Tinkering Times - Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska

Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska
Tinkering Times
Volume 55, Number 10
www.antiqueautomushersak.org
October 7, 2015
An Even Dozen AAMA Cars Relax at State Fair
by Brian Anderson
After several days of a north
wind, it was dry but quite cool on
August 29th, the first Saturday of the
Alaska State Fair. AAMA members
brought twelve vehicles to the parade
in Palmer and subsequent car show at
the fairgrounds.
When I arrived in Palmer at 9:00
AM, I found event leader, Mark
Graber, already busy securing
refreshments and registering our entry
in the parade. Unfortunately, Mark’s
Packard had recently experienced a
mechanical problem, which prevented
him from bringing the car that day, but
his organizational efforts made for
smooth sailing for us during the
parade and in transitioning to the car
show.
At the fair, we took turns
attending to the cars while others
explored the fair and its culinary
delights. The show was pleasantly
Anderson
Antique Auto Mushers enjoy the Palmer State Fair Parade. Hulses’ 1958 Rolls Royce, Mustys’
1964 Oldsmobile Jetsar 88, Finch’s 1956 Thunderbird, Drydens’ 1931 Model A Taxi, Allens’
1966 Thunderbird, Ishams’ 1980 Mercedes Benz 450 SL, Stoops’ 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air,
Foster/Kellers’ Radio Flyer, Wiedmers’ 1949 Ford Custom Convertible and 1956 Thunderbird
and Brian Anderson’s 1964 Jeep FC-170 (not pictured–that’s where the camera was.)
located off the beaten path at the
Woodlot, where traffic is normally
slow except when the lumberjack
show lets out. After a relaxing day,
most of us had left for home by
around 4:00 p.m.
The following AAMA vehicles
participated this year: Allen’s 1966
Ford Thunderbird; Musty’s 1964
Oldsmobile Jetstar 88; Hulse’s 1958
2015 Denali Tour Provides ‘Interesting’ Adventure
by Tamea Isham
We got skunked this year! We did
not see The Mountain. But we had a
fabulous time anyway.
When we left on Saturday, 19
September, it was a beautiful day. The
temperature was 34° F. The travelers
included Donn Reese’ 1960 Imperial,
Kimzey’s 1961 International pickup,
Hulse’s 1958 Rolls Royce, Evans’
1969 Chev PU, Weidmer’s 1949 Ford
convertible, Isham’s 1963 Imperial,
and Fowler’s 1914 Model T. We had
been watching the weather reports and
knew that we were going into
unknown conditions, but we went
ahead anyway.
When we arrived in Healy, the
weather was iffy. But we had a
wonderful BBQ at Monty and Dianne
Burkbanks’ home that evening. They
served us chicken, hamburgers, hot
dogs and spirits, and we provided side
dishes and desserts. We then gathered
in their garage and it was a delightful
evening spent kicking tires and
sharing stories about our cars and
learning about Monty’s Mopar
collection.
(See P. 4, “Denali Tour”)
Rolls Royce; Stoops’ 1958 Chevrolet
Bel Air; Evans 1955 Cadillac
Eldorado; Wiedmer’s 1949 Ford
Custom Convertible; Wiedmer’s 1956
Ford Thunderbird; Dryden’s 1931
Ford Model A Taxi; Finch’s 1956 Ford
Thunderbird; Isham’s 1980 Mercedes
Benz 450SL; Keller-Foster’s Radio
Flyer wagon and Anderson’s 1964
Jeep FC-170.
October Meeting
October is the time for
nominations for election of
officers. Come to the meeting and
volunteer for the nominations
committee; it’s good for self
defense. The meeting will take
place at 7:00 PM at Day Break
Center. Be there or be nominated.
Cresaps and Tanoras will
provide the snacks.
Thanks go to Brian Anderson
for leading the last-of-the-year
drive about after last month’s
meeting.
2
Tinkering Times
October 7, 2015
Running Board Reflections
www.antiqueautomushersak.org
2015 Officers
President: BrianAnderson 345-9244
Vice President: Gwyn Wiedmer
243-7005
Secretary: Pam Tanora 868-1575
Treasurer: Donn Reese 245-7203
Sergeant at Arms: Sara Stoops
Members at Large
Anderson
In this 1975 photo, our president, poses with his 1964 Falcon Futura. Brian graduated
from high School in 1974, so he says this may have been about the end of his freshman
year at Colorado State University.
One of the founding members of
the AAMA, Marco “Mike” T.
Spezialy, passed away on August 27.
Mike wasn’t currently a member of
AAMA, and I don’t know when his
membership lapsed.
I had the
opportunity to meet Mike only once,
at the 2013 Fur Rondy car show
where host Bill Brown had arranged
to display a couple of Mike’s cars.
When I recently inquired about
Mike’s history with the club, Donn
Reese dug into the archives and
retrieved a copy of a report entitled
“Car Topics” (Vol. 1, No. 1, 1963)
documenting the first few years of
the club’s existence. It shows that
Mike was in attendance at the first
meetings
of
the
fledgling
organization, and that he was among
its first treasurers. Whether or not
you remember Mike from his active
days with the club, I’m sure you will
agree that his passing represents a
significant milestone in the history of
the AAMA.
The aforementioned “Car Topics”
document made for some very
interesting reading, and invited a
comparison of the information
presented then with what we include
in our reports today. One similarity
between then and now was the use of
the term “modern car” when
describing a vehicle used by
participants who couldn’t bring an
antique vehicle. Boy, how I wish
they
would
have
specifically
identified those “modern cars” that
accompanied trips in the early ‘60’s!
I also found it interesting that this
early report included a “roster of
cars” owned by members, which was
broken down into three categories:
1) cars currently participating in
events; 2) cars under restoration or
awaiting restoration; and 3) cars
owned by members but located in the
“lower 48.” Wouldn’t it be a fun
exercise to assemble and publish
such a roster today?
We have finally reached the end
of the club’s 2015 driving season, but
we finished with a bang! Despite
some seasonal weather challenges,
our members participated in fun
activities throughout September. Be
sure to check out all the photos
posted on our website (thanks,
Donn!).
Now, we enter what I think of as
the “garage season,” when we can
come indoors and spend time
maintaining and improving our
vehicles (while waiting for the ski
season to begin). Also, the holiday
season is rapidly approaching, and
I’m already looking forward to the
AAMA Christmas party just a couple
of months from now.
–Brian
Dennis Allen 345-6355
Tam Isham 688-3671
Kurt Rein 344-5554
Past Presidents (10 years)
Mike Wiedmer (2013-14)
Howard Hansen (2012)
Donn Reese (2009–2011)
Jeff Hassler/Donn Reese (2008)
Jim Fredenhagen (2006-2007)
Fred Schurman (2005)
Diane Allen (2004)
Tinkering Times Staff
Editor: Tom Cresap
Proofing, scheduling and keeping the
old man in line: Marcy Cresap
Send correspondence to:
Tinkering Times
Tom Cresap, Editor
P.O. Box 770703
Eagle River AK 99577
or email:
[email protected]
The Tinkering Times is
published monthly by Alaska’s
premier classic and antique
automobile club, Antique Auto
Mushers of Alaska, P.O. Box 232086,
Anchorage AK 99523-2086.
Opinions expressed by authors
who contribute to Tinkering Times are
their own and do not necessarily
reflect the official policy of the
Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska.
October 7, 2015
One Man’s
Treasures
Tinkering Times
Schedule of Events
✴
✴
✴
Our ads are intended for members and
others who wish to sell cars and related
items. There is no charge, and the ad will
run for three consecutive issues before
being removed. To pull an ad, extend it or
to place a new ad, contact Tom 694-7510.
3
✴
October 10–Trouthouse Tour with Model A’s (Jim Fredenhagen,
351-3115)
October 14–7:00 PM Regular Meeting at Day Break Center
(Refreshments Cresaps and Tanoras)
November 11– 7:00 PM Regular Meeting at Day Break Center (Donn
Reese and Howard Hansen)
December 12– 4:00-TBA at Day Break: Christmas Party
Secured EnclosedStorage
West Downtown Anchorage location
9’x18’x7-1/2’ high space
$125/month for single
2 spaces–$225
Dave Syren,
440-2982
For Sale: 1968 A100 Dodge P.U. $15,000. Call
Howard at 440-1002
For Sale: 1930 Model A pickup with extra
motor; $16,500; Sharon or Skip, 907-229-2369,
907-562-7082.
For Sale: Maxwell 1-Ton truck; worm
drive transmission with approximately a
15-mph top speed; engine still turns with
crank; needs attention. Registered in
Alaska as a 1919, on books in Nebraska as
1917 or 1918. Comes with copies of
original Nebraska titles and many
interesting spare and original parts. Asking
$7,500 with extra parts; will be released in
stateside publication in August for $15,000
OBO.
Erik
Christenson,
[email protected]
or
907-223-8045.
FOR SALE: Rolling Model A Chasis;
1930-31; will sell as one piece or as
parts;
excellent
condition!
Also,
miscellaneous parts of all kinds–just ask.
Call Lee, 745-4404.
For Sale: 1940 Ford pickup project,
mostly complete but apart. Either resto or
rod. Has 351 windsor eng also apart.
Make offer. In Jewel Lk area. Call Monte
Handy, 230-8557.
For Sale: 1953 Kaiser Dragon $18,000, call
Howard at 440-1002
1940 Dodge Coupe with dual carbs and dual
exhaust. $15,000. Call Howard at 440-1002
For Sale: 1977 Volkswagon convertible
$14,000. Call Howard at 440-1002
For Sale: Pair of '56 AK reproduction
metal plates like new but slight scratches
under mounting bolts. These plates do
not have the more correct metal tag slots. $125/pr incl shipping. Tim Godfrey /
Portland OR. [email protected]
or 971-279-5878
(See p. 4 for more.)
4
Tinkering Times
October 7, 2015
Classy Classics Show in Palmer Helps Promote Senior Center
For some, the activities of AAMA’s
Model A enthusiasts may seem to be
dizzily hyperactive, but for sure, our
compatriots know how to enjoy the
summer and how to have great fun
celebrating their marque. Of course, the
rest of us can always join in the fracas.
Fearless leader, Jim Fredenhagen, has
reported on some of the activities that
kept these guys ‘out of the bars’ lately.
Classy Classics
Eleven of us A's and Wiedmers’
1941 Cadillac were featured in the warm
Palmer sun at the historic Palmer train
depot on September 7th for Palmer
Senior Center’s Classy Classics event.
The Model A group was peopled by
Ken Holland, Bob Bartlett, Boyd
Pioneer Gentlemen’s Lunch in Palmer
A gentlemen-only luncheon?
Yep: men only at Raven Hall on the
Palmer, Alaska State Fair Grounds. It
was a centennial event for the
Pioneers of Alaska, and all igloos of
the state attended.
With a theme of Farms, Barns
and Colony Charms, the event
featured some good food and a
display of antique vehicles with
Alaska roots. The Friday, September
26th event was for men only,
following
the
previous
day’s
luncheon for lady Pioneers only.
After lunch, the Antique Auto
Musher participants presented a brief
background of their vehicles and
their Alaska background. Then, the
entire group adjourned to the paved
area in front of Raven hall to see the
cars and to have some rides around
the grounds.
Bill Waldron, Mike Wiedmer
(with the help of his friend, Rick
Gustin) Scott Hulse, Fred Scharper,
Dave Syren, Dale Dryden and Tom
Cresap participated.
Watson, Dave Burkhardt/Larry Yates,
Rich Golding, Louis Finch, Dale/Ingrid
Dryden, Lee Truesdell, Art/Tam Isham,
and John Tichenor. Other cars were
Weidmers’ Caddy and Dale Wright’s
Chevy.
Like most of our outings there was a
little drama. Shortly after leaving
Northway Mall, Mike Weidmer’s
Hupmobile developed a ‘different’ noise
so he wisely diverted immediately to his
mechanic and switched to his Caddy.
Model A Day
Here in Anchorage and the Valley
the weather was perfect for a cruise on
(See p. 5, “Model A’s Lead”)
One Man’s
Treasures
(Continued from p.3)
Denali Tour Has Interesting Weather
Reese
Reese
Above left: Monty and Diane Burbank, posing by one of their Mopars, hosted a barbecue for the
AAMA Denali adventurers. Right: Anchorage and Fairbanks cars gather in Burbanks’ driveway.
(Continued from p. 1)
Eielson, where we encountered a huge
The Grundys and Larricks from
Fairbanks joined us.
After photos Sunday, it was off
into the park for an interesting
adventure. It had snowed the night
before and road clearing was iffy. We
traveled easily to Toklat and stayed
there for two hours before receiving
word that we could go further. The
Hulses and Larricks turned around at
that point and headed back to Healy,
while the rest of us went on to
traffic jam.
At that point, all of us, except the
intrepid Wiedmers, turned around.
They drove some of the way with the
top down, even though it was snowing
and/or raining.
No one had any mishaps and it
was a safe but interesting journey for
us all. There is always a first time for
everything.
Hopefully next year will be more
kind to us weather wise.
For Sale: Three 1953 Hudson Hornets
in Wasilla, one club coupe, and two
Hollywood hardtops. All need
restoration after sitting for many years.
Enough parts to complete at least one
car, including a rebuilt and assembled
308 engine with Twin-H Power option.
Contact Gwen Mitchell at 376-3774.
Questions: call Brian Anderson,
748-1698. He has seen the cars.
October 7, 2015
Tinkering Times
5
Ken Holland Does the Last Frontier Honor Flight
Ken Holland poses with MSSRA President,
Lenny Olson, at the 2013 Jay Ofsthun Show in
Anchorage. Ken received that year’s Mr. Ed’s
Pick Award for his 1930 Model A.
If you know Ken Holland, you know that through the years he has
affected our hobby through his interest and by his uncanny, creative
mechanical abilities. Often, this self-taught machinist has been known
to repair things that no one else could; and when a repair couldn’t be
made, he would remanufacture the part. He has always been very
giving when it comes to helping a fellow Model A owner or Antique
Auto Musher.
Kenny will be going on The Last Frontier Honor Flight to
Washington DC on October 13 through 17th.
Drafted in 1944 and discharged 1946, he served in the 132nd
Infantry Regiment–American Division (liberation of Philippines) and
the 1st Cavalry Division (occupation of Japan).
We of the Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska wish you an enjoyable
Honor Flight, Ken. You earned it. We also thank you for your service
to your country and for your friendship and inspiration in our club.
Everyone can join the Honor Flight Homecoming on Saturday,
October 17, 2015 at noon. It will take place on the upper floor of the
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Come help us welcome
these Veterans home.
Model A’s Lead Dizzying Array of Summer Events
(Continued from p.4)
Saturday, September 19: Model A Day.
Five of us met at the Palmer Tesoro;
Louis Finch and his friend Amy, ’28
Special Coupe; Jim Fredenhagen/Boyd
Watson, ’29 Tudor; Carl Godsoe/Larry
Yates, ’30 Tudor; Chad Ringler, ’29
Tudor; Dale/Ingrid Dryden, ’31 Taxi.
The mission was to go to Hatcher
Pass for lunch at the lodge. The day
before had reported snowy conditions so
we were a bit apprehensive as we started
out. With such great weather and fall
colors, though, we would get as far as we
could.
Turned out to be a great drive. The
only snow was above the parking lot at
the mine.
Lunch and raspberry/blueberry pie
were quite good at the chalet with a great
view down the valley.
The way back went through the
winding Fishook Road area that was
golden in fall color.
The
only
mechanical
issue
happened with Dale Dryden’s taxi on the
way home when it developed an
electrical short in the distributor. He had
a spare, though, and was on his way
quickly.
Fall Colors
On Saturday, September 26th, six
Model A’s headed for Seward in a light
rain. Going by Beluga Point the group
was treated to dry conditions that would
last until they returned to the same point
later that evening.
Bypassing Alyeska, the group made
its first stop at Canyon Creek for a pit
stop and pics. The valley colors were
great and traffic was light. Next was a
brief stop at scenic Summit Lake lodge.
Even though closed for the season, it
made a great background for pics.
Another 15 miles down the road, we
stopped at Tern Lake where John and
Linda Piper met us in their ’30 Model A
Sport Coupe.
In Seward, we were joined by Dick
and Kaye Cruse in their ’30 Model A
Tudor Sedan and a new local person,
Rolf Bardarson, in his 1934 International
Harvester one-ton flatbed truck.
After lunch at Christo’s Palace, we
did a series of photos around Seward,
saw humpback whales near the beach,
had ice cream, went to the Exit Glacier
then headed home.
Even with somewhat heavier traffic
the group arrived in Anchorage about 6
PM, and there were no mechanical issues
all day.
Our group included Dale/Ingrid
Dryden, ’31 Taxi; Jim Fredenhagen/
Boyd Watson, ’29 Tudor; Ted/Colleen
Kimzey, ’31 Tudor; Rich Golding, ’28
Fordor; Curly and Heidi Packer, ’31
Pickup; Carl/Kathleen Godsoe with
Larry Yates, ’30 Tudor.
Trouthouse Run
Our last run of the season will be the
4th Annual Trouthouse Run to Wasilla
and Palmer on Saturday, October 17th
meeting at noon at the Trouthouse
Restaurant for lunch and photos.
Then we’ll tour over to Palmer via
the Palmer-Fishhook Rd and have
dessert at the Valley Hotel on Main St.
Anchorage caravaners can meet at
Northway Mall at 11 AM.
Weather, of course, will dictate
whether it’s a go-no go. Not planning to
drive in rain or snow, but a little morning
fog might be all right if it looks sunny.
That’s all the scheduled activities for
October, but if it’s a nice Indian
Summer, maybe we’ll do some
impromptu lunch runs to Girdwood.
Newly retired Jim will be visiting
his dad in Illinois during October, but
he’ll be anxious to hear about your
Trouthouse gathering.
Thanks, Jim, for arranging all these
activities.
6
Tinkering Times
Walt and Sachiko Sonen’s Epic Journey
Sonen
Sachiko and Walt pose with their trusty Model A Ford pickup somewhere along the way
in Canada. They made a 79-day journey in the little truck to the Canadian Maritimes
and back to their home in Seldovia.
by Walt Sonen
Sachiko and I took off this past
summer in our Model A pick-up for a
long talked-about road trip to the
Canadian Maritimes. It was a great trip,
one without any particular schedule and
some vague goals: a vacation!
Our journey took the form of a lazy
8. Outbound, we traveled down through
Canada crossing at Niagara, our most
southerly point, then through New York
to Maine with a ferry to Nova Scotia
and another to Newfoundland. We
returned with another ferry back to
Nova Scotia, then over what I have
come to call the “hump” of Maine
through Canada to western Ontario
where we crossed into Maine.
The Minnesota-to-Washington leg
was next to the border for the first half;
then we took US 2 into Seattle. We
detoured to Port Townsend and the BC
“sunshine coast” and returned via
Whistler, BC and the Cassiar Highway.
The only portions of our trip that we
traveled the same road were 150 miles
above lake superior and from the
northern junction of the Cassiar (near
Watson Lake, Yukon) back to Homer.
We were away 79 days. The nearly
3 weeks that we spent in Nova Scotia
and Newfoundland were the most
enjoyable. We spent our working lives
fishing, so this area held a special
attraction for us. But the whole trip was
an unforgettable adventure, memories of
which are on prime time in our dreams.
Prior to our departure, we had
talked
about
GPS,
maps,
communications, etc., but it all seemed
too complicated/expensive, so it was a
relief of sorts when we decided not to
take a phone or computer. Road maps
and our ITT calling card it was. It all
worked fine. (There ARE a few pay
phones left in Canada!) Of course, we
got lost a few times and went off track
and talked to people that otherwise we
may not have met, but that was part of
the trip, all good.
Outbound to the Maritimes, I
intended to stay in Canada to the north
to avoid Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal;
this was to be a “blue road” trip after
all. In the back of my head I knew that
the national MARC (Model A
Restorer’s Club) convention was
happening in Niagara, Ontario, hosted
October 7, 2015
this year by the Canadian region. We
had left AK earlier than we originally
planned, and we had made good time
through western Canada. I hadn’t
thought of attending, but Sachiko urged
me to go, mentioning that if I didn’t go
to this one I would probably never go to
another (correct). So I checked on the
dates, and–yes indeed–it was a go.
Through a chance meeting with a
fellow in a campground that evening,
we learned about a shortcut, a ferry
(saving time and avoiding congestion)
over a portion of lake Huron. Any way I
can avoid four-lane chaos is a good
thing, especially in a Model A!
We arrived on the afternoon of the
2nd day of the meet and couldn’t figure
out where the headquarters hotel was,
what with model A’s driving all around
honking at us. We finally flagged one
down and got the scoop. We found a
cheap place to stay just blocks from the
fancy hotels.
The falls are fabulous, and the city
is held away at least a block or two by a
wonderful park-like setting overlooking
the falls. But the rest of it reminded me
of Las Vegas.
We registered at the convention,
did the swap meet, did a morning
coffee in the hospitality suite and talked
with a few people and ogled the
hundreds of show-quality A’s lined up
in the hotel garage. Wow! The
Canadians had really gone all out and
I’m sure it was a memorable gathering,
but it wasn’t our cup of tea. We tried to
register for the welcome dinner that
night, but it was a full house.
We chose to proceed with our trip
the following day and had an enjoyable
2 days driving from New York to the
Maine coast, visited a friend, and at his
suggestion took the ferry from Portland,
Maine, to Nova Scotia.
Our morning routine was to make
coffee, perhaps a bowl of granola, strike
camp and hit the trail. A normal day was
300-350 miles. One was 30 and one was
450. I drove and Sachiko would study
(See p. 7, “Walt and Sachiko”)
October 7, 2015
Walt and Sachiko’s
Trip to Canada
(Continued from p. 6)
maps and guidebooks with an eye to
museums, parks and nifty places to visit.
So we stopped from time to time for
several hours, half a day, or two. The
cab of our truck IS pretty small, so our
walkabouts were refreshing.
There are several coincidental
experiences that have come to light. One
that some of our long-distance AAMA
cohorts can relate to is that we
encountered an excited woman at the
entrance to a campground in Nova
Scotia. She recognized our pick-up from
three years before at the Arctic Circle
pullout on the Dalton Highway! She
was visiting from Australia!
And among the many, many things,
people and places that we saw, met and
touched, there is one incident that we
will always laugh about. We were
traveling west on North Dakota 5 about
10 miles south of Saskatchewan. We
had passed through a decent sized town
a while before with a half tank of fuel.
It became my habit not to become too
concerned about the fuel situation until
we got below 1/4 tank. Well, I was
getting concerned. We pulled off in
Flaxton, over the tracks by the grain
elevators to find an empty town, dead
city! The brick buildings were sagging.
Everything was boarded up. But wait–
there was a bar, and it had 5 pick-ups
pulled up in front. Out the door comes a
fellow obviously feeling no pain, toting
a cold case of bud light. So we got out
of the car to inquire, is there a gas
station around here? “Not in THIS
town.” Is there any place we can get
groceries? “Not in THIS town.” And he
staggered away. We found a farmer’s
co-op 2 towns further along.
Next month I will continue with
some of the more technical aspects of
our trip.
–Walt Sonen, Seldovia
Tinkering Times
7
Long Distance Drive Announced
Humor by Rich Golding
Where do you drive to when
you’ve already driven everywhere
you can reach within a few days
journey from Anchorage? Unlike
living in the real world (aka the
‘lower 48’) there are definitely a very
limited number of roads and
destinations that drivers can set out
onto in search of adventure behind
the wheel of our antique automobiles.
We’ve been to Seward dozens of
times. Homer, and all points within
the Matanuska Valley certainly don’t
offer much that we haven’t seen or
done already. We’ve driven to Valdez
and Fairbanks more times than
anybody would ever care to.
Deadhorse . . . Whitehorse . . .
Dawson City? Been there, done that.
Lets face it, there’s really very
little that’s new to see in the Great
Land from a behind the steering
(See p. 8, “Long Distance”)
Marco T. Spezialy, 1929-2015
Cresap
Mike Spezialy posed with his Packard at last February’s
Fur Rendezvous Car Show at Bob’s Services in
Anchorage February 28, 2015.
Marco “Mike” Spezialy passed
away at Providence Hospital on
August 27, 2015, surrounded by
family. He was born on May 1, 1929
in Oil City, Pennsylvania, the son of
Vincent and Jessie Spezialy. He had
four brothers and four sisters.
Mike came to Alaska with the
military in 1948 and fell in love with
the state. He was a businessman and
commercial boat captain and worked
until he was 80 years old.
Mike loved to hunt and fish and
to restore antique cars. He was a
charter member of the Antique Auto
Mushers. He was treasurer in
1963-64. In later years he remained
a friend to the club, most recently
donating items for us to sell at
events. It was always a treat when
he would bring one of his cars–
usually his Packard–to one of our
shows.
He loved his family and friends
and always had a cherished dog by
his side. His best buddy, Moe, will
miss him.
Mike is survived by his three
children, Steve, Cynthia and Gary,
six grandchildren, and eight greatgrandchildren. He is also survived
by his brother, Dominic and two
sisters, Neva and Florence.
8
Tinkering Times
October 7, 2015
Long Distance Drive Announced
(Continued from p. 7)
wheel perspective, here in Alaska.
That is why, it is with great
excitement and pride that I wish to
announce our 2016 Antique Auto
Mushers long distance drive to
Mount McKinley. Not the park – hell,
we’ve been there a million times . . .
I’m talking about the mountain.
Never a club to be outdone, we
intend to be the first old car club to
drive to the top of north america’s
highest peak.
Our cars will begin by staging at
the Wonder Lake Tastee-Freez for ice
cream and last minute potty breaks
before embarking on our ‘once in a
lifetime’ cruise up the West Buttress
trail. Be sure to bring snow tires and
crampons. "
As motel rooms on the mountain
can be rather limited, it is advised
that you make your reservations
early. As always, Tam Isham will be
in charge of accommodations.
Day one will see us all gathered
at Base Camp Alpha where we shall
reconnoiter and share our first supper.
The Allens will be providing the food
for this evening. Diane has asked me
to remind everyone that Dennis will
be cooking hot dogs and hamburgers
on the first night only. We will, of
course, be stopping every hour or so
at local donut and ice cream shops
along the route.
Bruce Campbell will lead us all
the next day as we drive along the
northeast fork of the Kahiltna, where
we will all gather for a group photo
alongside our cars on the glacier.
Master Editor Tom Cresap will be
taking an official club photo for the
next cover of the Tinkering Times.
Marcy, the Master Editor’s master,
has asked me to remind you all to
bring gloves and perhaps a scarf or
hat, as the winds occasionally present
a problem. It is also advised that you
check to be sure your windshield’s
defrosters are in good working order.
Packing a plentiful supply of
mosquito repellent is also highly
recommended
Be forewarned that our Sergeantat-Arms Sara Stoops will be
diligently checking to be sure each of
us is wearing our club badges, and
will be collecting mandatory twentyfive cent fines for all those who do
not show up sporting same.
Musher President Brian Anderson
has made preparations for our club to
participate in the 13,400 foot Windy
Corners parade. He wishes to remind
all parade participants that at the
insistence of the National Park
Service, we are asked not to toss
candy to the children along the
parade route. Flags and GPS beacons
on our vehicles are allowed and
encouraged.
If all goes to plan, We should
reach the summit early the next
afternoon, after stops along the route
for breakfast, followed by ice cream,
followed by lunch, followed by pie,
followed by ice cream again.
Webmaster Donn Reese will post to
our website the entire journey from
commencement to the ceremonial
planting of the Musher’s banner at
the summit. Secretary Pam Tanora
shall be responsible for recording all
official minutes relating to these
activities.
Mike Weidmer has assured me
that he will be scouting ahead for gas
stations along the route, thus assuring
we have plentiful access to fuel and
candy bars, potato chips, soft drinks,
and various other sundry snacks
throughout our trip. That is, as long
as his Hupmobile doesn’t develop
any mechanical problems during the
drive.
Finally,
Jim
Fredenhagen,
President of the Model A subgroup of
the Antique Auto Mushers, has asked
me to pass along an invitation to all
Model A’s that are planning on
attending the 2016 Mt. McKinley
drive that he will be leading a short
post-event looped cruise across Mt.
Foraker and Mt. Hunter.
BREAKING NEWS: I have been
advised by the White House in
Washington D.C. to announce that
due to recent federal legislation, a
mandatory last minute change be
made to our plans. The name of our
trip has been changed from the 2016
Mt. McKinley cruise to the 2016
Denali drive.
Bernie Edwards, 1932-2015
Long-time Chugiak, Alaska resident
and Midnight Sun Street Rod
Association member, Bernie Edwards,
83, passed away Saturday, September
19, 2015.
Bernie was regarded as the
mechanic who could fix anything. He
was an old gear head and a familiar face
to most of us in the old car hobby. His
interest was in hot rods, and we will
remember him for his works of art: a
1937 Packard, 1935 Ford Pickup, 1934
four-door sedan chopped four inches,
just to mention a few.
Bernie was a Korean War veteran
who earned numerous medals, most
recently the Korean War Veterans
Memorial Thanks and Honor medal
from the Ambassador of Korea in 2014.
He
was
preceded in death
by his wife of 43
years, Jackie Fave
Roberts; and infant
d a u g h t e r.
Survivors include a
son, Bernie M.
Edwards;
two
daughters, Lynnda
J. Edwards of
Chugiak
and
Beverly
EdwardsCathcart of Comanche, Texas and
grandsons.
Tinkering Times
October 7, 2015
Some Wildlife We
Saw on Our 2015
Denali Park Tour
Wiedmer
One Bull Moose browsing . . .
Wiedmer
One Dahl Sheep climbing . . .
9
Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska
September 9, 2015-Minutes
The meeting was called to order
by President Brian Anderson at 6:40
pm. Minutes for the August meeting
were read and with several corrections
they were approved as changed.
The treasurer reported $7,173 in
the account. Dues for 2016 will be
due soon.
Marco (Mike) Spezialy passed
away. Mike was a charter member of
the Antique Auto Mushers. He was
treasurer in 1963-64. He came to
Alaska in December 1948 on a cruise
ship.
The state fair parade and show
went well. Mark Graber chaired the
event again this year and did a great
job. Eleven cars participated.
Gwyn and Mike took their
Cadillac to the Seward Car Show. The
Goldings and the Wiedmers attended
the Classy Classic car show in Palmer.
It was 95% Model A’s.
Kurt asked if he could report on
the Packard event that he attended in
Switzerland at a future meeting, and
Brian suggested that he could do the
program at the October meeting.
Dennis was acting sergeant at
arms tonight. He collected two dollars
for lack of a name tags. Split the pot
was won by Jerry Roach.
October meeting, Tanora’s and
Cresap’s will provide refreshments,
November meeting Donn and Howard
will provide the refreshments.
September 25 is the Pioneer
Show, men only lunch at the
Fairgrounds.
There will be a
presentation of each car during the
lunch.
Be prepared with Alaska
history on your car if you will be
attending this event. There are ten
cars expected to attend.
The Denali trip is set. The passes
have been obtained and directions
have been handed out by Tam and Art.
Walt Sonen and Sachiko will
return soon after their 15,000-mile trip
in the Model A truck. They were on
the road 75 nights, the majority of
those nights camping.
The meeting was adjourned at
7:10 pm. Eighteen people attended
tonight’s meeting.
Brian led us
around the hillside for a fall color
show and then we ate at Uncle Joe’s
on Old Seward.
The October meeting will start at
7:00. There are no longer Wednesday
drive arounds for 2015.
Respectfully submitted,
Pam Tanora secretary
Reese
Wiedmer
One Ptarmigan hiding . . .
and One 1949 Ford convertible with its top down.
10
Tinkering Times
October 7, 2015
What the Wildlife Saw in Denali Park
Allen
Barry and Doris Fowler high tailing it out of the snow and muck in their
1914 Model T Roadster.
October
Birthdays
Bill Waldron–5th
Sara Stoops–6th
Donna Waldron–9th
Fred Scharper–12th
Cindy Hulse–13th
Dave Chiotti–16th
Milt Tanora–26th
Donn Reese–31st
Anniversary
Diane & Fritz
Wohlwend–13th
AAMA
P.O. Box 232086
Anchorage AK 99523-2086