January 2023 Newsletter

DIRECTOR’S THOUGHTS, JANUARY 2023

DAVID WILLIAM BRADY, BCA #244, DECEMBER 28, 1939 – NOVEMBER 19, 2022

David William Brady, 82, of Emmaus, PA died peacefully in his home on Saturday, November 19, 2022. He was born in Allentown, PA and was one of eleven siblings. He graduated from Allentown High School, Allentown, PA, class of 1957. He honorably served his country in the United States Navy from 1958 to 1964 aboard the USS Beale DDE-471.

David worked for “The Morning Call”, Allentown, Pa for 25 years. During those years, he developed a love to drive “BUICK” cars through his stepfather and got into working and repairing cars he could drive out of Hoffman’s Junk Yard at the time. He then got into restoring interior of cars. Initially he started to work out of a small garage in Emmaus, Pa before he finally had to look for a much larger place to perform his future life’s work.

Through a mutual “BUICK” friend, Mr. Bruce Stephens of Bethlehem, PA, he saw a “FOR SALE” sign on a closed and empty Studebaker dealership on the main street in Emmaus, PA. David looked into purchasing the building and ended up buying it. He then moved his small interior restoration shop into this building, and that was the beginning of a well-known “Dave’s Interior Restorations,” since 1986.

David’s very first interior car and convertible top restoration was on one of his very own, “Miss Ruby” who is a 1947 – 56C BUICK. David loved Straight 8 BUICK’s.

Besides the interior business, his love for “BUICKS” grew. As he would have come across buying and owning “1930-40 Buicks”, he has restored and performed a lot, if not all, of the restorations himself. As time went on, he began to perform interior restorations on other person’s cars. David had a passion for cars, mostly Buick’s and that was obvious when you walked into the office.

Besides restoring interiors, David was an avid “BUICK” collector. When you enter the shop office area, everything you see relates to “BUICK.” In his office, he has a sign, “Let’s Talk About BUICK”.

Here.”

In September of 1976, David, along with eleven Other BUICK enthusiasts got together during an annual car event, Das AwkschtFescht, Macungie, PA. There they got together and talked, planned, organized and became one of eleven original “founding Fathers” of the “Free Spirit” Chapter, a charter chapter of the National Buick Club of America. David was one of three original founding members till his passing. The two remaining founding members the “Free Spirit” chapter of today are, Mr. Charlie Arnold and Ms. Janice Rosetti. This local “BUICK” chapter, the “Free Spirit” chapter is still in existence, and very active in today’s society! Back in 1976, as he started out as the Director, he remained on the Board of Directors of the “Free Spirit” Chapter.

Besides, being a founding “Father” of this local “Buick” chapter, he was a member of other car clubs: Chevy Club, Antique Automobile Club of America, Jeepster club, Studebaker club, Packard club, and the Hudson Truck Club. In fact, David, still to this present day, has a Packard that was bought from the Studebaker dealership building of which David bought back in 1986.

David has participated in an exuberant amount of car events during his adult lifetime. He attended not only the local area events w/ his beautifully restored “BUICKS”, but also National events, earning some of the highest awards! He was an annual market vendor during the Hershey Region, AACA Fall meet, Hershey, PA for forty-eight consecutive years, with October 2022 having been his last year. David had also participated in presenting many Seminars on interior restorations during the AACA Annual Conventions that use to be held in Philadelphia, PA.

David has become a large presence in the community of Emmaus, but furthermore, a very well-liked and highly successful businessman for 36 years. Over the years, he created and crafted many award-winning interiors: cars, trucks and even airplane seats! He was always eager to serve his community. It is noted he would help many persons out in many different ways without charging for his services. A man who truly loved and lived his passion. He will be greatly missed.

David is survived by his wife, Deborah of 25 years. Sympathy goes out to his wife and his many friends in the car hobby. Contributions may be made to the “Free Spirit” Chapter, c/o Sally Getz, 1060 Main Rd., Lehighton, PA 18235.

David may you be at Peace and feel our Love!

Your fellow “Free Spirit” Chapter members!

The “Free Spirit” Chapter has received the following memorial contributions for David Brady from the following:

Carl/Gerry Fisher of Easton, Pa
James Fisher of Palmyra, Pa
April Wolfe of Walnutport, Pa
Carol Reightler of Jim Thorpe, Pa
Eleanor Long of Emmaus, Pa
Sandra M. Rader of Macungie, Pa
William Hallman, Norristown, Pa
Louise/Bruce Stephens, Bethlehem, Pa
L. William McIntosh, Bernville, Pa

“Free Spirit” Meeting Minutes – December 6, 2022

The 2022 annual “Holiday Gathering” was held @ Starlite Diner & Lounge with very special entertainment.

Byer’s Choice Ltd., November 18, 2022

As 4 members & 2 guests made their way to Byer’s Choice Ltd., Chalfont, Pa, the weather was so cooperative with it having been a warm & sunny day! Byer’s Choice Ltd., is home of the “Caroler Figurines.” It is one of the largest producers of Christmas decorations in the US. Their factory welcomes you to visit & to see how the figurines are made. The Christmas Gallery displays over 400 figurines in various winter settings. After their time there, supper was enjoyed by all @ the R & S Diner, Telford.

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Who are these Carolers?

PAUL E. SCHAFFER, BCA #12520

February 2, 1936 – December 3, 2022

Paul E. Schaffer obituary, Schnecksville, PA

Paul E. Schaffer, 86, of North Whitehall Township, died Saturday, December 3, 2022 at Parkland Manor, Allentown. He was the husband of Shirley A. (Beil) Schaffer. Born in South Whitehall Township, February 2, 1936, Paul was the son of the late Emory P. & Irene I. (Frey) Schaffer.

He graduated from Parkland High School, Class of 1954. Paul faithfully & honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during a peacetime era. He was employed at the Testing Center of Mack Trucks, Inc. for 25 years before retiring in 2001. Prior to that, he worked at the former Sheesley Concrete in Allentown & the former Brown’s Radiator Shop in Orefield. An automobile enthusiast, Paul was a member of the Ontelaunee Region Car Club, AACA National, Free Spirit Buick Chapter, and BCA National. He was proud to volunteer his time at Das Awkscht Fescht in Macungie & Free Spirit Buick Car Show in Kempton for many years. He was a member of Lehigh Lodge F.&A.M. # 326 in Trexlertown. Survivors: Surviving is wife Shirley, a daughter & 2 sons. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box #196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Shirley, along with her family, give their “Thanks” for cards, phone calls, thoughts & prayers during their time of great sorrow.

“Thank you”

Received a “Thank you” card from the Hummel family. They were our “Old Car show” food vendor the past 2 years. The owner, Jane, her husband passed away a week before the show which was held on October 30, 2022.

“Holiday Gathering”, Tuesday, December 6, 2022

30 “Free Spiriters” attended this year’s Gathering. Not only did the group enjoy their entrée selections plus the night that Sally planned for all, but also the LIVE entertainer was the hit of their evening!! “REBA” was the entertainer. She sang songs, told interesting true stories, got some members involved w/ songs, &, just overall, performed a wonderful event!! She had us all laughing in stitches! She invited us all to an event she will be a part of, Hershey, Pa arena, April 14, 2023. Throughout the evening, games were enjoyed by all with lucky members acquiring gifts from Santa! Sandy Reiniger was the lucky winner of the door prize, a beautiful 1000-piece puzzle depicting many modes of transportation, including a 1950’s BUICK! Debbie Brady was awarded for being the first to register & Martha/Howard Kriebel were awarded for being the very last ones to register. Bob Miles was awarded for being the eldest gentleman while Brian Hersh was awarded for being the youngest gentleman in attendance. While Joanna was awarded for being the youngest female, Alice Schaffer was awarded for being the eldest woman in attendance. Until next year………

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JANUARY2023 HAPPY NEW YEAR!

3 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm.
20 – 22 – Automania Swap Meet, Ag Hall, Allentown, Pa

FEBRUARY 2023 HAPPY SWEETHEART’S DAY

7 – Monthly chapter meeting, dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting & 7:30 pm, Starlite Diner& Lounge, Allentown, Pa.

MARCH 2023 HAPPY ST. PATRICK’s DAY

5 – Hamburg Meet, Ontelaunee Region AACA
7 – Monthly chapter dinner meeting, dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting 7:30 pm. (WEATHER PERMITTING)

CARS/PARTS “FOR SALE”

4 – 1963’s & 2 – 1964 Rivieras in various conditions 4 sale. Looking for people who have the time/money to invest in these BUICKS. They should be saved but do not have the time or money. 267-680-5116 between 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm during the week only. Ask for DON.

1972 Buick Centurion – is a project car. Clean title. Husband was rebuilding carb when passed away. All body parts, engine & glass intact. All tires hold air. Interior all there but needs work. Buyer responsible for all tax & transfer fees. Must be towed/hauled. Terry @828-610-1880.

FAN SHROUDS