Greetings and salutations, my fellow ‘49ers! As yet another year of cruise nights and car shows fades into memory, and festive holidays loom on the horizon, I find myself once again, as I do every year, reflecting on what transpired in 2011. The year started with me taking over as Prez of the ‘49ers from my friend and co-founder of the chapter, Jay Friedman. Then, in February, I was fortunate to be able to attend the prestigious Boca Raton Concours D’Elegance in Florida. In April, I was blessed with another new “baby”, an all-original, un-restored, 1949 Cadillac 7533X Imperial Business Sedan, one of only 626 built, that I found in the Boston area. (See article page 2.) Then, in June, I finally retired from teaching Junior High Industrial Arts after 37 years in the profession. I could, and probably should, write a book just on this aspect of my life, but it would have to be classified under “fiction”, as no one would believe some of the things I witnessed during my long tenure as an educator.
Finally, this month earmarked the fruition of one of my biggest dreams ever: the construction of a larger garage! One of my former colleagues, who also taught woodworking, along with his son-in-law, helped me in this major undertaking. We managed to complete the structure in 2 months flat, and all the “babies” are now nestled in their new home. Judging by the smiles on their grilles, they seem to like their new habitat immensely! The new facility is an imposing edifice, measuring 24 feet deep by 46 feet long, with one end bay having an inside ceiling height of 16 feet to accommodate a lift. I named the new garage “The Taj Mahal of Overhaul”, a name I borrowed from a recent Auto Zone commercial. (See photo on page 6.) But overshadowing all of this was the honor, and pleasure, of meeting many wonderful fellow aficionados of ’48 and ’49 Cadillacs, either on the phone or in person. After all, aside from our beloved cars, it’s you folks that really make this such a great hobby.
Lastly, it’s that time of year again. If you have not paid your $8 dues for 2012, please send a check for that amount, payable to Jay Friedman to 1530 September Chase, Decatur, Georgia 30033 USA. Canadians can send a cheque in their own currency equivalent to US $8, while European members can send a 5 Pound or 5 Euro note.
With that said, I extend to all of you a healthy, happy holiday season, and a prosperous New Year.
Keep ‘em rolling,