Director’s Thoughts, SEPTEMBER 2016

Whew! What a busy summer it has been! From the chapter picnic in June, followed by the tour on June 18th, from the BCA 50th Anniversary Celebration to DAF 2016 (Macungie, Pa), from the hot/humid weather to the beginning of fall, I think we all need a break to catch our breath, don’t you?

This month, Tuesday, September 6th, the chapter dinner/business meetings reconvene @ the Starlite Diner & Lounge. Supper = 6:00 pm with the business meeting following @ 7:30 pm. Our guest speaker is Mr. Ed Tremba. Topic of discussion = “Older & Wiser Drivers”. As some of you already know, Mr. Tremba is an exciting & extremely interesting speaker, so don’t lose out on a fun-filled & delightful evening. You will find this a most enjoyable time!

Enough of my ramblings, on w/ the rest of this informative newsletter.

Your elected Director, Sally Getz

“Free Spirit” Chapter Meeting Minutes, August, 2016
No meeting held this month in lieu of the Allentown event!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, “FREE SPIRIT” CHAPTER!!

39 years ago this month, the birth of this BUICK chapter was born. Oh what a day it was! 11 brave men got together & discussed starting up a local BUICK chapter here in Allentown, Pa. Despite the ups & downs of its’ membership over the years, this chapter is still going strong TODAY!

“THANK YOU” to each & every member for keeping this chapter ALIVE!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY “FREE SPIRIT” CHAPTER!!

NEW MEMBERS

• Charles W. & Susan M. Altemose, Jr. of 432 Birch Road, Hellertown, Pa 18055. challengercharlie@yahoo.com. 1972 Skylark Custom
• Stephen Dixon & Kim Wolf, 408 S. Perkasie Rd, Perkasie, Pa 18944.  Oldcar63@gmail.com. 1962 Riviera, 2 dr Sport Coupe, 4747.
• William Hallman, 23 Prospect Ave., Norristown, Pa 19403-3239. BCA #33316. 610-539-9179 (H),  WFH23@comcast.net. 1965 Special.
• Warren Miller & Sally Fireman, `110 Kettle Ridge Drive, Stroudsburg, Pa 18360. BCA #11702.  wvmiller1@hotmail.com. 1955 Super 4 dr sedan, 52
• Fred Moller, 1258 Lehigh Ave., Birdsboro, Pa 19508.  molfam1965@gmail.com. 1965 Skylark Convertible
• Frank & Deb Mosier, III, 1113 W. Washington St., Allentown, Pa 18102. 610-432-7145 (H),  mozo2@verizon.net. 1967 Skylark Conv, 44467.
• Michael & Christina Nester, 2452 Ridge Road, Elverson, Pa 19520.  MKMN1110@aol.com. 1978 Electra 2-dr.
• Be sure to add these members to your roster!

Bernard J. Boback, Sr.

Mr. Bernard J. Boback Sr., a former resident of the North End section of Wilkes-Barre, more recently, a resident of Harveys Lake, passed into eternal life unexpectedly Thursday evening, May 26, 2016, shortly after admission to Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

Born May 28, 1922, in Wilkes-Barre, Mr. Boback was the son to the late William and Josephine (Pacovsky) Boback. He was educated in the Wilkes-Barre schools.

Following his education, Mr. Boback worked with his brother, Joe, at the former Boback’s Garage on Elm Street in North End, then proudly served our country with the U.S. Army during World War II, having served in the Pacific Theatre. Upon being honorably discharged from military duties, he then began teaching at Madison Auto Body School, which trained veterans returning from World War II in the skills of auto body repairs.

He later opened his own body shop where he served countless residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Bernie acquired a love of antique cars by restoring personal vehicles and those of his clients. In 1972, he shared his skills by becoming an educator at the Wilkes-Barre Area Vocational-Technical School. He remained there some 24 years, retiring in 1996.

He and the love of his life, his beloved Nancy, traveled throughout the country sharing and competing with his pride and joy, his antique automobiles, winning various local and national awards.
He was a charter member of the Antique Automobile Club of America and was a nationally-certified judge for the AACA, where he received a pin for 50-year membership. He also held life membership in the Brookside American Legion Post No. 837 and was a lifelong member of the Buick Club of America.
A memorial donation was made in Mr. Boback’s memory, to the Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge, Dallas, PA.

Bill’s Old Bike Barn Tour, September 24, 2016

Join us on a tour to Bill’s Old Bike Barn in Bloomsburg, PA. We will meet at the Schnecksville Diner, 4527 Rt. 309, Schnecksville, Pa at 8:30am for breakfast, or if you like just a cup of coffee. From there we will proceed to the Bill’s Old Bike Barn at 9:30, taking the scenic route. The ride should take about 1 hour & 45 mins. At Bill’s Old Bike Barn Museum, you will be free to take look around & enjoy at your own pace. There is plenty to see, not just old motorcycles. It’s a step back in time. When we have finished our time travels at the museum, we will head out to lunch, (pay your own), at May’s Drive-In, Berwick, Pa. May’s is only about 3.3 miles from the museum. The Drive-In is celebrating its’ 60 years of business! After lunch you are free to head home or stop at a few places in Bloomsburg, such as:

• O’Donnell Winery 25 Hayes Road, Berwick, 570-759-1375
• The Red Mill Antiques 44 Red Mill Rd, Bloomsburg, 570-784-7146
• Lavender & Old Lace 1111 Lightstreet Rd, Bloomsburg
• Or visit some covered bridges.

Member (any age) = $4.00 each member
Non-Member/guest (any age) = $8.00 each person
Please, RSVP, to Kathleen Duckett, 6023 Riverview Rd., Slatington, Pa 18080 by September 19th. 610-760-2467

BCA 50th Anniversary Meet July 27-30 2016

The BCA 50th Anniversary Celebration was held at Nicola Bulgari’s American Motorcar complex in Allentown. Wed thru Fri there were tours offered to the Buick members to Martin Guitar, Historic Bethlehem, America on Wheels Museum, AACA Museum & Library, Simeone Museum & Valley Forge Park. On Friday evening there was a police escorted cruise to Dorney Park of about 100 Buicks. That must have been a sight for the local residents. Wayne & I had already seen all of the tours, so we only participated Friday & Saturday.

Friday the Buick members were allowed to tour Nicola’s complex & view his collection of fabulous antique cars & restoration shops. When we arrived in the registration building to pick up our goodies bag, dash plaque, program, etc for the show, we were also greeted by Sally at the “Free Spirit” table selling items & promoting the chapter. There was also a hospitality suite set up in the lodge with cold drinks & snacks for the members all day.

From noon – 1:00 pm anyone registered for the meet could pick up their “special awards” for attending. Each person was personally thanked by Nicola & received a bronze medallion for participating, a beautiful commemorative book about the 50th Anniversary of the club, & show, & the latest (3rd edition) of the “David Buick’s Marvelous Motor Car” book.

Saturday morning was hot & humid with the prediction of storms later in the day, so Wayne & I got our 1980 Skylark on the field early so we could have a chance to see it all. What a sight to see about 550 -600 Buicks on the same field! Since there was no judging the cars were arranged from the oldest, a 1903, to cars of 2004 with each decade in a separate section, plus there was a nice sized flea market.

There was an announcement made about 1:00 pm that the storms were predicted to hit about 2:00 pm so we made the decision to leave the field & loaded my car back in the car trailer. We had no sooner gotten onto US 22 when the heavens opened up & it was raining so hard that traffic was crawling.

The Celebration Banquet was held at the Agriplex in Allentown Saturday evening. There were about 850-900 people attending the banquet. Special awards such as literary achievements for the Buick Bugle were given by Pete Philips, the President gave awards to everyone that made the meet such a success & Nicola presented several awards for his favorite cars. (Gary Hiller received 1 of these awards for his 1931 Series 60 Sport Roadster) & much to everyone’s surprise the club gave special trophies – 1 trophy for each decade. My Skylark won the award for the “Spirit of BCA 1980’s”

Hope some of you had the opportunity to participate in this event.

Leah Kieffer

Some Interesting facts, BCA 50th Anniversary Celebration

Posted July 11 Final Registration Numbers:

• Attendees 1521
• Show Cars 633
• Trailers 98
• Vendors 154 (Spaces)
• BCA Banquet 813
• BHA Banquet Sold Out
• Dorney Park 186

Of the 54 “Free Spirit” members, 36 members were registered. 26 “Free Spiriters” came up to the chapter table to say “Hello”! This chapter took in 3 new members, (see previous note). Many “THANKS” to those members who volunteered their time in helping out with this event. Many “THANKS” to Kathleen Duckett for helping me tend to the chapter table. There were many times that we were “SWAMPED”! If someone would have come to the chapter table & asked me, which top 3 states were represented in attendance of the event that said “Hello” to us, I would have to say: #1 = Washington State, #2 = Texas, #3 = Indiana. BUICK people, truly, are NICE people! While attending the table, Kathleen & I have heard so many + responses as to the Buick display @ America On Wheels. The UNIQUE GM BUICK hand-blown NEON BUICK SIGN found its new home, INDIANA. Again, many “THANKS” to everyone who represented the “Free Spirit” Chapter in many ways (registration table, banquet seating table, club table, parking trailers/cars, flea marketing, hospitality)! We are a rather small chapter, but we are a MIGHTY & HIGHLY ENERGIZED CHAPTER! Lastly, many “THANKS” to those newest members who have joined the ranks of the “Free Spirit” chapter! You help to make this chapter ROCK! Sally Getz

Das Awkscht Fescht, 2016

You couldn’t have asked for any better of a day! An absolutely breathtaking day! 42 BEAUTIFUL BUICKS were on display! All different models, years, size & colors were represented. The following are the award recipients:

Buick Club of America (Pre-War) = Michael Wolfe, New Tripoli, Pa, 1926 Standard 6 Series Sedan
Post War = Eric Moyer, Mertztown, Pa. 1974 Electra 225
Most Original (Memory of Deceased Members) = Michael Nester of Elverson, Pa. 1978 Electra 2-dr.
I want to “THANK” the following members for stepping up to the plate to assist w/ parking the #1 cars; BUICKS!! Michael Elverson (newest member), Edward Lenny, Chuck Mason, Dan Reiniger, Dennis Snell, Michael Wolfe. My apology if I missed someone, please forgive me. The chapter gained 4 new members during DAF (see previous note).

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 2016 HAPPY LABOR DAY!
3 – 51st Duryea Days, Boyertown, PA
4 – Hanover Township Car Show, Bethlehem, Pa
6 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Rts. 100/78, Allentown, Pa. Dinner @ 6:00 pm, meeting @ 7:30 pm. Guest speaker is Mr. Ed Tremba from AAA on “Older & Wiser Drivers”.
11 – Strausstown Car show, Strausstown, Pa
18 – BOP show, Star Buick/GMC, Easton, PA
23-25 – Swap Meet, Englishtown, NJ
24 – “Bill’s Barn & Old Bike Tour”, Bloomsburg, Pa. Tourmasters Kathleen/Thomas Duckett. (CHAPTER EVENT)

OCTOBER 2016 HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
3 – NOTE DAY CHANGE!!Monthly chapter business meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Rts. 100/78, Allentown, Pa. Supper @ 6 p, business meeting 7:30 pm. NOTE DAY CHANGE due to Hershey Show. Nominations will be taken for Secretary, Treasurer, 2 BOD.
5-8 – AACA Hershey Fall Meet, Hershey, Pa
15 – Upper Salford Township 275th Anniversary Show. Schwenksville, Pa. cordhaven@aol.com
30 – 40th Annual Old Car Show, Kempton, PA (CHAPTER EVENT)

NOVEMBER 2016 HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
1 – Monthly chapter dinner meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Rts. 100/78, Allentown, Pa. Dinner @ 6:00 pm, meeting @ 7:30 pm. Nominations go to vote.
6 – David Markel Car Collection tour w/ Ontelaunee Region AACA
6 – “Fall Roll Out” show, Riegelsville, Pa
28 – Koziars Christmas Village, Bernville, Pa tour.

CARS/PARTS “FOR SALE”

1939 Buick Special (41) 4-DR Trunk back Sedan, unrestored original car, Straight 8, manual transmission. Runs well! Rebuilt engine & components, brake system, drive train, transmission. Upgraded carb, electronic ignition, oil filter, NEW exhaust system. WW tires. Pics available. $16,500/negotiable. Ken Davis, 610-489-1649. kwmcdavis@verizon.net

1951 Buick Super (51) 4 dr. Excellent condition. Everything works, drive anywhere. Original paint interior. All mechanical things have been replaced or improved. 59,000 original miles. $11,500. William@ 610-970-7183, 484-948-6213.

1962 Buick Skylark Conv. Overall GOOD condition. Various NOS chrome installed. Runs/drives nice! Transmission, rear, top & rear window good. Dave’s Int. restorations, 525 Chestnut St., Emmaus, Pa 18049

1975 “Free Spirit” Buick Super Rare. Has the whole package minus the pace car script. T- tops bucket seats & console floor shift. Tilt wheel w/ original brushed aluminum three spoke wheel. 1800 made. This car is 100% complete minus trim rings & center caps. Comes w/ four original wheels & 4 appliance spoke wire wheels. 350 Buick 4 barrel & t-350 automatic. Needs complete restoration. CLEAN TITLE! $3500.00 obo Paul 605-9960.

1981 Buick Regal 4 DR dark green, garage kept. 75K mi. 717-576-7588

1987 Buick GN, T-Top blk w/ grey/blk int., orig parts, EXCELLENT condition, 3200 ORIGINAL miles. Stored in heat controlled garage. $28,500 (OBO), gbrentano@verizon.net

1996 Buick Riviera Diamond White w/ excellent burgundy leather interior. 106K miles. Supercharged, chrome wheels, astroroof. Garaged kept. New tires 9,000 miles ago. Super clean; not driven in winters; used for BDE Tours. Cold AC. Well maintained Buick. $7000. Ed Lenny BCA # 7534 Allentown, PA. lugnuts36@icloud.com , 610-751-7700

1958 Super/Limited Chrome & stainless trim, rear Ltd. Bumper end. 610-509-2061.

1964 Buick 300 V-8 w/ factory aluminum heads, complete w/ fan, carb, air cleaner, etc. TH 400 auto trans #BU-64-23582. Eng. #4K5029219, $700.00. 610-509-2061.

In Search Of

1948 Buick Special 2 door back chrome. Doug @ 570-573-0948.

1951-52 Buick Mustache Bar to be rechromed, very hard to find! $400.00. William, 610-970-7183, 484-948-6213.

1951-52 Buick Roadmaster RH grille bar extension. C. Wenger, 433-710-6624, crewzn@broadstripe.net

1967 Buick Electra Conv. 610-730-4599, dwebster80@gmail.com