THE WPC CLUB:
DYNAMIC JOURNEY
By Dr. David George Briant
Herein is
presented a look at the rich history of the largest
all-encompassing association honoring Walter Percy Chrysler (WPC)
and his firm - known formally as the WPC Club, Inc. Clearly
his genius was real - to the benefit of millions of auto users far
and wide. Thus let us provide context as preamble to the club's
creation in 1969. Chrysler Corporation came to success despite a
relatively late entrance into the already crowded industry. From
auto roots inventions done in Europe, Henry Ford I was the
American that selected the right market to develop initially. WPC
can fairly be credited with pushing ahead and motivating the
modern car. A series of inventions unfolded slowly.
Automobile
Preliminaries Consume 115 Years
The key automotive figures were English,
French and German talents working at first mainly with steam. In
fact, the first "automobile" was a steam-powered tractor put
together by Nicholas Joseph Cugnot about 1770 in France. Intended
to pull a field gun the machine did work but had no steering
mechanism. Pioneer James Watt discouraged use of mobile steam
units due to the scarcity of good roads. Richard Trevithick in
Camborne, England built (1801) the first automobile known to have
made it onto a road. It was a seven-passenger stagecoach powered
by a single-cylinder steam engine of the "high-pressure" type,
driving the rear wheels through a spur gear and a crank axle. The
Frenchman Pecqueur developed the all-important differential - and
had it operational on a wagon by 1828. Goldsworthy Gurney built a
steam vehicle that demonstrated the efficacy of propulsive drive
wheels as interfaces to road surfaces. He made an 1828 trip of
about 200 miles from London and return attaining as much as 12
miles per hour at times. A number of such steam vehicles were in
use during 1828 to 1840. Trips were scheduled and speeds rose to
about 30 MPH with an early repair-free endurance claim of 1,700
miles! Running on metal rims wreaked havoc on road surfaces
resulting in governmental action via heavy fines and the end of
use by 1840. Railroad development surged, especially in Great
Britain, while automobile progress simmered for a time as many
other technical advances took attention including W. H. James
(water-tube boiler/steam coach), Hancock (steam carriage), Bollee
(steam omnibus of 1878), Daimler (motorcycle/hot tube
ignition/reduced engine size), Levassor (central frame), and
Serpollet (flash boiler).
Karl Benz Scores. In 1885 Karl Benz developed the first road
vehicle to be powered by a hydrocarbon fueled internal combustion
engine. Developing 3/4 horsepower, it included a single cylinder,
water-cooled, electric ignition, four-cycle (by Otto, 1876) type
with a mechanical inlet valve (carburetor), differential, and able
to attain ten miles per hour.. Patented in 1886, the
three-wheeler was exhibited at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and
exists honorably at present. Mr. Benz built his first four-wheel
car in 1893 - producing a total of 69 cars from 1885-1893.
North
America Stirs
Massachusetts was the setting for the
first USA steam car, built by S. H. Roper in 1889. The first
electric car was built in 1891 by William Morrison, Des Moines,
Iowa and subsequently bought by J.B. McDonald, president of the
American Battery Company (Western Electrician, September
17, 1892). General Electric Company made a number of electric
cars in 1897, at least one of which was refurbished by GE for an
owner in the 1960s. The Brothers Duryea built their first
gasoline-fueled car in 1892. Henry Ford's followed in 1893.
Elwood Haynes completed his in 1894. By 1895, the practicality of
the automobile was settled - it could honorably take its place as an
addition to the world's array of transport modes. So-called
perfecting devices, such as rubber tires (about 1889) and the
electric self-starter, ignition, and lighting systems from genius
Charles Kettering (1912 Cadillac), would roll in. Customer
interest and commitment were needed and advertising would soon go
to work on that. First, though, there had to occur the
all-important USA first sale of a gasoline-fueled car - a Winton in
1898 to Robert Allison of Port Carbon, Pennsylvania.
The Rush To Enter. Action accelerated in 1898 with the
forming of firms for Stanley (steam), Stearns, Thomas, Matheson,
Winton, and Waverley. 1899 saw more - Locomobile, Olds,
Baker-Electric, and Pierce-Racine. In 1900 came Packard,
Peerless, Glide, National Electric, Lambert, Elmore, Babcock,
Jackson, Knox, and Lane. 1901 revealed Acme, Gaeth, Pierce-Arrow,
White (steam initially), Royal-Tourist, Stevens-Duryea,
Waltham-Orient, Pope-Toledo, Welch, Pullman, and Rambler. 1902
produced Franklin, Pope, Studebaker, Sultan, Okey, Walter, Schacht,
Cadillac (Henry M. Leland - truly interchangeable parts and later
earning the Dewar Trophy twice), in 1903 Ford, Auburn, Overland,
Moline, Premier, Bergdall, Holsman, Columbus, and Chadwick. 1903
may be considered a truly focal point year as real series and mass
production was begun via Ford's first Model A (1,708 were sold in
the first season).
1903: First Cross-USA Auto Trip.
On a $50 bet, a medical doctor named Horatio Nelson Jackson, his
mechanic companion, Sewell K. Crocker, and bulldog "Bud" piloted a
Winton (named "Vermont") from San Francisco to New York City in 63
days, 12 hours, and 30 minutes traveling 5,600 miles and consuming
800 gallons of fuel bought in stores since gasoline stations were
still in the future. The Winton had no windscreen or top. A
Packard and an Oldsmobile also completed the West to East run that
year. Print media played the action to the full!
Manufacturers Multiply. 1904 welcomed Buick, Cleveland,
American-Napier, Stoddard-Dayton, Marmon, Mitchell, Jewel,
McIntyre, Pittsburgh Electric, Rauch & Lang, and Simplex. 1905
added Maxwell and 11 others. 1906 revealed 12 more. 1907 brought
Chalmers and 15 others. 1908 yielded nine more. 1909 saw Hudson
and five others appear. From 1910 to 1916, 18 more were started
including Dodge Brothers in 1914. By 1916, Henry Ford I had
earned the title "Father of Quantity Production of the Automobile"
as his factories turned out 533,921 Model Ts capping production
runs of 168,200, 248,307, and 308,213 during the three previous
years. For the moment Ford was King of the small, affordable
auto.
General Motors Created in 1908.
However, others were active - led by William C. Durant. 1908 saw a
very quiet stock arrangement that produced General Motors, mainly
involving Buick, Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Oakland and in 1917,
Chevrolet. By 1916, GM fielded three different brands using V8s
with 15 other firms also offering the type. The automobile began
to surge in popularity. Oligopoly quite accurately describes the
operating reality of modified USA capitalism at work. Weaker
aspirants fall away or merge or are bought up by stronger
players. There were various machinations carried on wherein
electric cars were obstructed early in their development. The
infamous Selden Patent action was fought in court and won by Henry
Ford I to the benefit of the industry. GM and others, beginning
in 1922 and continuing throughout the Great Depression, bought and
dismantled light rail firms. The conspiracy's mission was to
replace electrically powered mass transit with buses. Post-WWII,
in 1949, GM was convicted under the Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890
(U.S. vs National City Lines, 334 US 573,596, and fined $5,000.
The damage done left dozens of the nation's cities with
transportation challenges relevant down to the present. Moreover,
both Ford and GM were slow to move to hydraulic four-wheel
brakes. GM's extensive forest holdings contributed to their
retention of wooden inner structures. HFI proclaimed to Kettering
that Ford would not use the electric starter. In the face of
these behaviors and other realities WPC would seize his big chance
to shake loose with a vastly improved automobile..
A Shining Light Dawns. That an
automotive genius would appear, and out of railroading to boot,
excites the imagination. Let's examine what happened and how
those events led toward full participation of dues-paying
enthusiasts in perpetuating product substance via the WPC Club.
Palatinate
Immigrant Descendent Appears in 1875: Walter Percy Chrysler
Arrives
WPC's forebears arrived during June 1710 in New York, North
America as part of several thousand persons traveling West on the
North Atlantic under auspices of English Queen Anne, essentially
as a yield of the previous century's devastating Thirty Years
War. By WPC's birth in 1875 his parents were settled in prairie
Kansas and doing very well by the standards of the day.
Railroad Beginnings. Given his Dad's work in railroading,
WPC was influenced in that direction - even declining an offered
university education to become a working apprentice. Rising
steadily, purely on merit in a very tough business, he was soon
completing assignments that earned him a sterling reputation. By
1908, nearly a century ago, while watching early automotive
progress, railroader Chrysler came to believe that the private
automobile was just the machine to provide a higher level of
personal mobility beyond rail.
Buys First Car - Then Learns to Drive. Without knowing how
to drive, WPC convinced his wife Della that their $700 savings
should go toward a new Locomobile selling for $5,000 - the banker
who loaned the $4,300 would come to WPC in 1920 requesting Mr.
Chrysler's help - but first, WPC would dismantle the big luxury car
to examine its workings. Della's first ride would have to wait
for a while.
Accepts Pay Cut To Join General Motors. Lured to Buick by
GM Board Member James J. Storrow in 1911, and taking a cut in
annual salary from $8,000 (actually an offered $12,000 if he would
stay with American Locomotive Co.) to $6,000 to do so, he
demonstrated high order leadership immediately. WPC demanded and
received a raise to $25,000 after three years of hard, brilliant
work for Charlie Nash. Buick's operations improved steadily and
WPC was appointed GM's first Executive Vice-President in 1916 at
$500,000 per year on a three-year contract (William Durant had
returned to GM, and its common stock in 1916 traded as high as
$850/share, exceeded only by Firestone Tire & Rubber at
$1,700/share). WPC's contributions during 1911-1919 were notable
and he gained experience and stature while making friends wherever
he lived.
Saves Bankers & Willys/Maxwell.
Leaving General Motors in 1919 as a multi-millionaire out of GM
stock, he was soon approached by bankers to recover jeopardized
loans to troubled Willys (for a million dollars per year fee on a
two-year contract) followed quickly by concurrent similar surgery
at Maxwell (for the same bankers and an extra $100,000) -both
successful. WPC's "doctoring" at Willys and Maxwell opened
opportunity! In retrospect, WPC surely brought a high degree of
dynamic leadership skills to the task - coupled with a thorough
grounding in engineering and financial practices. His real-time,
right-now persuasiveness rounded out a true leader. How about the
Chrysler name on his own car?
1925: WPC's
Firm Penetrates Automobile Industry Oligopoly
In an amazing story, WPC collaborated with professional engineers
Fred M. Zeder, Carl Breer, and Owen R. Skelton (whom he met in
1916 while they were busy improving Studebaker design). Out of
WPC's charismatic, generous leadership, a long-lasting
collaboration took place--yielding the Chrysler Corporation
by June 1925. By the time WPC moved to create his own company
multiple attempts had already been made through some 2,000
firms--with Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation
emerging as dominant. WPC envisioned a better performing, safer
vehicle made out of the best materials and selling initially in
the mid-price range.
Chrysler Six Capability Stuns. Technically the original
Chrysler Six proved sensational - furnishing high performance as
well as the safety of hydraulic brakes, full-pressure engine
lubrication, oil filter, air cleaner, and a wholly improved
driving sensation. The 1924 Chrysler was his conception, ably,
indeed, brilliantly executed with his close involvement - creating
just the excitement ticket to launch the ride!
WPC Stresses Performance. Ralph DePalma drove a strictly
stock 1924 Chrysler a full thousand miles while averaging 68.33
MPH in an elapsed time of 1,007 minutes and 54 seconds - actual
underway time was 878 minutes, 10.8 seconds - done at Fresno,
California on 17 September 1924 under American Automobile
Association official supervision. Public interest in competition
emerged early: the world's first auto race had already been run in
July 1894 from Paris to Rouen. Of 46 cars entered all used
Daimler engines except the 12 steamers.
Chrysler Product
Antecedents From 1877
Many enterprising
persons populated the early auto scene. The organizations linked
in some way to the development and growth of the Chrysler
Corporation are included here to illustrate the complexity that
made those times so exciting: Columbia Bicycle (1877), Gormully &
Jeffery Bicycles (1879), G&J Tire Company (1890), Electrobat
(1894), Riker Electric (1896), Crest Manufacturing Company (1896),
Evans & Dodge (1899-1901), E.R. Thomas-Detroit (1900-1907), Dodge
Brothers Inc. who provided Ford with the first 750,000 Model C, F,
T running gear assemblies; Dodge car introduced in late
1914--(1901-1928), Thomas B. Jeffery Company (1902-1916),
Pope-Toledo Company, Toledo, Ohio Facilities (1902-1911), Overland
Division-Standard Wheel Company (1903-1908), Columbia and Electric
Vehicle Company (1903-1910), Maxwell-Briscoe Motor Company
(1903-1910), Stoddard-Dayton (1904), Dayton Motor Car Company
(1905-1910), AM Motor Car Sales Company (1906-1908), Brush Company
(1907-1910), Chalmers-Detroit Company (1907-1909), Alden Sampson
Manufacturing Company (1908-1910), Willys-Overland Company
(1908-1953), Chalmers Motor Company (1909-1917), Paige-Detroit
(1909-1927), Hudson Motor Car Company (1909-1954), United States
Motor Company (1910-1913), Saxon Motor Company (1913-1917),
Duesenberg Motor Company (1913-1918), Maxwell Motor Company
(1913-1917), Kelvinator Corporation Electrical Appliances
(1914-1937), Nash Motor Co. (1916-1937), Maxwell Chalmers Company
(1917-1922), Willys Corporation (1918-1922), Graham Brothers
(1918-1927), Essex Division of Hudson (1919-1922), Lafayette
Motors Corporation, (1919-1924), ZSB (Fred Zeder, Owen Skelton,
Carl Breer & Associates) Engineering Company (1921-1925), Maxwell
Motor Corporation (1922-1925), Mitchell Motor Car (1924), Graham
Brothers Truck Division of Dodge (1925-1927), Chrysler
Corporation (1925-1998), Graham-Paige Motors (1927-1945),
Seaman Body Corporation (1936), Nash-Kelvinator Corporation
(1937-1954), Kaiser-Frazer Corporation (1945-1953), Willys Motor
Inc. aka Kaiser-Willys (1953-1963), American Motors Corporation
(1954-1987) Kaiser-Jeep Corporation (1963-1970), AMC Jeep Division
(1970), Renault (1978), Lamborghini (1987-1993) and post-Chrysler
Corporation: DaimlerChrysler
Aktiengesellschaft (1998 to present).
Big
Three Via Dodge Brothers Purchase - Second Place, Debt-Free By 1936
Purchase of the Dodge Brothers complex massively strengthened the
firm and established it as a solid member of the press-coined "Big
Three" during 1928. The Roaring Twenties decade closed with Mr.
Chrysler the leader of what was now a major corporation (moving
ahead of Ford Motor Company into 2d place in 1936) that provided
relatively generous wages and salaries to the entire employee
body. Most employees knew they were working to create excellent
automobiles--an enduring dedication with positive lasting effect
for decades. Yes, Chrysler has produced prestige vehicles--as
exemplified by the quite incredible 1931-1933 Imperials. The
record setting overdrive-equipped 1934 Chrysler and DeSoto
Airflows touched the future and were soon emulated
domestically--plus creations in Japan, France and elsewhere. But
more, millions of Plymouths and Dodges served strongly to satisfy
the full range of family needs. With DeSoto, these vehicles
earned a worldwide reputation for endurance and reliability.
Chryslers, Imperials, Dodges and Plymouths from the earliest days
became known for their performance including racing and endurance
feats in North & South America, Europe and Australia.
WPC Attacks The
Great Depression
The Great
Depression wreaked economic and human havoc during the 1930s, and
was finally expunged only by the advent of USA industrial build-up
as World War II progressed. WPC's answer to The Great Depression
was an all-out offensive--a major investment in a
second-generation family of sturdy four-main bearing sixes,
all-new In-line Eights and a whole new Plymouth factory. Dodge
and Plymouth volume sustained financials such that only 1932
saw operating loss during WPC's involvement (-$11,254,232.10).
World War II
Arrived - Ready Or Not
As the war tocsin
sounded, Chrysler Corporation cooperated fully with governmental
authorities. Employees and the supplier body went to work quickly
and produced equipment needed by the armed forces of the United
Nations.
Vaunted Engineering Staff Challenged. Chrysler's prowess was real
and the country benefited by the more than 2,000 projects Chrysler
Engineering was assigned to carry out including nickel-plating
advances for the Manhattan Project. Dodge Division built 18,413
engines for B29 Very Heavy Bombers (WPC NEWS, July 1999).
25,059 Main Battle Tanks. While US Army designers specified the
WWII Chrysler-built Grant, Sherman and Pershing tanks, many
improvements to the 25,059 built or refurbished at the
Chrysler-operated Detroit Tank Arsenal stemmed from Chrysler
talent (WPC NEWS, February 2000). In 1943 alone, 5,111 were
equipped with the quickly engineered Chrysler Multi-Bank
30-cylinder engine, dubbed A-57, based on five In-Line, L-Head,
Six Cylinder 250.6 CID units (109 in M3A4 Grants; 7,499 in M4A4
Shermans). This power plant became a favorite of the British and
Commonwealth Armies, providing durability beyond any other
American or German tank engine of the period. A prime A-57
powered Sherman named Willie Pusher II, numbered T232274, is
displayed proudly in London's Imperial War Museum. WPC Member Mel
Sherman has the honor of owning and caring for a Sherman M4A1 Tank
armed with the more powerful 76mm gun (photos in WPC NEWS, August
2006).
Chrysler Corporation employees as well as many persons working in
dealerships served in all branches including the Merchant Marine
ships.
Post WWII
Changes Soon Swept In
Denial of new civilian vehicles during
1942-1945 created a seller's market after V-J Day. Concurrently,
there emerged a set of varied experiences that stimulated
imagination. As the 16 million uniformed men and women (out of a
population of 130 million) returned to civilian pursuits the
society changed. The passage of the GI-Bill and a rising standard
of living made for expansion of infrastructure very much linked to
the automobile's promise of personal and family freedom. The
Korean War of 1950-1953 interrupted and sobered the national mood
as rearmament meant shortages of certain materials such as
chromium. President Eisenhower's closure of the war soon yielded
styling changes and flashier colors for the balance of the decade.
Nearly continuous expansion leading toward the "good life"
attracted new waves of immigrants to the "New World" already built
on immigration in growing numbers since the 17th century.
Millions of veterans had seen some of the world beyond USA borders
and were better for it, a supreme irony: a measure of positive
change engendered and stimulated by war.
Freedom
Enhancement Via Personal Mobility
Autos became steadily more reliable,
vastly more powerful, and with paved highways progressing across
the system attracted what came to be enormous numbers of
motorists. Henry Ford I had achieved earlier the displacement of
animal transport, through his vision and policy of continued price
reductions via mass production and marketing of the 1908-1927
Model T. To WPC, opportunity was at the door as Ts
held on too long. Early Dodges had already defined
-Dependability - in peace and war as they brought markedly
improved autos into the sales arena.
Chrysler Often Led. As the decades since the 1920s unfolded the
automobile industry changed dramatically with Chrysler's influence
leading often. Technical progress brought universal use of the
self-starter, hydraulic brakes, improved tires, safety glass, high
compression, better steels, and improved fuel and lubricants plus
formal, engineered proving grounds. Chrysler Engineering yielded
much including scientific engine mounting (Floating Power),
seating between the wheels, aerodynamic body shapes, hypoid rear
axles, welded unitary steel construction, independent front
suspension, overdrive, power steering, HEMI engines, Superfinish
and much more. Auto sales and service became a gigantic business
with thousands of employees. Vehicle "styling" grew in
importance--including annual appearance differentiation. The
influential "Sloan Ladder" proved a brilliant
conception--fashioned from entry Chevrolet and upward in stepped
pricing to Oakland/Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick and finally,
pinnacle Cadillac. Roads, while lagging behind vehicle volume,
advanced steadily and the pioneering Federal "make-work"
Pennsylvania Turnpike project would prove prophetic.
Mid-to-Late 1950s A Brighter Time. By the close of the Korean War
the American public proved hungry for a happier, brighter
time - exemplified by color - indeed color in television, film media,
magazines and surely in automobile finishes. Yes, some colors
were garish and excessive - others very attractive indeed, in a
throwback to a number of Chrysler beauties of the later Twenties.
The beginning of the eventually named Dwight D. Eisenhower System
of Interstate and Defense Highways in 1956 soon stimulated new
construction involving motels, restaurants, and multiplying public
attractions. Palpably, the face of the nation changed. The
climate was growing rich with potential for the collection of
automobiles and the benefits of owner association. By 1962,
the first "club" was in the works.
Original
Chrysler Products Restorers Club
Mr.
Stephen Setto (542 Regent Street, Houston, PA, club headquarters)
served as Editor (as the sole named officer). The Original
Chrysler Products Restorers Club - adopted the definition -A
nonprofit organization devoted entirely to helping members
restore, maintain and preserve their Chrysler products.- and
operated from 1962 to 1968. Central figures included George and
Rose Michl, Galen Brandt, Paul Stern (owner of a 1941 Thunderbolt
with retractable steel hardtop and a 1941 Newport dual-cowl
phaeton of five each were actually completed), Walter Gall and
Orlando Geiger. The publication was soon named 'WING NEWS', an
appropriate identifier linked to the original winged radiator cap
of the 1924 Chrysler. WING NEWS, in its first appearance,
featured the 1925 Chrysler B-70. Measuring 5 3/8ths by 8 3/8ths
inches the publication was packed with useful information. For
example, Volume 1, Issue 3 concentrated on the 1928 Dodge Standard
Six and Victory models and included official specifications,
wiring diagram and lubrication chart. Parts interchange data for
the subject cars was included along with names, addresses and cars
owned by the membership. The national flavor was clearly present
with members listed across the USA. Charles O. Rixford of Vista,
CA was listed as owning a butane-fueled 1941 Chrysler New Yorker
Convertible Sedan. Morris Sarnoff's name appears! Paul H. Stern,
with 16 cars, listed several others he was seeking. Norman Frey's
name appeared in the March 1965 Membership Roster. A highlight
that year was the Chrysler Factory Meet held June 28-30 and
supported by Dodge Division via lunch, trophies and a copy of
Ward's Quarterly containing the "Chrysler Story" for each
participant. Certain WING NEWS issues have survived and can be
obtained from WPC Club headquarters as photocopies. As the
California group organized they attempted to contact Mr. Setto,
since his was the only national club for Chrysler Products at the
time. Mr. Setto was unresponsive to letters but eventually sent
the mailing list to the California group, several of whom had
constituted the Western Region of the Setto effort (that closed
with the final issue of WING NEWS for July 1968). The California
Chrysler Products Restorers Club was founded on 17 March 1967 with
Norman Frey as its first President and serves well today.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2007, the organization has the
following name history: November 1962, The Original Chrysler
Products Restorers Club; 17 March 1967, West Coast Region of CPRC;
7 March 1968, Walter P. Chrysler Club (WPC Club); 5 December 1969,
Western Region of WPC Club; 17 May 1971, San Francisco Bay Region
of the WPC Club; 19 August 1980, The Original Chrysler Products
Restorers Club; 21 July 1981, Northern California Chrysler
Products Club and 21 July 1987, California Chrysler Products Club.
Special thanks go to Norman Frey and current WPC Club Director
Sandy Hummer for providing information about the first club
efforts.
WPC Club
Proves Exciting
"Members helping Members"
translates to a significant body of applied energy to "Make It
Happen" year after year. Personalities vary, of course, but good
will efforts yielded forward movement. Contemplating the
unfolding story of WPC Club happenings causes pause - in that so
much has already been done over the years since the founding. Honors are owed to each person voluntarily contributing to club
operations including presidents, other officers, directors,
editors, authors, technical advisors, regional presidents and
officers, meet host teams, photographers, international, national,
regional, and photo meet participants plus other members and
families all. Responses by local businesses, civic leaders and
public personalities have often contributed materially to Meet
successes including famed collector Jay Leno. A number of
Chrysler luminaries have responded verbally and in writing via
valuable WPC Club input regarding personal "on scene"
participation in the Chrysler story. Six Presidents have served
the WPC Club since 1969: Founding President Norman Frey, W. L.
"Bill" Adams, Sherwood Kahlenberg, Dr. Ralph Kendall, the late
Chuck Jensen, and Richard Bowman.
Norman Frey As
Catalyst: The Seven Founders
The WPC Club story begins in 1967 via a courageous group of seven
volunteers brought together by Mr. Norman Frey (NF). In addition
to NF, they were: Jim Crittenden, Karol Hok, Bob Locke, Charles
Lundal, John Peters, and Ken Wilson. The "father" of the WPC
Club, NF - a true gentleman- is quieter in manner than Walter P.
himself but no less persistent! Your writer's initial contact
with NF to join the WPC Club in 1972 was characterized by his
dignity, kindness, knowledge and a definable charm. NF's sons Bob
and Bill plus daughter Joanne Lunardi carry on also as WPCers to
this day. The purpose inspiring those working so hard was to draw
together as "members helping members" in a positive fashion that honors the many humans that made the vehicle family possible.
Chrysler Product fans owe you much, sir!
Letter Sent
To Known Collectors: Responders Become -Charter Members-
Initial major action was to create a
letter (dated 2 January 1967) for sending to as many known
collectors of Chrysler products as could be identified (32) in
their area of California. NF's letter noted that he was already a
member of the Antique automobile Club of America, The Airflow Club
of America, and The Chrysler Products Restorers Club. NF
suggested meeting at least four times each year plus have two
events per year with the cars. There would be three elected
officers. Known quickly as the Charter Members, responders were:
Tad Burness, Richard Carson, Howard DeSart, Bruce Dishman, Roland
Funk, Gene Holzeger, Wilbert Horne, Charles Hunter, Pete Jacobsen,
Vince Loplito, Clarence Murphy, Doug O'Connell, Bruce Osborne,
Nick Parodi, Bob Pollard, Tony Robello, Paul Taylor, Ken Thompson,
Ed Williams, and James Wilson. Among this group's favorites were
several 1931-1933 Chryslers and Imperials. Early complications
concerning club name issues ensued. Permission was obtained to
use the company founder's initials (as suggested by the late Doug
O'Connell) and so -The WPC Club, Inc.- came to life as a legal
entity. By February 1970 there were 565 members including 12
Canadians, one in Mexico, four in New Zealand, two in south
Africa, and one in Norway. Michael Lamm, then a free-lance auto
writer contacted the Club seeking choice cars for testing. Member
Clarence Murphy provided the initial WPC decals to be sold ($1) to
provide funds for trophies and prizes at the first National Meet
to be held in conjunction with Harrah's at Reno, NV (August 7-9
1970). Bruce Osborne made room arrangements for that first
national meet. Membership passed the 800 mark by April 1970. WPC
Club Western Region members were privileged to see and hear Doug
O'Connell's magnificent 1931 Custom Imperial LeBaron Roadster - a
creation much publicized via magazines and calendars.
Monthly Publication Established.
The newly constituted Board of Directors, in turn, approved the
publishing of a magazine for members to be prepared and mailed
monthly. Thus, the WPC NEWS came into being. The rationale was
that members would volunteer news, personal ads, and articles for
inclusion.
Dues Kept Relatively Modest. International interest potential was
recognized in the initial two-tier annual dues of five dollars for
domestic delivery of 12 issues plus an additional dollar for
members in other than USA countries. Inflation, of course, has
eroded the dollar, requiring dues increases periodically. Then
and now membership represents outstanding value. As pioneers,
those early WPC Club individuals began a significant engagement
with automotive history. They chose well. Chrysler had stirred
the industry via product improvements that meant accelerating
vehicular progress and contributing to a standard of living
unparalleled in history.
Enthusiastic Volunteers All: Initial WPC Club Leadership
In support of President Frey, as the first mailing of WPC NEWS
(featuring a 1924 Chrysler Touring) went out, were Bruce Osborne,
Vice-President; Howard DeSart, Secretary; Jim Crittenden,
Treasurer; Ed Williams, Member-at-Large. Notably, there was now
an active and growing "national" club initially featuring both an
Eastern (the late Paul Stern, serving as Chairman) and a Western
Region (Will Horne, President).
William L. "Bill"
Adams Elected
Second President in 1974
The July 1974 WPC NEWS announced William L. "Bill" Adams as
President and introduced Sherwood Kahlenberg (SK) as
Vice-President. Founder NF continued as a Director along with
Gail Ross and Tony Robello. Howard DeSart was
Secretary/Treasurer. Douglas F. Jones served as WPC NEWS Editor.
Impressively, 32 Technical Advisors were named including Don Narus
(Town & Country specialist). Expansion continued with more than
2,303 Members. President Adams praised the founding work of NF in
his Message. He urged return of the "wants, needs, and desires"
questionnaire sent to the membership for early use of the input by
the Board.
Sherwood
Kahlenberg
Elected Third President in 1975
SK became President, beginning a 12-year incumbency, as successor
to Mr. Adams, who assumed duties as Vice President. Tony Robello
took up Treasurer functions. Founding President NF continued
service as Regional Director/Coordinator and Paul Stern was
Technical Director. Galen Brandt was Club Store Director. Robert
Young functioned as Editor, WPC NEWS. Annual dues were $6.00
($7.00 outside the USA). Messrs. Stern and Brandt of Pennsylvania
were new Directors, demonstrating the growing reach of the Club.
In November 1975 Bob Schwartz, President of the Rocky Mountain
Region, Denver, Colorado was elected to replace retiring Member
Robello. Regions were expanding rapidly with 13 listed and
another seven in the planning stage. By May 1976, David Konick
was listed as Secretary and there was an Editorial Committee (EC)
composed of Nick Dezmura, Milt Dorsey, Robert Locke, Laura
McKinstry and Stan Opatowsky. In August 1976, K. C. Eberhard
replaced Member McKinstry. August 1977 saw the first issue
without Norman Frey's name appearing among the leadership list.
Ross MacLean now joined the EC. May 1978 saw membership reach
3,805 and Kevin McCabe listed as a new Director. Bill Stoeckel
joined CE ranks. August 1978 listed Bob Schwartz in the combined
post of Secretary-Treasurer and Arnold Yochelson (AY) became a
Director. January 1979 saw AY assuming duties as Secretary and
Regional Coordinator. March saw the CE group joined by Monte
McElroy. Robert Woodford (RW) took on the position of Treasurer.
In 1979, with membership at about 3,500, a cloud appeared as
quoted in 40th Anniversary issue of Silver Dome
Gazette - In 1979 there was a dispute between the San Francisco
Bay Region officers and the national officers who were located in
Southern California at that time and in November of that year, the
San Francisco Bay Region was expelled from the WPC Club. CCPC
history records that about 200 technical books was transferred to
the new headquarters in southern California. As 1980 opened, the
leadership consisted of SK, President, K.C. Eberhard, VP, A.
Yochelson, Secretary, K. McCabe, Treasurer, R. Woodford, and
Technical Director Paul Stern. By July 1980, AY became Director
of Publicity, RW became Secretary/Treasurer and Co-Region
Director. K. McCabe became Co-Region Director. In 1981 Milt
Dorsey (MD) became a Director and Robert G. Dudley (RD) became
Treasurer. RW was no longer listed on the Board as of April
1982. Jack Boyle joined the Board in May 1982 and by September
was listed as Technical Director while RD was
Secretary-Treasurer. As 1983 opened, MD became Treasurer and
George Von Gaertner, Secretary. K.C. Eberhard stepped down as
VP. Thomas Brown was listed as Director by October 1983.
Educator Joseph Bemer joined the Board and contributed an article
on the 1950 Chrysler and future President Dr. Kendall began
service as a Director (July, 1985). Richard Bowman, another
future President, joined the Board in November 1985 replacing the
resigned Tom Brown. SK announced his resignation from office
effective on 5 July 1987 after 12 years, three months and 25
days. SK cited the pivotal return of Chrysler Corporation to
positive comment in the Wall Street Journal, 10 July 1981
as a yield of the Club's Meet in Detroit. SK concluded his
1975-87 tenure with the 26-page publication of the Chrysler
Corporation's long-lead press review staged during 16-18 June 1987
(WPC NEWS, October 1987). Unfortunately, this yearly feature
could not be continued after eight years of publication thus
depriving the Club body of the Chrysler Corporation's official
briefing presented annually.
Dr. Ralph T.
Kendall, MD
Elected Fourth President in 1987
Dr. Ralph T. Kendall, MD (CO) stepped up to the WPC Club
presidency in July 1987 as announced in the October 1987 WPC
NEWS. A new club address appeared therein (and since) as PO Box
3504, Kalamazoo, MI 49003. Secretary was now Joseph Bemer (MI),
Treasurer-Editor Richard Bowman (MI) [RB] and Directors, Nick
Dezmura, Jane Kendall, and future President Chuck Jensen. 1987
concluded with a feature article by RB entitled "Let Yourself Go Plymouth". A year into office, Dr. Kendall issued a July 1988
official request for Club property, including archival records, to
be turned over to the Board. Response was incomplete.
Concurrently, he welcomed soon to be Vice President Joyce E. Yazejian to the Board to replace Nick Dezmura, stepping down after
eight years service. In May 1989, Treasurer and WPC NEWS Editor
Richard Bowman reported the membership at approximately 5,000 in
23 countries (13 percent were outside the USA). As of May 1989
about 10,500 vehicles were represented - the earliest a 1910
Maxwell. Provisions for photography at a $10 fee/each further
improved the Swap Meet feature of WPC NEWS. Future Web Master Ian
Smale submitted an excellent article on his 1960 Dodge, published
in the June 1989 issue. Of special note was the joint article by
Warren Erb and Diran Yazejian concerning the 1938 Imperial C19.
By July 1989 a total of 23 regions were listed. Richard Bowman
produced a detailed article about the construction of the fabulous
1946-1948 Town & Country beauties. By February 1990 a clear win
was announced as the club's new computer system came to full
flower over the prior recalcitrant machine. Back issues became
popular at $3.00 each. December 1989 saw a delightful Norman
Rockwell painting reproduced in full color as the back cover of
WPC NEWS.
Chuck Jensen
Takes Helm in 1991
WPC Club's Fifth President
As
world-experienced Chuck Jensen (IL) [CJ] took on duties as
President the Board of Directors consisted of: Vice President,
Jane Kendall (CO); Secretary, Joseph Bemer (MI); Treasurer-Editor,
Richard Bowman (MI); Directors, Joyce E. Yazejian, (MI) (Club
Store management); and Ralph Meilander (OH). Mr. Jensen was
appointed to replace retiring Dr. Kendall, who served most
effectively. President Jensen was quick to praise Ralph's service
and credit Chairman Gerry Gates and his committee for excellent
staging of the Seattle 175-car meet. Among many favorable inputs
to CJ, 20 -year Member Dayle Woods (NE), remarking on his first
National Meet participation, wondered where he had been the past
twenty years! His 1928 Dodge Victory Six won the Lindy Willis
Award for a Dodge Brothers vehicle.
Mr. Jensen at Final Iaccoca Shareowners' Meeting.
Illustrating the maturity and reach of the WPC Club, CJ reported
his attendance at the 16 May 1991 Chrysler Shareowners meeting at
the Belvedere plant presided over by Chrysler Chairman Lee Iacocca.
CJ and Lois drove their 1990 Chrysler LeBaron sedan to and from
Seattle and posted interesting numbers: 5,253 USA Statute miles;
172.9 USA gallons of gasoline at an average $1.30, total $225.01;
30.4 MPG overall at cruise of 65 MPH or as posted - packed with the
1991 trophies! Warren Erb's article explained the air
conditioning system WPC designed for his new building in New York
City and described what was known about a system for Chrysler
vehicles (May 1992). Jane Kendall retired from Board service and
Don Piscitelli replaced her in accordance with the WPC Club by-law
procedures (announced in the September 1992 issue). In retiring
from the Board in July 1993 CJ especially praised former President
Dr. Kendall for his ongoing support.
Generous Contribution Appreciated. CJ made arrangements to
have the Chrysler-linked portion of his major literature
collection presented to the WPC Club. The extensive materials,
totaling some 22,000 pieces now form part of the WPC Club
library. Surely a most generous gift and marvelous personal
legacy by Mr. Jensen as 2007 got underway.
Richard Bowman
Elected Sixth President in 1993
After serving the WPC Club family for several years as Treasurer,
then and still Editor, RB took the President's Chair in July 1993
at the 24th Annual WPC Club National Meet held in
Cleveland, OH as announced in WPC NEWS for August - along with a
feature article by RB covering the 1938 Plymouth. As of December
1993 the Board included President/Editor, RB; Ralph Meilander,
Vice President; Joseph Bemer, Secretary/Treasurer; Directors,
Joyce E Yazejian (also Club Store), Don Piscitelli, and Ken Angyal.
By December 1995, Ken Angyal had moved to Vice President-Regions.
During 1996, Don Piscitelli became Vice President while John Lloyd
(CA) became a Director. Barbara Meilander took over the Club
Store and Ralph Meilander continued service as a Director. For
1997, Ralph Meilander became Secretary; Joseph Bemer, Treasurer;
Ian Smale was WPC Club Website Editor. In 1998 the team rolled
forward without change. During 1999 Robert McClure (PA) became a
Director, replacing John Lloyd. For 2000, John Sarkisian (TX)
became Secretary. During 2001, Robert McClure became Vice
President-Regions while Ken Angyal took duty as Treasurer and
Sandy Hummer was elected a Director. The Board held through 2002
and 2003 without change. In 2004, the Board shifted Ken Angyal
back to Vice President-Regions; Robert McClure became Secretary;
William Shannon, Treasurer; Einar Olsen, Director European
Membership. 2004 was brightened as the WPC NEWS began to make use
of color on a sustained basis. Board positions continued
throughout 2005 and 2006. In 2007, RB celebrated a record 14
years in the lead spot at the near Chicago, Illinois meet.
Following the 2006 37th National Meet in Williamsburg,
Virginia, the WPC Club Board of Directors shaped as follows:
Richard Bowman (MI), President; Don Piscitelli (NJ), Vice
President; Ken Angyal (TX), Vice President-Regions; Secretary,
Robert McClure (PA); Treasurer, Barbara Meilander (OH); Directors,
Sandy Hummer (NJ). Greg Biskey (MN), Paul Niles (IN), Wayne
Simonson (MI); and European Membership, Einar Olsen (Norway).
Each of the six Presidents, Boards and other contributors
experienced the sheer workload of a large volunteer organization.
WPC Club Member
Ian Smale
Grows Vigorous Web Site
Canadian Ian Smale
joined the WPC Club in September 1978 and was already four years
into partnership with a stunning 1960 Dodge Polara Four-Door
Hardtop Sedan. Attending his first WPC National Meet saw the
Dodge taking Third Place in Class. By 1981, Ian became a Founder
of the present active and robust Vancouver Island Region.
President Bowman announced that Vancouver Island Region had "taken
the plunge" onto the Information Highway thanks to Ian's
leadership (March 1997). RB expressed hope that the entire Club
would soon be able to cruise electronically. As a step in that
direction, RB announced that E-mail addresses would be added to
the next roster. The RB President's Message of July 1997 happily
announced the birth of the WPC CLUB INTERNET SITE, concurrently
crediting Mr. Smale, whose dedicated hard work was well and truly
done. Nearly a full ten years later the Club has its own Domain
thanks to Ian and the support of Mr. Bowman and the Board of
Directors. Included are National Meet photos, a member photos
section, listing of back WPC NEWS issues, the Club Store, Regional
Events site, a secure area as host to the Club Roster (including a
download option via member password), and a secure service to join
or renew membership via credit card. Ian updates the site at
least once a month with the President's Message and a photo of the
latest WPC NEWS cover. An on-line discussion forum for WPC Club
Members is hosted by the AACA through Member Peter Gariepy - thus
providing opportunity to ask technical questions, seek parts and
related automotive matters.
Hummers'
Hershey Outreach Mission
Over the years
since the 1970s current National Director Sandy and teammate Woody
Hummer have traveled to Hershey, PA each October. Among other
activities (including Chrysler Carlisle and the show at Macungie,
PA) they set up and operate a booth on the Chocolate Field, Row O,
Spaces 40-50. Pavement has replaced the infamous mud of former
years. The event is the Antique Auto Club of America Eastern Fall
Meet and is attended by thousands of enthusiasts from literally
across the world. Representation there dates to early club
efforts leading eventually to the 1969 WPC Club formation and
included the late George Michl and wife Rose Michl, Paul Stern,
and others. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has been the scene
of many events since establishment as a colony by authority of
King Charles II in 1682. Both the American Declaration of
Independence and USA Constitution were "penned" in Philadelphia
and Gettysburg (also the Eisenhower only family home) saw the key
three-day battle of the 1861-1865 conflict. Thus many folks find
their way to the WPC Club Banner and the friendly welcome there
has yielded many new and renewed memberships.
The Principal Core
Publication:
WPC NEWS Created Each Month
The principal instrument serving the members is the WPC NEWS
publication mailed monthly. Through 2007, and a total of 473
issues, WPC NEWS has grown into an important body of work.
Indeed, when author Vincent Curcio prepared his excellent 700+
page Chrysler, The Life and Times of an Automotive Genius
(Oxford University Press, 2000) he made use of various WPC Club
members and source materials. Mr. Chrysler had collaborated with
Boyden Sparkes, yielding the 203-page autobiographical Life of
an American Workman in 1937. WPC's children Walter Jr., Jack,
Thelma, and Bernice added a moving 15-page postscript that was
added to a 1950 reprint (Dodd, Mead & Co.).
Large Format Arrives. The move to the larger 81/2 x 11-inch format
(April 1975) provided opportunity for additional coverage.
Continued was the traditional "President's Message" page
containing commentary, announcements and items of club interest.
Member Stanley Opatowsky's research and writing ably graced that
issue with his "A Primer On The First Post-World War II
Chryslers".
Selling, Buying,
Bartering, Seeking Help. A popular section of WPC NEWS
provides significant communication opportunity to members. Named
variously at different times ranging from generic functional
components including -for sale and wanted then as WPC
Swap-Mart, Classified Ads, and for many years to the present WPC
SWAP MEET. Up to 50 words per ad category per month is available
without extra cost. Ad Policy rules have been developed and are
stated in each issue. The feature has proven beneficial in a
whole host of Chrysler product buying, selling, searching,
restoration actions. Volume I, Issue I contained nine for sale
and ten wanted ads to launch the feature in 1969. Ads were placed
from places far away from California - including South Carolina,
Alabama, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Michigan,
Mississippi, Indiana, Montana, and Washington. Clearly, no one
could claim that the Founders hid their light at a time now nearly
four decades past! Ad usefulness has continued ever since and
the November 2006 issue contains a full eight pages of sale,
wanted, leads, services needed, help needed, services offered,
information wanted, literature and automobilia wanted.
Feature Articles Enable Substantial Depth. Especially
coveted by many members, these volunteer treatments serve to
probe. Moreover, the literature body builds month-by-month and
taken in total provides a rich access collection available nowhere
else. One article reached back to 1955 to relate the adventure of
a 23-year old in driving a well-worn 1941 Plymouth throughout
Europe over the course of 56 days while covering 8,010 USA miles
(WPC NEWS, January 2001). Each WPC Club President has asked
the Membership to volunteer at least one article on his or her
favorite vehicle.
First WPC NEWS Color Cover. September 1977 marked the
first color WPC NEWS cover--displaying the famous Chrysler Turbine
Car and was the seventh consecutive month of 32 pages per issue.
February 1978 saw a full 40 page printing--another record. There
was a listing of Contributing Editors (CE) including Dwight Cervin
(CA), Edward Fogelmark (Sweden), Charles Gayman (CA), John Lee
(NE), Kevin McCabe (Ontario, Canada), and John McCall (GA) as
additions to the former EC members. 1978's Election Committee
Chairmen were named as Doug Cederberg (WA) and Don Puvogel (WA).
By March 1978 Jim Benjamin (ND), Dave Godfrey (UT), Jeffrey
Godshall (MI) and SK were added to the CE group.
WPC's 1932 Sedan Limousine Featured. April 1978's issue
featured another color cover - this time of WPC's custom-built 1932
CL Close-Couple Sedan (referred to officially as a "Special Built
Sedan Limousine 7803384, Model CL") supported by SK's article
stemming from visits to Chrysler headquarters in 1973 and 1977.
Once owned by Mr. Doug O'Connell (suggestor of the initials WPC
for the club's name) the car was politely asked to be returned to
the Chrysler family - when son Jack Chrysler passed away the car was
presented to the Henry Ford Museum).
Brownlie Imperial Rendering. April's cover presented the
beautiful 1957 Imperial color proposal rendering by high-talent
Bill Brownlie. May 1979 found John Robertson joining the CE group
and an action piece by Diran Yazejian telling of his family
preparation of a sparkling 1941 Dodge Business Coupe including
travel to and from Manassas, VA Meet adventures. Harry and
Virginia DeMenge presented their 1931 Chrysler CD-8 Second Series
Roadster at Albuquerque in 1979, earning People's Choice plus the
Chrysler Corporation Trophy. Mike Petersen joined CE ranks in
November 1979.
Four-Panel Color Foldout. Members opening the June 1980
"Special Collector Edition" issue were greeted by a stunning
four-panel color foldout of the rendering that served as a basis
for the 1974-75 Imperials. Also in color was a photo of the new
1981 Imperial plus a fascinating re-print presentation on the
creation of Chrysler Corporation by A.B. "Tobe" Couture.
Appearing before the 1969 Airflow Club National Meeting were major
Chrysler players Carl Breer, Tobe, and A.G. Herreshoff (submitted
by Hardy Trolander).
Eighty-Page Roster Prepared. As 1979 closed, the WPC CLUB
NEWS mentioned concern for the firm's business while noting ten
years of club progress via an 80-page Roster issue. 1980 opened
strongly with the presentation of Part I of CE Pete Costisick (IN)
two-parter covering the 1967-69 Barracudas. Included for January
was a clear presentation of the challenges facing the auto
industry including the Iran crisis of the day.
Feature Article Index. The WPC NEWS September issue
currently and for some years back contains a useful summary Index
of Feature Articles including respective Volume and Issue
references. Listed also as space permits are most National Meets,
all Winter Photo Meets, various special topic articles and
available "Wing News" issue volume numbers.
Technical Contributions. Member input adding specific
ideas/actions to improve the vehicles is vital. As an example,
late Member Jack Fallon (NM), a Mechanical Engineer and Nuclear
Weapons Site Designer, shared tips regarding body mounts, rocker
panel protection, sway bar bushings, idler sheave life extension
and wire wheel theft protection in the February 1979 issue.
Member Mike Petersen contributed a number of ideas from his
experience with his 1955 Dodge plus an excellent recounting of
long distance travel from north to Deep South and return.
Winter Photo Meet Designed. An important and enduring
innovation was conceived in 1979/1980, in the form of a Winter
Photo Meet and using the WPC NEWS to get the word out to the
Members. Here was solid opportunity for Members to think, write,
and photograph their special car or truck - and subsequently having
the effort published as a permanent record adding to the pleasure
of all readers. While nearly everyone loves photos, the essays
supporting entries can contribute to interesting reading.
International Winter Photo Meet Feature. March 1980 was
exciting as the first International Winter Photo Meet presentation
appeared. Quickly noted by other clubs this new event increased
membership participation opportunity even while conserving fuel.
The CW Airflow that began life as the official limousine of
Philippines' President Manuel L. Quezon earned Best of Show honors
as set out in the April 1980 issue. The feature continues to
offer participatory opportunity for all members. Clever cover
composition in full color has brightened the Annual Photo Meet
issue since 2004. Several Golden Quill Awards have recognized the
magazine's positive progress.
Layout, Setup, Printing, Envelopes, Mailing. For some
twenty years, since club headquarters moved to Michigan, WPC NEWS
has been printed by Toothman Printing, owned by Bob and Peggy
Toothman. Sue Hagesma does the setup - always carefully done. Over
the years, a series of Toothman employees assigned to the tasks
have performed admirably. Assuredly, the modern computer helps
mightily, particularly since RB still creates the entire
complicated Swap Meet portion as well as much of the text.
WPC Club
Regional Subsets
A host of bonus opportunities are realized by those locales
organized as subsets of the WPC Club. As 2006 closed, 27
Regions/Presidents were listed in WPC NEWS: Garden State, Chip
Loree; Antique Chrysler Club of Long Island, George Knopp; Liberty
Bell, Lowell Hawk; Carolina Chrysler Club, Cheryl Marsh; Tennessee
Valley, Steve Crumley; North Coast, Eric Poti; Great Lakes, David
Radcliff; Iowa, Lee Exline; Wisconsin, Jim Landrum; 10,000 Lakes,
Gary Yazell; Northern Illinois, Guy Morice; Greater Omaha, Tom La
Hood; Houston, Gary P. Hamel; Texas, Bill Roberson; Rocky
Mountain, Chris Mickle; New Mexico, William B. Fisher; San
Fernando, Aaron Kahlenberg; San Diego, Eric Kelly; Inland Empire,
Rusty Tillitson; Orange County; Pacific Wonderland, Tom Fox;
Columbia River, Ramon Cooper; Puget Sound, Jon Carson; Vancouver
Island (Canada), Paul Mitchell; Sweden, Bo Bengtsson; Nation's
Capitol, Chris Hernson; Southwestern Pennsylvania, Robert
McClure. The Regions are encouraged to make full use of the WPC
NEWS by sending in their respective events announcements and
summaries thereof. Several regions are making use of e-mail as
technology grows. Several Regions are celebrating major
anniversaries - a further opportunity to add member--as did the
Great Lakes Region recently when 37 new enthusiasts joined from
one event.
Those
Superlative WPC Club Annual National/International Meets
Magnificent Learning Opportunities. Annual National Meets
are an important part of WPC Club offerings and have been very
successful with excellent vehicle diversity and sufficient numbers
to make for a busy show and judging day. Enthusiasts bring their
children and relatives to the superb WPC Club Annual National
Meets held in various places in the USA and, thus far, a very
special gathering in gorgeous Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
These events, of course, require significant early planning, done
usually well ahead of the exciting weeklong event. The members
attending serve as judges with results tabulated for announcement
of winners during the Saturday evening banquet.
Major Team Work Required. Carrying out a major meet
involves intensive work by a Region's members - with the WPC Club
Board in an oversight and supportive role. Each Meet has its own
flavor, culture, and high points. Among the plethora, 1981
Detroit's gathering at Corporate Headquarters was a dramatic
happening - in that Chrysler was just then working its way back
under the driving Lee Iaccoca. Diran and Joyce Yazejian led the
on-scene preparation over more than a year's time. A sharp memory
is of the warm greetings by Chrysler employees as tours were
conducted - no Public Relations staff could have exceeded the
genuineness evident throughout. The superb Meet Booklet became a
collector item for detail, art, layout, and explanations. Meet
content included the voice of WPC himself, Chelsea Proving Grounds
tour (an Abrams Main Battle Tank roared past the tour bus), George
Stecher speaking on the fabulous Turbine Car, Tours of Highland
Park, Meadow Brook Hall, Jefferson Car Assembly (from antecedent
1907 Thomas-Detroit, and greatly modernized, to "K" cars), into
Canada for the Champion Spark Plug Plant and historic Fort
Malden. Chrysler even provided an engine display set up in the
Troy Hilton that drew much Member interest whether 1924, 1928,
1933, 1951 designs or the seventh generation turbine plus Slant
Six and K-Car Fours.
Parking Lot Floating Conversations. Each year many Members
gather informally, singly and in clusters to examine the various
cars and trucks as they appear. Each Meet has vehicles brought in
that one may never see at any other place than the special days
unfolding. Some vehicles are trailered in - triggering interest as
they are cautiously de-trailered and lined up. Others, such as
Member Lowell Stahlman's smooth running 1939 Plymouth Two-Door
Sedan, are proudly driven whatever distance is required.
Show Day Protocols. Very early for many, the Great Day
begins at or near the Headquarters Hotel. At the crack of light
or just before, enthusiasts appear in growing numbers - checking
their vehicles, removing covers, doing final cleaning, polishing,
dusting, and performing inspections. Depending on Show Field
location, vehicles begin the "parade" process and on arrival
receive Registration and voting materials plus a pause for
photographs and then murmur on into respective class position with
the help of volunteer Members. Out come various chairs, coolers,
and other comfort items to clear the vehicles for show. The
required fire extinguisher in each vehicle must be visible.
Perhaps a 1956 New Yorker will be emanating soft music from its
chic record player of that year. Some hoods are raised for
inspection. Others are kept closed and no one gets uptight about
that - however much hood closure may affect Member voting choices.
Indeed, the traditional Member voting surely has worked very well
for decades now. Awards seem overwhelmingly given to the correct
entrant--on balance. WPCers recognize merit beyond vehicle color
and body type. One example to illustrate--the WPC Best of Show
1949 Chrysler Royal Highlander was owned and driven to Lake Tahoe
(1978) from Bartlesville, Oklahoma by tall James Bole. His only
concession to blistering July desert heat was to do most driving
during "cooler" hours each day. This was Jim's first show and he
was clearly taken aback - momentarily - when his name was called!
Long Distance Recognition. Participants often tour
extensively before and after Meet Week. Member LaRue Plotts of
Pennsylvania enjoyed long-distance fun in his superb three-toned
1956 Chrysler New Yorker St. Regis two-door hardtop - and at least
once - made a North American loop extending even to Mexico City and
return, thus earning that year's Long Distance Award via a total
run of some 13,000 miles! Dick Romm tooled his 1951 New Yorker
across the country at a mile per minute, subsequently contributing
an excellent narrative for the WPC NEWS.
Planned Driving and Bus Tours. In addition to a fine
display of gorgeous vehicles, participants enjoy specially
contrived tours of the area, frequently to places of interest well
beyond even eager non-WPC Club tourers. The social aspects are
intense as old friendships are renewed and new links fashioned.
Moreover, memorable happenings occur such as a stalled tour bus
rolling backward on Chelsea Proving Grounds' 15 percent grade.
Also at the CPG, members got to experience the famous Gas Turbine
Car including a demonstration of its flashing performance.
Standing next to David Huckin's glorious Imperial Dual Cowl
Phaeton while feet away, idling at 20,000 RPM, the GT car surely
thrilled your writer! What a hobby!
Canada Privilege. Traveling to lovely Victoria, B.C.
provided Members with the experience of a large ferry ride over
adjacent waters and into the flower-bedecked city. Held in July
due to school and vacation parameters, Meet Weeks over the years
have seen varied weather offerings. Thus Galveston, Texas is
quite different than Rutland, Vermont.
Enduring the Hard Luck Award! To be sure, there is
provision for Hard Luck awards, thankfully usually "welcomed" in
balanced fashion by the recipient victim. The positive support
received by your writer at Colorado Springs in 1986 (1962 Imperial
repels Toyota attack) is not forgotten, including the quick
reaction by those who located the port side Imperial Script
assembly presented at the Banquet by President Kahlenberg (amidst
a background panorama of periodic crashes of thunder, apparently
triggered by SK's announced personal inspection of the show
field - a great collegial evening).
Learning About Distant Places. Members attending the
Annual National Meets experience varied adventures as well as
educational opportunity. Locations include Hershey, PA
(1969)--Eastern; Sebastopol, CA (1969) Western; First National
Meet, Wooster High School, Reno, Nevada (1970); Second National
with Harrah's Swap Meet, Reno, Nevada (1971); Reno, Nevada (1972);
Santa Barbara, CA (1973); Portland, Oregon (1974); Detroit, MI
(1975); Denver, CO (1976); LakeTahoe, NV (1977); Manassas, VA
(1978); Albuquerque, NM (1979); Seattle, WA (1980) - the year Mt.
St. Helen's exploded and a special Meet Registry signed by the
participants was accepted by Mr. Iaccoca for the Chrysler
Archives; Detroit, MI (1981); Chicago, IL (1982); Lake Tahoe, CA
(1983); Elmira, NY (1984), Lauren Campbell; Detroit, MI (1985);
Colorado Springs, CO (1986) - Al Kruger swings into effective action
to control an accident scene thereby earning recognition as "Kojak";
Burbank, CA (1987); Plymouth, MA (1988, ) - standing at the foot of
Mayflower-linked graves was a moving experience; Kalamazoo, MI
(1989, Richard Bowman); Kalamazoo, MI (1990, Richard Bowman);
Seattle, WA (1991, Gerry Gates); Chicago, IL (1992, Guy Morice),
Ray Zuend (IL) took Best of Show Imperial with his silent running
1929 rolling masterpiece -note that Norrkoping, Sweden was the site
of the Sweden Region 10th anniversary and attended by
Wayne Maddox); Cleveland, OH (1993, Barbara Meilander and Kathy
Fern); Galveston, TX (1994, Konrad Clegg and team) -here a
beautiful antique radio was raffled by the host Region and won by
Nancy Martin, requiring a larger rental car and cancellation of
air travel in order to get the rare radio safely to Phoenix;
Victoria, BC, Canada - first Meet outside the USA (1995, Rita
Green); Detroit/Auburn Hills, MI (1996, Diran Yazejian and Pat
Opipari) - the largest Meet ever plus tours of the new complex;
Rutland, VT (1997, Jim Blakeman, Dwight and Mary Porter);
Portland, OR (1998, Tom Fox); Akron, OH (1999, Tom and Vicki Nicol);
Kalamazoo, MI (2000, Richard Bowman and Kevin Swarms -- Member
Lawrence "Larry" DePaolis of Freedom, Pennsylvania had brake parts
shipped in to repair Lowell Stahlman's 1939 Plymouth, Ian and Vera
Garbutt traveled from England); Parsippany, NJ (2001 prior to
9/11, Don Piscitelli- the Garbutts traveled from England again);
Wisconsin Dells, WI (2002, led by Al "Kojak" Kruger and wife
Mary); Minneapolis, MN (2003, Mickey Williams, Jim York, Jim
Schewe); Omaha, NE (2004, Ron and Ann Glowen); Burbank, CA (2005,
Aaron Kahlenberg, SkillsUSA of JFK High School) and Williamsburg,
VA (2006, Richard Bowman and the entire Board plus the Yazejians,
Glowens and others).
WPC NEWS Annual Meet Issue. For the benefit of all, WPC
NEWS follows up the Meet excitement with a comprehensive
discussion and all-important photo display in a subsequent issue.
Extensive use of color since 2004 has further increased reading
pleasure. The fact of dozens of WPC Club vehicles arriving for
the Meet stirs positive interest wherever situated. Cameras and
video camcorders appear and go into action. Conversations develop
as former contacts are renewed and new ones made amidst gleaming
metal, wood, and glass wrappers.
Mount St. Helens No Damper. Despite Mt. St. Helens' event
the 1980 Seattle Meet was beautifully staged and displayed the
entrants on multi-level terrain in a gorgeous setting. LaRue
Plotts capped 41,000 miles of traveling to WPC Club meets by a
5,000-mile tour in his 1956 New Yorker with the return trip to
Pennsylvania remaining. The DeMenge team took both Best of Show
and Chrysler Corporation Trophy honors with their honeymoon car, a
1941 Plymouth convertible.
WPC Club Store Mail Order Ready. The active WPC Club Store
has a long history of service to the club and is currently in the
able hands of Member Jane McClure in Murray, PA. Offered for sale
to Members are a variety of excellent quality shirts, hats,
patches, and other items. The Store's Display at the Annual Meet
is well received and patronized.
WPC Club Awards
Always Welcomed
Recognition by knowing peers are important happenings as a yield
of participation in shows staged by the WPC Club and its several
regions. The number of classes established for each contest
depends, of course, on the number and types of vehicles entered.
For Example. While driving to the 2005 Burbank Meet Member
Jack Kinsey met and overcame Hard Luck more than seven hundred
miles north when his modern vehicle gave up. Undaunted, Mr.
Kinsey shifted to his show entry, a gorgeous 1934 Dodge DR coupe,
and drove on in - yielding Class 3 First Place plus the Hard Luck
Award. The 2006 Williamsburg event saw 33 Classes established
with first, second, and third place winning potential. For
example, Class 1, First Place went to the 1924 Chrysler B entered
by Bob and Jane McClure. Class 33 First Place was a 2006 Jeep
Commander by Guy and Carol Morice. Best of Show honors went to
Peggy Van Bibber, Plymouth, 1960 Valiant V200; Chris Herndon,
Dodge, 1966 Charger; DeSoto, Thomas Jones, Jr., 1948 Deluxe Club
Coupe; Chrysler, Morris Sarnoff (veteran member of the pre-WPC
Club), 1950 Town & Country; Imperial, 1956 Southampton Coupe, Bob
Porter. People's Choice went to the former Shah of Iran Imperial,
a 1965 Ghia Limousine brought by Chip and Karen Loree.
President's Cup went to Jim Buffington, 1977 Chrysler New Yorker
Brougham. Best of Show Chrysler Cup Winner merited the
WPC Club's October 2006 color cover for Ed and Terri Huston's
resplendent 1910 Maxwell Model G. Special awards included the
Chuck and Lois Jensen recognition of 1946-early series 1949 P15
Plymouths (activated when P15 Plymouths are shown); the Costantino
Award, Chuck and MaryAnn Rouse, 1955 Dodge Coronet; the George
Michl Memorial Award, Branson Cheek, 1924 Chrysler B. The Board
of Directors named Ron and Ann Glowen winners of The Dr. David
George Briant Award for the "best spirit" of the Meet in
recognition of their photos and clerical support actions. In 2002
Member Kevin Swarms won this award for his important contributions
to seven meet attendees having assorted mechanical and electrical
challenges requiring many hours of intense under hood focus in
vigorous Wisconsin heat and humidity. Kevin collapsed from heat
exhaustion and was hospitalized for treatment. Not recovered
sufficiently to attend the Banquet, Kevin was visited as he
reclined in bed, and accepted the Award delivered by Dr. Briant
and President Bowman.
Noted Important
Enrichments
Happily, Chrysler and Chrysler-linked folks
- current and
retired - continue to contribute to the WPC Club. In addition to
enabling officials" making it possible to visit Michigan, Ohio,
California and other factory and related locations are a number of
retirees or close associates.
Ross Roy at 1979 Albuquerque WPC National Meet. The writer
recalls a conversation at the 1979 Albuquerque Meet with Mr. Ross
Roy while reclining against a grassy slope. In about an hour Mr.
Roy traced his career from the early Dodge Brothers car forward
through his company producing Ross Roy Data Books. The essence
was the need to communicate Dodge Brothers' merits to busy
potential buyers who had already become accustomed to Ford's Model
T. Early Fact Sheets placed with farmers helped Mr. Roy get the
message out that Dodge represented a quantum leap beyond Ford.
Two Ross Roy Data books - covering the 1942 Chrysler and the 1966
Chrysler and Imperial models--are the writer's treasured source
companions.
Jay Leno Has Choice Chrysler Product Examples. The tour of
Collector and WPC Club Member Jay Leno's buildings (2005 Burbank
Meet) was remarkably interesting and a rare privilege. A 1956
Imperial Southampton Two-Door Coupe with factory air conditioning
gleamed amongst other gorgeous vehicles. Operating steam and
electric cars added to the interest. Mr. Leno had earlier
autographed the writer's WPC NEWS (Sept 1997) article.
Executive and Expert Wheelman Burton H. Bouwkamp (BHB) has
shared his 38-year experience at Chrysler that began with the
famed Chrysler Institute and an initial assignment (Resident
Engineer-DeSoto Warren Plant) involving the 1952 DeSoto HEMI
introduction. BHB has kindly responded quickly and effectively to
information requests, tapping into his background in France,
Spain, England, Cuba, and Japan (including Mitsubishi Board
service). Moreover, he shared insights such as contributions to
the firm's A/C challenges in the 1957 line (especially focused
during his early-Castro visit to Cuba!).
WPC Lured Top Talent. Raymond Dietrich's styling talents
came to the attention of WPC himself in 1932 and their
relationship lasted until Mr. Chrysler's passing in 1940. Mr.
Dietrich kindly responded and presented personally at the 1979
Albuquerque Meet.
Professional Proof Positive. Bobby Jack Ludwig, Chrysler's
long-time (now retired) Chelsea Proving Grounds Manager, shared
the "magic" of the work done to literally prove vehicles and all
manner of assemblies, components, finishes, and special
assignments. In addition to hosting WPC Club visits/tours BJL
provided major input for the article about the facility and its
operations (WPC NEWS, September 2005). BJL's tenure experienced
many journalists including the pioneering USA tester
"Uncle" Tom McCahill, long-time writer for Mechanix Illustrated
magazine. His many always welcomed visits to Chelsea usually
included a pair of prize hunting dogs, shotguns, and a penchant
for fast driving - highlighted by a 144-mph test track run in a
brand-new Dodge Convertible with HEMI engine and
TorqueFlite - appearance as the magazine's color front cover yielded
positive publicity for Chrysler.
Bob McAtee's Captivating Trip Narrative Series. Collector
and Member Bob McAtee teamed with master pianist Bill Lauer, to
carry out long distance runs in his 1948 New Yorker (1988), then
again in a 1959 Imperial (WPC NEWS, June 1989), and still again in
a rare 1941 Imperial Town Sedan (reported December 1991) - and
graciously prepared excellent reports that were welcomed into the
WPC NEWS. Here the sharing held the reader transfixed, as 1940s'
comforts were credited, highway conditions overcome, museums
visited, collectors contacted, a driveline imbalance corrected, a
fuel line cleared, a carburetor float tapped free, numerous
washings and other vehicle tidying done. Superb.
Member Larry DePaolis (Freedom, PA) especially contributed
to the feature article published in the February 2001 WPC NEWS
that illuminated the important 1930 Chrysler Model 66. Moreover,
while visiting the WPC Museum he took time out to obtain brake
parts needed by Lowell Stahlman's 1939 Plymouth and had them rush
shipped from PA to the Kalamazoo Meet site.
Single-Marque & Other Clubs. Among the throng will be WPC
vehicles that also are beloved by several single-marque clubs such
as TC America, a very active organization put together by grand
lady B. Karleen Tarola to ensure the well being of the unique
two-seat Chrysler TC by Maserati (her inception recruiting
successes included Airflow developer Carl Breer's family). The
history of the marque and its club was featured in a two-part
article run in WPC NEWS issues for August and September 2000.
Cooperative relationships have been a hallmark historically.
National DeSoto Club and the DeSoto Club of America plus the
Chrysler 300 Club, Inc have ads in the November 2006 issue.
Among others are: the previously noted California Chrysler
products Club (40th anniversary in 2007), The Airflow
Club, Dodge Club of Argentina, The Dodge Brothers Club, Chrysler
Restorers Club of New Zealand, Chrysler Restorers Club of
Australia, Inc., Chrysler Restorers Club of Australia (South
Australia) Inc., Chrysler Owners Club of Queensland Australia Inc.
and Okanagan Mopars, Vernon, British Columbia, Canada.
The WPC Club Inclusivity Paradigm
The flavor of the WPC Club is blessedly largely a family
oriented inclusionary culture. All marques preceding, linked,
or tied to WPC's firm are actively encouraged to participate.
Gift memberships make welcome presents to friends, business
contacts, relatives and even non-current Chrysler Product users.
WPC Club's roster of more than 13,000 vehicles drawn from
ancestral and current production marques provides a range of age
and mix potentially of interest across the membership. After all,
a vehicle brand-new today will be 25 years old a quarter-century
from now! WPC Club Founder Norman Frey's 1924 Chrysler pair will
reach 84 years young in 2008. Of course a hobby collection
that one can use actively for fun family travel gains an edge over
a host of valued collections of static type.
Dr. David George Briant
