Charlie's "Old Time Texaco" 2253 Oxbow Rd.
Arriving at 11:30 to allow time for setup we found Charlie (our Host) sitting at the picnic table waiting for the crowd. Charlie had everything in place, tables and chairs set up, Gas Station lights on and Studebaker door prizes for 2 guests ready to hand out. In less than 30 minutes Trish, Janelle, Bernie, and Mary had the tables re-arranged, table cloths on and food displayed. This year we kept the ice cream in Charlie and Mary's refrigerator until time to serve. (No soup to drink this year) By 1:30 we counted 19 hungry members and guests.
Our host Charlie opened the meeting with door prizes. Janelle's name was drawn first and guest Tom Spargo second. Both door prizes were selected from the Studebaker Museum catalog by Charlie. (nice going Charlie) Guests Clifton Estes, Tom Spargo, and Randy and wife Nita brought laughter and new conversation topics to the meet. Tom's car shirt was examined for a "Studebaker" but none was found. Randy and Nita were so impressed they joined our chapter on-the-spot,. Welcome new members Randy and Nita Morris. They are also proud owners of a 1949 Studebaker, Landcruiser (4Dr) which we hope we will get to see at the next meeting. Randy is feverishly working on making it road worthy again.
Next on the agenda was "Studebaker, Coming Events" covered by Bob. The Tri-State Meet (AKA Southeastern Zone Meet) will be held August 22 and 23rd, in Asheville, N.C. Meet Headquarters : Holiday Inn Airport, I-26, Exit 9, South of Asheville. For Reservations call; 828-684-1213, a special rate of $85 is offered for Studebaker guests.
The 31st Florida State Studebaker Meet is October 24th & 25th in Clearwater, Fl. The Central Florida Chapter is hosting the event this year, your chapter donated funds for 1 Trophy. Be sure to attend and support Florida's Studebaker State Meet. For more information contact Larry Good @ 727-235-2428.
TIME TO EAT : 50's music filled the air as we attacked two trays of over 140 sandwich wedges, BBQ chips, 2 Veggie trays with dip, new potato and southern style potato salad completed the main course. All this then ICE CREAM, 5 flavors to be eaten in bowls or sugar cone. Two-thirds of the sandwiches disappeared along with about half of the Ice Cream. We really missed the members who signed up to attend and couldn't make it. Lots of food left over. Fortunately Bernie volunteered to take the sandwiches to fellow employees at the zoo tomorrow. The Ice Cream went to Charlie & Mary and Bob & Trish. (We didn't really need it, calories, calories and more calories.)
After touring Charlies Old time Service Station and barn working area a fund raising drawing was held for a "Studebaker" plaid 4x4 Picnic blanket. Bernie's name was drawn and she walked off with the blanket. Wait till Nick sees this. Just perfect for use with his Gold Wing for picnics.
Yes, a little rain fell but no one got wet under the heavily leafed trees. The humidiy was high but an occasional breeze made it comfortable. I've had a number of complimentary E-Mails so all-in-all another success.
Many "THANKS"
to our Hosts Charlie & Mary Downing for letting us use their backyard and for storing our ice cream in their frig. By general vote the attending members agreed to donate $100 to Charlie's PET Project. (Personal Energized Transportation). They have constructed and shipped almost 100 vehicles to victim's of leg amputation caused by exploding ordinance left behind in the fields after wars mostly in South Africa.
Be sure to see some of the pictures of cars gassing up at Charlies "Old Time Texaco Service Station" on the "Events" and "Who's Who" page.
Secretaries Notes: May 13, '08
On Saturday, April 26th, we met in St. Augustine at Anastasia State Park for our
Annual Picnic. There were 16 in attendance. Nollie's Hinton's wife Janelle and Steve James's wife, Lark missed the event do to sickness. Rick Wyman's wife Carol also missed the picnic do to a recent back injury. Hopefully all have recovered and will be able to attend our next Meet.
There was no old business discussed. The new business centered around the Florida State Studebaker Meet in Clearwater in October and the Studebaker International Meet in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in September. Too early to get a commitment for either Meet but more information will be posted as show dates get closer. This will be the largest International Meet ever held based on the number of registrations already received. Are you planning on attending either meet ? Let us know via E-Mail.
E_MAILRecommendations for future activities included a trip to the Jacksonville zoo. Bernie Kelpac our Event Planner works at the zoo and may be able to be our "private" guide if she is scheduled to work that weekend. A date sometime near the end of June was suggested. Some members think it will be too hot and suggested it be tabled until sometime in the fall. No definate decision was reached. Another suggestion was to do something at "Cold Stone Creamery" (ice cream). Since there is not a lot of room to sit in these establishments, much less have a Meeting, this did not get a lot of support. Members Charley & Mary Downing have offered the use of their Texaco Station where we would be under trees and could have an Ice Cream Meeting. Watch for the news of our next get together as it will be posted on the website as soon as a decision is made.
Since the Treasurer was not in attendance Bob Edwards gave the treasurer's report. Our financial status is strong and we can look forward to a lot of Ice Cream purchased by your dues so be sure to attend. Any special choices of flavor be sure to E-Mail Bob and Trish so they can put them on the list. Bob took pictures of all the Studebakers present and will be posting them on the website under "Who's Who" page with a description of the and the owners/members name. No personal history is planned.
We all enjoyed the day (the weather was beautiful) eating hot dogs, hamburgers and steaks, along with the wonderful side dishes that go "hand-hand" with these. Of course, everyone enjoyed the opportunity to visit and catch up with what everyone else has been doing. For those of you who couldn't come, we missed you and look forward to seeing you at our next get together.
Two beautiful Studebakers were present for their first viewing. Steve and Lark James 2006 (last sold) Avanti was simply stunning. The pearl (crystal white) paint really enhanced the style and beauty of the car. Rick and Carol's 1962, Gran Turismo Hawk (Orange) is also outstanding and an eye catcher for sure. They have moved up into the G.T.Hawk class and are proud owners. Rick says "Now I can keep up with the Big Dogs" and I'm sure he can.
Secretary; Shirley Hastings
GEORGIA STATE MEET
April 11th & 12th. '08
 :
Make the trip to Albany, Ga. for the 5th Georgia SDC State Meet.
We're planning to cruise to the meet. Remember, there's safety in numbers so join your Chapter members in a caravan cruise to the meet. Send me an E-mail at
E-MAIL
CRUISE and did we CRUISE !!!
(Cruise of March 15, '08)
7:30 am we arrived for waffles, bacon and eggs at the Waffle House to find Tom Johnson already eating. It wasn't long before Ken and Carol Lawson, Nollie Hinton and Larry Bryanton showed up. Naturally, we didn't get away at O800 but pretty close, maybe 0825 but who's keeping score. Nollie in his 2004 Avanti, cell phone in hand lead the cruise followed by Larry in his '87 Avanti, Bob and Trish in their '56 G.Hawk, Tom Johnson in his 62 Lark and Ken and Carol brought up the rear guard, cell phone in hand in their 62 Green Champ pick up. Off we went to "OLD TOWN" so many miles and hours, yes, hours away.
Traffic was heavy in some areas but we moved along. Lots of "THUMBS UP" and stares but no eggs thrown. A few drops of rain fell and made little mud balls and streaks with the road dust--something to do when we arrive. We found "OLD TOWN" immediately off the highway, like turning into a driveway. Hugh sign that was visable a full block away which really helped as we haven't visited before. Ken and Carol took the front spot, at an intersection in the horseshoe display drive which allowed 4 of us to leave for home around 5 pm. Once in line, your there for the duration as discovered. "Thanks Ken and Carol" The Parade was at 8pm. sorry we missed it, but we had doggie park commitments Sunday.
On arrival out came the cameras, sun glasses and off to the shops went the girls. After making the cars presentable the guys joined them. The single guys stayed with the cars and educated the public about Studebaker's. Gift shops galore, if you can't find it, it simply doesn't exist. I didn't see even 1 sign, old advertisement or picture of a STUDEBAKER ! Maybe they never heard of one before or maybe we're simply--Lost-
{Back to the future}?. Both the North Florida Chapter of Studebaker and Avanti Club of Florida were present with their beautiful cars and helped our chapter fill in the front parking area for the evening parade. Too many outstanding cars to list but my favorite was a Tan, '50 Bullet nose, Starlight coupe. I'd almost trade my '56 G.H. for that one--Trish said "NO" but I'd consider. Great interior, perfect matching paint to upholstery and great chrome.
Well, off to the Ice Cream shop. Double scoop of Blackcherry on a waffle cone for me and double scoop of Pistachio on a waffle cone for Trish. Walked and walked and walked in and out of shop after shop looking for that perfect item to bring home to the mother-in-law who was watching our pugs Lily and Ross. We finally found it, a pillow with print which says; "No outfit is complete without DOG HAIR" and with Pugs, thats the truth.
The weather was perfect at least till 5pm when we had to leave. Some sun, partly cloudy and just enough breeze to keep you comfortable. We all met back at the cars at 4:30 intending to eat together but no one had found a restaurant so we skipped the meal. We need more experience in the area. Hopefully they will feature "Studebaker's" again soon.
At 5:15pm Nollie, Larry, Tom and Trish and I decided to leave for Jacksonville. We returned via Routes I-192 to I- 4, & I-95. The trip back was only 3 Hrs, a whole hour shorter than the sightseeing trip taken going down. The mileage for the entire trip was 363 miles and I averaged 21.7 mpg--real happy with that. Nollie averaged 24.2 mpg in his 2004 Avanti. Larry and Tom haven't reported in as yet.
All-in-all a fun time. Enjoyed "OLD TOWN" even though I was sick with a bad cold. We look forward to another trip in the mid to late summer and plan on staying overnight. Sorry we missed the parade at 8 pm and only got to see about 75 other cars that gathered behind the shops. I'm sure there were a couple hundred by parade time. Great place, lots to see and do. Fun for a weekend for sure.
Additionally, although we didn't have a formal meeting we did have a membership renewal and we also spotted members Ben Rew and Debbie. They arrived in their sharp, Lark "SkyTop"---I guess we drive too slow for them to cruise. Hey! The more the merrier.
Our "Events" planner Bernie and her husband Nick also were on the grounds. Nick and his inlaws rode their "Goldwings" down with Bernie following in her Lark 8. We had a chance to talk for a few minutes then off they went. Don't they look like a fun couple ? We did get a picture or two.
See pictures on "EVENTS" page
Valentines Day "Studebaker" Meet
Saturday, February 16, 08
PHENOMENAL
22 chapter members and one guest chose to celebrate Valentines Day and participate in our meeting.
And, an outstanding meeting it was. Our secretary, Shirley is preparing notes which will be posted as soon as she snail mails them to me. (Shirley's computer is still in the hospital or rehab.)
I want to personally "THANK YOU" for your support in making this Chapter one of the best in SDC I'm sure. Your participation in our Chapters activities and attendance at our meetings is key to our Chapters success.
Check back during this week for "Shirley's Notes".SHIRLEY'S NOTES 3/06/08On Thursday, February 14TH, We met for dinner and fellowship at Cha Cha's Mexican restaurant on Baymeadows Road. There were 22 Members and 1 guest in attendance There was no old business to attend to as this was our 1st meeting of the new year. The Treasurer's report was given and we currently have sufficient funds for cookouts and meetings for this coming year. New Business was discussed as follows: Areas in which to have picnics and/or cookouts. Suggestions were;
Green Cove Springs Park
Anastasia Island State Park
Hannah Park
Willowbranch Park
Charlie Downings Old Gas Station.
In the past, we have gone to Green Cove Springs Park and Anastasia Island Park for most of our cookouts and picnics.
A suggestion was made by Ken Lawson that we "cruise" to "Old Town" for the car show and parade (near Kississimee). The car show and parade of Studebakers, Packards, Avanti's and other makes will be held March 15th. There is a hotel adjacent to the area in which the car show is held. You will be receiving additional information via E-Mails.
Since it was Valentines Day we all received candy and the ladies received flowers as well. We were also given an outside Studebaker Thermometer, from the Studebaker Museum. There was a raffle for a set of 4 Studebaker logo glasses. Tickets were $5.00 each and Nick Kelpac won. (Quite a coincidence since his wife, Bernie, drew the winning ticket. !!!)
After a fun time and a good meal the meeting was adjourned. We are sorry some of you were unable to attend and you were missed. Hope to see you next meeting.
Shirley Hastings, Secretary
Northeast Florida Studebaker Club
Election of Officers for 2010
SLATE OF OFFICERS HELD OVER BY POPULAR DEMAND
President Bob Edwards
Vice President Trish Edwards
Treasurer Larry Bryanton
Secretary Shirley Hastings
Events' Chairperson Bernie Klepac
Technical Advisor Roy Hastings
The Meeting was adjourned wishing all a healthy, happy and prosperous '08.
Many of our Chapter members have businesses which we would like to recommend and support. Please visit their WEB site and support their business when in the Jacksonville area. Open the "LINK" page and visit their WEB Page.
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