Annual Fall Tour- 2009

ANNUAL CTCC FALL TOUR ~ October 2-4, 2009

OUR EXCURSION STARTED AT the McDonald's at Rte. 53 and Rte. 56; we received our packets and took off in the rain (what else?). We were 11 Little 'Birds, two new 'Birds and Larry's Honda. We traveled to Dixon, IL to visit the John Deere historical site; it was here that John moved to from Vermont and built his blacksmith shop. In

1837 John invented the self-cleaning, stainless steel plow, which revolutionized farming in the mid-west. A replica of the John Deere blacksmith shop was built on the site. It was here that we saw a demonstration of making a leaf from a square metal rod. We then toured the house where John, his wife and nine children had lived.

phot0: Cars parked in circular drive at Quarters 1

As the John Deere story continued in Moline, so did we; but first we had our tradition to fulfill - lunch at Culver's. Our next destination was the Deere-Wiman house. This house was built for John's youngest child, Charles. He was the only child to live to adulthood and he eventually took over the company. He had two daughters and the Deere family name ended with him. Anna married Charles Wiman and they resided in this house, raising two sons. This house had some really neat bathrooms. One had a rain shower and body sprays (just like they make now), only this was built in the late 1800's and the pipes showed. After touring this house, we went across the street to tour the Butterworth Center, which is the home of William and Katherine (Charles1 second daughter). The highlight of this house was the ceiling of the library. The room was built for the painting, which was 20' x 40' and had been painted in Venice in the 1700's.

It was now time to head to the Comfort Inn; after getting settled in, we all headed to the Hospitality Room for refreshments supplied by the members, socialization, a beautiful necklace for each lady made by Annie, and of course, pizza!! It's another CTCC tradition.

Saturday morning, we had a leisurely breakfast - with more socializing, especially we girls. Meanwhile, the guys were busy wiping down the rain-soaked 'Birds; then they opened the T-Bird hoods as members gathered to admire the engine compartments.

At 10 a.m. we were off to the Bishop Hill Historical Site and village. Our first stop was at the historic site, where we watched a movie and viewed a painting by Olof Krans, which depicts the formation and life in the settlement. We then went into the village and we were on our own until 2:30 when we headed back to the motel. We had plenty of time to explore, shop and eat. Those of us who had lunch at the Red Oak, per Ken's suggestion, had a real treat - the chicken and biscuit was to die for; but there were raves about the meatballs. too. The pies were not to be overlooked, nor was the lingonbenry tea.

We headed out to Arsenal Island, which is the largest island on the Mississippi River, and is an active military base. Our destination was the Quarter 1 building; it was the home of the commanding officer from 1870-2007. It s the second largest federal-owned house; only the White House is larger. We could roam this beautiful old house as we pleased. It is here that we had a wonderful prime rib and chicken buffet dinner. Our evening ended with more camaraderie, but with a twist. All the guys were together around one group of tables, and the girls at another. It was soooo loud, the girls departed to a meeting room, so we could talk!

Sunday morning, after a leisurely breakfast, we began to pack up. We had one last stop in Utica at the Illinois River Winery. We had a guided tour through the winery as we learned about the wine-producing process. It was then on to the tasting room; many of us found a favorite or two to buy. We then said our goodbyes.

Those who participated in this great get-away were: Joel Greenberg and Annie Luginbill, Bob and Helen Hoge, Larry Johnson and Sue Hommedieu, Larry and Karen Kelly, Joe and Sandra Kraatz, Peter and Marylu Kramer, Ed Levin and Rose Kovelenko, Dan Mrozek and Judy Butler, Ron Pavlak, Jerry and Pat Peterson, Lloyd and Joan Schellin, Ken and Kathy Smizinski, Len and Irene Vinyard and Bill and Liz Werth.

Last, but not least, a very big thank you to Joel and Annie for all their hard work to make this Fall Tour so great!
- Pat and Jerry Peterson

Art Hascek (1916-2009)

IN MEMORIAM
Art Hascek
April 12, 1916-October 16, 2OO9

It is with regret and a deep sense of personal loss that we report the passing of long-time CTCC member, Art Hascek.
Art and Gail attended their first Club meeting in October, 1972 and joined CTCC in November, as proud owners of a Red 1957 Thunderbird! Art maintained his interest in the T-Bird and CTCC meetings, events and Shows, eventually launching a restoration project on his beloved 'Bird. After a long period of delays and disappointments with an unscrupulous restoration shop, the '57 was rescued from near disaster. The long trail of tribulations finally ended when the gleaming Thunderbird captured a First Place Trophy at an All Thunderbird Car Show in 2008 (see adjoining photo).
Art was indeed a very special person, as anyone who had the privilege of knowing him can attest.
Art was a WWII Navy veteran, and it was not until quite recently that I discovered that we had both attended the Farragut Naval Training Station located in Farragut, Idaho. I found the Military Burial Service for Art to be a fitting tribute. The TAPS item and photo (above) are from the Farragut Newsletter — September, 2004.
The Officers and Membership of the ClassicThunderbird Club of Chicagoland extend their deepest sympathy to Gail, Laura and Mike, as we share in their loss.
- Editor

Holiday Party 2009

Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland
Holiday Party

Saturday, December 12, 2009
Cocktails at 6:30 p.m. - Dinner at 7:30 p.m.

CHANDLER'S
at the Schaumburg Golf Club
401 N. Roselle Road
Schaumburg, IL 60194
847-490-7074

MENU

Breast of Chicken Marsala:
Boneless chicken breast sauteed with mushroom and marsala wine.

or Roast Sirloin of Beef
Tender slices of sirloin topped with mushroom bordelaise sauce.

or Orange Roughy
Topped with a citrus buerre blanc sauce.

All entries are $22 and are served with soup, salad, potato, vegetables, dessert and coffee or hot tea.

CASH BAR

Please send checks with entree choices by November 30 to:
Ken Smizinski
157 Oaksbury Lane
Palatine, IL 60067
847-397-3747

This special CTCC price is good for member and spouse or one guest.

Art Hascek (1916-2009)

I am sorry to report that Art Hascek died on Friday evening. Please pass the following information along to our fellow CTCC members.

Laura Hascek said that Art's T'Bird will be displayed at the Service on Wednesday and CTCC members are invited to bring their 'Birds.
Services for Arthur J. Hascek (1916-2009)
Tuesday 10/20– WAKE
3-9 pm
Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17w201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

Wednesday 10/21- FUNERAL at church
Lay in state- 9-10am
Services– 10am
Messiah Lutheran Church
130 W Butterfield RdElmhurst, IL
With a procession to
Chapel Hill Gardens for graveside burial
17w201 Roosevelt RoadOakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

From there to a luncheon at
Alpine Banquet House
11141 W. Roosevelt Rd
Westchester, IL 60154

Editor's Notebook Oct. 2009

The Editor's Notebook
BERT EISENHOUR

WITH THE OFFICIAL ARRIVAL OF FALL, IT SIGNALS THE time for the CTCC Fall Tour to take wing - Oct. 2nd - 4th. Look for the story and photos in the November issue! The CTCC Election of Officers found the incumbents retaining their posts, as there were no nominations made from the floor. See page 6 for Bill Werth's photograph of the (smiling) group!

Photo- CTCC Officers for 2010- Standing: Pete Kramer- Vice President, Len Keil- President. Seated: Liz Werth - Secretary, Bob Hoge- Treasurer

Having been involved with the Meadowdale Race facility during its hey day, I have devoted a page to the 50th Anniversary of the now abandoned road course. See page 3 for the memories. The shrinking CTCC Calendar reflects the fact that "T-Bird Season" is fast disappearing! The November 12th Meeting will feature a photo review of the 2009 activities to-date, a Power-Point production by Liz Werth. Also, voting for the BERT EISENHOUR AWARD for 2009 is on the agenda, with the presentation scheduled for the Holiday Party in Dec.

We have learned that long-time member. Pat Giffin, has recently suffered some health issues, but we are happy to report that he is now at home during his recovery.

While the Calendar (page 2) now includes a reminder for CTCI members to plan for the International Convention in June of 2010, it is not too early to start preparing T-Birds for the Concours event! The relatively close proximity of the Convention should encourage a good turnout from our CTCC membership. Check EARLY BIRD for detailed info.

Speaking of 2010, the CTCC Board has decided to eliminate the Spring Tour from our schedule, since the International Convention will attract so many of our members.

Meadowdale Raceway

HALLOWED PAVEMENT

MEADOWDALE RACEWAY
50TH ANNIVERSARY

Meadowdale Motorsports & Memories
See photos for pictures

Following a near rainout in 2008, the event was re-scheduled for Sept. 19, 2009. It was designated as: Inaugural Event September 2009.

In sharp contrast to last year's dismal weather, a picture-perfect day unfolded for this year's celebration! While promotional releases indicated that storied drivers Augie Pabst, Jr., Don Devine and Harry Heuer would be in attendance, we were disappointed to find that Augie could not be there. Don and Harry were kept busy reliving their racing days and signing countless autographs throughout the day. My copy of the Official Entry Form for the May 31-June 1, 1969 race was signed by Don & Harry. (I have donated original Race Forms from two of the 1969 Race Events to the Meadow-dale collection.)

The event drew about 200 vehicles of all types! The display was staged on the actual blacktop that was once the track's main straightaway. There were 4 - T-Birds in the impressive line-up: Gordon Gluff ('56) an Elgin resident ('57), an "M" Sports Roadster and my '57 "E" 'Bird. The Race Cars included two of the legendary Scarabs, a famous Nickey (with the backward "K") Chevrolet Corvette as well as several other vintage racecars.

The track opened in September of 1958, however, a number of factors led to its closing in 1969. While the silo still stands at the west side of Rte. 31 in Carpentersville, only a few sections of the track still survive.

The sounds of powerful engines has long since given way to on eerie silence, broken only by the cries of high-flying birds and the wind rustling through the trees.

It was an unforgettable day as drivers and visitors shared in a salute to the past glories of this once-proud road course. Who can forget the high-banked Monza Wall, Doane's Corner, etc.? For me, the visit brought back memories of when my Inca Gold '57 circled this track for 50 laps! (It was an Economy Run, not a "racing" competition.)

For more information,see: MEADOWDALE RACEWAY.HOMESTEAD.COM

NOTE: IT WAS GREAT TO SEE AL TOURANGEAU, A FORMER CTCC MEMBER, TAKING IN THE SPECTACLE! - Editor

Updated Fall Tour Information- 2009

UPDATE
FALL TOUR- Oct. 2-4, 2009

Planning for the Fall Tour is now completed! We have reserved rooms at the Comfort Inn & Suites in East Moline, Illinois. The rate for the Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland is $65.00 a night - single or double. Call (309) 792-4660 and mention the club name to get our discount rate. They have both a pool and an exercise room, and Continental Breakfast is included. NOTE- Reservations should be made by Sept. 15th. (As of Aug. 28th, 16 rooms have been reserved! We have increased the number of rooms being held to 20 and we can add more if more members decide to go)

Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 3rd is REALLY special - It will be catered solely for CTCC at Quarters One on the Rock Island Arsenal. Sitting on the banks of the Mississippi, Quarters One was built around 1871 and is being completely returned to its original glory. It is the second largest single-family home owned by the U.S. Government - second only to the White House! It was the home of the Senior Officer assigned to the Arsenal. We will have a tour of and access to the house and grounds. Dinner will consist of Prime Rib and Sauteed Chicken Buffet, choice of: two potatoes, two vegetables, tossed salad, plantation salad, fruit salad, rolls and butter, dessert, tea and regular or decaf coffee. There will also be a cash bar. The cost for the dinner is $41.03 per person (including tax and gratuity) which is payable in advance. Make checks out to Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland and mail to: CTCC c/o Joel Greenberg, 3732 N. Hermitage Ave., Chicago, Illinois, 60613-3509. PLEASE SEND DINNER PREPAYMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. WE NEED TO LET THEM KNOW HOW MANY TO PLAN FOR BY SEPTEMBER 25th.

The itinerary for the tour is:
Friday, Oct 2nd - WE WILL BE LEAVING FROM THE McDonald's ON ROUTE 53, JUST SOUTH OF ROUTE 56 ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE STREET IN GLEN ELLYN. DEPARTURE TIME IS 8:30 A.M.! THOSE WHO LIVE FURTHER WEST- CALL US TO ARRANGE ALTERNATIVE MEETING POINTS.
10-11:15- John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour.
11:30-12:30- Lunch at Culver's in Dixon.. Get gas if needed.
2:30-4-Tour of Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman Homes in Moline.
6PM-Dinner - Pizza! Pizza!

Saturday, Oct.3rd -We will leave the Hotel at 9:30 for

Bishop Hill (Swedish Historic Village)
Other activities/options for those interested:
Carl Sandburg Home in Galesburg (about 30 miles south of Bishop Hill)
John Deere World Headquarters (5 minutes from the hotel)
John Deere Pavilion and Store (Downtown Moline)
South Park Mall ( for those who need their shopping fix - about 12-15 minutes from the hotel)
NOTE: We will be leaving for dinner at 4:30

Sunday, Oct. 4th - Leave Hotel 10AM

We have added a tour of the Illinois Rivery Winery in Utica, complete with a tasting session, to break up the drive home.

(For those who MUST have 'breakfast,' the Deerfield Family Restaurant is walking distance from the hotel. For those who need anything else, there is a Farm and Fleet about 5 minutes from the hotel.)
Please call Joel or Annie to let us know if you are coming.
773-348-3233

2 Seat vs 4 Seat History

FROM THE FORD MOTOR CO. ARCHIVES -A SAD CHAPTER IN T-BIRD HISTORY...

INTRODUCTION:

A short time after Ford had abandoned production of the 2-passenger T-Bird, a flood of questions arose from "purists." This reaction inspired the Budd Co. to submit a modernized 2-passenger design to Ford! (Budd fabricated the steel bodies for the '55-'57 Ford T-Birds.)

For a brief time. Ford contemplated the production of both the 2 and the 4-passenger 'Birds for the '58 model year. Although a bitter pill for T-Bird fans, the decision yielded economic gains.

In 1960-1961, one of my friends wrote to Ford, questioning the rationale for ending production of the 2-passenger model design. Eugene Bailey, a Club member in 1962, received the response from Ford (see letter of Feb. 23, 1961) together with a copy of the Ford Intra-Company Communication (dated February 15,1961), which is reproduced below (on page 9 of Bird-News)

NOTE: The last paragraph of the Feb. 15, 1961 Ford 'Communication' letter references: "(present Secretary of Defense)". We can quite easily identify him as Robert McNamara, the executioner who dropped the guillotine on the revered early 'Birds.
- Editor

THE LETTER OF INQUIRY:
February 23, 1961

Mr. Eugene C. Bailey
Commonwealth Edison Company
72 West Adams Street
Chicago 90, Illinois

Dear Gene:

It certainly was a real pleasure to hear from you again and to know that you are well and as busy as usual.

Of course I was very much interested in your comments regarding the 2-passenger 1957 Thunderbird.

I am sure that you know that the change from a 2-passenger to a 4-passenger unit has been the subject of much discussion and, perhaps even controversy.

In an attempt to get an answer to some of your questions, I asked one of our departments to investigate this overall subject with the Company's Product Planning activity, and I think the best way to answer your questions is to simply attach a copy of the internal letter that resulted. I am sure that this does not completely answer your questions, but it apparently is the best information available.

I certainly hope that you will have occasion to be in Detroit sometime in the near future and that you will let me know so that we can have dinner together and a good visit. Please remember me to your wife.

With best personal regards, I am Sincerely, John F. Randall


FORD INTRA-COMPANY COMMUNICATION:
Ford Motor Company AUTOMOTIVE ASSEMBLY DIVISION
Intra-Company Communication GENERAL OFFICE
February 15, 1961

To: Mr. R. B. Hayns

Subject: Two Passenger versus Four Passenger Thunderbird

Mr. Jack Eckhold, of Product Planning and associated with Thunderbird, was contacted with respect to the reasons for discontinuing the 2-passenger model Thunderbird. Mr. Eckhold mentioned that many such inquiries have been received in the past by both Product Planning and Sales.

A somewhat standardized approach was used in the replies to such letters. Form letters were used at one time, although copies could not be located as they have not had recent inquiries. These letters included the following:

-In the past, many letters were received from 1955-56-57 2-passenger Thunderbird owners that a 4-passenger model would be preferred over their present 2-passenger model. This was the primary complaint received.

-Market Research Studies during the period of the 2-passenger model also indicated that a 4-passenger or a larger model was favored. These studies covered both 2-passenger owners and potential owners.

-The acceptance of the 4-passenger version of the Thunderbird has been much greater than what was anticipated or achieved for the 2-passenger model.

-Current Market Research Studies indicate that the 4-passenger model preference is much greater than the 2-passenger.

Another factor was mentioned which was not included in replies to inquiries from customers:

At the time the decision was made to introduce a 4-passenger Thunderbird, there was serious consideration for continuing a 2-passenger model. Although Market Research Studies favored the 4-passenger model, the potential for a 2-passenger was substantial. A decision was made by higher management (present Secretary of Defense) that it would be inadvisable to continue the 2-passenger model as the two products would be in competition with each other and thereby reduce, the sales potential of a single model which would be more economical.

D.A.Jesmore, Supervisor
Planning & Problem Control Sect
Technical Services Department

DAJ/JO/bp

2009 Annual Picnic

CTCC ANNUAL PICNIC

Once again the CTCC club members, families and friends enjoyed a beautiful day at Pratt's Wayne Woods Forest Preserve in Wayne, IL. In addition to the 44 attendees, there was a very colorfull display of 20 "Little Birds" and one retro 'Bird. Always a dazzling sight to see for club members and passers-by as well.

Photo- Some of the T-birds in attendance at the 2009 Annual Picnic

Although the temperature was in the mid 80s, there was a very nice breeze blowing through the pavilion. There was plenty of conversation and interaction between all in attendance. So much in fact, that the "sit-down" baseball game debuted at last year's picnic, was set up and never got to the first inning. It was nice seeing everyone having such a great time!

The food, as always, was exceptional and abundant! Everyone brought something to share. We were treated to fried chicken (provided by the club), baked beans, cole slaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, sauerkraut/ sausage, tomatoes, fruit, green salads, etc. But don't forget the desserts - cookies, cakes, featuring the now famous "Paul & Urszula Mounts' Coconut Cake" - masterfully made and provided by Mary (& Len?) Keil. President, Len Keil, graciously fullfiled his roll as host, by making sure that everyone was well taken care of and well fed.

Many thanks to:
• Jane Eisenhour for taking reservations and recording the food dishes
• Liz Werth for securing the park permit
• Len Vinyard, Len Keil, & Pete Ekstrom for providing all the sodas & water
• Bill Werth for providing the ice
• Pete Ekstrom & Ken Smizinski for providing the potato chips
• Pete Ekstrom for providing all the table supplies
• Bob & Marcy Burhop for providing the signage
• Ken Smizinski & Len Keil for picking up the fried chicken
• Jerry Peterson for providing the "sit-down" baseball game
And finally, thanks to all who attended - Tom & Judy Bruin, Bill & Jane Balogh, Rudy & Janet Budach, Bob & Marcy Burhop, Bert Eisenhour, Pete & Lisa Ekstrom, Ed & Marlene (son Mickey) Ficenec, Gordon Gluff, Joel Greenberg & Annie Luginbill, Bob & Helen Hoge, Larry Johnson & Sue L'Hommedieu, Len & Mary Keil, Larry & Karen Kelly, Pete & Marylu Kramer, Bud & Cindy Kryszak, Dan Mrozek, Ron Pavlak, Jerry & Pat Peterson, Dave & Marian Pogorski, Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Len & Irene Vinyard, Bill & Liz Werth, Jim Wilson, Tom & Alice Wolfe

We missed those who, for various reasons, were not able to attend this year.
- Tom & Alice Wolfe

A Day At The Hanger- 2009

A DAY AT THE HANGER

A glorious day arrived just in time for the Day at the Hangar event hosted by CTCC members. Ken and Polly Kresmery! I like to think of this fun-filled outing as Planes, Trains and Automobiles, (2 out 3 ain't bad!), as it provides something for everyone!

Photo- Larry Johnson's Cessna 172

By about noon, the serving table became the center of activity, as Ken handed out an ear of delicious sweet com to each guest. The corn was done to perfection on a charcoal grill. Brats were first, followed by a seemingly endless variety of food items that were supplied by the invited guests. Desserts included several choices of soft-serve ice cream, in addition to (donated) cookies, brownies, etc.

The skies were clear, providing perfect flying conditions for the many pilots who were constantly taking off and landing in a wide variety of aircraft. A visiting Warbird plane (WWII-era) pilot added still another attraction to the day's aerial show, as his plane's radial engine growled that powerful, distinctive roar on take-off!

Later on in the afternoon, all eyes turned skyward as a sailplane glided silently overhead. The pilot circled and landed a considerable distance away from us, so we were not able to determine any details for this "added-attraction" to the Kresmery Air Show and Flying Circus!

CTCC members on-the-scene: Rudy & Janet Budach, Bert Eisenhour, Gordon Gluff, Larry Johnson & Sue L'Hommedieu, Steve Kovacic, Ed Levin & Rose Kovetenko, Dan Mrozek, Perry & Cindy O'Kano, Lloyd & Joan Schellin, Bill & Bonnie Thelen, Len & Irene Vinyard, Bill & Liz Werth and Jim Wilson.

If there were a Long Distance Award, the undisputed winner would have been member Steve Kovacic, who resides in Prescott Valley, ARIZONA! The High Altitude Award would have belonged to Larry Johnson, who piloted his beautiful Cessna 172 to Poplar Grove!

CTCC extends a resounding THANKS to Ken and Polly for inviting our membership to this year's event!
Bert Eisenhour- Editor