finally come to an end, they say. Yes, I’m sad to say, this will be the last issue of the ’49 Times I’ll be putting together, as I’ve finally reached a point where I’d like to completely retire. This issue will be the 40th issue of the Times to appear since 2001, during which time we all have had a forum to say quite a bit about our favorite car. Is there more to say about ‘49s? Certainly, but it will have to be with a new Prez.
If any current chapter member(s), or anyone else, would like to take over and put out the Times, I would be very pleased to assist and get things going, as well as to contribute the occasional article. The mailing list, which includes details of each member’s car(s) and his/her dues status, is in a simple ancient software package which can be mastered in a minute. Getting out the newsletter requires 3-4 hours of scanning and word processing work once every 3 months. I then run the result by Editor Art Gardner. You’d then get it to your favorite print shop (though the current print shop could also be used) and several days later collect the finished folded and stapled copies. My wife and I then spend about an hour sticking stamps and address labels on them, after which I carry them to the post office. It’s actually fun and you’ll get to know many other ’49 owners, either personally or by phone and email. The only other tasks are to: 1. deal with members’ dues payments and keep the books, most of which occurs from December to March; and, 2. organize a chapter meeting at CLC Grand National Meets if you are so inclined. If interested, contact me by email as above or by snail mail or phone as per my listing in the CLC directory.
An upside of this is that you won’t have me badgering you any more with those annoying post cards to mail in that $8 check! (Surely one of the best bargains since 1949.) If the Times does not continue, those members who are already paid up for 2011 and beyond will receive a refund in the mail. Back issues will still be available at $2.50 postpaid or $2.75 outside the USA.
On a more positive note, I had a great time again this year at the great Hershey flea market and car show October 6-9. Art Gardner couldn’t go but lent me his Chevy Suburban to carry my stuff. Chapter member Joe Cutler and I shared a motel room and spent much more money than we should have buying ’49 stuff we just had to have. Chapter member Jim Murdoch (MA), who now owns a ’50 but used to have a ’49, graciously agreed to display the stuff I had for sale in his vendor’s space, which partially made up for my extravagance. On the evening of the 8th we went to dinner with ‘49er Jon Schneck, who is restoring a convertible, along with his dad and some other friends. Other ‘49ers spotted at the meet included Dennis Akerman, Paul Cichon, Randy Denchfield, Bill Edmunds and Rege McDonough, although numerous others, no doubt, were there too.
On a parting note, I’d like to wish all Forty-Niners a very Merry Christmas or a Happy Chanukah and, for 2011, an especially Happy New Year. May your ’49(s) start quickly, run sweetly and shine brightly in 2011 and thereafter. Meanwhile, I hope you’ll find this last issue as interesting as always