While President Rick was basking in the 85-degree Florida sun it was up to
Vice President Bruce to call the meeting to order, lead us in the Pledge
and call on Garry, who led us in prayer. We were sorry to hear of the very
recent death of Gene’s mother. We welcomed guests Laurel and Daniel
Fisher and Oliver Ruvalcaba. Keith won the $21 BIP and donated that to
Polio Plus. Karen gladly paid a fine for her nonchalant approach to her
Sergeant At Arms duties with the promise that she will be absolutely
dazzling this coming Friday. Nancy handed out the quarter boxes for Polio
Plus. Each box has room for 40 quarters ($10) and should be filled and
returned—probably the quicker the better. Each $10 box will provide 17
vaccines, a neat way to feel connected to this important effort. Imagine,
17 infants will be vaccinated because of your $10 contribution! Jane had
the flowers ready for distribution. We celebrated Bruce’s Birthday (see
picture!). Don’t forget the Festival of Lights Parade November 25 and our
Toy & Book Float!
Jane’s guests were Roger Hooper and his wife Judy. The
Hoopers enjoy their 2 “Model A” Fords and Roger is the past president of
the Antique Automobile club.The Hoopers are no strangers to Ottawa Sunrise. Their home was on the very first
Sunrise Garden Walk. Roger explained that the “Model T” is always black with
wooden spokes. This is the one you see being started with the hand crank. The
“Model A” was manufactured for 4 years, 1928-1931. It was the first Ford to come in
a variety of colors, had wire spokes, a 3-speed transmission and an electric start.
Even though it came in colors the fenders and apron was always black. In that 4
year span Ford produced the Model A in 30 different models! The Model A is the
most common car for restoration. (Original restoration means with original parts).
The Hoopers have 2 Model-A’s a 1930 Town Sedan (Think “Driving Miss Daisy”) This
car has white walls, the Flying Quail Hood ornament, radiator guard, trunk and
shades in the back window. Their other car, a Faton, is an open car that has no
windows and a top that goes down. The cars will cruise at 45 MPH with no power
steering and no power brakes making it a bit tough to drive. The Starved Rock
Model A Club was started in 1985 and currently has 24 members. Roger has been
active in the club for the past 8 years. He described this as a fun hobby—driving
through the fall colors in a quiet ride even though there is wood and chicken wire in
the construction! People are always waving and smiling as they drive by, and the
waves are always acknowledged with the famous horn honk– Ah-OOOO-ga!
About 20,000,000 Model A’s were built, costing $900-$2000. Today he estimates his
Faton at $65,000 and he said it would be best to pay the purchase price (for some
models often $25-30,000) which would be cheaper than the cost of buying a rust
bucket and restoring from scratch. He admits to cringing when some young hot
rod enthusiast buys one and turns it into a street rod! These cars had no fuel pump
as the gas tank was in front of the windshield. The fuel was fed into the engine by
gravity and he said there were some horrible explosions in front end crashes. Ford
introduced its first V-8 engine in 1932, one year after production of the Model A
ended. Interesting hobbies abound. The secret is to become active and fine one!
