YesterYears Memories

April 2003

This months memories are from a copy of a Newsletter done in 1978, September or October issue.

PRESIDENT’S CORNER                                           

The year that was number one, 1978. It was this year, that from a small spark a great fire of enthusiasm grew and ran through the hearts of Cadillac and LaSalle lovers.

   At the beginning of the year was the inception of the Northstar Region of the Cadillac-LaSalle Club of America. Starting small, it didn’t remain small due to a group of ten founding members that worked hard. The general membership grew steadily and participated actively, which caused The Northstar Region to be a viable and strong club by early fall of 1978.

   This was evidenced by the great turn out of the membership and their children, guests and friends at our final outing; our first annual fall tour. The activities and functions that led up to the final fall get-together are too numerous to mention, as we are individual members.

   I would like to say we got off on the right foot this year and I was very proud to be your first president. I thank the entire membership for their support, because it would not have happened without the full backing of the members who live outside the Twin City area and give them special personal thanks for their tremendous participation in all our meets, especially our local meets.

   Have a Happy New Year and we’ll see you in 1979 at our winter swap meet.

 Sincerely,                             Charlie

A Sunday Afternoon—10 September 1978

by Michaline Polakowski Larson

    Amidst 90º heat and high humidity, the Minnesota State Bird (the mosquito) kept nineteen vehicles and their occupants moving a good part of the afternoon at the Lloyd and Roger Oestreich collection of old cars in Watertown, Minnesota. Please do not assume that the environment ruined the day! Not so at all. In actuality, a very interesting afternoon was the making.

   The sheer size of the collection amazed most onlookers. In fact, Roger Oestreich did not have any count. “Oh, about a hundred!” was the only answer obtained as to accountability. Your friendly neighborhood tabulator, who likes to be specific, Matt Larson, walked the grounds to determine the vehicles present. One-hundred and twenty-five is the count with autos of many makes, the majority of which are Cadillacs with vintages ranging from the teens to the seventies. The fire engine, jeep snow plow and pick-up trucks were not counted. Not many were aware of the oasis of iron hidden away on a small farm in Watertown—to say nothing of old toys and other memorabilia filling every nook and cranny.

   Judy Oestreich was the most gracious hostess supplying bug spray and tables and chairs in the shade. The keg of beer hidden away in the refrigerator was the day’s lifesaver. We certainly thank the “garage elf” that placed it there. Sure hope no one missed finding it. Probably the heat was a blessing in disguise. If it had been a comfortable and balmy 70º Roger and Lloyd would undoubtedly have found it necessary to call in the sheriff to remove the homesteaders.

   Among the club members the conversation piece of the afternoon was the ‘53 Eldorado (with new paint job) that glistened in the afternoon sun. This particular jewel belonging to Dennis and Mona French. What is that magic that the ‘53 Eldo possesses? Whenever one makes the scene, it inevitably produces drools and sighs of envy—most predominantly noticeable in the facial contortions of this reporter’s husband.

   Another interesting note: Just to prove that we are an “equal opportunity car club,” word is passed along that the Laytons attended the National AACA Judging Meet in Grand Forks, N.D. June 23-25. They entered a ’51 Windsor Deluxe Club Coupe Chrysler and won a 1st place trophy. Congratulations!

   Other members on the move: Charlie Sommers and family drove Dick Gold’s ’31 Pierce Arrow dual cowl phaeton in the CCCA Caravan. Herb and Linda Karow attended a meet in Indianapolis but failed to mention just how much time they spent inspecting rust free vehicles in the salt less western states. Bob Campbell tells us he entered four shows. No further details he supplies, yet mentions that he attended a Laurel & Hardy Convention in Chicago. A statement about priorities would be appropriate at this point. Glad to hear about the convention, but would like a little more information about the shows. Bob Fitzsimmons,  also a collector of everything (his description not mine) and family took in San Francisco and the southern California coast. Again no specifics as to any particularly interesting finds on wheels. If personal experience counts for anything, sharp eyes (not mine) are looking for a find behind every clump of rolling tumbleweed. One final note. Steve Curtis claims he had “a thrilling ride with Bob Campbell at the wheel.” Undoubtedly this statement needs some clarification. So, everyone ask the next time you see Bob Campbell.