The 2018 Mid America National Meet we hosted at the Marriott hotel in St. Louis Park on July 11-15, 2018 was a huge success in every respect. The weather on Saturday, July 14th was very hot, mid 90’s, and the hard rain of Thursday was in the past. We had 85 Lincolns, with 27 in the Exhibition class; I mention this because we enjoy all Lincolns, not just the trophy winners.
Tom and Gunta Brace won the Elliston H. Bell – Founder’s Trophy for the Best Lincoln in the show with a 1937 Lincoln L Judkins Coupe. We had 162 people register for this meet. The North Star Region should be very proud of the job and effort put in by key members of the region such as: Roger Wothe (Tour to Morries), Bob Roth (Tour to Veit’s), Dave Gustafson (meet booklets and all meet printing), and particularly all the spouses for putting up with our continued fusing over our Lincolns.
Our meet hotel, the Marriott, did the best job of any hotel I have ever worked with. The Sales Manager, Patrick Riley, and his staff were gracious, helpful, and did everything they could to make our stay the best. The food was great, especially at the Friday Night BBQ. Attendees told me that they enjoyed the Twin City area and had fun, good times, and great fellowship. They are leaving with many fantastic memories.
We were honored to get two new LCOC members this meet. Lou Cosentino from Excelsior, MN, who owns a 1932 Lincoln KB Sport Phaeton, made a appearance on Saturday morning. Tony Karsnia, who has a 1996 Town Car Hearse, was able to drive on the Tour to Morries Classic Collection. He also won a 1990’s Decade touring award. Jay White was able to bring three slab side convertibles to the meet, and he has committed to join LCOC.
Again, to our North Star Region members, congratulations on a job well done! Thank you.
Awards for the 2018 LCOC Eastern National Meet in Bradenton, Florida were handed out on Saturday, May 5, at the evening banquet.Lincoln Trophies were given in 5 categories, along with a trophy for Best Custom Class Lincoln.Emeritus Awards were given to 3 owners.
One of the standout senior cars was a jade green and white car belonging to Paul and Mary Cubakovic of San Antonio, Florida that won the Ruth Trophy.The Elliston H. Bell Founder’s Trophy for the OutstandingSenior Lincoln was presented to owners John and Dorothy Palmer, who came all the way from Barnum, Minnesota, for their white with red interior 1976 Continental Mark IV.National Chief Judge Steve D’Ambrosia described both these cars as stunningly beautiful 1976 Mark IVs, saying that they looked like they had just come off a dealer’s showroom floor.
The weather was great for those from the cool north with very warm weather, sunshine and a breeze. It was perfect for enjoying Lincolns and the sites in the Bradenton, FL area. The hotel was conveniently located for the events the Florida Region planned and had a great area for the show field. Thursday started with a tour to the Ringling Museum in Sarasota. This is a wonderful venue that needed more time than we had available. I spent most of the time examining the history of the circus and the incredibly detailed model of an entire circus. It was amazing to see the organization needed to “bring the circus to town.” The grounds are beautiful and include the home that John and Mable Ringling built on the shore of Sarasota Bay. I sorely missed the time to savor the museum comprised of world-class artwork that the Ringlings amassed during their trips to Europe. On Thursday evening we enjoyed a dinner cruise on Sarasota Bay which provided another opportunity to enjoy the scenery and Lincoln friends. We bid the day good-bye with a perfect sunset.
Friday took us automobile museum touring at the Sarasota Classic Auto Museum which had a wonderful collection from early brass cars to modern exotics, along with the “back room” of vehicles that are awaiting restoration and a room with classic cars for sale. There was interest in many of these classics but I do not think any sales were made. Lunch was spectacular at Marina Jack Restaurant which has a fabulous view of the bay. What a great way to cap off a morning spent with automotive beauty! John Walcek used some backdrops to the fullest with photographs of several cars, including Leroy Waldren’s ’42 Continental Coupe, behind the statue remembering VE day with the solder and nurse kissing called the Unconditional Surrender. The evening was filled with a great meal provided by the hotel and a silent auction giving everybody time to prepare for show day. Those night owls took advantage of the hospitality suite generously provided by Kelly McClure of the Lincoln/Mercury Old Parts Store. The conversation and adult beverages were flowing freely.
Saturday was another beautiful day that was a little cooler with a nice breeze which made for a perfect show day. While the show field was small, we had a wide variety of Lincolns with the 50’s well represented. Also included, were modified slab sides that showed us a modified air bag suspension and the use of 20″ wheels. We also saw suicide doors on a coupe. All modifications were beautifully done and these cars generated interest from all who attended. It is great to see the ideas and craftsmanship involved. The efficiency of judging allowed the field to be released at 2:30 permitting the attendees to enjoy the afternoon and prepare for the awards banquet. The awards banquet was excellent as the hotel did a wonderful job with all the meals over the course of the meet.
LCOC presented Tim with a plaque and a framed Board resolution lauding his contributions during his 35 years as editor.
Tim Howley was the editor of Lincoln & Continental Comments since 1982, producing more than half of the Comments issues in the 64 year history of the club! He was recently named Editor Emeritus, giving him the freedom to continue contributing his talents and experience for our reading pleasure. On March 18th, the LCOC National Board, represented by Glenn Kramer and Stacy Roscoe, honored Tim and his wife, LaVonne, with a luncheon and a small awards ceremony.
Glenn and Stacy took the opportunity to thank Tim on behalf of the club and enjoyed listening as Tim recounted some of his experiences as both editor and advertising copy writer at several national ad agencies. Tim conceived and created many long remembered TV, radio and print ads for such clients as Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA), Mother’s Cookies and Canon Cameras. His career in advertising and editing has been memorable and long lasting.
LaVonne was also thanked for all her hard work with an engraved vase and flower arrangement.
The ceremony and lunch continued for well over two hours, and after final good-byes, Glenn and Stacy agreed that this enjoyable day of shared stories was fascinating and more importantly, that LCOC is most fortunate to continue having Tim and LaVonne on our team.
I’m pleased to report that the 2017 Annual Lincoln Homecoming was a success. Attendance was the largest since the museum opened in 2014. It’s hard to believe we’ll be celebrating the museum’s fourth anniversary in 2018! Much has happened since you read the last issue of the Lincoln Link. In addition to the success of the 2017 Homecoming, this year marked the first time the Lincoln Motor Company had a major presence at the event and made a financial contribution as well.
Here is a great post from a club member of his video of the September 2016 Western Nation Meet. It will give you a great idea of what the events are like. Join today and attend this year’s events. You will make friends, have fun, and enjoy your special car even more.
