Early Spring NIRG Tour Draws Model “A” and Lincoln Enthusiasts
By John Emmering
An eclectic collection of Ford V-8’s and Model “A” Fords filled the parking lot
of the West Chicago McDonalds on Route 64 on Sunday morning March 25th
as about forty vintage Ford enthusiasts converged for an early spring tour. The
group was bound for Friendly Ford co-owner Randy Yockey’s private museum in
Campton Hills. The inviting bright
morning and clear weather encouraged drivers to bring their cars out for the
event and about ten antique Fords representing our own Northern Illinois Region
V-8 Group and also the Naper A’s chapter of the Model “A” Club of America
participated.
Bringing out V-8’s were Tom Buscaglia, 1951 Custom Tudor, John & Robin Emmering
, 1951 Ford Custom Fordor, Frank Koeder, 1939 Ford Deluxe Convertible, Dan
Pudelek, 1950 Ford Crestliner, joined by his passenger Ken Bounds.
Ron Steck drove his 1940 Ford Pickup accompanied by his guest Larry
Hunkele who drove his 1963 Ford Pickup truck. Jeff Trilling also drove his 1952
Ford F-1 Pickup truck. Arriving in
modern iron were Terry & Kitty Freihage, John Judge, Frank & Phyllis Madrigali,
Joe & Millie Novak, Tom O’Donnell, Gary & Dawn Osborne, John & Este Scheve, Len
Vinyard, George & Dawn Zulas, along with their son and daughter-in-law Tom and
his girlfriend Denise.
After lining up, the convoy of Ford V-8’s, Model “A” Fords and modern cars
proceeded westbound to Randy Yockey’s property where they were greeted by Randy
and directed to parking spots.
Fifteen members of the Lake Shore Region of the Lincoln & Continental
Owner’s Club also joined the event, meeting us at Randy’s. NIRG’s own Tom
O’Donnell, who is also a member of that group, had extended our invitation for
their members to join us.
Upon entering Randy’s private museum, affectionately known as “Yockeytown,”
participants were greeted by an enchanting glimpse into the past with a number
of nostalgic displays. A mechanic’s
shop display with a 1931 Model AA Ford Truck mounted on a hoist was one of the
first things to catch the eye and further down the 1930’s era Sinclair Gasoline
Station was a very interesting display.
Neon signs representing different eras of the Ford Motor Company glowed
and the walls were filled with interesting photos and Ford advertisement
material.
Of special interest to Ford V-8 enthusiasts were the beautiful 1940 Ford Deluxe
Convertible and the 1949 Ford F-1 Truck on display.
A brass radiator Model “T” and a sharp Mustang were also among the
vehicles exhibited. Randy also displays an interesting collection of pristine
John Deere Tractors in one corner.
Guests were treated to a wonderful lunch by the Yockey Family and had a choice
of Hamm’s beer or Root Beer at the large wooden bar on the premises. Root Beer
floats were also offered to top off the meal.
As a token of appreciation NIRG President John Emmering presented our
hosts Randy & Debbie Yockey with an original 1949 Ford Truck Brochure for his
literature collection and a framed photo of John’s two “Shoebox Ford V-8s” taken
at a past Friendly Ford summer car show. Members of the three clubs involved had
an interesting time of exploration and conversation during the afternoon and
after taking a last look around participants began to say their goodbyes.
Everyone involved shared sincere appreciation to Randy Yockey, his wife
Debbie and the other family members who made the event a great experience.
