extremely cooperative and a welcomed breeze made sitting in the shade very comfortable. The swap meet had several vendors selling everthing from car parts to milk shake mixers. The DJ played good music through out the day. He tried very hard to involve the young and older participants. Shorty's and Jim's P. newly renovated motors looked and ran great. The show is always bringing in new restorations as well as many forgoten classics. This show is never disappointing with a pleasant drive there and back. Jim C. and Todd won top awards in their class. John T. also won a top three award in the Ford class.  

Many Gem City Classics member annually attend this large show. This one was no exception. Fred & Pauline, Jerry, Jim & Alexis, Shorty and John "Ford" all went to the show. The show, multitude of vendors and crafts along with good weather brought out over 350 cars, making the event better than expected. Most of the cars were decribed as "top notch" classics. Fred and Pauline's '69 Camaro was awarded the "White Allen" pick, Jerry and MaryAnn's '62 convertible took one of the Top 50 awards. Shorty and Kathy's '55 also took one of the coveted Top 50 awards. 

Jim S., Dick M., Bill and Marita, Todd, John and Linda all met for breakfast at Mom's Restaurant. After a hardy bite, they caravaned to the show. At the show they caught up with Harley and MaryAnn who were there with Lowell and Kathleen. Some members of Eastgate Classics were also attending and had set up a "tailgate." In true Eastgate Classic's fashion they invited us to join in. 

The Ace Car Club had 21 classes, Harley's '55  and Lowell's '55 were placed in the Street Rod Class, Todd and Bill were placed in the 55-57 original class, Jim and John were in the modified class and Dick had his '72 Olds which placed him in the 70+ production class. The park is now under new ownership and there were more food vendors. The DJ was great with the music not being overwhelming. The cars spanned multiple decades with many cars not seen regularly. With so much to see and good friends to share laughs with, the day just went fast. Awards were to be at 2:30pm but due to the 187 cars attending the judges were working overtime. This show was the second largest show in Ace Car Club's 31 years. The largest show they had was 201 cars. Jim S. took first place in modified 55-57, Todd took second in 55-57 original.This show is a great time for the family and friends and is expected to get larger. 

As far as cruise ins go this one brought in nearly every make and model of car one could imagine. With the weather just perfect, the paved lot was full just after the gates open. The grass lot was filling up by 4pm. There were over 500 cars at this cruise in hosted by the Corvette Club. On display and for sale was the 2009 Camaro. Dick, Fred and Pauline brought out their cars early and parked near the front of the Chevrolet dealership. With spectators and other car enthusiasts one could not help running into someone you knew. Jim and Todd walked the cruise for three hours seeing something different around every bend. The cruise in went into the early evening with everyone having a good time.  To dispell any rumors, Boose Chevrolet will not be one of the dealerships closing.

This was George's Restaurant first cruise-in and he had a great turn out. Shorty and Kathy, Jim and Tammy, Jim C. and Johnny Ford (formerly Mustang John) all arrived early parking their beautiful cars directly in front of the restaurant. The weather could not have been better for the cruise allowing the entire parking lot to be full with cars ranging from classics to extremes. Many cars came and went during the day changing the view evertime you walked around the lot. The food was fantastic and the relaxing atmosphere of waitresses dresses in 50's attire made the dinner experience that much more enjoyable.  As the sun went down the clouds filled the skies and the threat of rain ended the day. This cruise-in is one they hope will grow in size in the years to come.

This Cruise-In always brings in a wide veriety of cars and trucks. Today was no exception. Many Gem City Classics members attended the cruise, then later in the evening they returned to Jim and Sharon's home for a cook out. Harley and Mary Ann brought out her Corvette and Dick and Linda brought out her Oldsmobile. Great cars and weather made for a wonderful cruise. Great friends and food made for just a terrific evening.

Congratulations to Harley and Mary Ann who attended the show on Sunday. 

They took Best of Show out of nearly 200 cars in attendance.  Jim and Sharon took one of the Top 30 awards.

Gem City Classics members met on Sunday morning at Todd and Sheri's home. Shorty, Jim C., Bill and Marita, Fred and Pauline along with Todd and Connor left for the car show with anticipation of a relaxing and scenic trip. This time Todd was leading the caravan of classics. When in Gratis, Ohio, Todd saw a detour sign for SR725. Following Todd's lead, the club members traveled south for nearly ten miles of beatiful America. After some time and in Wayne County, Shorty and everyone else stopped at a gas station for information about the detour. Bill then informed Todd that we were to be heading west and not following an east detour for 725. Shorty gathered directions back to Dunlapsville and we followed. Within no time we were at the show.

The weather was fantastic with a lots of sun and a very pleasant breeze. The show gets bigger every year and this time was no exception. There were cars from all generations, 1920's to 2000. There was also a tractor portion of the festival. Members enjoyed the day with the many vendors offering barbeque off all types, memorabilia, crafts and barbeque grills sales. The music was exceptional. The volume was not overwhelming and the music played was very enjoyable. The location of the show offers lots of shade and the cars are not cluttered.

This year there were over 110 show cars. The Lions Club worked hard on the show and it showed. The clouds appeared to be gathering so the Lions Club decided to advance the awards due to the possibility of rain. The awards were held at 2:30 pm. There were 30 top awards and several many specialty awards. Fred and Pauline received "Best Engine" trophy. This show is one of the nicest small town car shows held early in the spring.