January 2024 | Volume 181 | |
Visit the AACA Library at the
2024 Annual Convention
By Jen Wolfe, AACA Library Director, jwolfe@aaca.org
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We’re counting down the days ‘til Chantilly and can’t wait to see our favorite car people! All three librarians (and Spencer from BHA) will be in attendance this year, so stop by our booth in the trade show to chat with library staff and shop the book sale for a good read to add to your collection. We’ll have a bigger selection than last year and a nice variety to choose from, so don’t miss this opportunity to pick up a new book or two…or ten!
Library staff will be presenting two seminars this year: The Library & You: An Introduction to the Library & Its Services and Preserve & Protect: Caring for Personal and Professional Archives. Be sure to check the updated seminar schedule when you arrive at the convention to see when and where we will be – you do not want to miss these presentations!
The librarians plan to attend as many of the social events as we can, so look for us at the Udvar-Hazy Museum, Pizza Party, Regions & Chapters Dinner, Casino Night, Awards Banquet, and around the hotel – we love to catch up with members and hear about what you’ve been up to!
If you plan to bring material you wish to donate to the library to hand off to us at the convention – please call to ask us about it ahead of time. We have a limited amount of space in the trailer and have already committed to accepting two large donations while in Chantilly. Thank you in advance!
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Interested in becoming a volunteer with the AACA Library?
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Matthew Hocker,
at mhocker@aaca.org or 717-534-2082.
Interested in doing research with the AACA Library?
More information is available on our website.
Visit AACA Library or contact our Reference Librarian, Amoi Goldman,
at agoldman@aaca.org or 717-534-2082.
Visit our Booth at Black Swan Antiquities
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2024 Hershey Flea Market & Car Corral Pre-Registration DUE NOW!!
By R.J. "Mac" MacAdam, Flea Market/Car Corral Registration Chairman,
Hershey Region AACA, fallmeet@hersheyaaca.org
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Renewal deadline is February 15!
HURRY! Don't lose your spots!!
On behalf of the Hershey Region, we thank you for attending the 2023 Fall Nationals. We hope you had an enjoyable experience. On a side note, please ignore the many FALSE RUMORS in reference to the Eastern Fall Nationals moving from the current site at the Hershey Entertainment Complex – none of them are true!
As a reminder, the Eastern Fall Nationals will again be held the first full week in October starting Tuesday and ending with the judged car show on Friday. Mark your calendar for the 2024 show October 8-11. We have already begun working on the 2024 show in which Kurt Froebel will be the Fall Meet Chairman and Vance Wolfe will be his assistant.
The 2024 pre-registration packet/cards have been mailed. If you have not received your packet in the mail, you should IMMEDIATELY call 717-566-7720 on Monday or Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. eastern time or email fallmeet@hersheyaaca.org.
Please read the following important information regarding the submission of pre-registration cards:
1. A "Space Relocation Form" will be enclosed in each vendor's packet. This will be the only form accepted for space relocation. If you write your request on the pre-registration card, a separate sheet of paper, etc., it will NOT be accepted. Also, be advised we make assignments using the postmark on the envelope. The space(s) must be available after the pre-registration phase in order for you to be relocated. (Additional spaces are NOT SOLD during pre-registration. The May/June issue of Antique Automobile magazine will include the procedure for acquiring spaces during summer registration.)
2. Pay close attention to the deadline on the card. The pre-registration postmark deadline is February 15, 2024. Your spaces will be in jeopardy if the postmarked deadline is not followed. The registered vendor is responsible (not the spouse, the assistant or the secretary to name a few of the excuses we hear).
3. If your card or check is not signed it will be returned to you. That will also delay your postmark position for relocation.
4. Checks deposited that are returned for insufficient funds, account was closed, etc., will be charged a $35 administration fee.
5. The dates and times for which our telephones will be staffed will be printed on the pre-registration card. If you leave a message, please speak slowly and clearly leaving your name, telephone number, AACA member number and a very short message.
6. If you have NOT yet received your new 2024 AACA membership card, DO NOT WAIT to mail your pre-registration card. Write your AACA member number in the space provided on the card and mail it with your check or money order.
7. Political signs, memorabilia, bumper stickers, pins, buttons, etc., are NOT permitted for sale or display at any AACA National event. This should be considered the "suitable warning" for the following policy extracted from the Policy and Procedure Manual of the AACA. Vendors violating this rule will be expelled. Additionally, refunds of flea market spaces will not be given to the violators in accordance with the AACA Policy and Procedure Manual.
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5.9.1 General (Excerpt)
"Nationals are open to the general public. Therefore, their operation and conduct give the public its chief, if not the only, impression of us as a club. When flea markets are held in conjunction with National Activities, it is important that they reflect the family-oriented nature of our hobby and are in keeping with their intended purpose, i.e. to provide a source of parts, accessories, and memorabilia related to our hobby. The meet host reserves the right to expel, after suitable warning, any persons including vendors who conduct themselves in a way that would reflect unfavorably upon AACA."
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Special Room Offering for Hershey 2024 | |
RM Sotheby’s has secured an introductory rate of $289 + taxes at the Hershey Lodge for October 7-11, 2024, which is over $100/night cheaper than their website is offering right now and as we all know, rates tend to go up the closer we get to the event! This deal is currently available to us until March 31 with no deposits, free changes, and free cancellation up to 72 hours before arrival. These rooms will go fast, so book early!
We understand that there are other options for accommodations in Hershey – some being less expensive and some being more. Why not take advantage of this special offer and be where all the action is, watch the cars drive into the auction, watch the bidding, and have fun at a bustling hotel.
Click here to take advantage of this special deal and book your room for Hershey!
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Is Your 2024 AACA Membership PAST DUE?
By Karen White, AACA Membership Department, kwhite@aaca.org
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Your AACA membership runs on a calendar year
from January 1 through December 31.
If you have already renewed your membership for 2024, thank you!!
If you have not renewed your membership yet, please take a few minutes to do it now.
If you submitted your national dues to your region or chapter and received a renewal form with your January/February Antique Automobile magazine, please disregard the notice.
REMINDER: Your 2024 membership dues MUST be paid in order to renew your spaces for Hershey. Your 2024 membership dues MUST be paid before you can receive registration information for any 2024 National Shows or Tours. Your 2024 membership dues MUST be paid to continue receiving your beloved Antique Automobile magazine.
A renewal form was included with your most recent issue of Antique Automobile magazine. Simply fill out the form and send it back to the office with a check or credit card information.
You can also use our new and improved online renewal on our website. Renewing online is quick and easy! Just log in with your membership number and PIN, review the information currently listed on your membership record and make changes if necessary. Review your information one more time and choose your payment type. Payment options include Visa, MasterCard, Discover or PayPal. Your payment will automatically record to your membership record, and you will receive an email confirmation.
Your membership number and PIN can be found on your membership card. You can also call National Headquarters at 717-534-1910 or email kwhite@aaca.org to get your numbers. Please DON’T try to pay your dues by using the JOIN AACA tab. This WILL NOT renew your membership – instead, it will create a new one.
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Membership Corner: New Year, New Focus
By Paula Lynn Ruby, AACA National VP Membership, paulaspackard@hotmail.com
This is a member submitted article.
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New year, new focus! As we jump right into 2024, here are some things to consider regarding membership in your local regions and chapters and AACA as a whole:
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Be prepared to talk about AACA. Anytime someone asks you about your car(s), you should be ready to mention AACA and your local region/chapter. Whether it’s at a car show or the grocery store parking lot, be sure to throw in a reference about this great organization you belong to and why it’s important for anyone who loves old cars to join. Take advantage of groups who have guest speakers at their meetings – Rotary lunches, Chamber meetings, churches, senior living facilities, technical schools with automotive programs, etc.
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Simplify the path to membership. If an individual says yes to joining, be ready to hand them the next steps to close the deal. Have membership applications and an activity list for your local region ready to give them. Better yet, give them a pen and have them fill out the application right then, and tell them you will send it in for them. You could also carry business cards to hand out with both the National and your region/chapter websites encouraging people to join online.
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Optimize your website for new member conversions. Consider putting an FAQ section on your website. It’s natural for potential new members to have questions when joining an organization. Make it easy for them to learn about your club and find the answers they need.
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Offer an incentive to join. What do you offer potential members if they join your club? Maybe offer to pay their local dues for the first year? How about giving them a t-shirt with your region/chapter logo on it or an AACA window cling for their car? This doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor – just a little something to welcome them and show them some appreciation for joining.
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Step up your social media interaction. If your club is talking about participating in community events and hosting fun activities outside of a formal car show, make sure your social media matches. Pictures from events can easily and quickly be shared on your social media accounts and show how exciting it is to be a member of your club. Engage every single member of your club to take part in this effort so that your efforts are multiplied.
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Find co-marketing opportunities. Partner with other organizations in your area that have like interests to cross-promote both of your clubs. Offer a space for other groups to have information/membership tables at your events and vice versa you at their events. Be sure that those who volunteer to work your booth are approachable and can speak to your organization and its activities. If both groups have newsletters, offer to do an ad swap to promote membership and events. What about inviting their members to participate in one of your activities?
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Use your existing business networks. Do you have organizations and businesses that you are already affiliated with? Think about how they can assist your club with promotion and the recruitment of new members. Can you put brochures on display at their business? Can you supply them with flyers for an upcoming event to hand out to their customers?
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Make it a priority to get your new members involved immediately. As soon as someone joins your club, make them feel included and needed. You have events coming up that you need volunteers for, right? Add a volunteer job board to your website or have sign-up sheets at your meetings. Once your new members are volunteering and taking active roles in the club, they will be able to start doing their own outreach for you. They could reach out to another friend who’s into cars and say… “Hey, I’m working the concessions for the car show this weekend, want to come and help me for an hour?” Who knows, it just might lead to another new member?
Good luck in the new year with the many opportunities that may present themselves!!
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ATTENTION REGIONS & CHAPTERS:
Your Reporting Forms Are Due TODAY!!
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Just a reminder that your Region/Chapter Officer Reporting Forms and Roster Reporting Forms are due by January 31. These forms were mailed to your President back in the fall. If you need another copy of the forms, you can click here to download them from our website, or we can mail you another set if need be.
Please return the forms to Sue Eitnier at seitnier@aaca.org. You can also mail them to AACA, 800 W. Hersheypark Dr., Hershey, PA 17033.
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Please scroll all the way to the end of Speedster to find the answer. | |
Ford Motor Company is well remembered for identifying its early cars with simple, alphabetic letters…such as Model A, Model K, Model T, etc. Where else did Ford employ such a letter-series to establish similar market differentiation? | |
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Member Story: It Wasn’t Just Infatuation
By Clark G. Ballard, Indian River Region AACA, Vero Beach, FL, clarkball@bellsouth.net
This is a member submitted article.
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They say you never forget your first love. Well, I guess that’s true because, even though the first car I loved wasn’t very pretty, I’ll never forget it. | |
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That affair started in 1952 when my older brother, Claude, paid $50 for a beat-up 1929 Model A Sport Coupe that had definitely seen better days. The front spring was broken on one side, so it had a serious list to port and the top had been replaced with olive drab canvas with a huge hole in the back where the rear window belonged. It had sealed-beam headlights that didn’t work, a rat’s nest of wires under the hood, four mismatched 16-inch wheels with bald tires, and enough holes drilled in the firewall to qualify as metal Swiss cheese. It was the first car in our family other than my parents’ car, and I thought it was beautiful!
A used front spring was soon located and installed, and the Model A immediately looked more alert and attractive. Considering that the winter temperature in the mountains of Idaho often stayed below zero for days at a time, the next step in our restoration was to fasten some old tent canvas in place of a back window. This, along with plugging most of the holes in the firewall, considerably diminished the wind whistling through the interior. The canvas top was then painted white, which made a real esthetic improvement to the Model A’s faded black paint.
Against all odds, the engine ran like a top and the radiator held water reasonably well if a can of Stop-Leak was added regularly. Because it wouldn’t hold anti-freeze, my brother had to fill the radiator with water and place a piece of cardboard in front so it wouldn’t freeze while driving. Then, when parking for any length of time, the engine had to be drained or it would freeze and break the head or the block. Needless to say, this rather involved routine somewhat limited use of the car until warmer weather arrived, but my brother still drove it (and took me along) as often as he could.
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As we grew older, I was drawn to the Model A’s offer of personal freedom and mobility as if it were singing a siren’s song.
I basically taught myself to drive in that car the year I turned 13. (In a small Idaho town of 450 people nobody paid much attention as long as I didn’t hit anything or anybody, and I made it a point to go the opposite direction from the County Sheriff.) When I reached my 14th birthday, I was able to get a daylight-only driver’s license. On that day I bought the Model A from my brother, who had purchased a far more stylish 1946 Mercury convertible. He sold it to me for $50 and I paid it off at $5 a month.
After a couple of years of nursing that old Ford along, I was excited to hear that a much nicer Model A in town was going to be sold. This one had been stored in a garage for many years by the original owner and was in excellent condition. I was able to purchase this “beauty” for $100 and suddenly the Sport Coupe looked like a dowdy old spinster in comparison.
I heard that the son of a school teacher was in the market for a car, so with a fickle heart and without an ounce of affection or loyalty for its years of service, I dumped the Sport Coupe. Listing the many improvements we’d made, I extolled the virtues and desirability of the old Model A and sold it for $50 – after all, that was the going price for that car, wasn’t it?
After a couple of years, the new owner and his family moved 300 miles to northern Idaho. We heard he drove it up there without one problem, and for all I know it may still be running today. I hope so.
I’ve owned quite a few vehicles in my life, and getting a new car is still fun. But I can honestly say that no other car ever provided the level of pride and sheer exhilaration that I felt when that worn, old Sport Coupe became mine – truly, she was my first love.
I've only been a member of AACA since 2006 but am a long-time antique automobile owner. I've owned my current 1929 Model A Coupe since 1957, finished restoring it in 1994 and have driven it 26,000 miles since. (below)
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We want to hear from you!! | |
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We are always looking to feature articles from AACA members in Speedster. We'd love to share your personal accounts of tours and shows you have attended, restoration projects, unique vehicle stories and history, and any other stories you think other AACA members would enjoy hearing about.
Stories should average about 500 words or less. And we love photos, so make sure to include some! Please send your photos and stories to Stacy Zimmerman at szimmerman@aaca.org.
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Historic Virginia Peninsula Region at Historic
Yorktown, VA, Christmas Market
By Al Crane, HVPR AACA Community Relations, cranejra@aol.com
Photos by Larry Munk and Al Crane
This is a member submitted article.
| Historic Virginia Peninsula Region (HVPR) members Larry and Kathy Munk (1928 Ford Model A with strolling musicians), Rich Shipley (1953 Buick Roadmaster with Historic Grace Episcopal Church (ca1697) in background), George Bennett (1937 Plymouth (in front of the Custom House (ca 1720) maintained by the Comte de Grasse Chapter NSDAR), displayed their cars at the annual Christmas Market on Main Street in Historic Yorktown on a warm Saturday in early December. Al and Linda Crane volunteered at the adjacent Historic Grace Church welcoming visitors, sharing the history of the church, and helping out with the Parish Book & Gift Shop sidewalk sale to raise funds for local charities. Kudos to George Bennett for coordinating the classic car display. | |
Escape the Winter Blues and Join Us in Puerto Rico | |
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March 21-24, 2024
Special Winter Nationals
Guaynabo, PR
Registration Deadline: February 28
Click here for brochure
Click here to register online
Click here to register to judge online
Click here if you would like registration information mailed to you
Puerto Rico, officially known as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico), is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. Puerto Rico is only 100 miles long by 35 miles wide, making it the smallest island of the Greater Antilles.
Puerto Rico (Spanish for "rich port") consists of an archipelago that includes the main island of Puerto Rico and several islands: Vieques, Culebra, Mona and numerous islets. The capital city of San Juan is located on the northeast of the island.
The Puerto Rico Region welcomes all fellow AACA members to join them for an island experience you will never forget.
Special Note!! The first 20 judges who register to judge will be eligible for ONE FREE night stay at the Marriott.
Event Highlights Include…
Thursday: Restaurant Antonio or Corvette Museum
Friday: Guaynabo City, Judging School, Membership Roundtable, Pizza Party at Downtown Cupey
Saturday: Judges’ Breakfast, car show & judging, Awards Banquet at Quijote Morales
Host Hotel:
Courtyard by Marriott San Juan Miramar
801 Ponce de Le6n Avenue, San Juan PR 00907
787-721-7400, c.cruz@courtyard.com
AACA Group Rate: $189 + taxes
Show Chairman: Mario Guzman, 787-635-8976
Events Q&A: Jose Davila, guillodavila57@outlook.com
Registration: Rafael F. Martinez, 787-405-1650, rmartinezcpa@gmail.com
REMINDER: Your 2024 AACA membership dues must be paid
prior to registering for any 2024 National shows and tours.
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Charlotte Hosts an AACA Trifecta Over 3-Days in April
Zenith Competition, Grand Nationals & Southeastern Spring Nationals
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April 4-6, 2024
Zenith Competition, Grand Nationals & Southeastern Spring Nationals
Charlotte, NC
Registration Deadline: March 15
Click here for Grand Nationals brochure
Click here for Spring Nationals brochure
Click here to register online
Click here to register to judge online
Click here if you would like registration information mailed to you (please specify Grand Nationals, Spring Nationals or both)
The Hornets Nest Region extends a cordial welcome to all fellow AACA members attending the Grand Nationals and the Southeastern Spring Nationals. April is a great time of year to visit Charlotte and we are especially pleased that you have chosen to participate in these events. The AACA Grand Nationals & Spring Nationals are being held during the Hornets Nest Region’s Charlotte AutoFair (produced each Spring & Fall) at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Credentials for Charlotte AutoFair will be provided to each AACA owner registering a vehicle and to each registered AACA Judge for both events.
Overall Schedule:
Thursday, April 4: Zenith Competition & Awards, Race Car/Bike Condition Run, Judging School, Advanced Judging School, Ice Cream Social
Friday, April 5: AACA Grand Nationals & Awards, Picnic
Saturday, April 6: AACA Southeastern Spring Nationals & Awards, Judges’ Breakfast, Judges CJE, Youth Program, New Owners Clinic, Picnic
Host Hotel: Unfortunately, the special rate AACA room block at the Embassy Suites is SOLD OUT. You may still be able to get a room there, but it most likely will not be discounted. Here are a few other options to check out…
Comfort Suites Concord Mills, 704-761-6803
Wingate by Wyndham, 704-979-1300
Hampton Inn, 704-793-9700
Courtyard by Marriott, 704-453-2600
Residence Inn, 704-454-7862
Homewood Suites, 980-313-3100
Show Chairman: Phillip Cole, 704-577-8576, lakeholme@att.net
Registration: Hornets Nest Region, 704-841-1396, aacaclt@windstream.net
REMINDER: Your 2024 AACA membership dues must be paid
prior to registering for any 2024 National shows and tours.
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Have You Checked Out MemberDeals Yet? | |
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MemberDeals is a member benefit program with exclusive offers to the world’s greatest entertainment and travel brands. While working with the top suppliers and partners in the industry nationwide, MemberDeals develops attractive offers that you, as an AACA member, now get to take advantage of.
What kind of offers are we talking about? How about offers for Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort™, Cirque du Soleil® and SeaWorld® Parks and Entertainment. There are deals on hotels, rental cars, flights, movie tickets, concerts and sports events. Don’t forget about Broadway musicals, cell phones, computers, appliances, automotive, flowers, food, subscriptions… the list goes on and on.
Click here to check out the most current Epic Deals!
This new benefit program is completely FREE for all current AACA members to utilize. To check out all of the great deals available right now, all you need is your AACA member number and PIN. Click here to go to the members only section of the AACA website, log in with your member number and PIN, and look for the Travel & Entertainment link on the homepage.
(Your member number and PIN can be found on your AACA membership card. If you have lost or misplaced your card, feel free to call AACA National Headquarters at 717-534-1910 and we will be happy to help you.)
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Update Regarding the Oral History Project Books | |
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The Oral History Project books are finally in the mail, and we have seen the gamut of reactions from fabulous, people ordering extra books (we have a few at $25 each, plus $25 shipping & handling) to a few people who are unhappy with their story for a variety of reasons.
We are saddened that everything was not perfect. The silver lining with this entire project is that all of your oral histories you dictated over the phone will be coming to AACA National Headquarters and be available for the public to listen to in our new AACA Oral History Center sponsored by John & Lynn Heimerl.
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the
PCI Customer Service Department directly at 1-800-982-1590 or customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.
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Order Your Official AACA Car Sign Now for the 2024 Car Show Season | |
This is the only official AACA recommended car show sign and is intended for use at AACA events. The AACA car sign format, styled similarly to other Concours signs, when properly weighted or staked would limit potential damage to vehicles if bumped or blown. Signs are 16.5" tall and 12" wide and are made of hard plastic to withstand the elements. These signs are only available to AACA members and are custom created to tell your vehicle's story and history.
The signs cost $45 plus shipping, and an image can be added to your sign for an additional $5. Please allow 4 weeks for the production of your sign from start to finish.
Click here for more information and instructions.
Contact Jon Curtis at AACA Headquarters if you would like to have a sign made: jcurtis@aaca.org or 717-534-1910.
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Schedule a Tour of AACA National Headquarters
& Library Research Center
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Would your AACA region or chapter like to visit?
What about any of the other car clubs you belong to?
If you are planning a tour or day excursion for a group near the Hershey area, why not include a stop at our building as part of your itinerary?
If you would like to book a tour, please reach out to Amoi Goldman, AACA Reference Librarian & Outreach Coordinator, at 717-534-2082 or agoldman@aaca.org.
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Do You Know a Military Veteran Who Would Like to be an AACA Member? | |
The Military Sponsorship Program is available to Military Veterans that have proudly served to protect our homeland and freedoms. With this program, AACA is extending complimentary 2024 memberships for first-time AACA applicants. More information on this program and an application can be found on the AACA website under Membership and drop down to Military Program, or simply click here.
These complimentary 2024 memberships are for first-time AACA applicants. These complimentary applications for membership are intended for individuals who have a genuine interest in the antique car hobby.
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AACA hosts online forums! AACA hosts a massive online forum area on our website that you can read and/or join in on the conversations on all sorts of topics. People post some really interesting material and pictures on an everyday basis. If you haven't used the forums before, just use the sign-up button in the upper right corner to create your user account. Anyone can join the online forums and it's completely free.
AACA has Facebook! AACA has an official Facebook page for club information and events. We also have an extremely active Facebook group, where group members post, ask questions and discuss everything and anything car-related. LIKE our Facebook page and ask to JOIN our Facebook group. Don't forget to connect with the AACA Library on their official Facebook page as well.
Be sure to use these hashtags: #DrivingHistory, #AACA, #AntiqueAutomobileClubofAmerica, #Hershey, #AACAHershey, #AACAproud, #AACAstrong
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Having constructed a tractor plant in Dearborn during 1918, Ford quickly realized that there was a housing shortage in the area. So a year later, the Dearborn Realty and Construction Company was established (by Ford) to help solve the problem. By October 1919, 94 homes were constructed with an additional 156 built in 1920. An entry-level Model A sold for $5,750 while the upscale F cost $9,550 (there was also a Model B, C, D and E in between). The area is now known as the Ford Homes Historic District (see fordhomes.org). | | |
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Antique Automobile Club of America
AACA.org | 717-534-1910
America’s Premiere Resource for the Collectible Vehicle Community
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The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is the country's premier resource for the collectible vehicle community. Since its formation in 1935, the Club, through its national office, publications, and membership, aids individuals, museums, libraries, historians and collectors dedicated to the enjoyment and preservation of automotive history. | | | | |
