Joint Tour to Cantigny Park and Museums

By Ken Bounds 

Earlier this year, David Stonebraker from the Northwest Indiana Regional Group contacted us and asked if our group would like to join them on their March “Drive-Out” to Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL.  They didn’t have to ask twice – we were more than happy to participate.  While the Indiana folks did not plan to drive their Early V-8s, some of the local guys thought that this could give us the chance to bring some of our cars out of hibernation early. 

On Sunday, March 13, a group of 18 caravanned over from Indiana, including Walt & Nancy Beukema, Jim & Anne Brown, Val & Lil Fetsch, Don & Bonnie Hurr, Roland & Evelyn Leonhardt, Bud & Karl Lugar, Stan & Pat Matunas, Randy & Marilyn Stewart, and Dave and Wanda Stonebraker.  They were met at the Cantigny Visitors Center by a group of 28 members from Northern Illinois, several in Early V-8’s.  Taking advantage of the mild mid-March weather were Tom Barosso & Betty Klafta, ’39 Standard Fordor; Dennis Bohannon, ’49 Coupe; Ken & Carolyn Bounds, ’50 Convertible (top up); Tom & Judy Buscaglia, ’51 Tudor; Ernie & Terry Herzog, ’53 Coupe; John Judge, ’51 Victoria; Joe & Nell Kozmic, ’37 Coupe; and Lin Stacey with his dad Lindley, ’42 Sedan Coupe.  Frank Madrigali arrived in a ’57 Chevy.  Arriving in modern iron were Ron & Arlene Blum, Joe & Marie Dispensa, Earl & Gene Heintz, Paul Jensen, Tom O’Donnell, Dan & Diane Pudelek, Joe Serritella, and Len & Irene Vinyard. 

After spending a little time renewing old friendships and making a few new ones, our group gathered in the theatre to see a short movie about Cantigny.  Before we started, Dave addressed the group with some information about the visit, the Central National Meet in Auburn in August, and the status of events at the Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum.  Dave also asked me to address the group regarding National Club issues.  I discussed some highlights from the recent Board of Directors meeting in Arizona, provided notes of the meeting to each group, and answered a few questions. 

After the introductory movie, we split into two groups to visit the two museums on the grounds.  The Cantigny grounds are beautiful and well-maintained.  There is simply not enough space in this article to adequately describe what visitors can see at Cantigny Park.  While one group took the guided tour of the Robert R. McCormick museum, our group walked to the First Division Museum.

In 1917, the first divisional unit created by the U.S. Army for combat in Europe was the 1st Division, also known as the Big Red 1.  The museum graphically traces the history of the Army’s oldest division from its deployment on June 8, 1917, to the present.  History is told in the form of weapons and artifacts, photos, period narratives, and much more.  Robert R. McCormick, the late editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune, served in the First Division and renamed his estate Cantigny (pronounced Can-tee-ny) in honor of the Division’s first battle in France.  There was a lot to see and our only problem was lack of time.

As the other group began their tour of the First Division Museum, we walked over to Robert R. McCormick museum, which was built as a country home for McCormick’s grandfather (shown on the right).  McCormick first used the house as a summer home, then greatly expanded it and used it as a permanent residence.  After McCormick died in 1955, his will established the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, which permanently maintains Cantigny Park.  Our knowledgeable tour guide took us through most of the house, showing us how a wealthy person lived in the first half of the 20th century and detailing many stories of how the rich and famous of the day were entertained at the home.  This mansion had some incredibly modern conveniences for its day; seeing it should be a must for anyone who has the opportunity. 

Around 2:15 we gathered again in the parking lot and caravanned a short distance to our late lunch stop, Barone’s in Glen Ellyn.  And a late lunch it was; unfortunately one waitress had to handle our group of 40.  However, this gave us plenty of time for V-8 camaraderie.  Lots of stories were told.  When the food did arrive, everyone thought it was worth the wait.  As the afternoon came to an end, we said our goodbyes and wished everyone a safe trip home.  We hope everyone made a few new friends. 

We send our thanks to Dave Stonebraker for suggesting the joint tour and thank everyone who participated.  I think all agreed this was a great idea and we should do it again.