When we were chosen for the Historic Motorama a year ago, we had no idea what an incredible "ride" we were going to have. Classic Glass Corvette Club of Marietta had the honor of having three Motorama participants and alternates: Chaz & Gael Cone ('64 primary) and Ron & Robin Floyd ('64 alternate) and our 1972.
At that time several primary participants started e-mailing each other and getting acquainted, some dropped out, but several of us struck up a close and warm friendship. It was first Billie & Dave Satchell ('71) from Pennsylvania, e-mailing because our cars were siblings (both steel cities gray - a very rare color produced only in '71 and '72). We quickly grew to include Chuck & Donna Hanner ('82) from Colorado, both NCRS judges. We three ladies decided to call ourselves the "vette vixens" and had shirts designed and wore them on the HM.
Then Bob Brown ('59) and Bill Bennett ('58) both from San Diego joined our little group. Both Bill and Bob are retired Navy and still work for the Navy, but in civilian positions. One of the coolest e-mails from Bob was sent from the aircraft carrier, Abe Lincoln.
Interesting participants were two 8-year-old (whose birthdays are only a week apart) little girls; Mary Ferrara was traveling with her father, Tom, in the 1980; Kara Matteo was traveling with her grandfather, Bill Wolfram in the 1974. The girls had their own radios and their own channel for chatting on the road. They are probably the only Motorama participants who will be around for the 100th anniversary - hopefully they will keep the Corvettes in the family and drive them again. The oldest participants were Ray Quinlan (the first Lifetime Member of the NCM) in the 1957 and Bill Buck, Sr. in the 1955 both gentlemen are in their 80s. Ray drove his '57 all the way, without a hint of a problem. During the rainstorm in Chicago, he found out his windshield wipers didn't work - but that was not a problem for Ray, "I had rain-x on the windshield".
June 20, Thursday - Day 1: We left for Bowling Green where we met with several other participants from the southeast. Chaz Cone trailored his car to Flint, so he very nicely offered to carry some of our luggage in the pickup. Thanks goodness, now we won't have to wear dirty clothes with air fresheners around our necks. We arrived at the NCM about 3 p.m. and after greeting friends and fellow participants, we drove out to Wendell and Jan Strode's home where we had been invited for a cookout. The first party of the HM. (total daily mileage: 309 miles)
June 21, Friday - Day 2: Our first 6:45 a.m. Drivers Meeting. At this point, we had 10 cars, Chaz & Gael (she flew to Flint) Cone ('64); Jim & Shirley Hornaday ('66 - with '67 hood, '65 rear, etc); John & Sally Sullivan ('75); Jim & Beth Rhea ('76), Dennis & Leslie Stepanik ('90 - first year for the ZR1); Dick & Judy Yanko ('93 - 40th anniversary), Robert Bush ('94 - unique Black Rose paint); Al & Trudy Berman ('95" - last year for the ZR1); Henry Younger ('02 - ZO6) - Henry was an alternate who got called at the last minute because the primary Ed Roddy had complications from knee replacement surgery; and us. Along the way, we picked up Mike Famiano ('87); Kurt Meier ('54) and Randall Shinn ('98). We had a great time trying to communicate; some of us had radios, some CBs, and some cell phones - none of which talked to each other!!
The closer to Flint, the more the excitement built until we finally pulled into the Hotel and saw how many of the Corvettes were already there. What a beautiful sight. We checked in with Larry Hayes and Bobbie Jo Lee from the NCM, who handed out the Motorama packets of information and the license plates. The NCM used some of their "pull" and got the State of Kentucky to issue Special Event license plates with the year of our cars on it. We all used these for the entire trip, as they are legal license plates until July 31, 2002.
We then ran around reading everyone's nametags trying to find the friends we had made on e-mail and meet new friends. We finally walked into the restaurant, and there was Billie and Dave. Neither one looked like I had pictured them - but then neither did we to them. :-) The Motorama took over the bar and restaurant as we all tried to meet everyone and put faces with the names.
Both Bob Brown ('59) and Bill Bennett ('58) drove their cars from San Diego, over Route 66, to Flint to join the HM. Bill and Bob took a week to drive the trip to Flint - e-mailing us each night to report of their progress - what a contrast - 1958 & 1959 Corvettes and a laptop sending e-mails!!! Their wives, Liz and Ok Sun, smart ladies that they are, flew to Flint.
The NCM had arranged secured parking at all the Hotels along the route with security guards on duty all night. It was a very long day - (total daily mileage: 516 miles)
June 22, Saturday - Day 3: George and Bill Bennett got up at 5:00 a.m. and toured Flint (got lost) looking for a car wash - they weren't satisfied with the car washing facilities at the Hotel. That was when Bill noticed the vibration in his car, so he called Paragon Reproductions. They put the car up on their lift just to check it out and tighten bolts, but found the original wheel bearings and probably the original grease, needed changing. They cleaned off the old grease, repacked the original wheel bearings with modern grease and Bill was good to go again.
We all had our Corvettes at the Sloan Museum by 9 a.m., where the cars were the centerpiece of 1,600 classic cars entered in their 30th Annual Summer Auto Fair - the first official display of the Motorama located in a beautiful, shaded, grassy park in front of the Sloan. They arranged the Corvettes in parade sequence, 1953 - 2003, the first time ever for all 50 Corvettes to be together on display. Since we were in year order we were parked next to the '71 steel cities gray, 4-speed, big block, convertible in contrast to our '72 steel cities gray, automatic, small block, t-top.
When we arrived at the Sloan, we were thrilled to see Ron Floyd already there to greet us, he and Robin were in Michigan visiting Robin's Mom and family. Ron grew up in Flint, so felt very nostalgic about being back.
Several retired GM employees stopped to talk, many of whom had worked on the 1953 Corvette in various capacities, such as the tool & dye and paint shops. It was a real honor to meet them - they were responsible for our beautiful Corvettes.
Then it was back to the Hotel about 4 p.m. to shower and dress for the party at Paragon Reproductions. By the way, the weather was unseasonably hot - both heat and humidity in the mid-90s each day. By this time, Chuck & Donna Hanner flew in from Colorado - they had their '82 shipped. They didn't know until the last minute if they would make it because of the huge wildfire in Colorado, which was only 10 miles from their home. We assured them, as good Godparents, we (Dave & Billie, George & I) would drive their Corvette in the HM if they couldn't make it. :-) Again, big hugs all around as we met for the first time after e-mailing for almost a year.
The short drive to Paragon brought us to their facility where they took individual pictures of the Corvettes as we arrived. We were served a delicious dinner under a tent with live music and Corvette celebrities. Dave Hill, Gib Hufstader and Roy Midgely, engineers for GM. We all autographed a red '58 Corvette hood for them. Most of us felt awkward giving autographs, but quickly got into the fun of it.
June 23, Sunday - Day 4: Again, another early day of up to clean the cars - just as we finished and the cars were all shiny and bright, the hotel sprinklers came on and watered not only the grass, but the cars as well. :-) Another grin!!
During breakfast, we looked up and coming across the Hotel lobby in "cow" pajamas with her robe flying behind her - in search of a cup of coffee - was Gael Cone. It was a "mooving" sight.
This was our second day at the Sloan Museum; after lunch we had a drivers meeting in the Museum and were introduced to all the media making the trip with us. There were more media than participants, so the trip will be well documented. The City of Toledo gave us crystal goblets with their logo etched on it. Gael Cone gave everyone an angel to ride with them in the Corvette. I think the message was "Never drive faster than your Guardian Angel can fly". How fast can you drive in a caravan??? We were about to find out.
The Sloan invited us to a reception of wine, champagne and snacks, during the afternoon in their "basement". We had a great time digging around in all the antiques waiting to be put into a display - ESPECIALLY - a 1954 Corvette undergoing a body-off restoration. Being invited into the basement was a real privilege.
That evening was a "free" time for participants, so most of us walked to the Redwood Lodge across from the Hotel for dinner, where we were joined by Rick Baldick and Dave Hill. They were in Flint to drive the 2003 the next day in the HM. Dave's favorite saying has become "On the Road Again", appropriate for the Motorama.
Beth Rhea had a real scare after dinner - she had been served some "bad" shrimp and had a violent reaction, which landed her in the emergency room, but she was back at the Hotel around midnight, and by the next morning, looking the worse for wear but with a smile on her face, she was ready to roll.
We also found out that one of the participants had found out a week before the HM that she had a very fast growing malignant tumor in her breast and the doctor wanted to do immediate surgery. She asked if one week would make a difference, the doctor said, "no" - so she was with us on the trip with surgery scheduled for Tuesday, July 2 when she got home. We send her love, light and healing.
June 24, Monday - Day 5: This is the first "official" day of the HM. We have quickly established a routine, up at 4:30 - 5:00 a.m. to clean the cars, then a shower, breakfast, pack the cars and make it to Larry's Drivers Meeting at 6:45 a.m. for a 7:00 a.m. start. Larry would review all the events of the day as well as make announcements, such as, "keep it tight", meaning keep the cars in tight formation for the benefit of the law enforcement escort. This was our first parade in year order and the sight of all the cars lined up on the access road by the Hotel brought a lump to our throats and our first experience of people standing by the road cheering for the Corvettes are we passed. This was also the first law enforcement escort, the Genesee County Sheriffs Department, who took us to the GM Assembly Plant in Flint where we were entertained on the Quality Productivity Center Roof Parking Lot (original site of the Corvette Assembly Plant). Welcoming remarks were made by Michael Dulaney, Plant Manager, and Mark Hawkins, UAW Local 598 Shop Chairman. Rick Baldick, Dave Hill, and Dave McClellan also visited with us. Rick and Dave Hill were driving the 2003 at this point. The local media took a lot of pictures and the Flint and Detroit newspapers carried a lot of coverage of the event.
We left Flint, under police escort, and traveled towards Detroit to the GM Tech Center in Warren, where GM employees were patiently waiting to enthusiastically welcome us. They had their own Corvette display to compliment ours as a "drive your Corvette to work day". A picnic lunch was provided by Corvette Engineering (Dave Hill). We paraded the Corvettes in front of the GM Tech Center, through the GM complex and ended up in front of the GM Design Center, lined up in year order along the lakefront. The Design Center had several prototypes on display in front of the Design building for our viewing enjoyment. Dave McClellen was present signing his new book, "Corvette From the Inside"; as well as Elfie Arkus-Duntov and Jerry Burton signing the new book, Zora Arkus-Duntov, The Legend Behind Corvette". Elfie is getting very frail, we were very happy to see her.
During this parade, John & Sally Sullivan ('75) lost their brakes and were almost to the point of having to drag their feet to stop. Our crack support team, Les Stanford with an 18-wheel car carrier, picked up John's car and took it to Les Stanford Chevrolet to repair. John was back on the road that night.
It was really funny, because while the car was being repaired, John & Sally had to catch rides in other Corvettes. At the Design Center, Sally took her bag out of the '75, and began marching down the row of cars (looking for someone to ride with) with someone called out "Sally, what are you doing?" She replied, "John & I had a fight and I'm going back to Mississippi"! A few believed her, especially when they saw her riding with Billie in the '71. Another grin!! BTW, the next day, John accidentally (we think - hope) put Sally's shorts on and wore them all day. He said "I thought it was funny when I couldn't find any belt loops to put my belt in ----" He, of course, got a lot of "cross-dressing" jokes and George remarked, "it gives a whole new meaning to - getting into her pants - ".
From the GM Center we checked into our Hotel and found a Chi Chi's across the parking lot, which made great margaritas. That evening we were invited to Les Stanford Chevrolet in Dearborn for a reception, where they provided a buffet and gave us t-shirts and license plates. (total daily mileage: 61 miles)
June 25, Tuesday - Day 6: Another early 7:00 a.m. departure for Sawyer, Michigan. At the mandatory fuel stop, we once again lined up in year order to parade into Corvette Central There we were hosted for lunch (best food of the entire trip) on a shaded patio with cool fans. We were given two goody bags with car care products and an umbrella in each. Corvette Central owners, Jerry & Bev Kohn were on the Motorama in their beautiful '62. I think there might have been a little competition between Paragon, Corvette Central and Mid America in how they entertained us because they all treated us like celebrities. CC parked us in a circle in the front yard of their brand new facility with personalized signs in each parking spot. We were given a tour of their facility and many people took advantage of the opportunity to order parts shipped to their homes.
George couldn't resist the temptation of breathing helium from one of the many balloons and had us rolling with laughter with his newly acquired soprano voice, without the benefit of surgery.
From there we made our way to Chicago and the infamous I-94, I-80 and I-294 interchange further complicated by parking lot traffic, lots and lots of trucks and a downpour of rain. Kurt Meier put the top up on his '54 for the first time. John & Sally Sullivan ('75) took the opportunity for an unplanned tour of downtown Chicago and arrived at the Hotel only a little after the rest of the Motorama.
After the mundane chore of doing a load of laundry (where we women had the fun of getting better acquainted over the washing machine), we showered and headed for the Empress Casino and Hotel where we had been invited to a dinner hosted by Bill Jacobs Chevrolet of Joliet. After a great dinner and goody bag, many of the participants decided to leave some money in the casino. Another long day (total daily mileage - 375 miles)
June 26, Wednesday - Day 7: We got to sleep in an extra hour and left at 8:00 a.m. after the Drivers Meeting. After lining up in year order, we were escorted by the Illinois State Police on Route 66 (past the famous Spaceman Statue in Wilmington) and on toward Effingham. At one point during the parade, a large cement truck got past the police escort and inserted himself between the '75 and '76. The police quickly got him off the road, but not before he was the subject of a lot of jokes on the radios. From Wilmington to Effingham (where we were picked up again by police escort) the Corvettes stretched their legs on the interstate with speeds - well let's say we exceeded the speed limit.
We regrouped at a rest area just outside Effingham, where the police in a black D.A.R.E. Corvette along with the state police escorted us to Mid America Designs. On arrival at MAD, all the employees where lined up along the driveway cheering and clapping - again a lump in the throat. We were royally greeted by Mike & Laurie Yager, their family and employees and served a delicious box lunch. As we entered the lunchroom, Mike gifted us with leather duffle bags embroidered with the HM logo filled with a car care kit, a hat and pin.
Mike opened up "My Garage" for a tour of his private Corvette collection - outside of which was a life-size cow decorated like a C5. Way cool!!! Mike also has an old time gas station and a huge sign proclaiming "Corvette Assembly Plant, St Louis, Missouri - New Owner Delivery Point" where many of us took pictures of our Corvettes. Since the St. Louis Assembly Plant no longer exists, this was our only opportunity to pretend we were there. After many Kodak moments - we left Effingham for St. Louis and Kiener Plaza.
We regrouped at Gateway International Raceway and preceded to Kiener Plaza in parade formation, where we were grouped around the beautiful fountain with the historic courthouse and the arch in the background. A copy of this photo was blown up, autographed, framed and gifted to the National Corvette Museum as a memento of the HM.
The Mayor of St. Louis proclaimed June 26, 2002 as "Corvette Day", which was accepted by Kurt Meier ('54) and Roger MacNider ('81) the span of years the Corvette plant was in St. Louis. Since the Mayor's office wanted us to leave the Corvettes displayed around the Plaza, we quickly retired to TGI Fridays across the street, where both the a/c and drinks were cold, a welcome relief from the heat and humidity, which had remained in the 90s.
When we left the Plaza, Bobbie Joe couldn't find Al Hill ('53) or Kurt Meier ('54), so she stayed to look for them. They were missing in action for an hour and fifteen minutes when they wandered back to the Plaza from TGI Fridays, then promptly left for the ballpark. Bobbie Jo our "Motorama Mama" took very good care of us.
When we left for Collinsville, everyone was so tired and anxious to get to the Hotel; we looked like horses heading for the barn, racing down the interstate. After checking in, we ate dinner and went to the reception held for us by four of the Corvette clubs in St. Louis - Original Corvette Club of St. Louis, Boones Trail Corvette Club, Looking Glass Corvette Club and Route 66 Corvette Club. They served snacks and beer and gave us golf towels and medallions commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Corvette and the HM. We had a great time talking with other Corvette enthusiasts. (total daily mileage - 325 miles)
June 27, Thursday - Day 8: Another 8:00 a.m. (I think Larry took pity on us) departure and we headed for Evansville, Indiana, where the city hosted us as the centerpiece of their "Freedom Festival" on the riverfront.
On the interstate that morning, the 2003 and 2002 started a little friendly competition and pulled off several drag races. I understand the outcome was a tie - depending on whom you talked to. A little later, Don Wagner in the 2003 came on the radio (we had loaned him one of ours) and said with awe in his voice, "I am going 70 mph and Bob Brown in the '59 just blew past me". You could see Bob's grin all the way to the end of the caravan. At this point, Don Wagner was driving the 2003 for GM and he had never encountered Corvette enthusiasts before, let alone driven a C5. So needless to say, we had us a "born-again convert".
At various times in the Motorama, the media would ride with participants to interview them and in the process we all became friends. Ronnie Hartmann (a very nice lady) Editor from Corvette Fever was riding with Randy Pierce ('73) convertible, so I admonished Randy to be good to her. He replied, "I am, I am going to take her in the backseat". Now, THAT I could sell tickets to.
We arrived in Evansville, again escorted by the Evansville Police Department/Sheriff Officers and parked the Corvettes along Riverside Drive in their designated spots marked by personalized signs. The city served a very nice lunch under a tent, during which the Blue Angels began putting on an air display - it was incredible - you could feel the thunder shaking your whole body as they flew past. At 2:30 p.m. we left in parade formation, escorted by Kentucky State Police; the feeling was bittersweet - the HM was about over but we were headed home to Bowling Green. We flew through the beautiful countryside in Kentucky, where aided by the KSP we didn't have to stop for anything. The closer to BG - the more the excitement built again.
Then about 10 miles out of BG, the '53 blew a tire - only the second problem with the straight axles the whole trip. We all pulled off the side of the road while Al Hill had the tire fixed, then back on the road. It was actually a good thing, because Jim & Beth Rhea ('76) took that opportunity to hurry and fill up with gas, since they had forgotten to do so at the last mandatory fuel stop and were running on fumes at this point.
As we drove into Bowling Green along the interstate, there were people on the side of the road and on the overpasses waving and taking pictures. I think at this point, we got an inkling of the welcome the Corvettes would receive. But nothing prepared us for the heart stopping sight of driving around behind the Museum and seeing the parking lot full of Corvettes and all the people lined up to greet us. I was driving and George said, "Oh my God, look at all the Corvettes". As we drove behind the NCM and saw all the people lining the roadway, we (as well as everyone in the HM, as we later learned) had trouble swallowing past the lump in their throats and starting to tear up with the overwhelming emotion of the unbelievable welcome. People along the road were taking pictures and videos and some came out to "high five" us as we waved and tried to express our thanks for the welcome. As we drove in front of the NCM the whole lawn was filled with people waving and cheering for the Corvettes. I saw Wendell and blew him a thank you kiss and he returned it. As soon as we parked along the sidewalk, we were overrun by our friends - first were Ron & Robin greeting us with open arms - then Hillary Kennedy & Bob Dukas, then our alternates, Barb & Carl Lundquist - then Joe & Cindy Owen, Sue & Jerry Nunn and many, many other friends. Hugs were exchanged all around, as well as many hugs from the other HM participants - still overwhelmed by the emotional welcome.
We were then invited to the tent on the front lawn for a BBQ dinner, after which we went to the Hotel to relax and try to come down from the "thrill" of the experience, if possible. We all congregated in the Hotel lobby area and everyone relived his or her feelings of the "high". It was something, all agreed, that will never be forgotten and will remain a heart-stopping memory for the rest of our lives. (total daily mileage - 295 miles)
June 28, Friday - Day 9: We departed the Marriott Hotel, once again with an escort by Kentucky's Finest, and drove to the Assembly Plant. There, we were greeted by Wil Cooksey, Plant Manager, and his Managers. After pictures were taken in front of the Assembly Plant, we were invited into the Plant for speeches, a special video on the processes in the paint booth and a special tour of the assembly line. The employees served us lunch in their cafeteria, after which we were urged to be in our cars promptly at 1:00 p.m. for the drive through the plant. Again, we were unprepared for the welcome by the plant workers as we brought our Corvettes "home". We entered the Plant under an arch of balloons and were immediately engulfed in a huge welcome of cheering workers. They seemed to really enjoy seeing all the years of Corvettes, several called out that our steel cities gray was their favorite color of Corvette. We found out later that it took Wil Cooksey several months to obtain the necessary approvals and permits to allow us to drive through the Plant. Thank you, Wil.
We also found out that the workers in the Assembly Plant were the ones who had provided the "seed" money for the National Corvette Museum through payroll deduction. Paul Schnoes, Plant Manager from 1984 through 1993, at the request and urging of the workers, pushed through GM the program allowing the workers to donate a portion of their salary to start the NCM. A little known, but very interesting fact. Thank you.
After the Plant Tour, we returned to the NCM, where we were individually announced and given a special commemorative crystal plaque by Mike Yager on behalf of the Museum. We then were directed to park our Corvettes in year order in a designated display spot along side the Corvettes of the alternate participants.
The Kick-Off Celebration Began:
So you can see we had a very wide range of experiences, from the heart wrenching to the ridiculous. That is why even though it was only a week; we shared many life experiences and feel very close to many of the friends we made on the trip. The best part of the Motorama was the people. We are so honored to have been part of a piece of history.
The following poem is being passed around the Motorama participants via e-mail because it so very clearly expresses our feelings:
I have a list of folks I know……….all written in a book,
And every now and then………I go and take a look.
That is when I realize these names…….….they are a part,
Not of the book they're written in……….but taken from the heart.
For each name stands for someone……....who has crossed my path sometime,
And in that meeting they have become……...the reason and the rhyme.
Although it sounds fantastic………for me to make this claim,
I really am composed………of each remembered name.
Although you're not aware……….of any special link,
Just knowing you has shaped my life……….more than you could think.
So, please don't think my greeting…….….as just a mere routine,
Your name was not………..forgotten in between.
For when I send a greeting…….…that is addressed to you,
It is because you are on the list………of folks I'm indebted to.
So whether I have know you ……...for many days or few,
In some ways you have a part………in shaping things I do.
I am but a total………..of many folks I've met,
You are a friend I would prefer……...never to forget.
Thank you for being my friend!
1972 Corvette
50th Corvette Motorama Partipant
