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President's Message for July 2010
Our 50th Anniversary Extravaganza celebration is now part of our clubs history. We enjoyed a great turnout for the tour on Saturday, for the Dinner on Saturday night and for Sunday's picnic. We enjoyed favorable weather on both days. Saturday started out cloudy but cleared up in the afternoon after a very few, very light sprinkles that only succeeded spotting up the brass on a few cars. We had reports of heavy rain both north and south of out tour route. Sunday was sunny and quite warm so the air conditioning the Wagner parks pavilion was very much appreciated by all. On behalf of the Greater Milwaukee Model T Ford Club, I want to thank all of you who attended this event; who helped in the planning process; who donated items for the silent auction, raffle and door prizes; who donated food products/items for the picnic on Sunday; who bought raffle tickets; who bid on silent auction items; who drove the tour route; who participated in the car games and all of you who acted as a chairman of an individual element of the event to make sure that each element of this event happened as planned (or better than planned). There are too many people to list individually in this short article, however a detailed complete list will be included in the memory book. The preparation of the memory book is well underway. All persons who attended the 50th Anniversary Celebration will received a copy of this book. We expect the book to be published by fall. You can create your own memento of this event by having the 50th Anniversary logo applied to a shirt, jacket or other item of your choice. Please refer to the information below on how you can accomplish this. Grill Badges have been ordered. I am still accepting requests for these Badges. We expect to receive them in late August or early September. Based on the quantity we needed to order, the final cost worked out to be $30 each. On Saturday, August 21, the Dairyland Tim Lizzies will be hosting the Annual Model T Day at the Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford. Many members of that club supported our 50th celebration. It would be very appropriate of our club would provide a large number of cars at this event. Your President Bob Wirth
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President's Message for July 2010
On a "Sunny" June 13, 2010 a large group of Milwaukee Model T'ers met at Fleet Farm in Menomonee Falls to begin a long tour to Markesan. We had T's, A's and a variety of modern iron. Our sincere thanks to Dave Perrine and Gary Beaupre for organizing what turned out to be a very enlightening and interesting tour. We have had a good response to our 50th Anniversary Extravaganza on July 31 and August 1, 2010. Based on the registrations received, we are proceeding with the planning for the event. If you have not sent in your registration yet, even though registrations are closed, we will make every effort to accommodate you if your plans may include this celebration of our Club's 50th anniversary. It is very unlikely that a celebration/event of this nature will happen again for many, many more years. We are trusting that your generosity will help fund this event with your donations of items for the raffle, silent auction and door prizes. You can create your own memento of this event by having the 50th Anniversary Logo applied to a shirt, jacket or other item of your choice. Please refer to information on this issue on how you can accomplish this memento (see below). The Ford Motor Company has again invited our Model T's to attend two great days at the EAA Air Venture event on July 28 and 29, 2010 in Oshkosh. This event is very special and great fun for T owners and the EAA attendees that also enjoy our Model T's. Information on how to attend this event is in this issue (see page 8). Although we have had some response/interest in having 50th anniversary grill badges created, the response is far less than the minimum number of badgers required to place an order. The board will decide if we should proceed. Please call me if you would like to purchase a grill badge or two, help the board make an ordering decision. Your President Bob Wirth
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President's Message for June 2010
Remember to Register Registration Form for the 50th Anniversary Extravaganza by JUNE 25th!
We that toured to view Lake Geneva on May 16th, want to thank Kevin Esser for organizing a very nice tour on a very nice day (a bit windy for some of the open cars). The tour became very special for us when we met some old friends that we had not seen in more than three years, in a shop in Lake Geneva. Our 50th Anniversary Extravaganza on July 31/August 1 2010 will soon be happening. Registrations are flowing in. The deadline for receiving your registration is June 25, 2010. We certainly hope you will be joining us. We need to know who will be participating by June 25, 2010 so that we can make the appropriate reservations and order the appropriate number of items that will be part of this 50th Anniversary Extravaganza. This event will include door prizes, raffle items and a silent auction. We have contacted a variety of Model T Parts suppliers and they have offered to provide a variety of items for these activities. Various club members have already donated a wide variety of items including Model T parts, Model T memorabilia, Model T books and other items of general interest. The generous ladies of our club have already created and donated many beautifully handcrafted (quilted, knitted, sewn and needle pointed) items for the silent auction, door prizes and/or raffle. As a club member if you would like to help support this 50th Anniversary event by donating an appropriate item(s), contact me at (262) 628-2292. Any items that would be of interest to the other participants would be appreciated. We will be creating 50th Anniversary Cloisonné Grill Badges. Please review information included in this issue. You also can acquire an item(s) of clothing with the 50th Anniversary logo embroidered upon the item. Your President Bob Wirth
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President's Message for May 2010
With the help of many club members, the final detailed planning for our clubs 50th Anniversary Extravaganza is well underway. Registrations are now being received. I certainly hope that a majority of our current club members will attend this event. Invitations have been sent to many, many previous members of our club. Invitations have been sent to members of eight other Model T Clubs in Wisconsin and northern Illinois. The very low registration fee includes a colorful car banner (the same type as provided on national tours) and a goodie bag with the event logo. This bag will include (but not be limited to the following items) an event patch - one per person, a 50 year club Memory Book, useful auto related memorabilia item and many other interesting items. Also included in the registration fee will be all food and beverages at the Sunday Picnic. The event schedule includes a 50th Anniversary tour during the afternoon of Saturday, July 31 and an informal dinner Saturday evening. The family style dinner will include a hot appetizer buffet followed by steak tips with mushroom sauce, roast turkey including all the "Fixin's" and including fresh baked bread and beverages (coffee/tea/milk/juice/soda) with a heaping scoop of ice cream for dessert. The evening will also include door prizes, raffle items and a silent auction. For those of us staying overnight at the comfort suites, the hospitality will go on into the later evening. During the afternoon of Sunday August 1, at Wagner Park, the activities will include a picnic lunch with beverages, a car display, car games and the conclusion of the raffle and silent auction. We will be photographing and video taping this event. On the Saturday afternoon tour we would very much appreciate it if you would wear clothing appropriate to the Model T era. The photos and video will be much more memorable showing the participants in period dress. (Note: Alice and I have participated in several Horseless Carriage Club tours. Those club members generally tour in costumes appropriate to the year and type of car they are driving. The visual impact and "Fun Factor" is significantly enhanced by the costumes worn). We then should wear this period clothing to Saturday night's dinner. Even the car display on Sunday would be better if period clothing is worn. This event will include door prizes, raffle items and a silent auction. We have contacted a variety of Model T parts suppliers and they have offered to provide a variety of items for these activities. Various club members have already donated a wide variety of items including Model T parts, Model T memorabilia, Model T Books and other items of general interest. The generous ladies of the club have already created and donated six beautifully handcrafted (quilted, knitted and needle pointed) items for the silent auction and/or raffle. As a club member, if you would like to help support this 50th Anniversary event by donating an appropriate item or items, please contact me at (262) 628-2292. Any items that would be of interest to the participants would be appreciated. This Great 50th Anniversary Extravaganza will be greatly improved by your participation. I hope you will be able to join us for the celebration. Your President Bob Wirth
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Safety --- Dangers of moving backwards
This article recently appeared in an Arkansas newspaper. Sharon Venski, who submitted the article, recieved the article from her father. Appearently, this 1921 touring car was traveling up a hill when the engine died. The car then rolled backward down hill. We all know that the Model T's steering is difficult to control when traveling backward. The driver probably swung the steering wheel to one side and caused the car to flip.
FLIPPED LIZZIE --- Baxter County Deputy Aaron Brown looks over a 1921 Model T involved in a one-vechile roll-over accident Monday in Baxter County. Richard Graham, 25, of Florida was driving the all original 1921 Ford owned by his grandfther, Paul Graham, 65, of Lakeview, Arkansas. As the Model T was going up a hill on Baxter county road 1084, the engine died and the car rolled backward and overturned. Richard Graham and Steven Graham, 19, also of Florida, were taken by ambulance to Baxter Regional Medical Center. Paul Graham, also a passenger, was going to the hosipital in a private vechile.
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President's Message for April 2010
On behalf of our Model T Club, I want to thank Jim and Donna Nowak for hosting an excellent seminar on a beautiful March 21, 2010, Sunday afternoon. Thanks to Tod Wirth for leading us thru the Model T Club safety inspection check list, Thanks to Donna for providing an excellent spread of tasty snacks and on behalf of Jim, Thanks to all of the Model T Club members that succeeded in getting his 1924 Huckster running beautifully. A very enjoyable afternoon. Planning for our Clubs 50th Anniversary Extravaganza is well underway. More details along with a registration form are included with this issue of the Planetary News. Invitations have been sent to many previous members and eight other Model T Clubs in Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. Our requests for volunteers to help with this event have produced many positive results. As of the day this note is being written, I personally want to thank the following friends that have recently volunteered to help with the: Silent Auction - Sharon Venski and Evelyn Beaupre Raffle Ticket Sales - Jim Nowak Car Games - Tod and Sharon Wirth Trailer Parking - Dave Perrine and Gary Beaupre Help as needed - Maynard Knudson and Lowell LaForge Thanks to Marge Kranz for creating our Registration Form. Thanks to Kevin Esser for printing our 50th Anniversary letterhead. Continuing thanks to Mike Zahorik for pursuing leads to obtain donations for our silent auction and we look forward to receiving your written memories to be included on our memory book, that will be produced for this celebration. Your President Bob Wirth
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President's Message for March 2010
In 1962, while talking to an old friend at my ten year high school class reunion, he mentioned that he had just purchased a Model A Ford Station Wagon and he needed to sell his 1925 Model T Ford TuDor sedan. Literally within a few minutes of that discussion I had agreed to purchase my first Model T. That summer we joined the Greater Milwaukee Model T Ford Club. The 1925 TuDor was drivable, but not restored, Some areas of the body appeared to have been painted with a course brush. The original worn interior upholstery was covered with a heavy red fabric. At that time we lived in a small upper flat apartment and did not have a garage. We rented a garage some blocks away from our apartment. This allowed for car storage, but not a good place for work on the car. This situation meant that we drove the T in 'as purchased' condition. We did not participate in very many Model T club events, initially because I mistakenly thought that I needed a beautifully restored car to be welcomed. How wrong I was! I soon found that the condition of the car had nothing to do with participating in club events. I found that even if the T was not running, I could still participate in all club events. Over the years it has become clear that although the original reason for anyone to participate in club events is because of a mutual interest in Model T Fords. The long term benefits are the friendships created over the years. I have over and over realized that, as with many endeavors, the more effort you put into it, the more benefits you get out of it (with interest). The strength of our club remains with the great people who enjoy the long term friendships developed over the many years of Model T related activities. Your President Bob Wirth
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President's Message for February 2010
February 6, 2010 --- Message from President Bob Wirth.The six person cast of "Mid Life: The Crisis Musical" at the Sunset Play House, touched on, with clever humor, every situation we all in midlife (and beyond) have experienced sometimes without humor. Our sides were sore from laughing. Thank You from our club, to Mickey and Erv for organizing this annual play and late afternoon supper. We are beginning to finalize the 2010 Schedule of events for our Model T club. Part of the planning for our clubs 50th anniversary event has included reviewing the fifty years of club events. That review has brought back great memories of the fun and fellowship that we who attended some of these events have experienced. I hope that as you review the calendar of events (p.12), that you will join the group to create some great memories of your own. The planning also continues for our clubs 50th anniversary extravaganza. As details become finalized they will be detailed in the Planetary News. At this time the general plan of activities is a special tour on Saturday July 31, 2010, followed by a car display before an informal dinner. Sunday, August 1, 2010 we will enjoy a picnic at Wagner Park with lots of food, beverages and car games plus some surprises. We hope all club members will be able to join us for both days of this very special celebration. Your President Bob Wirth
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January 3, 2010 --- Here's a special message from our President.
There are two national Model ‘T’ Ford Clubs in this country, the Model T Ford Club International , started in Elgin, Illinois, with headquarters now located in Hudson, North Carolina and the Model T Ford Club of America, started in California with headquarters (and a museum) now located in Centerville, Indiana. It seems that originally the “International” Club served the Midwest and eastern states and the “America” club served the western states. Now both clubs serve not only the whole country, but also Model T enthusiasts all over the world. Both clubs organize local and national tours. Both clubs publish very professional color magazines six times each year with many interesting ‘T’ articles, stories, photographs and technical data. Both clubs provide event insurance for local clubs, if certain conditions are met. The annual dues of $35.00 is the same for both national clubs. In 2010 our club will be celebrating our 50th year being a chapter of the Model T Ford Club International. Based on our current membership data for 2010, 30% of our members belong to the Model T Ford Club International (MTFCI), while 38% of our members belong to the Model T Ford Club of America (MTFCA). We have 13 members who are members of both national clubs. Both national clubs have the same goal of promoting our enjoyment and preservation of Model T Fords. Since our club, The Greater Milwaukee Model T Ford Club is a chapter of the Model T Ford Club International, it would seem very appropriate that those members choosing to be a member of a national club, should choose the “International” Club, or join both national clubs. It would seem very appropriate if we could have more members join the Model T Ford Club International. President Bob Wirth.
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Message from President Bob Wirth. 2010 has the potential to be a milestone year for us, The Greater Milwaukee Model T Ford Club, as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary as a great group of Model T Ford enthusiasts and as an active chapter of the Model T club International. I am personally humbled by the faith the club has placed in me to be your President for this milestone year. Along with the assistance of the club officers and the board of directors we will do everything possible to create an enjoyable year. Your participation will guaranty success. As now planned, our 50th year Extravaganza will be a two day event on Saturday July 31st and August 1st, 2010. The board of directors and other members are now actively working on plans for this event. The monthly board meeting have always been open to all club members. As our planning for this event (and in fact planning for all other events) proceeds, I would encourage any member to join the process by attending our club's board meetings and/or contact a board member with your thoughts and ideas. President Bob Wirth
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Fall Snow Flurry Tour Sunday October 18. Meet at Fleet Farm in Menomonee Falls, Highway Q and 175 at 11:00 AM. Call Kevin Esser or Tim Kirst for more information.
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The Thursday Evening Garage group will not be meeting, until further notice. Tim will notify each of us if the situation changes, but for now please assume that the garage is closed.
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The Saturday, June 13th, Picnic at the Virginia Nursing Home has been CANCELED! Watch for more information regarding whether this event will be rescheduled.
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RACINE - Eugene 'Gene' Jenista, 86, passed away unexpectly on Thursday, April 9, 2009. He was born July 7, 1922, in Franksville, to Roy and Florence Jenista.
He was united in marriage to Betty Peters on August 24, 1946, at Holy Communion Luthern Church and remained a longtime faith and dedicated member.
Gene was a graduate of William Horlick High School, Class of 1941. He retired from Precise Corporation after 41 years of loyal service. During World War II, Gene served in the United States Army in the 553rd Anit-Aircraft Battalion, European Theatre, including the Battle of the Bulge. He was the Sergeant of Arms for the American Legion Post 310 and a member of the VFW. He also was a lifetime charter member of the Fifth Street Yacht Club.
Gene generously donated countless hours helping his church, community, family members and friends. He volunteered many years with Habitit for Humanity and belonged to numerous clubs, including the Model "A" and Model "T" clubs. Gene found great enjoyment in restoring many antique and classic cars throughout the years, along with spending countless hours in his workshop. With his love of wood and his beautiful craftmanship, Gene created timeless treasures that he shared with many. His latest pride and joy was his restored World War II Jeep, "Willy". We all miss seeing him in the Fourth of July parade, which he participated in for well over 30 years. Gene was a memeber of the Milwaukee Model T Club since 1975.