Spring tour 2016

                     2016 Spring Tour to Gilmore Car Museum

   Our Spring Tour started out with sun and cool weather.  A total of 34 anxious T-Birders gathered at the Lincoln Oasis on Friday morning.  Our tour leaders  Joel and Annie handed out route guides  to our caravan of 17 cars.  There were 11 baby birds, 4 retro birds and 2 modern cars bringing up the rear.

   Our first stop was at the La Porte County Historical Society Museum in Indiana.  A great place to see lots of antiques, 14 "period rooms", plus 30 antique vehicles.  One interesting exhibit was about the famous Indiana Murderess-Belle Gunness.  She corresponded with foreigners, encouraged them to come over to the US.  She then took their money, murdered them and buried them in her backyard. All of these exhibits were spread out on 3 floors in the museum.

   Lunch was in New Carlisle, Indiana at Kate O'Connor's Irish pub.  One of our little birds driven by Ed Levin and Rose experienced some car trouble.  They were assisted at a repair shop by 2 knowledgeable mechanics, who worked on their wheel and had  them back on the road again.

 

   Following lunch we were treated to some wine tasting at the St. Julian Winery in Paw Paw, Michigan.  We were also given a tour of the family owned winery.  Some purchases were made and we continued on to our final destination, the "hotel" in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  Everyone settled in and met in the hospitality room for pizza, salad, drinks and socializing.

   Saturday morning brought more "cool" weather, giving the baby birds no chance of ever overheating. Rain was even added to the mix of weather.  After a complimentary breakfast the group headed out to the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners,  Michigan.  This is truly a great museum spread out over a 90 acre campus.  It contained  1 large building and smaller barns, all with fabulous displays.  There are over 400 extraordinary vehicles that date from the birth of the automobile to present day.  Included also, was a re-creation of a 1930's Shell gas station and a 1940's restored historic roadside diner.  We could not buy gas for 18 cents a gallon at the station, but we could eat at the diner.  It was open for business.  This museum housed cars that were restored to excellence.  It was a car lover's dream and of course, there was a baby bird on display. 

   Saturday evening  brought the group together for a short drive to dinner.  The Mission Point Restaurant was our destination.  Everyone enjoyed a great dinner, plus very good service.  The hospitality room was once again open for spirits and socializing. 

   On Sunday morning it was time to pack up and check out of the hotel.  Next on our tour was the W.K.Kellogg  Manor House.  This elegant 1920's home is situated on 32 acres on Gull Lake in Hickory Corners, Michigan.  Our tour guide was very informative about the life of the cereal magnate and his lucky seven times seven theory.

 

   We were now working our way home.  Lunch was enjoyed by everyone at the Featherbone Restaurant located in Three Oaks, Michigan.  With the sun shining, smaller groups  gathered together for the final ride home.

   We want to say thank you again to Joel  Greenberg  and Annie Luginbill for a great tour.  They spent a lot of time coordinating this fun and interesting  tour of Indiana and Michigan for us.

   The T-Birders who joined us on this Spring Tour were:   Mike & Laura Cielenski,  Gordon Gluff & Mary, Joel Greenberg & Annie Luginbill,  Larry & Karen Kelly,  Len & Mary Keil,  Ed Levin & Rose,  Jerry & Doreen Michna,  Ron Pavlak & Ray,  Jerry & Pat Peterson,  Dan & Melinda Pritchett,  Lloyd & Joan Schellin,  Ken & Kathy Smizinski,  Len & Irene Vinyard,  Bob & Sue Wenderski,  Bill & Liz Werth,  Jim & Jane Wilson and  Madeine Zambon & Carol.                          

                                                                                             

  Submitted by  Madeline Zambon                           

         

Fall Tour- 2015

  CTCC Fall Tour October 16-18, 2015

The Thunderbirds were already parked in a row when we arrived at the Belvidere Oasis on Interstate 90 Friday, October 16.  The group already inside included Ed Levin and Rose Kovalenko, Ken and Kathy Smizinski, Len and Mary Keil, Lloyd and Joan Schellin, Joel Greenberg and Annie Luginbill, Len and Irene Vinyard, Tom and Judy Bruin, Liz and Bill Werth, Larry and Karen Kelly.  Jerry and Pat Peterson, Bob and Barb Sroka, Bob and Helen Hoge, and Madeline Zambon soon arrived at the Oasis. Madeline parked her Thunderbird Blue retro Bird next to ours, appearing as twins in the parking lot.

After a brief rest/gas stop in Orangeville, Illinois we cruised to our first destination, New Glarus, Wisconsin.  The group had time for antique shopping and downtown sightseeing before lunch at the historic New Glarus Hotel. An addition to the traditional Swiss and German food was Larry, our accordion player. Larry played traditional, sing-along songs.  We sang and clapped, Larry remarked that we were the best audience he had ever had.  Bert and Jane Eisenhour from Iowa City, Iowa arrived as we were finishing lunch.  At that point, we had participants from three states on our tour as Madeline now lives in Indiana.

Our next stop was the Epic Campus in Verona, Wisconsin.  The campus is valued at half a billion dollars.  Epic is the provider of health care software to hospitals and clinics. Kaiser Permanente Health System in California is a major customer.  The Google Model campus has been designed as a themed playground for the employees.  Buildings were interesting, on many levels, and artwork was all over.  The cafeteria featured healthful fare for employees, many of them biking to work.  Computers were accessed in multiple private offices.  Three Epic guides led three separate groups on tours.  After leaving Epic, we checked in at our hotel, the Holiday Inn Express in Verona. Friday night was the Pizza Party in the Badger Room of the Holiday Inn.

Saturday morning after breakfast buffet at the hotel we toured the home of Jim and Marlene Korb in Madison.  Jim has standard gauge and O gauge Lionel model train layouts in multiple rooms on three floors of his home and an even larger layout in the carriage house.  As many as four trains ran simultaneously with lights and whistles on the different layouts which all had scale model buildings and scenery.  Walls were covered with shelves of complete trains.  Marlene Korb had more Hummel figurines than she could count, both large and very small.  The Korbs had lunch for us in their dining room.

Next stop was the New Glarus Brewing Company.  Some toured the brewery, others visited the store on the premises for spotted cow and other beer varieties.  Saturday night we met for dinner at Grays Tied House in Verona.  We sat at a long table in a private dining room.

Sunday morning we cruised 50 miles to Freeport, Illinois to visit the 101 year old historic Union Dairy for great ice cream selections.  Adjacent to the dairy is a park that held one of the Lincoln/ Douglas debates.  We read the plaques with information relative to the event and said our good byes as this was the last stop of the tour.  We left the caravan as we headed south on Interstate 39.  Joel had the repair kit but as far as we know, there were no mechanical hiccups. Thanks to Bob and Helen Hoge for planning and leading the tour.  

 Jim and Jane Wilson

Historic Auto Attractions

Day Trip To Roscoe, IL

One classic Thunderbird and one retro Thunderbird were among the cars that gathered at the Historic Auto Attractions Museum in Roscoe, IL on Saturday, September 19. Nineteen people enjoyed going through the various rooms of the 36,000 sq. foot museum. It truly was a journey through time. In addition to over 75 historic autos, we saw extensive collections of Lincoln and John F. Kennedy artifacts and memorabilia. Some in our group named one area, the "evil room" as everything in it was from horrible times in history. This is a place that needs to be visited multiple times because there is just so much to see. When everyone had finished the walk-through, we caravanned to Sophia's Family Restaurant only a few miles away. We sat at one long table and were served by a very nice waitress. The food was plentiful and delicious. A big thank you to Joe and Barb Esdale for planning this interesting outing. Taking part were: Tom & Judy Bruin, Mike & Laura Cielenski, Joe & Barb Esdale, Gordon Gluff, Gail Hascek, Larry & Karen Kelly, Pete & Marylu Kramer, Jerry & Pat Peterson, Lloyd Schellin, Ken Smizinski and Bill & Liz Werth and Liz's brother, Herb Cook

Liz Werth.

Spring Tour- 2015

Spring Tour to Kokomo, Indiana

May Day brought everyone together at the McDonald's in Glen Ellyn for the start of the Spring Tour to Indiana.  As we headed out for our weekend adventure our caravan consisted of 16 cars of which there were 11 baby birds, 4 retro birds and a Ford Escape.

We arrived at Fair Oaks Dairy around 11 am and headed to the birthing barn to watch a baby calf being born.  After the birth, we hopped onto the Dairy Bus to see the inner workings of the Dairy. We rode thru the areas were the cows are housed and fed and also by the baby calves. We then went into the milking area and watched how the cows were loaded onto a carousal type system, prepped,  hooked up to be milked and then unloaded. The Tour Guide explained the whole milking process that went on at the dairy. He said that the milking process goes on almost 24 hours a day with only a few breaks. The Dairy can milk 72 cows every 8 minutes. The guide mentioned that the milk is shipped out raw to be processed. They ship the milk to Southern Indiana, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and a few other Southern States.  Kroger is the main chain that takes in the raw milk , processes it and then ships to their stores.

After the  Dairy Tour, we had lunch in the Dairy Cafe before our next tour. The Pig Adventure was next, so we rode on the bus to the Pig Farm.  After gathering in the visitors center, we were able to walk through the enclosed corridors of the Pig Barns. The Pig Farm consisted of three state of the art enclosed barns,  all of which you could view from above. There was the "Gestation Barn" where you could watch the pigs grow, learn how to eat out of the electronic feeding system and see how they perform modern day practices of impregnation on the female pigs. The "Farrowing Barn" was where the birthing process happened and where all the lil piglets were. The "Growing Barn" housed the 4-week old piglets to the adult pigs.  While we were there we were able to see a 2 hour old piglet and ask the handler questions about the piglet and the birthing process.  We were told that the  Pig Farm currently houses over 9000 pigs but that number keeps growing as more piglets were born.

When our Pig Tour ended, we headed to the Holiday Inn Express in Kokomo to check in and relax a bit. We gathered in the Hospitality Suite for Pizza, Snacks, Drinks and Conversation. During our time in the Hospitality Suite, Tom Bruin talked about the events for the Derby Party on Saturday. He also mentioned that those who chose, could participate in a $2 bet for win/place/draw for The Kentucky Derby race. Ken Smizinski reminded everyone about the upcoming Eddie Cash Show and Joel Greenberg talked about the Motor Row Tour in July. During the evening, Larry Kelly provided music for everyone, some of the ladies got up and danced and sang with the tunes.

Saturday Morning brought most of us together for the complimentary breakfast. Larry Kelly was very happy to see the hotel had a pancake machine, which Larry had mastered very well at another hotel on one of the other tours.  After breakfast we headed to the Kokomo Auto Museum to see the vintage cars on display. The cars in the museum are actually being stored by their owners and are on display, unless the owner chooses to use the car. The Auto Museum also had a Ford Thunderbird Display in the one corner. After the museum we had a few hours on our own before the Derby Party. Some members traveled back to the hotel, while others toured Kokomo, visited a museum, went to the flea market or had lunch.

The Derby Party brought out the finest of Derby Hats custom made by the ladies. Everyone enjoyed Mint Juleps, other refreshments and snacks. Tom Bruin hosted a pin the tail on the Race Horse Contest.  There were three contestants up at a time. Each was blind folded and wore a horse head hat. They were twirled three times and then let go to trot over to the board and pin the tail on the horse. Each contestants horse tail was measured  from where it was placed to where it was suppose to be placed.  After all of the rounds, the closest measured tail was the winner. Lloyd Schellin and Larry Kelly tied for second.  A run off was held, where Larry and Lloyd both were blind folded and had to trot over to the board, find a tail and then try and place it in it's appropriate spot. The winners of the game were:  1st Place: Jerry Michna, 2nd Place Larry Kelly and 3rd Place Lloyd Schellin.

While we waited for the Kentucky Derby Race to start, the ladies danced to 50's & 60's music as others mingled. When the race was over, the winner of The Kentucky Derby also produced 13 winners for our derby win, place and draw. Dinner that evening was at the Half Moon Restaurant and Brewery and then the remainder of the evening was back at the hospitality room.  Mary and Len Keil popped open a magnum size bottle of white wine they had received from former member Doug Rogers. Everyone took a glass of wine and we all toasted in honor of Doug Rogers.

Sunday as we packed and checked out, we all headed to Monon, Indiana to see the Railway Museum. The Museum also had set up a buffet lunch for us back in the main part of the museum. During lunch, we sang "Happy Birthday" to Mike Cielenski, who was celebrating his 40th Birthday that day. After lunch,  we finished browsing around the museum both inside and out and then departed to head home. Ending another fabulous Spring Tour.

A big Thank You goes out to Liz & Bill Werth for coordinating a fun filled Spring Tour!  Thanks Liz for being a great tour leader.

This year's Spring Tour participants were: Lee Bakakos, Tom & Judy Bruin, Mike & Laura Cielenski, Joel Greenberg & Annie Luginbill, Gordon Gluff & Mary Ziemba, Bob & Helen Hoge, Mary & Len Keil, Larry & Karen Kelly, Ed Levin &Rose Kovalenko, Jerry & Doreen Michna, Jerry & Pat Peterson, Lloyd & Joan Schellin, Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Len & Irene Vinyard, Bill & Liz Werth and Jim & Jane Wilson.

Respectfully Submitted by,

Laura Cielenski

Cedarburg- 2014

Cedarburg Sunday

Taking advantage of the beautiful weather, nine people met at the Lake Forest Oasis at 9:30 AM on Sunday, Oct. 26. Four little 'birds and one new 'bird caravanned to Cedarburg, WI. After parking in a nice big lot adjacent to very clean public restrooms, we visited some shops while waiting for others to open. The town was pretty deserted and we had many of the shops to ourselves. Eventually the ladies rejoined the men and we all headed to Morton's Wisconsinn. Many of us ordered the famous Bloody Mary and some had the French Onion Soup. We all enjoyed our meals and several kept an eye on the disastrous Bear's game. Following lunch and the "group photo", we visited a few more shops and then headed for the cars and the trip home. Thank you to Len and Mary Keil for planning and leading this fun last-minute day-trip. Also participating were Sue Wenderski and her sister, Carla Dusa, Debbie Powless, Tom and Judy Bruin and Liz and Bill Werth.

Liz Werth

Spring Tour- May 2014

 CTCC Spring Fling- May 2-5, 2014

8:00 AM Friday, May 2, 28 CTCC members departed from Rte. 53 and Butterfield Road in Glen Ellyn, Illinois on the first leg of our Spring Tour. Driving Little 'Birds' were Len and Mary Keil, our tour organizers, Ed Levin and Rose Kovalenko, Joel Greenberg and Annie Luginbill, Bill and Liz Werth, Len and Irene Vinyard, Lee Bakakos, and Bob and Barb Sroka. Bob drove a tastefully retro-rodded '37 LaSalle with a dashboard he designed himself. More Thunderbird drivers were Doug and Soon Rogers, Larry and Karen Kelly, Dan Mrozek and Arlene Figlia, Jerry and Pat Peterson, Gordon Gluff and Mary Ziemba, and your scribe. Driving Retro 'Birds were Bob and Sue Wenderski and Mike and Laura Cielenski.

We left the Interstate at Rte. 47 to avoid major construction on I-55 over the Des Plaines River in the Joliet area. At Love's Travel Center, further south on Rte. 47, we met Art Hahl driving his Ranchero, Tom and Judy Bruin, and Lloyd (feeling the Love) and Joan Schellin. After our lunch stop in Lincoln, Tom Bruin heard a loud pop, as if he had a tire blow out. I looked to the right and saw he was still rolling. Turns out that his overdrive went out. Tom spent the rest of the tour at 55 mph, and a transmission rebuild will happen sooner, not later. At Lincoln's New Salem Village, where Abraham Lincoln was a resident for six years, we visited 23 historically reconstructed cabins. It was here that we met Ken and Kathy Smizinski, who had come from their lake home in Missouri, Joe and Sandy Kraatz from Valparaiso, Indiana, Madeline Zambon from Crete, Illinois, and Sandra Hood and Geraldine Nuckels, who had come from Dallas, Texas.

After a walking tour of New Salem, it was off to our final destination, the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield. Baby 'Birds and a '63 Sport Roadster from Wisconsin were already there when we arrived. The Vander Zandns and the Schermitzlers came from Green Bay and Jewel and Judy Meetz from Brillion. Cyril and Nancy Leick were also in attendance. A contingent from TARTC, Bob and Sandra Lewis and Gene and Linda Nelson, arrived soon afterward. (TARTC is the Detroit area chapter of CTCI.) Bob Young came from  Des Moines, Iowa. John Smith from Kansas City, Missouri joined us as well as Charlie Gouveia and Mitch and Pat Mitchell from the Central Illinois chapter of CTCI. By the time of the pizza party that evening in the hotel hospitality room, our number had grown to 69 people from seven states! 

At the party in the "Capital View" room, Len Keil went over the agenda for the days to follow. Tom Bruin handed out rules and a sign-up sheet for "Horse Play," which he and Doug Rogers devised for Saturday, which was Kentucky Derby Day.

Saturday, May 3, we were off in a caravan, bright and early, for Lincoln's Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Charles, our guide, pointed out how the tomb was constructed and modified over the years as well as interior details of the current monument and told of how a plot by Chicago mobsters to steal Lincoln's body was foiled due to the bungling of the crooks. Lincoln's wife and sons are also buried in the tomb, with the exception of son Robert, who is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

After visiting Lincoln's Tomb, we paid our respects at the World War II, Korea, and Vietnam Memorials. Next stop was The Cozy Dog Drive-In, home of the original 'Hot Dog on a Stick,' a Rte. 66 original. (At the Texas State Fair, they call them 'corny dogs.') After Cozy Dog, we traveled to the original Rte. 66, now Illinois Rte. 4, to visit Auburn, Illinois, where we drove on a brick road. We stopped at Becky's Barn, which handled antiques, collectibles, and Route 66 information. Some purchased Thunderbird and Rte. 66 related signs and T shirts. The proprietor was quite cordial and made sure that we each left with a Rte. 66 brick from a pile of discarded bricks. 

Back in the hospitality room at the hotel, 4 PM was time for the Derby party. The ladies not only sported their most outlandish "Homemade Hats" but modeled them in an equally provocative manner. Kathy Smizinski was the winner by popular acclaim. The "Horse Play" racing game then commenced. Stick horses were used like golf clubs to get a small ball into a bucket across the room. Six racers at a time held onto their horse-head and hit the ball with the stick. There were a number of heats and the fastest finishers from each heat and the slowest finishers participated in a final run-off to determine the top three finishers as well as the slowest three finishers. It was frenzied as the racers hit each other's ball across the room, trying to get theirs into the bucket. Doug and Tom tallied the scores with trophies to follow at the Saturday banquet. While finishing the meal at the banquet, big winners of the "Horse Play" were announced and trophies awarded. I was seated at the table with two winners; Gordon Gluff received a trophy and Bob Lewis was the big winner. He stood up and everyone cried out, "Bob! Bob!" His trophy aptly showed the rear quarters of a horse.

Sunday, May 4, we departed the hotel at 8:30 to tour Lincoln's Home. This is the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned and it is furnished in original and period antique furniture. Several other houses in the neighborhood are restored with some open for tours and some used as State offices. All of the Thunderbirds were able to park along Lincolnshire Blvd. as we toured the Old State Capitol. Charles, our guide from the Tomb, was again escorting us through the Capitol, showing us where Lincoln served in the Illinois General Assembly, Supreme Court chambers, State law library, and every other room. After the Capitol, we visited Union Station, where the movie sets that were used in the movie 'Lincoln' are located. Our next stop was a tour of the Lincoln Museum. This is a place that I experience more every time I see it again. On leaving the museum, we drove in a caravan to Quaker Steak &  Lube Restaurant from dinner. The automotive-themed restaurant featured a '55 Thunderbird hanging overhead as well as a later model Corvette.

Monday, May 5, we said our goodbyes and headed for home. Len Keil led a group on the state highways and Rte. 47 while Ken Smizinski led a group on I-55. We encountered no delay at the river bridge, and by 1:30 I was home mowing the lawn!

Thanks to Mary and Len Keil for leading another memorable tour.

By Jim Wilson

2014 Spring Fling Activities

2014 "Spring Fling" in Springfield, Illinois 

 Hosted by the Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland

IMPORTANT ITINERARY ANNOUNCEMENT 

Hello Everyone -
We have finalized the group events for our tour event to Springfield, Illinois. Attendance is your option, but we ask that if you do plan to attend, please complete the reservation form that follows, clip it and return it to us with your payment. We need all payments in advance and these reservation forms and payments need to be returned to us by April 15th (hey...you can mail your reservation form and tax returns on the same day!!!!)

                                                                                                   # Attending  Price Each  Total

Registration Fee    $10.00 per person                                            _____ x $10.00 ______
Friday 5/2/2014 Lincoln's New Salem $4.00 per person                    _____ x $4.00   _______
Saturday 5/3/2014 Lincoln's Tomb $4.00 per person                    _____ x $4.00   _______
Sunday 5/4/2014 Lincoln Library and Museum   $7.00 per person    _____ x $7.00    ___
(Optional Movie Sets at the museum $3.00 Add'l)                            _____ x $3.00   ___
Group Banquet-Saturday Night 5/3   $43.00 per person                    _____ x $43.00____
Please indicate your choice of entree (for you and spouse or co-traveler): New York Strip ___  Salmon__

Your Name: ___________________________________________
Spouse/Co-Traveler: ____________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________
Home Phone:__________________________________________
Cell Phone: ___________________________________________
Email Address:_________________________________________

Please return this form with your payment
(MADE PAYABLE to "Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland ") to Len and Mary Keil,

In addition to these organized activities, there a number of other side-trips that you may find interesting, including the old Illinois State House museum ($4.00 pp), the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Illinois Air Combat Museum, a visit to Cozy Dog, "inventor" of the corn dog, and much more! We have left of plenty of free time in the weekend schedule for you to explore on your own.

LADIES-  SPECIAL PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED FOR THE BEST  'DERBY' DAY HATS

Havencrest Castle

BOB AND HELEN HOGES ONE-DAY OUTING REPORT
BY ANNIE LUGINBILL

Outing Date: October 27, 2013

Destination: Havencrest Castle, Savanna (Illinois, not Savannah, Georgia, sillies!)

Details: A group of CTCC folks including Tom and Judy Bruin, Joel Greenberg and Annie Luginbill, Len and Mary Keil, Larry and Karen Kelly, Jerry and Doreen Michna (accompanied by Doreens mom), Jerry and Pat Peterson, Ken and Kathy Smizinski, Len and Irene Vinyard, and Bob and Sue Wenderski met Bob and Helen at the Wasco McDonalds bright and early Sunday morning and headed west to the eastern bank of the Mississippi to visit Havencrest Castle in Savanna; along the way we were joined by Debra Powless, who was chauffeured by Jared, her son, and then we met Pete and Marylu Kramer in Savanna.

The Hoges had arranged for a great tour of  the one and only Savanna Castle - Havencrest Castle, which had been originally called Hillcrest and was built in the early 1900s by Savannas Greenleaf family as part of a bet to see which of the towns elite could construct the fanciest home. The Greenleafs won, having TWO indoor water closets, hot and cold running water, and electricity in a time when these were uncommon. The family remained there until the 1940s, when Mr. Greenleaf and then his wife died, and their children moved away. The building went through a number of changes until in 1976 Alan and Adrianne St. George purchased the home and began a lifelong process of expanding and decorating it in what one writer has termed the manner of American Aristocracy. The couple were fulfilling their credo "Reality is for those who lack Imagination" and they increased the number of rooms from 22 to 63, with each having a theme such as The Fragonard Music Room, The Chicago Conservatory, and The Medieval Hall. They did all the work themselves without an architect or a designer; Adrianne was the inspiration while Alan was the creator of these rooms, which blend fantasy and reality. As rooms were completed, the two held extravagant parties, balls, and fundraisers (Adrianne was the founder of the areas Humane Society, and the building housed not only the couple but six of their dogs). The St. Georges were deeply devoted to each other, and in every room there are representations of the two, whether sculptured, painted, or created in stained glass by Mr. St. George. (Side note #1: We actually had the pleasure of being personally welcomed by Mr. St. George at the original entrance to the building, courtesy of Bob and Helen!) Mrs. St. George passed away in 2006, leaving her husband devastated. After a mourning/ healing period of five years, he returned to working on their beloved home and, in a completely different vein, created a room containing contemporary art as opposed to the period/fantasy themed rooms.

We split the day in half; first we toured a number of rooms, next we ate lunch in the castle dining room on their amazing dishware and then we completed our tour. We were able to view 22 of the home's 63 rooms (Mr. St. George and others also live there so there were rooms not open to the public) and were quite impressed by the details everywhere, from moving butterflies in the conservatory to a face in the painted clouds of a ceiling. Our primary guide was Michael Dunavant, the curator, a young man with a golden voice who has spent time performing on Broadway and who was persuaded to play the piano and sing for us; he was ably assisted by Mrs. Jean Ferris and their cohort Ryan. (Side note #2: Michael and Jean persuaded Alan to open his home to the public in July 2013, and the St. George dream of hosting parties, weddings, birthdays, and other events is being realized.)

The tour was truly an experience that we won't soon forget and our hats are off to Bob and Helen for a wonderful time!

Spring Fling

2014 "Spring Fling" in Springfield!

Open Invitation to Classic Thunderbird Clubs to join us as we host a convocation of early 'Birds in Springfield, Illinois

No Concours, No Judging, Just FUN and FELLOWSHIP

May 2-5, 2014
Crown Plaza Hotel, Springfield, IL

Group Rate is $108/night
Reservations: 1-800-589-2769  Code: E2Y (Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland)

•  Group activities being planned include tours of Abraham Lincoln heritage sights, cruising to a few of the historic venues in Springfield and Sangamon County, Illinois. including some of the last remaining portions of historic Route 66.
• Group Banquet Sunday evening.
• Free time for shopping and sight-seeing on your own

Note: Some of the group activities may require a pre-paid deposit... Details will be forwarded as we finalize the plans....In the mean time, if you wish to join us, please RSVP so we can get a head count started. There will be a $10 per person registration fee. Thank You!

Hosted by: Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland

Please RSVP to Len or Mary Keil
815-759-8763 - or - lenkeil@sbcglobal.net

Spring Tour- 2013

CTCC 2013 MAY 3rd to MAY 6th SPRING TOUR TO PEORIA/DECATUR



As the James Taylor song goes, "I've seen fire and I've seen rain," and that certainly applied to this year's tour! Before we even hit the road, Ted's Garage in Clinton, Illinois, a 50s-themed restaurant where we were to have our Friday night dinner (as a change from the traditional hotel pizza party) burned down on Easter weekend, and Ed Levin and Rose Kovalenko had to quickly rearrange the schedule and find a new place to eat (this time on Sunday evening). Per Ed, 'don't ever mess with the Friday night pizza party or something bad will happen!" Also, this was the week after the severe late April rain/flooding, and the weather forecast was for 80% rain (with possibly flooding) in the Peoria/Decatur area over the weekend, so this tour was the FIRST EVER to have NO 'Little T-Birds' at all on it: we did have two of the newer 'Birds, but the rain drove away the Classics. Despite this, a merry crowd (Ken and Kathy Smizinski, Pat and Jerry Peterson, Liz and Bill Worth, Karen and Larry Kelly, Pete Krarner, Jim Wilson, Laura and Mike Cielenski, Annie Luginbil! and Joel Greenberg, and Rose and Ed) left the Hinsdale Oasis Friday morning heading toward Peoria. On the way we linked up with Judy and Tom Bruin, Soon Hee and Doug Rogers, and Lloyd and Joan Schellin. In Peoria we met Pat and Mitch Mitchell, our Pekin, Illinois members, who brought with them several members of their local T-Bird club (Central Illinois Classic Thunderbirds). We ate lunch together at the Avanti Restaurant in Peoria and then went to the 'Wheels O'Time Museum, in nearby Dunlap, Illinois. This little museum contains a bit of everything... clocks, music machines, autos, a full-size train, a walk-through display entitled "Grandma's Kitchen," another with a barbershop quartet (wearing rubber Halloween masks of various US presidents), and more. Once we had toured the museum, we headed on toward Decatur and the Welcome Inn (and pizza in the Hospitality Room). There Tom Bruin displayed a silly side heretofore unsuspected by many of us; he teased the people behind the check-in counter, as well as some folks in line to check in who weren't even part of the group! We were joined for pizza by Gordon Gluff, who had missed connecting up with us earlier in the day. In the Hospitality Room, Rose was given a Dept. 56 'Palms' building (since she and Ed really love the Palm Court Restaurant, and they were instrumental in setting up the Dudes and Divas dinners - but have never made it to one of them) while Ed received what has come to be known as "the Golden Fluke"- a 24K Racing Champions 1:64 diecast model of a '56Bird...with the Chevrolet logo! Kathy Smizinski had the winning hand in the Poker Run contest and won a $100 Lettuce Entertain You gift certificate.

The following morning, Len and Mary Keil joined us. We learned that the Inn had a pancake machine, and Larry Kelly started making pancakes; he was so good at it that some people thought he should get his own machine! After breakfast, we headed out to the Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum. There we viewed a number of Chevrolets dating from the 1920s to the present; cars include Impalas, Novas, Camaros, and, of course, Corvettes. This Museum is also a storage area for a number of Chevrolet owners, and various cars get taken out and driven. Ed and Rose had arranged to have our lunch catered at the Museum, and we munched on chicken - while surrounded by Chevrolets; eating was difficult, but somebody had to do it... After lunch we went to the Long Creek Vineyard and Winery in Long Creek, Illinois, for a wine tasting. The kindest thing that can be said about this place (which some thought was created as a tax write-off) is that it was an experience. Pete did buy a container of their wine - which had no label - and Larry, our resident alcohol expert, said that if he had to drink that wine he'd likely stop drinking altogether! We then headed back to the hotel, where a large number of people watched Orb win the Kentucky Derby. (Kathy also won the Derby pool - lucky gal!) Dinner that night was at the best restaurant in Decatur, The Beach House, where menus came printed with the restaurant logo and "Welcome Thunderbird Club of Chicago." There, we had an excellent meal and watched young people in their prom attire as they came and left. Once dinner was through, we went back to the hotel and the Hospitality Room for more camaraderie, food, and drink.

Sunday was a 'free day.' Some people left for home while others went out to eat to celebrate Cinco De Mayo, elected to do antique shopping all day, or went back to the Monticello Railway Museum that Tom and Judy had taken us to last year (when I wrote the 'Strike Four' article about our 'Bird). At the Monticello Railway Museum, once again Tom was quite the comedian and kept us laughing all the way from the museum to the depot in Monticello and back. This group also stopped at an antique mall on our way to the hotel (and browsed but didn't buy). That evening, we went to O'Charley's, a family restaurant down the street from the hotel, where we managed to confuse not only the waitresses, but also the bartender! We then returned to the hotel and the Hospitality Room, where we laughed so hard we had tears in our eyes.

On Monday, we headed home, bypassing the traditional Culver's lunch in favor of getting back to our respective domiciles. Wouldn't you know it - the closer we got to home the sunnier it became. Be that as it may, we had a wonderful weekend (and acquired more material for standing tour jokes), and Ed and Rose did an outstanding job despite the fire and rain!!!

- Annie Luginbill

2013 SPRING TOUR

2013 CTCC SPRING TOUR


We are planning our Spring Tour to Peoria & Decatur which will include our favorite things, i.e. classic cars, wine tasting & dining.

PREPAID COST OF THE TRIP WILL BE $61.00 PER PERSON.
Cost includes: museums, winery tour & tasting, buffet lunch & gratuity at the Chevy Museum and the poker run prize.

HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS:

WELCOME HOTEL & SUITES/CHANGING NAME TO BEST WESTERN
5170 WINGATE DR.
DECATUR.IL 62525
217-875-5500

RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BY APRIL 15, 2013 TO RECEIVE OUR GROUP RATE OF $83.00 PER NIGHT PLUS TAX. BREAKFAST INCLUDED.

PLEASE MAKE TOUR CHECKS FOR $61.00 PER PERSON OR $122.00 PER COUPLE.

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: CTCC
MAIL TO:  ED LEVIN
                   838 N. MAPLE AVE.
                   PALATINE, IL 60067
                   P. 847-963-8270, C. 847-609-5390

TOUR RESERVATIONS MUST BE IN BY APRIL 1ST

ITINERARY:

FRIDAY 5/3/13 LEAVE FROM HINSDALE OASIS AT 8:30 AM
- LUNCH AT AVANTE'S RESTAURANT IN PEORIA
- TOUR WHEELS OF TIME MUSEUM. PEORIA
- CARAVAN TO HOTEL IN DECATUR
- DINNER AT TED'S 50 STYLE DINER AND GARAGE
- BACK TO HOTEL FOR SOCIALIZING

SATURDAY 5/4/13
- BUFFET BREAKFAST
- LEAVE FOR TOUR OF CHEVY MUSEUM & BUFFET LUNCH AT THE MUSEUM
- LONG CREEK VINYARD FOR TOUR & WINE TASTING
- DINNER AT BEACHHOUSE RESTAURANT

SUNDAY 5/5/13
- SUNDAY IS A FREE DAY TO RELAX AND ENJOY SOME OF THE SIDE TRIPS ON YOUR     OWN OR SHOPPING
- SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES: (CHECK OUT BROCHURES IN YOUR PACKET)
WABASH DEPOT ANTIQUE CENTRE. MONTICELLO RAILWAY MUSEUM. SHOPPING!!!!
- THE CLUB WILL HOST A FAREWELL PIZZA PARTY AT 6:30 PM AND ANNOUNCE THE WINNER OF THE POKER RUN*.

MONDAY 5/6/13 Caravan Home

*We will have a special activity, The Poker Run. Each couple gets 1 playing card at 5 different locations in sealed envelopes (not to be opened until announced at the farewell party). The last envelope will be given at the farewell pizza party where all the envelopes are opened and the best poker hand will win a S100. gift certificate to a LETTUCE ENTERTAIN YOU restaurant.

2012 Fall Tour

"Is this Heaven?" "No, it's the CTCC 2012 Fall Tour."


Taking a little liberty from the discussion between Shoeless Joe Jackson and Ray from the 1989 movie "Field of Dreams" best describes the wonderful experience enjoyed by 33 CTCC members in thanks to our host and hostess, Tom and Judy Bruin. Except for moments of high wind, the autumn weather was near perfect for driving Thunderbirds during our traditional Fall Tour. We soon discovered the Dubuque tri-state area has so much to offer it would take multiple tours to begin to fully appreciate the many attractions and hospitality of the local people.

Soon after rendezvousing at the Belvidere Oasis on Route 90 and moving on to Route 20, we thought Lloyd Schellin "took a Vinyard," i.e. wrong turn. After Lloyd and Joan caught up with T-birds heading west, much to our chagrin the rest of us soon discovered Lloyd actually took the proper turn as we were plodding along on unintended rough pavement! With walkie talkies buzzing, Lloyd wasn't finished displaying his navigation skills and soon earned the handle "GPS Schellin." Thanks Lloyd for keeping us on track!

Our first stop was in Monroe, Wisconsin to visit the Minhas Craft Brewery, the original home of Huber Bock. After pouring everyone a sample, our tour guide, Donna, educated us on the Grafting of beer and the history of the brewery. The original brewery was founded in 1845 making it the oldest in the Midwest. Donna had many stories, but perhaps the best shared was about a building next to the brewery that served as the city jail. One day, long ago, it caught fire and workers poured beer on the jail to save it! To this day, locals debate if it was a good use of the beer?

We then walked to lunch at the nearby Turner Hall Ratskeller Restaurant, a Swiss heritage chalet and home of musicians and gymnasts. After lunch, about half the tour members visited the Minhas Micro Distillery that applies old world methods to creating hand-crafted, small-batch rum, vodka, brandy, gin and whiskey, while others enjoyed shopping in historic Monroe square and the Swiss Colony outlet mall. With gifts of beer & vodka from Minhas and treats from Swiss Colony, we were well equipped to enjoy the rest of the tour!

From Monroe, Wisconsin the tour convoy proceeded to our hotel conveniently located off Route 20 in Dubuque, Iowa. After checking in, everyone enjoyed the traditional CTCC tour Friday evening pizza party.

The first event in Dubuque was visiting the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium that educates over 250,000 visitors a year on the history and importance of the Mississippi waterway. This proved to be a special treat for Jim Wilson. Dubuque is where Jim's maternal great grandfather, Ernst Wesselhoft, a German immigrant painter and wallpaper hanger, partnered with Albert Giegerich to form the Model Wallpaper and Paint Co. in 1899. His grandfather moved on to Peoria in 1913, while the business continued in Dubuque. Jim met the grandson of Albert, Albert III, for the first time at the museum. "Al" Giegerich is 88 years of age and works for the Dubuque County Historical Society restoring and maintaining the William M. Black, a steam powered dredge boat docked at the museum. The boat was operated by the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers from 1934-1973 to keep the river channel free from silt and debris. A crew of 63 worked on the dredge boat in a "24-7" operation. Al gave Jim a personal tour of the boat which included the boiler room, machine shop, forward and aft decks, boiler deck, and galley. The next morning Jim and Al visited the location of the original Model store in Dubuque to view photos and catch up on respective family histories. The Model operated in Dubuque until 1997 and lives on today in Peoria and Springfield, Illinois as the Glidden Model Wallpaper & Paint.

In the afternoon, a half dozen or so T-birds headed to Dyersville, Iowa to the 1989 "Field of Dreams" movie site. A dozen or so tourists were on the ball field when they saw the T-birds coming up the driveway. Remembering the famous scene in the movie, they yelled out, "Look it's true, they are coming!" CTCC participants could not hold back on being little kids again. Tom Bruin, Joel Greenberg, Larry Kelly and Lloyd Schellin, to name a few, started their own pickup game on the field. It was a good thing there was a cold wind so none of the "kids" could play long enough to hurt themselves!

Nearby are the National Farm Toy Museum and the St. Francis Xavier Basilica. Built in 1888, the two-steeple basilica is one of finest examples of Gothic architecture in the Midwest. One of our groups arrived shortly after a wedding and got to hear a performer from the balcony that made the visit even more special. T-birder and farmer Lloyd Schellin served as our unintended guide at the Farm Toy Museum. Everyone bombarded Lloyd with questions as they viewed thousands of farm toys in exhibits and displays spread across the two-story facility.

Saturday was "Italian night," as most diners headed to downtown Dubuque to Vinny Vanucchi's or Mario's. Mario's, discovered by Ken and Kathy Smizinski, turned out to be a special treat. After coming to the U.S. from Italy and running a restaurant in New York, Mario visited a friend in Dubuque some 30 years ago and decided to embark on a simpler way of life. Before we took our seats, Mario bought Ken and Kathy a round of drinks and a bottle of fine Italian wine for all of us to share at the table. Then the fun began when members known for their booming voices responded by assisting the soft-spoken Maitre d' with calling patrons to their tables. The evening was a memorable experience, as the cuisine proved to be as delicious as Mario was entertaining.

On Sunday, CTCC members again broke into groups. One group traveled to Galena, Illinois for their County Fair. Gary Smithe and Bob Winderski didn't mind shopping with the ladies after one shop owner enticed them with free beer to watch the Packer's game, while Debbie and Sue were occupied in the floors below. Joel Greenberg enjoyed T-bird "picking" in the antique and craft stores only to get home and discover he already had the two signs he purchased. Is this a surprise?

One group headed north to visit the Petosi Brewery and the "grotto" in the small town of Dickeyville, Wisconsin. In response to world turmoil, Father Matthias Wernerus spent form 1925 to 1930 Grafting stone, mortar, gems, minerals, and shells without the use of blueprints to pay tribute to the love of God and country. Fortunately, the spectacular "grotto" of shrines continues to endure the elements for the enjoyment of future generations. The Petosi Brewery has recentlyundergone an extensive renovation and is also home to the National Brewery Museum. Tour members got to learn about the history of Petosi, have lunch in the beautiful pub, and view extensive world-class collections of bottles, cans, glasses, trays, coasters, advertising materials and other items relating to breweriana collectibles. Returning to Dubuque, T-birders traveled along the hilly and wooded Rustic Road 99, while enjoying the autumn colors.

Back in Dubuque, tour participants shopped and rode the cable car known as the Fenelon Place Elevator that has been lowering Dubuque residents from their residences to the city below and back since 1882. Rising 189 feet with a length of 296 feet it is the world's steepest, shortest scenic railway. At the top you get to enjoy the view of the business district, Mississippi River and three states.

We rode to dinner by trolley car receiving an outstanding guided tour of historical Dubuque highlighting its Native American, French, Irish and German influence. Our 85 year old tour guide, Bob, and driver, Dennis, pointed out the numerous churches, buildings, and streets of notoriety. On the way to Eagle Point Park, we passed the Italian Villa Style, Antebellum, Mathias Ham House; a "dogtrot" style log cabin considered to be the oldest building in Iowa; and a "badger hole" used by early settlers until they could afford to build an above ground home. The park is known for the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture of the buildings and gardens, and being a wintering area for bald eagles. We stopped at a cliff in the park to take in a magnificent view overlooking the Mississippi River and Lock & Dam number 11. Before stopping for dinner, we got to view the evening sun reflecting off the 23 carat gold leaf dome of the Dubuque County Courthouse.

We capped the experience with evening dinner at of course another former brewery, the Star of Dubuque Restaurant. "Mom and Dad Bruin," allowed the "kids" to release their stored energy from the weekend with a paper airplane battle, while they waited for mammoth portions of pork chops, prime rib, salmon, or chicken to satisfy their hunger. Soon thereafter, tired T-birders retreated to the hotel hospitality room for one more hurrah.

On the way back to Chicagoland on Monday, as expected, the tour stopped at a Culver's in Winnebago for "butter burgers" and other treats before going their separate ways. Of special note, Gerry and Pat Peterson were congratulated on their 50* wedding anniversary. Moreover, throughout the tour Peter and MaryLu Kramer were thought of during their time of need. Members participating in the CTCC Fall tour were Tom & Judy Bruin, Gordon Gluff & Mary Ziemba, Joel Greenberg & Annie Luginbill, Len & Mary Keil, Larry & Karen Kelly, Gerry & Pat Peterson, Ed Levin & Rose Kovalenko, Jerry & Doreen Michna, Dan & Dan Jr. Mrozek, Doug & Soon Hee Rogers, Lloyd & Joan Schellin, Gary & Debbie Smithe, Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Bob & Sue Wenderski, Bill & Liz Werth, Jim Wilson, and Chad & Kami Woody.

Doug Rogers

MILLIE"S BREAKFAST PLUS

MILLIE'S & EAST TROY, WISCONSIN TROLLEY MUSEUM DAY CRUISE


Sunday, June 10!h saw the outside temp­erature in the low 90*s...however, the low humidity and nice breeze, resulted in a very enjoyable Sunday cruise to Millie's Restaurant in Delavan, Wl. After a superb breakfast, the ladies had some shopping time, while the guys sat around outside and traded exaggerated stories (cars). At 11:45, we left Millie's for a cruise through downtown Lake Geneva, and headed north to the Trolley Museum in East Troy. Our trolley car, # 1583, was built around 1910, and saw its service in Minneapolis. We rode #1583 for 5-miles to the Elegant Farmer (historic large farm food store) for more shopping, then the 5-mile ride back museum depot. Those that could not re­sist, walked across the tracks to an old fashioned ice-cream parlor, where they enjoyed some great cool-off treats.

Club members enjoying the day were: Dan Anderson, Tom & Judy Bruin, Laura & Mike Cieienski, Joel Greenberg, Gail Hascek, Bob & Helen Hoge, Len & Mary Keil, Larry & Karen Kelly, Jerry & Doreen Michna, Ron Pavlak, Doug & Soon Hee Rogers, Jerry & Joan Schellin, Ken and Kathy Srnizinski, Len & Irene Vinyard, Jim Wilson and Tom & Alice Wolfe.

And we had Fun, Fun Fun, etc.

- Bob and Helen Hoge

Spring Tour- 2012

Spring Tour 2012 – Hannibal Missouri – Hosts Ken & Kathy Smizinski – May 4-7


It was early morning as the birds flew into the parking lot of the McDonalds\BP on I55, just south of I80. As we all gathered to grab some vittles and prepare for the journey, Kathy Smizinski our Tour Hostess, handed out our Hannibal Spring Tour packet. As 8:30 am approached, Tour Leader, Ken, announced it was time to hit the road, for our journey was to begin. The weather was cloudy and a bit cool, but we hoped for a rain free journey and no breakdowns. Our caravan started out with 17 cars and as we rolled down I55, an additional 5 cars were sitting along the Dwight ramp waiting to join in our caravan. Our first stop was Funk’s Grove, a rest area 99 miles from our original meeting place. As we stretched and mingled another ‘Bird flew in with its feathers a little tattered. Debbie Powless and her daughter, Vanessa had had a long ride from Byron with their lil bird having a few issues on the way. But with a few adjustments - and fingers crossed - we hoped she would be able to continue on as we departed the rest stop. Since Mike and I were bringing up the rear in the caravan (we were the parts and tools truck), we kept an eye out on the t-birds and watched the radar on our IPad. The radar looked ominous wth large storms moving through central Illinois, but we were lucky and dodged the storms with just a few light showers. Our journey brought us to our lunch destination in Jacksonville. As we drove through town, many locals stood on their porches to watch the parade of T-birds drive by. We stopped at Lonzeretti’s which is an Italian Restaurant located in the old train station in Jacksonville. We had a choice of several menu items ranging from Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, Pork Tenderloin sandwich, Hamburger and more. Everything was excellent, kudos to Ken & Kathy for finding this quaint restaurant in a great setting with delicious food.

Our tummies were content for the final 70 miles into Hannibal, but now it was time to make sure our birds tummies were as well. We all tanked up and met along side Market Street by I72 for the final leg. We flew into the Best Western parking lot in Hannibal a little before 4pm. With 44 club members in attendance and 23 filled parking spots (13 classic birds, 5 new birds, 1 90’s bird and 4 non birds), we all checked in occupying 23 of the Hotel’s rooms. We now had a little time to settle in before the evening activities began.

We met in the hospitality\breakfast room area for pizza and drinks. We sang “Happy Birthday” to those on the tour who were celebrating May birthdays and Doug Rogers presented Kathy Smizinski and Irene Vinyard with characture pictures. Pete Kramer made a few announcements and Kathy asked everyone if they could make a small donation to “Tom and Becky” who were to be our guests for the evening. Well, “Tom and Becky” never showed up. They must have been playing in the caves and lost track of time. But we all still had a great time conversing and it was decided to that our donations would go towards the Food Pantry that the Werth’s help out with.

On Saturday (Cinco de Mayo) we had the day on our own. After breakfast many of us walked into town to see the various shops and look around the historic district which contained the homes of Mark Twain, Huckleberry Finn, Becky Thatcher, the J.M. Clemens Justice of the Peace Office (Mark Twain’s dad) and Grant’s Drug Store, along with the infamous fence that Tom Sawyer and crew painted. You could tour some of these structures along with the Museum. There was also the Hannibal History Museum, which houses 13 original Norman Rockwell Pictures. Throughout the day many of us took the hour long Trolley Tour which provided us with the History of Hannibal. The Trolley took us around downtown Hannibal and then headed out of town past the “Unsinkable Molly Brown’s” Home/Museum (Titanic) to Riverview Park which had winding roads through wooded scenery and a 250 foot drop off the cliffs along the Mississippi. At the top, overlooking the River, was a statue of Mark Twain.

During the day, Pete Kramer and the Kelly’s drove about 15 miles out of town to the Starlight Alpaca Ranch and had a tour of the working ranch along with its 100+alpacas and a few new babies. Debbie Powless and her daughter, Vanessa went to the Mark Twain Cave. This cave was discovered in the winter of 1819-1820 when Jack Simms and his dog went on a hunting trip. His dog chased a panther, which was the sport in those days, into a small opening on the side of a hill. Since it was late in the day, Jack blocked the entrance, came back with his brother and torches the next day and found the cave. No one knows the outcome of the dog and panther though. Mark Twain wrote about this cave in about five of his books. The entrance on the side of the hill was in his book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, where Tom and Becky were being chased by InJun Joe and went into the cave to try and escape. Debbie and Vanessa said walking through the cave was very interesting and that the temperature was a constant 52 degrees.

That evening we met at the Mark Twain River Boat for a dinner cruise down the Mighty Mississippi. Our cruise consisted of drinks and a buffet dinner, along with entertainment. The buffet was great with beef and chicken as the main course, and chocolate brownie in a cup for dessert. After dinner we all went to the upper decks to watch the sunset and view the scenery. Several of the guys went in the wheelhouse to help the captain navigate down the river. We went by the island that Mark Twain went out to and cruised down the Illinois side and up the Missouri side. After we docked, several of us took pictures of the Super moon rising up into the sky.

We headed back to the hotel for more conversation and merriment, with our hosts for the evening being Ken & Kathy. Though we did not partake in any Cinco de Mayo activities or fare, I guess you could say we stayed in the spirit with the guacamole dip and salsa and chips back in the hospitality room. So, all was not lost.

Sunday morning brought a couple of hours of free time. Mike and I headed to the Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse. The lighthouse was located at the north end of Main Street and overlooked the town and the Mississippi River. This was a quest for many of us to see if we could climb the 244 steps to the lighthouse and view the scenery. Well we made it (as did the others who tried)… of course we were huffing and puffing and gasping for air all the way up. The easy part of the adventure to the lighthouse was coming down.

In the afternoon, we flew up the Hill from the hotel to Rockcliffe Mansion. This mansion was built between 1898 – 1900 by lumber baron John Cruikshank, this 30 room, 13,500 sq ft mansion over looks Hannibal and the Mississippi River. Back in the day this mansion was of grandeur, using only the finest of woods,(mahogany, oak and walnut) throughout the mansion and Tiffany Crystal for some of the window areas and light fixtures. Mr. Cruikshank and his wife and four daughters lived in the mansion from 1900 to 1924 when Mr. Cruikshank died. Mrs. Cruikshank moved out of the mansion soon after into the home next door where her daughter lived. The mansion stood vacant for 43 years and survived being destroyed when a few Hannibal families purchased the property in 1967. They started to renovate it and bring it back to its grand luster. Most of the antique furnishings have been preserved and are still in the Mansion. We divided into two groups to go through the mansion. Now this mansion is known to be haunted; they believe it is Mr. Cruikshank. Though, when you ask the tour leaders about the mansion being haunted, they really don’t want to talk about it. Guess it might scare off the bed and breakfast visitors. Though we did get our tour guide to say “Yes it was haunted”, and said that she had lived in the mansion for several years and had seen the ghost of Mr. Cruikshank. We went up two the second floor where she showed us the various rooms and pointed out a baby buggy in the hall, close by the stairs. She said that the buggy was originally on the 3rd floor in the play / grand room area but one morning when they came in several weeks ago, it mysteriously appeared on the 2nd floor. We then ventured up to the 3rd floor to the Grand Room, which she mentioned was the hot spot for Paranormal activity. As we were up there, Dan Mrozek’s son went to a little nook area and opened a small door to see inside. Well all of a sudden there was a loud bang that came from behind. A bit later, when the door was moved, there was another loud bang. Maybe Mr. Cruikshank was letting us know he was watching us.

After our tour we headed 2 miles out of town to Sawyers Creek Fun Park. There we ate at the Rustic Oak Riverview Dining. They served a large buffet consisting of Fried Chicken, Beef, Frog Legs, mashed potatoes, green beans and much more. Ken made a few announcements and brought up Madeline Zambon and mentioned about how her Joe had loved Frog Legs, so in honor of Joe we ate Frog Legs. Well at least most of us did. After dinner we went through the gift shop and then headed back to the hotel. Three members bid a goodbye to make their journey home, while the rest of us prepared for our next event.

That evening we met for our Haunted Hannibal Tour. Two trolleys came to the hotel to pick us up and take us on our spooky adventure. Our narrators for the tour were Lisa and Ken Marks who wrote the book “Haunted Hannibal”, and are the curators at the Hannibal History Museum. We drove around Hannibal and learned about the history and secrets of many of the haunted sites in Hannibal. They talked about both past and present stories which included murder and mischief during the time of Mark Twain. They told us about the ghosts of the mansions on Millionaires Row, the old church in town and the Labinnah Restaurant (Hannibal spelled backwards). We then ventured out to the Old Baptist Cemetery to find us some ghosts. Lisa and Ken explained how to use “dowling rods” which they said can draw paranormal activity. We then ventured off amongst the graves with some of us using the “dowling rods”. To the amazement of some, the “dowling rods” started to move about, pointing or pulling us to gravesites. Ken was pulled to a grave that had the date May 5 on it. Mary Kiel was pulled to a grave that had her birthday on it. My rods crossed and I was directed to a gravestone that had “Mary Coleman” on it. I asked if this was Mary and said to straighten the rods if it was and slowly my rods went straight, at which I said did you live in Hannibal all your life, if yes cross the rods and slowly the rods crossed. At this point I was a bit spooked so I said goodbye to Mary and quickly handed the rods over to Mike and told him to talk to her. Debbie and her daughter Vanessa said they encountered a teenage girl at an unmarked grave. They asked several questions and found the girl was never married and had had no children, they also found out that her family knew she was buried there and then dragged them to the edge of the cemetery with their dowling rods pointing to the house across the street. After the cemetery we continued on back to downtown Hannibal where they showed us where the red light district was and that on one restaurant Lulabel’s the red light still glows. Back in the hospitality room, Dan Mrozek’s son was looking through the pictures he had taken at the cemetery and it seemed that on his rapid shots, one picture had a round orb in it and the other one didn’t. So it was a very interesting evening.

Our journey home Monday was a bit rainy. We took the same route back, with our first rest stop in Springfield, we then continued onto Culvers in Bloomington, where many birds either tanked up and continued on or ate and then continued home.

A “BIG” thank you goes out to our hosts Ken & Kathy Smizinski who did a wonderful job planning and coordinating the Spring Tour. A great time was had by all. Those in attendance for the Spring Tour were: Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Len & Irene Vinyard, Dan Mrozek & his son Dan, Bill & Liz Werth, Rudy and Janet Budach, Debbie Powless and her daughter Vanessa, Joe & Sandy Kraatz, Len & Mary Keil, Ed Levin & Rose Kovalenko, Joel Greenberg & Annie Luginbill, Pete Kramer, Tom & Judy Bruin, Doug & Soon Hee Rogers, Madeline Zambon and her friend Carol, Pete & Lisa Ekstrom, Mitch & Pat Mitchell, Jerry & Doreen Michna, Larry & Karen Kelly, Jim Wilson, Jerry & Pat Peterson, Bob & Barbara Sroka, Bob & Helen Hoge and Mike and Laura Cielenski.

Submitted by:

Laura Cielenski

June 10th 2012 Day Cruise

Spring tour- May 4-7, 2012

CTCC SPRING TOUR - MAY 4-7, 2012
HANNIBAL, MISSOURI

The Club will host a "welcome party" on Friday night with special guests: Tom & Becky.

Saturday is a day to relax and tour downtown Hannibal at your leisure.

Saturday night the Club will enjoy a two-hour dinner jazz cruise down the mighty Mississippi.

Sunday - Sleep in and enjoy a late breakfast before we tour the famous Rockcliffe Mansion (built in 1898).

A late lunch/early dinner can be enjoyed before our "Haunted Hannibal" tour on Sunday evening.

Best Western on the River
$89 per night
(breakfast included)
for reservations call: 877 248-1155 or 573 248-1150
(Hotel is within walking distance of most sights)

Pre-paid tour cost- $73.00 per person.*
tour reservation must be made by April 3
Make checks payable to CTCC and send to:
Ken Smizinski
157 Oaksbury Lane
Palatine, IL 60067
*Price includes Dinner Cruise, Rockcliffe Mansion Tour and Haunted Hannible.

Day Trip To Cedarburg Wisconsin

The annual day trip to Cedarburg was welcomed by many enthusiastic members on a bright and sunny Sunday, October 16th. The flight of five classics, four retro 'Birds and five stragglers was a sight to behold as we found our way to this historic and charming town. Many of the ornate limestone and brick buildings that line the main street remind one of the community's bygone days, as many of the structures were built back in the 19th century and are still standing virtually unscathed.

Our first order of business was our group picture as we numbered 28. With that out of the way, we walked a few short blocks to Morton's tavern that boasts the finest Wisconsin tradition of big portions and the nirvana of drinks- the almighty Bloody Mary-- alleluia. After a round, we all ordered a variety of food selections including burgers, brats, and the famous four cheese baked onion soup-- so thick that one is given scissors to cut through the cheeses!

After good drinks, good food and conversations with long time friends, we welcomed our latest member, Debbie Powless to the fold. After awhile, we managed to find ourselves walking through the heart of town, stopping at an occasional shop here and there. The candy store seemed to be the most popular, with a variety of candy apples lining the front windows, the likes of which none of us have ever seen. We were really kids in a candy store! The seasonal decorations along the streets were awesome with pumpkins, fall wreaths, gourds and the smell of all things fall. What a beautiful day, as we visited the historic winery building, which is in the Cedar Creek Settlement area, complete with wine tasting, shops which housed crafts, art galleries and antiques. Everyone just wandered around on the own for a while, and at a predetermined time, we met up again to caravan home. On the way , some of us stopped at the Mars Cheese Castle, which is really a castle, to stock our larders with their famous cheese bread, cheeses and other foods!

We had a great day and we were proud to keep up the CTCC tradition of a day in Cedarburg!

Marylu and Pete Kramer- Tour Leaders.

Attendees: Bill & Elaine Axelson, Pete & Lisa Ekstrom, Joel Greenberg, Len & Mary Keil, Larry & Karen Kelly, Pete & Marylu Kramer, Bud & Cindy Krysak, Jerry & Pat Peterson, Debbie Powless, Doug Rogers, Lloyd & Joan Schelin, Ken Smizinski, Bill & Bonnie Thelen, Bob & Sue Wenderski and Bill & Liz Werth.

Fall Tour- Sept. 30- Oct. 3, 2011

CTCC FALL TOUR: SEPTEMBER 30 – OCTOBER 3, 2011

Our departure from the Lincoln Oasis on Friday morning was cool and brisk, and the strong winds that prevailed the night before were still somewhat evident as our tour began. Larry and Karen Kelly were our tour leaders. They gave each of us our tour schedules and the routes that would be taken to Indiana. Along the way Joe and Sandy Kraatz joined our caravan. Our first destination would be South Bend. A couple of cars got separated from the group and took an alternative route but all arrived safely.

When we entered the Studebaker Museum, we were directed to an auditorium to view a short film about the life of the Oliver family and how they industrialized the South Bend area with their invention of the chilled plow. James Oliver was the inventor of the chilled plow and founder of the Oliver Chilled Plow Works.

We then began a tour of the J.D. Oliver House which is also known as Copshaholm. It was named after the Scottish village where J.D. Oliver was born. It is a 38-room mansion that was built in 1895-96 by Joseph Doty Oliver who was the president of the Oliver Chilled Plow Works in South Bend. After its completion, J.D. Oliver and his wife, Anna, and their four children moved into the home, and the family resided there for 72 years. When the last daughter left the home it was given to the City of South Bend.

Our group was divided into two groups to tour this home which was left with original furnishings that included porcelains, glass, silver, prints, and two bronze busts—one of J.D. Oliver and the other of his father, James. There are leaded glass windows, parquet floors, and 14 fireplaces. Oak, cherry, and mahogany woodwork are found throughout the mansion. Copshaholm is built of native Indiana fieldstone which was transported and built on site by skilled masons. It was also one of the first homes in South Bend to have electricity. It was very interesting to see and hear the history behind this exquisite home along with the carriage house. We also had an opportunity to walk through the worker’s home which was a small white frame 1930’s cottage located on the same premises as the mansion.

Most everyone took a leisurely walk to Tippecanoe Place for lunch. This historic 40-room mansion also contains, fine antiques, massive fireplaces and hand-crafted woods and was once owned by the Studebaker family. The chef’s featured selections were a French Dip Sandwich, a Club Wrap, or a Classic Cobb Salad. We were all seated in a lovely closed porch area and enjoyed some casual time together. Len and Mary Keil were joined by two longtime friends for lunch. Pete Kramer also met up with the group for lunch.

After lunch we went back to tour the Studebaker Museum which had three levels of history. The collection of cars at the Studebaker Museum includes the Studebaker Corporation’s “original collection” of 37 vehicles that were given to the city of South Bend in 1966. Exhibitions at the museum included Knute Rockne: The Rest of the Story. Besides Knute Rockne’s football coaching career at the University of Notre Dame he had an equally successful career as a “celebrity salesman” for the Studebaker Corporation. Other exhibits included the four presidential carriages of Grant, Harrison, Lincoln, and McKinley; the career and works of Theodore W. Pietsch II and his automobile design in the golden age of the 1930’s to the 1970’s; and the Italian sports cars exhibit that featured Italy’s finest automobiles of the 1950’s and the 1960’s.

The lower level showcased the women who played hard ball or the real “League of Their Own.” Historical exhibits of the region’s exploration, pioneer settlement, fur trade, and Underground Railroad were also on display. There was much to see and learn about at this museum.
Now the drive was on to Auburn and to get our rooms at the Quality Inn. After everyone was assigned to a room, it was time for the Friday night pizza gathering. This is always a happy time to talk about the day’s events and schedule for the next morning.

Saturday morning began with a tech session on Lloyd’s car. Ken explained how to use a vacuum gauge to set the timing on a ‘56 T-Bird. We then had a short drive to the Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg Museum to see some really exceptional cars. This museum is so unique in that the showroom that you enter was once the original Auburn Automobile Company showroom and the automobiles in the showroom are magnificent. The upper level also includes numerous galleries of the following: Auburn Automobiles (1903-1924); cars of Indiana; special topics, classics, and the Hall of Technology. So much to see and admire and an unbelievable beauty in each of these classics.

We were scheduled to have lunch at Mad Anthony’s but due to a craft show in the town, our plan was diverted to Auburn’s Town Tavern. As we began our walk to lunch, Tom spotted a wagon hooked to a two-cylinder John Deere tractor that earlier had been in the town parade. Much to our surprise Tom convinced the man to drive approximately 20 of us to have lunch. Ken rode on the tractor with the gentleman and found out the tractor had belonged to his father, and he seemed delighted to have us as passengers. He even took a little longer route for our ride. There is always some surprise awaiting us on these tours!

After lunch we all walked back to the museum campus and this time we would tour the National Auto & Truck Museum which is located in the former factory buildings of the Auburn Automobile Company. The service building was built in 1923, and the experimental building was the first new building E.L. Cord constructed in 1928-29 after he assumed management of the company. The L-29 Cord was the first production front wheel drive automobile in America. Special exhibits at this museum included the following: cars of the ‘50’s; an international gallery of trucks and engines; the gas and oil pump collection; the world’s fastest truck known as the Endeavor; and the vintage 1948 diner. There was also a large display of riding toys for children that were all in mint condition as well as numerous miniature models of cars, trucks, trains, buses, etc. This museum also offers a lot to see and so much to learn from a past gone era.

The remainder of the afternoon was spent for most of the group going to the Black Pine Animal Sanctuary (also known as Professional Animal Retirement Center). This non-profit exotic animal sanctuary is a last chance refuge for captive-raised and non-domestic animals in need. Upon entering the park, the group was greeted by Peaches, a white cockatoo. There were various animals to view including a chimpanzee, a male lion, Bengal tigers, cougars, wolves, a black bear, and monkeys. The animals were very close to view and had all been rescued from various locations. A reptile house was also there. There was a larger fenced area for llamas, goats, and ostriches. All the workers are volunteers except for the executive director who was the tour guide. They are in the process of constructing a new habitat for the chimpanzee. Donations of food are given to the sanctuary from the area. As they were leaving the sanctuary, a local TV reporter interviewed Karen Kelly and Joe Kraatz. Len Vinyard then showed the reporter his engine, and he said he would send Pete Kramer a copy of the report.

A few of us went to Shipshewana to see some of the Amish wares since all the retail shops would be closed on Sunday. We climbed to the third story in one of the buildings to see a large carousel that was working and giving children rides. What a beauty to see!

The evening meal was not planned. There were a number of eating establishments very close to the Quality Inn. A few in our group drove to Shorty’s Steakhouse in Garrett for dinner; some went to Bob Evans for much jocularity and fun, and still a few others chose other locations.

Sunday morning we departed Auburn for Hostetler’s Hudson Museum in Shipshewana. There were 69 cars in the museum at the time we were there, and it is the world’s largest and finest collection of Hudsons dating from 1909 to 1956. Eldon Hostetler along with his wife, Esta, began their enthusiasm for collecting Hudson automobiles over 70 years ago. His pursuit of “everything Hudson” includes 48 unusual Hudon, Essex, Terroplane, Railton, and Dover brand cars and trucks. It is an amazing exhibit of one person’s enthusiasm and love of the auto.

When we left Shipshewana, we drove to Hamilton to have lunch at the Hamilton House Bar & Restaurant. It was a delightful country drive as the sun shown on the brightly colored leaves. We had a choice of sandwiches including a hamburger, grilled chicken, or pork tenderloin. We left rejuvenated for the afternoon to do whatever one chose to do. Most decided to drive back to Auburn but some went antiquing to find whatever treasures might entice us to make a purchase.

We had a short drive to Bridgewater Golf Club for dinner. They opened the Clubhouse especially for our group. It was a lovely setting, and it was very nice to have our very own dining room. Before the meal began, Ken discussed the possibility of a national convention and the numerous hours of work and dedication it requires.

On a light note, Len Vineyard was presented with a sign that Irene found in one of the antique shops which said “Insane Asylum.” He was thrilled with the addition of another sign for his collection!

Our meal choices consisted of tilapia, Atlantic salmon, New York strip steak, or pan-seared chicken breast. All entrees were delicious. After dinner we all returned back to the Quality Inn for our last night’s stay. Pete decided to drive home Sunday evening as Marylou was unable to come with him.

After breakfast and checking out of the Quality Inn, we drove to St. Joe to tour Sechler’s Fine Pickles. We were divided into two tour groups and learned much about the processing and packaging of pickles. At any time there is between 45 and 65 employees working depending on the season. The peppers and the cut dill pickles are all hand packed. In the retail area there were many different items and pickles from which to choose. They also had an area where you could sample different kinds of pickles. Most everyone left with a purchase of pickles. Mail order forms were available too.

Most of said our “good-byes” before departing on the journey home. There would be one more stop along the toll way but some decided not to stop. Unfortunately, on the way home Jerry and Pat Peterson had some major breakdown with their T-Bird. It happened after our last stop, and their car had to be towed the remainder of the way home.

There were 15 little birds in our group, 1 retro bird, and 4 serviceable vehicles. We especially thank Larry and Karen for their time in planning this tour.
On the fall tour scene were 33 participants including the following: Tom & Judy Bruin, Gordon Gluff & Mary Ziemba, Joel Greenberg & Annie Luginbill, Larry Johnson & Sue Hommedieu, Len & Mary Keil, Larry & Karen Kelly, Joe & Sandy Kraatz, Pete Kramer, Ed Levin & Rose Kovalenko, Dan Mrozek & Judy Butler, Jerry & Doreen Michna, Ron Pavlak, Jerry & Pat Peterson, Doug & Soon Hee Rogers, Lloyd & Joan Schellin, Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Len & Irene Vinyard, and Jim Wilson.

Joan Schellin

TOUR ATTENDEE GUIDELINES

1- REGISTRATION FORM & RESERVATIONS

A- Contact Tour Leader and indicate attending.
B- Fill out Registration Form
1- Send check payable to CTCC and mail to Tour Leader ASAP
2- Call and reserve room as indicated on Registration Form

2- TOUR ATTENDEE REQUIREMENTS

A- All participants should provide the following:
1- Car ready for trip (mechanic tested)
2- Check Fluids- radiator, master cylinder, oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid (if applicable) and battery
3- Check tire pressure and tire condition
4- Gas tank full at start point
5- Empty Bladders
6- Attendees should bring the following:
a- Spare Tire
b- Jack
c- Oil, Brake Fluid, Trans Fluid
d- Basic tools (Phillips head and blade screwdrivers, pliers and adjstable wrench)
e- Fire Extinguisher in passenger cabin- not trunk
f- Flash Light
g- Second set of car keys
h- Club radios
j- Name Tags
k- Valid insurance card
l- First Aid Kit
m- Tire pressure gauge
n- Jumper cables
o- Other items as necessary
* The club will have a Car "First-aid Kit" for the trip. However, if your car has chronic issues and problems- please leave your Classic car at home and take your late model car on the trip.

3- TOUR CARAVAN START

A- Arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to start time.
B- If possible- avoid joining group in route.
C- Obtain Tour Packet from Tour Leader which will contain the following:
1- complete itinerary
2- Names, cell phone numbers, etc. for all attendees
3- Directions, maps, routes etc. of complete tour
D- Check Club radios- select channel for all cars

4- DRIVING & SAFETY BRIEFING

A- Order of cars in caravan-
1- Classic Thunderbirds
2- Retro Thunderbirds
3- Non-Bird cars
4- Last vehicle (Trailer)
a- Selected by Tour Leader so everyone knows who the last vehicle is.
B- Lights should be ON- no matter how bright and sunny it may be. Keep together while driving: if other vehicles break into our line, they should be passed at the earliest opportunity(slow down and let the other "Birds" get in line in front of you). While we cannot control the flow of traffic (cars merging onto the highway, moving into the right lane to exit, etc.) we CAN control keeping our group together and not spread out all over.
C- Tour Leader will travel at the posted speed limit and stay in the right lane as much as possible.
D- Maintain close intervals (approx. 4 seconds city or rural). Tour leaders will make sure turns are clearly projected to avoid stragglers from missing a turn and getting lost.
E- Stay in single file, do not pass another Member's car.
F- In the event of a mechanical problem, cars not involved are not to pull over to shoulder; proceed to nearest exit and wait for news. Assigned repair car is the only vehicle that should pull off the road to assist car in trouble. This is for the expressway only. Cars on local roads should proceed to the next available parking area. Do not pull off the road for stragglers. Slow down for stragglers to catch up.
G- Maintain radio contact with Tour Director and all members of caavan for indicate turns, etc.

5- HOSPITALITY ROOM

A- Attendees should donate snacks, wine, etc to the Hospitality Room.