On a cold, wintry Saturday, the Valley Forge Region held its Annual Banquet at the Cock 'N Bull Restaurant amid the freezing rain and snow in Lahaska, Pa. Although the weather kept the attendance smaller than usual, the region's members kept the atmosphere warm with stories of the year past and expectations of the coming year. VFR member Jim Fields organized this year's banquet, and for some an overnight stay at the nearby Golden Plough Inn. Jim always organizes events with flair and this night was a night to remember for all. The highlight of the evening was on a bittersweet note as charter members Gary and Marge Anderson presented the first "John Fisher Memorial Goddess Award", an award given yearly to honor VFR charter member John Fisher, who died in an auto accident last year. John was the first editor of the Goddess newsletter. The award, funded and presented by the Andersons, will be presented yearly to the VFR member who excels in the area of club communications. Three VFR members were the first recipients of the award. They were David Rothman, seen at left accepting his award from Gary and Marge, Dan Reed and Rob Robison. David was recognized for his work as the current Goddess editor and his work, along with Dan Reed's awesome artwork on the 25th Anniversary Goddess, an issue John Fisher would have treasured. Rob Robison was honored for his work on the VFR website. Also honored by the region was VFR secretary George Maslow, recognized for his tireless work behind the scenes for many years. Andy Toton again presided over our annual "brown bag auction", with the favorite items being a cookie jar, a Cadillac beer stein, and a Cadillac fender mat. Andy also generously donated a large number of gifts as door prizes. Among the gifts were many die cast models and baked goodies. Cadillac LaSalle Club national President and VFR member Richard Sills spoke of the recently held national board of directors meeting, as did national Treasurer and VFR member Larry Lesiger. With fine food and great company, it was a night to remember.

Click here for more pictures. Photos by Rob Robison

A number of VFR members received a good dose of southern hospitality while taking part in the 2001 National Driving Tour, hosted by the Peach State Region. VFR members who took part in the tour were Barb & Bud Coleman, Bob & Betty Dare, Jay Ann & Bill Edmunds Jim Fields, Jack & Nancy Hotz, Diane Pancoast, David & Toni Rothman, Richard Sills and Shelley Chadick. A number of VFR members also received some North Carolina hospitality, stopping by the Edmunds' home on the way to start the trip in Atlanta. Highlights from the trip were a trip through Savannah, whose southern charm is pictured at left. From Savannah the 50 or so Cadillacs and LaSalles from almost every era traveled to Amelia Island in Florida. From there the tour traveled south along the Atlantic coast, stopping at beautiful St. Augustine, America's oldest city and ending in Daytona Beach. Many interesting events were taking place as the tour progressed. The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance was held. A few actually saw Elvis at the Pink Cadillac Diner. The group was in Daytona Beach during "Bike Week", and they even got to see a shuttle being launched! There was plenty of time for VFR members to enjoy shopping, relaxation and the region's favorite activity, dining. Congratulations to the Peach State Region for a job well done.

For those of you who for, whatever reason, can't make it to the VFR monthly meetings, here's some pictures to show you what you're missing. The VFR holds it's monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of each month. The meetings are currently held at the Villanova Diner in Villanova, PA. Each month the meeting, conducted by the region's president, offers members input into the direction the club will go. Current President Toni Rothman is pictured at left, calling to order the March 20, 2001 meeting, where 35 members were present. The region's committee chairs are first to speak, with reports as to membership, newsletter, treasury, and other matters. The president then makes any announcements of events and such that may effect the region. A call is then made to discuss any old business - events and other items already acted upon but may need further discussion or an update on their status. At this meeting the Renault Winery brunch was discussed, along with an update on the General Sales Show. It was announced that room for only seven people was available for the Brandywine Battlefield Tour. A call was made for volunteers to help staff the 2002 National Driving Tour which is being hosted by the Valley Forge Region. After old business is discussed, the president makes a request of the members in attendance for any new business that they feel should be brought to the region's attention. This month Jack Hotz presented Charter paperwork for a proposed LaSalle Chapter of the Cadillac LaSalle Club. Diane Pancoast, pictured below, discussed a proposal to change AACA ballot and voting rules. Each month a "50/50" drawing is held with one lucky participant winning half of the money collected with the other half going to the region's treasury. This month Jim Fields won the prize. When you miss a meeting, you miss alot!!

Sunday, March 25th was a crisp beautiful day for a drive through southern New Jersey to the Renault Winery in Egg Harbor City. The Renault Winery dates back to 1864, making it one of the region's oldest wineries. Club members from all over the region gathered to celebrate their friendship and the coming season's events. The Renault Winery is noted for it's sumptuous Sunday brunch and the region's members were not disappointed. Many members participated in the tour of the winery, which included a wine tasting session. Also included in the tour was the Winery's antique glass museum, which held priceless stemware dating back to medieval times. Many members continued on after the brunch to the Village of Smithville, an arts and crafts center few miles away, spending the afternoon shopping and enjoying the beautiful day. Many thanks to Nancy Hotz for coordinating this event!

The Valley Forge Region held it's first show of the 2001 season at the grand re-opening of the General Sales Cadillac Oldsmobile dealership in West Chester, Pa. Our region was honored to be included in General Sales' celebration of it's rebirth from a devastating fire that completely destroyed their former location. Over 40 Cadillacs and LaSalles from the 1930's through the 1980's turned out for this non judged show. Among the featured cars in the brand new ultra modern showroom was Dick Mulford's all original 1957 coupe, seen on the right. General Sales' owner, George Ruggeri, made everyone feel at home at his new home, treating all to lunch and inviting us back next year. One of the enjoyable jobs Mr. Ruggeri had was to pick his favorite car to present the "Dealer's Choice" award. The lucky recipient was Stanley Sipko, Jr. and his 1963 Cadillac coupe. Stanley is pictured below at right, receiving his award from Mr. Ruggeri. Stanley was not the only one receiving an award as the Valley Forge Region showed it's appreciation of Mr. Ruggeri by presenting him with a plaque which has a plank of flooring from the Clark Street Cadillac assembly plant. The region was also pleased to see Cliff and Ethel Woodbury attend the show. They decided to go with their modern car however, bringing their 1953 Cadillac to the show. Many thanks to Don Miller who spent many hours organizing this show. Don's 1976 sedan is pictured below, at left.

    The Valley Forge Region picked a perfect spring day for it's Brandywine Battlefield tour and run to the Marshall Steam Museum in Yorklyn, Delaware. The VFR members were treated to a 2 1/2 hour narrated tour of the battlefield sights, learning many aspects of this major Revolutionary War battle. Our tour guide, dressed in a realistic uniform, was quite informative, impressing all with his intimate knowledge of the largest battle in the war for independence. Included was a tour by van through the spectacular Brandywine Valley, where we visited the major points of conflict. Everyone also learned of the hardships of daily life of more than two hundred years ago. By the end of the tour the VFR members worked up their legendary appetites and journeyed to Jimmy John's restaurant along Rt. 202. Jimmy John's is a restaurant lost in time, looking almost exactly as it did in the 1960's. After lunch, it was time to run to the Marshall Steam Museum. The museum is a private museum, owned by Thomas Marshall, whose father was a Stanley Steamer dealer way back when. Mr. Marshall's museum is located in a garage situated behind his spectacular Victorian home, pictured below. The museum is home to sixteen fully operational Stanley's from 1902 through 1925, making it the largest collection of operational Stanley Steamers in the world! Mr. Marshall himself was our gracious host, treating us to rides in a 1910 Steamer truck, and his miniature steam railroad. VFR member Joe Mosteller is a volunteer at the museum, and helped host the event. The VFR wishes to thank Mr. Marshall, Joe, and all the volunteers who keep this important part of automotive history alive. Special thanks to Mike Zimmerman who coordinated this tour and run, a truly unforgettable experience!

    On June 23rd the Valley Forge Region returned to J.L. Freed Cadillac in Lansdale PA for its second non judged show of the 2001 season. A morning downpour kept some members away but those who attended were treated to a glorious sunny afternoon. The afternoon sunshine highlighted our Cadillacs, showing off each well kept finish through a coating of the morning's raindrops. Also making the day brighter with their hospitality was Ron Miller and his crew at J.L. Freed. Ron is pictured at below at left, presenting the "Dealers' Choice Award" to Don Magee, recognizing his 1941 Cadillac. Don's Cadillac is pictured below at right. Our region appreciates the continuing relationship with J.L. Freed and looks forward to future events. Many thanks are due Don and Carol Magee, the show coordinators, and others, pictured below from left, Karen Toton, Dave Barr, Nancy Hotz, Jack Hotz, Andy Toton, Toni Rothman, Carol Magee, Don Magee, David Rothman and Bud Coleman.

Click here for more pictures. Photos by Carol Magee.

    New member Dan Abramson picked a great day for a unique VFR outing, combining Cadillacs, LaSalles and Phillies baseball. Over 15 of our pride and joys were sequestered in a special lot right next to Veterans Stadium. A beautiful day greeted all who attended this non judged show. Members were treated to the smiles on strangers faces, inspecting our cars as they walked to the ball park. Members and passers by were invited to vote for their favorite car. The winner was Jack Tanzola's 1962 Cadillac Convertible. Jack is pictured at left accepting a trophy for his car. Jack Hotz won the "oldest car" award after driving his 1939 LaSalle to the game. The VFR was also happy to see Gary Anderson who, after traveling all the way from Florida, won the "long distance" award. Before the game members dined on a fabulous lunch provided by the VFR. Many thanks are due to Dan Abramson and the Phillies who treated us with great seats and provided a secure and safe area for our cars.

Click here for more pictures. Photos by Rob Robison

    Twenty six members of the Valley Forge Region traveled to Denver Colorado for the 2001 Grand National Meet. None were disappointed as the Rocky Mountain Region staged a show that really was "Mile High Fun in 2001". Due to the long distance involved only one VFR member drove his Cadillac to the Grand National. Mike and Blanca Velasquez drove their 1986 Cimmaron from their home in New Mexico. Well, maybe not from the Valley Forge area but still quite a drive. Their Cimmaron won second place in its class. Everyone enjoyed the Classic Car Garage Tour, visiting local antique and classic automobile collections. Also popular with those who drove was the run to Pike's Peak. The Valley Forge Region again took home some National Awards, including the Newsletter Excellence Award in 2001 presented to David Rothman, the editor of our newsletter The Goddess. David is pictured above receiving this well deserved award. David's work is well known to the VFR and it's nice to see his efforts recognized at the national level. The VFR also won it's unprecedented 7th Norn Uhlir Regional Activities Award for 2000. This award recognizes the region of the CLC that has the most regional activity, keeps membership stability, and contributes to the national club. Toni Rothman, VFR President and one of the main reasons our region won this award is pictured at right, accepting the award from Bobby Lecoque as Norm and Jeannie Uhlir look on.

    A chilly damp day didn't deter a record 83 cars from making the trip to Peddler's Village in Lahaska PA. A truly amazing display of Cadillacs and LaSalles from 1931 to 1993 were joined by cars from the Northeast Chapter of the Professional Car Society. The PCS has many members who also belong to the VFR and their non Cadillac cars were welcome. Arnold Rappoport's 1932 V-12 limousine is shown at right, greeted by Don Magee and David Rothman. Herb Lewenthal won the "Best of Show - Early" award with his fabulous 1955 Eldorado Convertible. Ted Collins won the "Best of Show - Late" award with his 1966 Cadillac Superior Flower Car. Not everyone left the show a winner but the generosity of Andy and Karen Toton and Gary Anderson made many more winners this day as their donated die-cast models were raffled off to many lucky winners. Thanks to Toni and David Rothman, Karen Toton, Carol Magee and Barbara Coleman for organizing this event and manning the registration desk.

Click here for more pictures. Photos by Rob Robison

    The Valley Forge Region traveled over 250 miles to the strikingly beautiful town of Norwich, New York to visit the Northeast Classic Car Museum. About 30 members drove their antique cars - Rich Taylor's '47 limousine the oldest - or modern cars - Rob Robison's '02 Olds - that's 2002 - being the newest. We all were in for a surprise upon entering Norwich, nestled in the Chenango Valley in south central New York. An annual pumpkin carving contest, unknown to us, filled the idyllic town square with over 20,000 pumpkins. On Saturday night all the pumpkins were lit by candle, giving the cold weekend a warm glow. An evening dinner at the East Park Supper Club was followed by dancing to a salsa band and a walk through the display of thousands of glowing pumpkins. On Sunday morning we visited the Northeast Classic Car Museum. Filled with about 100 antique cars, the museum has a first class collection, a little light on Cadillcs but many Auburns, Duesenbergs and Packards. Well worth the trip! Thanks to Barbara Coleman for organizing this memorable tour.

    VFR members gathered again for what has become a tradition, Sunday brunches. This occasion brought us to the elegant and historic William Penn Inn in Gwynedd. PA. Established in 1714, the William Penn Inn is the oldest continuously operated country inn in Pennsylvania. Among those enjoying the elegant private dining room was Ed and Hideyo Hope, pictured below. Jim Fields suprised all when he drove up in a 1939 Packard Twelve Formal Sedan. Don and Carol Magee, who arranged this excellent outing brought their 1941 Cadillac Sedan, which added to the elegant atmosphere. Jim Kulp added a surprise when he handed out goody bags from KC Cadillac. Thanks to Don & Carol Magee, who made this superb brunch possible.

A cold rain did not dampen the VFR holiday spirit as members gathered at Lee and Mary Mullen's home in Burlington NJ. The Mullen's warmth and holiday spitit enveloped everyone who entered their lavishly decorated home. Each and every room in their home was decorated with a Christmas tree and other symbols of the holiday season. And each room was filled with VFR members, especially Mary's kitchen, shown at right. Each member attending the party brought a covered dish to share with others. Many ethnic and special holiday foods were enjoyed by all. This party proved that although we're known for dining out, VFR members are excellent cooks! The holiday season brings us together like no other time of year, strengthening friendships like Lew Howells and Ted Walter, pictured below at left. Our hosts, Lee and Mary exemplified the close knit nature of our region, treating everyone to a personal tour of their house and garage. If the fourty plus members attending this party weren't in the holiday spirit, the Mullens made sure that they were this night! Thanks, Lee and Mary, for brightening our holiday season!