Early Ford V-8 Display at Riverview Ford

By Ken Bounds

On June 7 a group of 22 NIRG members and family showed 15 Early V-8s at Riverview Ford in Oswego.  The purpose was to greet the cross-country “Grand Tour,” a group of Early Ford V-8 Club members who were traveling the Lincoln Highway on their way to the Grand National Meet in Lake Tahoe.  The event was arranged by Ron Steck; we thank Ron, dealership owner John Hennessy, and the entire team at Riverview Ford for their hospitality.

Participating from our group were Tom Barosso & Betty Klafta – ’39 Fordor, Ken Bounds – ’51 Mercury, Tom Buscaglia – ’51 Tudor, John Emmering – ’49 Tudor, Roger Hunz – ’51 Tudor, Frank Koeder – ’39 Convertible, Joe Kozmic – ’37 Coupe, Tom O’Donnell – ’40 Mercury, Dan Pudelek – ’53 Victoria, John & Este Scheve – ’47 Coupe, John Slobodnik – ’54 Fordor, Stan Stack – ’53 Tudor, Ron Steck – modern, Bill & Marty Valters – ’40 Coupe, Sam Van Bruggen – ’40 Coupe with sons-in-law Brad Werkman and Jon Jager along with grandson Sammy Jager – ’53 Victoria, and Len Vinyard – ’39 Convertible.

Arriving in the Grand Tour group were Ron Billo & Mark Schleicher, Arel & Barb Brown, John & Dee Hobrle, Fred & Marianne Killian, John Mason, Jim McDaniel & Bill Tindall, Frank Miller, Bill Muska & Scott MacGregor, Bob & Mary Ann Padovano, Jerry & Cheryl Reichel, Dick & Joan Rial, and Bill Simons & Bill Selley.  My apologies if I missed or mis-identified anyone.

At lunchtime the dealership treated us to a lunch of Chicago-style hot dogs, chips, and soft drinks.  As the cross-country group arrived they joined us for lunch and lively conversation about their adventure so far.  A few of the members took advantage of an offer by the dealership to pull their cars in for minor service.  Ron Steck helped Jim McDaniel track down front shocks for his ‘51 Ford police cruiser which the service department installed for no charge.

Everyone had a great time as we wished the group well on their long journey.