Club History

1960’s—THE FORMATIVE YEARS

On September 1, 1965 it was official, the Columbia River Region of the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America was a nationally recognized club. The club’s first president was Lee Matthews!

It wasn’t long before the club’s first tour—May 15, 1966 to Champoeg Park. And according to the photos, it rained. We’re sure spirits were not dampened to have many more fun adventures in our old Chevrolets (and now GMC’s) in the decades ahead.

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE COLUMBIA RIVER REGION V.C.C.A. (Published 1980) Update 1-21-23 SB

by Carter Helmick

I guess you would have to put me in the category of a sentimental old fool, but I do like to recall the agonies and the ecstasy of bygone events that have played such an important part in our club's history. What a fine group to be a part of.  When one writes a story like this that spans more than a decade, you must understand that memories dim and records aren't the best, Also, some of this story will be told in the first-person tense because I will tell it as I lived it.  It is not to be construed as a matter of conceit or bragging.  It has been my privilege to be a part of the events that will be mentioned in this story.

Four men I feel certainly were very instrumental in forming the club were Dick Larrowe, Lee Matthews, Dick Crampton and Mike Larsen.  They were the nucleus and backbone of the club in its early years.

Dick Larrowe got tired of the Brand X dominance of the old car scene and decided to try to do something about it.  "Six in a row just don't go", "Stove Bolt Six'' , "Shove it or Leave it".  In Mexico they call those things - Cheebies.  So -- in 1964 Dick wrote the National V.C.C.A. for a list of the Oregon members.

The first invitations were Smokey the Bear postcards furnished by the Forestry Service for whom Dick's wife worked.  Postage was 4 cents Abraham Lincoln stamps.  Response was poor - everything from complaints about the National V.C.C.A. (so what's new, fellows?) to people wanting to sell him their cars.  (I -wonder how many 1932 roadsters were offered?)  The bright spot, Dick L. said, was his meeting with Lee Matthews. 

Ads were inserted in the Oregonian and Lee Matthews application for a for a Region was received by Howard K. Smith, National Region Coordinator, on or about November 13, 1964.

Ours would be a Region and any subsequent groups would be chapter of our Region.

A lot of hard work .and correspondence was done before the necessary twelve warm bodies were found to meet the entrance requirement.  All members had to be a member of National to be eligible for membership in the local chapter.

Such drastic measures as making a U-tum on the Sunset Highway close to the Portland Zoo to stop a '32 Chev and ask him to be a member.  Wesley Ellis became a charter member and Lee Matthews was the man who performed this act of determination.

The original charter members were:

Wesley Ellis                             John D, Rees Mike Larsen                             Art Larrance

Dick Larrowe & wife                Marlin Kaufman Val Schaaf                                Lee Matthews

Dick Crampton                         Karen Matthews Joseph Trussell                        Russell H. Smith

The club was officially chartered September 1, 1965.

Yours truly was not a charter member but was voted in as an honorary charter member in the 1970' s.

Although no minutes were kept the first two meetings August and September 1965, they were held at

Art Larrance's and Lee Matthews.  I drove my 1926 roadster to Art Larrance's filling the vacuum tank every 8 miles.  This was the shakedown cruise for my 1926 roadster.

(This was the first car restored in the club.)

Lee Matthews was the first Director, Art Larrance was Assistant Director and Mike Larsen was Secretary-Treasurer.

Subsequent Directors were as follows:

Lee Matthews   •••••• 1965-67               Dick Gross       ••••••. 1974-75

Carter Helmick •••••• 1968-69             Vern Toedili      •••••• 1976-77

Darl Denning    •••••• 1970-71              Alec Milner      •••••• 1978

Gary Albertson •••••• 1972-73               Bud Brye •       •••••• 1979

Other early officers, as remembered., were as follows:  Art Larrance, Assistant Director, 1965-66;

Mike Larsen, Combined. Secretary-Treasurer, 1965-67; Carter Helmick, Assistant Director, 1966-67; Dick Crampton, Assistant Director, 1967-68; Frank Springer, Treasurer, 1967-68; Darl Denning, Assistant Director, 1968-69, Lee Matthews , Secretary, 1968-69; Frank Springer, Treasurer, 1968-69.

Another meeting was held at Joe Trussell' s home in Forest Grove.  Dave McCready showed us his father's collection of old cars.  The next meeting, October 27th, was held at Dick Crampton's home. Dick's 'Wife, Judy, furnished, coffee and a scrumptious dessert after we all ogled Dick's 1929 Imperial Landau Sedan. Dick Davies, a very early member of National and an early member of our chapter, obtained the General Motors Training Center in Tigard for our meetings and we have been meeting there ever since, approximately 15 years. We want to thank Dick for this, as having a regular meeting place has been very vita1 to the growth and development of the Club,

First meeting at the General Motors Training Center was December 15, 1965.

 Part II

After our March 1966 meeting, we were treated to a. tour of Ken Mutch' s antique cars;

1910 Hupmobile, 1913 Cadillac, 1919 Templar (600 original miles) and many more interesting cars.

Our first tour was to Champoeg Park, May 15, 1966, planned by Dick Crampton and Yours Truly, Seven old Chevies attended plus some Detroit monsters.  The tour was a total of 32 miles and, as usual, was for all intents and purposes rained out.

A new prospective member, Don Thomas, invited us to his lovely home and enclosed swimming pool at Underwood, Washington, (Don had a 1928 restored coupe - beautiful car.) Three cars and approximately 9 people made the trip. It was a big letdown for Don Thomas, who later on joined HACO instead of VCCA.  Our loss. ·The 140 mile trip was made in a bit of inclement weather.  Don and his wife were lovely host and hostess and a great time was had by a.11 of us who attended.

We had another tour in September to a park in Newberg.  Six cars attended.  They were 1926 roadster - Carter Helmick; Dick Davies - 1929 Landau sedan; Bill Berkshire - 1932 Chevrolet; Frank Springer - 193l Buick sedan, Mike Larsen - 1932 Nash; Lee Matthews - 1935 Auburn. The trip home was through a cloudburst!  Weatherwise, 1966 was a poor year,

One thing that certainly was an asset to our club and certainly was a big plus was an interest created by Dick Davies showing us many early Chevrolet salesmen's films and early car movies.

1966 was not a banner year for our club, Our tours were rained out quite consistently, we were refused a part in the Swap Meet, etc., but the tenacity and loyalty of our club officers held us together.

Also, we were sure 1967 would be a much better year.  It even started out on a better note.  We were finally accepted as part of the Swap Meet Committee.  Dick Crampton and I were the first two committeemen -representing the Chev Club.

The first Swap Meet in the Portland area was in 1964, put on by HACO, Model T Club and the Horseless Carriage Club.  It was held in an old warehouse at 14th and Kearny, N.W. The second and third ones were held at Joe Fisher's Ford, West l3th and Burnside on the second and third floors.  Lee Matthews, Dick Crampton and Carter Helmick furnished the Fifty Dollars necessary for the entrance fee for our first swap meet in 1967 as the Club had a very small treasury.  The Swap Meet was held March 4 and 5, 1967 at an Overmeyer rental warehouse at 185th and S.E. Stark.  Our profit for the weekend was $50, mostly made by the ladies in the food concession.

Sometime around the end of February, 1967, Lee Matthews bought a 1940 Chev for $15, It ran!

On the fourth of June we held a tour to Lewisville Park north of' Vancouver, Wash.

We received correspondence from the Puget Sound Region and a get together with them was suggested. We met the Seattle group at the Swap Meet in Centralia, September 24, 1967.

It was planned to make this an annual affair, per Frank Springer's suggestion.

Carter Helmick led the club on a tour to Einar Flodin' s antique collection.  Einar had a 1918 Baby Grand Fire Engine, as well as a building full of antique washing machines, another with victrolas and all types of shaving equipment, and other antiques too numerous to mention,

Our first annual installation dinner was held at the Hi Hat Restaurant on February 17, 1968. 24 people attended.

Dick Crampton and Daryl Denning were our second Swap Meet committeemen.  Even in those days Swap Meet working people were hard to get.  Our second Swap Meet was held at Ovemeyer' s warehouse at Beaverton, Oregon, March 2 and 3, 1968.  Our profit to the club was $129 - again the women were the heroines.

Our May 1968 meeting was held at the General Motors Training Center.  Walt Pritchard and Jack Ramsey from Corvallis were our guests, together with Don and Hazel Gardner who have a 1927 Chev Coach. Lee Matthews was presented with a VCCA tie clasp in appreciation for his leadership in 196.5-1967.

 Our May 18, 1968 party at Einar Flodin' s not quite finished ballroom was a real blast and did not end until 4 a.m.  Frank Springer played many favorite tunes on the piano.  Then the player piano, worked by Frank Springer, played many old favorites - Mack the Knife - In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree - When Irish Eyes a.re Smiling - Blueberry Hill, etc, (Wonder who requested that last one?) We danced, eat and sang all evening.

 Part III

By this time we had many new members due to the hard work of' our officers and club members. Many names were added to our roster in the first three years of our existence.  Some came to stay, some came to go.  Some of these names are:  Dick Davies, Frank Springer, Vern Toedtli, Connie Toedtli, Darl Denning, Gary Albertson , Einar Flodin, Fred Wood, and, of course, our own gentleman of gentlemen, Hank Severson.  Vince Meekers joined us with a nice restored 1931 2-door sedan.  Joe Kordic also joined us in this interim time.  Most of these people enjoyed our party (one of many over the years, mostly at Halloween time), Rose and Einar certainly have been wonderful host and hostess over the years.

The club furnished Kentucky Fried Chicken for the party and potluck was enjoyed by all. 

 Another meeting with the Puget Sound Region was held September 24-25, 1968 at the Centralia Swap Meet.  Roger Collingwood and his dad, Don, were welcomed as new members, along with Glen Ryder and his beautiful l936 Rumble seat coupe. Lew Schull and his 1932 4-door sedan joined the club about this time also.  In this space of time Lee Matthews driving a '26 roadster, Mike Larsen in a '32 Nash, Frank Springer in a '31 Buick, Gary Albertson in his '28 4-door sedan gave the ladies of the D.A.R. a tour of Champoeg Park.  Lee Matthews received a thank you note from the D.A.R, for the nice job.

1969 officers were Carter Helmick, Director; Darl Denning, Asst, Director; Frank Springer, Secretary; and Lee Matthews. Treasurer.  The early 1969 balance 1n our treasury was $136.14 and $1.43 petty cash. We passed the ash tray and each member contributed 25 cents each meeting.

Swap meet members were Jim Hoisington, Frank Springer and Carter Helmick.  The annual banquet was held at the River Queen.

Our first Centralia tour with the Puget Sound Region and Mt. Rainier Region was spearheaded by Hank Severson, Darl Denning, Carter Helmick, Frank Springer and Lee Matthews.

Our tour to Centralia was a big success in spite of the inclement weather.  We made $114 on the 1969 swap meet - a balance of $227 in the treasury, It was decided by the six clubs to rent the exposition center (P.I. Building) for future swap meets.

In 1969, tours included a very open air trip on the old steam train from Vernonia to Banks and back.

What a fun tour.  Also, a tour to the old trolley park just west of Forest Grove was spearheaded by Hank Severson and Jim Hoisington.

Our first Halloween Party was planned at Einar and Rose Flodin's October 25th.  A costume party with potluck, The party was a blast.  Einar's facilities were without electricity or heat and we had to use outside plumbing.  We used lanterns for lights and installed a wood stove for heat.  There was a player piano and an old Juke Box for music and we, literally, danced up a storm.  Einar and Rose were the belle and beau of the ball. Many great costumes were worn, but I can't remember who the winners were.

The swap meet was planned for March 15 and 17, 1970.  A car show was added and admission of $LOO was charged.

In 1970 the officers were:  Darl Denning, Director; Frank Springer, Asst. Director, Vince Meeker, Secretary; Gary Albertson, Treasurer; Hank Severson, Tour Director.

First members to show cars in the car show:  Albertson '28 4 dr. Sedan; Davies 29 Imperial Landau Sedan; Denning '3l Coupe; Helmick '26 roadster; Hoisington 37 4 dr. Sedan; Kalesse '39 4 dr. Sedan; Larrowe '40 Convertible; Meekers '31 restored Coach; Ryder '36 rumble seat Coupe; Severson 34 Coupe; Springer '30 Buick Sedan; Woods '39 Sedan.

Norm Smith was a guest and later joined the club.

The annual banquet was held at the Hi Hat Restaurant February 14, 1970.

In April 1970, the first club roster was completed by Mike Larsen and printed by Dick Davies.

People who participated in the swap meet committee and others who showed cars were treated to a. banquet.

 Part IV

The American people, as sophisticated as we hope to be, seem to suffer from a very common disease.  

It is not a crippling disease, nor particularly painful, but one that leads to a lot of mental anguish.

As you know, yours truly has his share of it.  It is better known as foot in mouth disease. To get rid of it, engage brain before putting mouth in gear.

For example, at one of the club's banquets (Henry Ford's with 47 people in attendance), we were asked to stand and introduce ourselves and our Wives, I stood up and said the following:  "I'm Carter Helmick and this is my wife, Isabel, who has been through two restorations."

Hank Severson contributed two signs to the club.  Believe it or not, it only cost the club $20 for the painting on them. Certainly should be good publicity for our club.

We joined HACO for a joint tour and picnic.  Everyone ogled at the variety of cars present.  These different tours certainly add to everyone's enjoyment. 

Our treasury at this time had a sum of $402.94, including $3OO from the Swap Meet Committee.

After a great deal of pros and cons, the club jackets were chosen.  Jackets are charcoal gray - to be purchased by members for $5.95, Emblems were purchased from national for $3.95.

Among events that happened in 1970-71 was the founding of the Royal Mail.  A great deal of effort and personal sacrifice was made by Mike Larsen who did a fine job for many years. Mike received two first place prizes for his efforts.  Thank you, Mike, for a job well done.

Gary Albertson purchased a 1928 roadster from Montana.  Quite a bit of difference in price between it and what I paid for mine last year.  But time and prices march on.

One of the real fun tours of the year was to the Evergreen Airport Antique Airplane and Cars Show.  We participated in this event with the Early Ford V-8 Club.

Yours truly was fascinated by a Pietenpohl airplane made from a kit designed by two brothers in Tacoma, Washington prior to World War II. It carried one passenger and was capable of speeds up to 90 miles per hour.  The one at the show was powered by a re-engineered model B Ford engine.  The landing gear was disc wheels literally held on by big rubber bands.  Some World War I and II planes were there also.  A total of 35 Chevs and early V-8's were there.

Carl Jernstad from HACO put on a stunt diving airplane show for all to enjoy. I held my breath several times wondering if he was going to come out of some of those dives and loop the loops.  We all agreed it was one of our best tours.

This year was our second combined. tour to Centralia - Columbia River Region, Puget Sound Region and Mt. Rainier Region.

Officers for 1971 were: Director - Darl Denning; Asst. Dir - Carter Helmick; Secretary - Vince· M eekers; Treasurer - Gary Albertson; Historian - Mike Larsen; Tour directors - Hank Severson and Mike Larsen.

 The 1936 Chevrolet Cabriolet (Convertible) Standard Series FC belonged to Willie Kaster when the picture was taken by Rich Alfieri at a club function in 1974.

 Part V

Perhaps the singular big event for 1971 was the Tenth Anniversary Meet of the National VCCA held at Indianapolis, Indiana, Gary and Judy Albertson drove their 1940 Chevrolet sedan back to the meet.  Vern and Diane Toedtl1 trailered their 1938 Sedan to the meet.  Both couples reported a fun time was had by all who attended. Vexn won a second place national trophy for his 1938 sedan.  Congratulations, Vern. Gary won the trophy for longest distance driven.  So - our club was well represented.

Meanwhile at home our local club was participating in many great activities, adding new members, etc. Bruce and Carol DeFord joined our club with everyone' s dream car – a 1932 Roadster.  Also, another '32 Chev came into the club, A '32 Coach - owners Doug and Robin Maxwell.

Our annual awards and installation banquet was held at Henry Ford's on Barbur Blvd. This was attended by 42 people. What a. blast!

We joined the Early Ford V-8 club on a tour to the miniature steam train park, Which is near Molalla. Another big show of many fine Chevrolets and many fine early V-8 Fords (much as we hate to admit this).  It was easy to see that everyone enjoyed riding the miniature steam trains. A lot of work went into this park and tour.  I quite often heard this statement, "But, Daddy, it's my turn next,"

The Pier Park tour to St. Johns was a big success.  I think this tour was the maiden voyage of my 1919 Baby Grand.

Another successful tour to the Vancouver Air Show was made by our club.

A tour to the Brooks' Oregon Steam-up was enjoyed by all who attended.  It was enlightening and educational to see how steam machines played such an important part in early agriculture in the great west.  Also, an old fashioned sawmill was set up to club Lumber.  Wheat trashing was demonstrated also, All in all, it was a fun afternoon.  Two steam cars were present also. This was our first trip there, but I'm sure it won't be our last.

The three Northwest V.C.C.A. clubs got together for our Third Annual All Northwest Meet at Centralia. Each year it gets bigger and better.  Although we didn't have official judging at this time~ we did choose such cars as Ladies Choice, Men's Choice, Best Restoration, Farthest driven, Hard Luck Trophy and other categories which I can't remember.

But I do remember a 1931 Chev Landau Phaeton won almost all the trophies.  Mt. Rainier Region put on an excellent breakfast on Sunday morning.  Columbia River Region won the trophy for most cars present. Car games were held Sunday morning, and it was off to home!

Having Einar and Rose Flodin’s facilities for the annual Halloween party has been an asset to us.  To show our appreciation, the club had the stairs upholstered.  These stairs led from the main hall to the banquet and bar rooms in the basement. Thanks, again, to Rose and E1nar for another successful Halloween party October 3l, 1971.

Officers for 1972:  Director - Gary Albertson; Asst. Director - Vince Meekers; Secretary - Howard Miller; Treasurer - Vem Toedtli; Tour Directors - Hank Sevenon & Frank Springer; Historian - Glen Ryder.

Our club certainly did grow in the first six years of existence.  I sorry I can't remember when all the people joined - so if I've overlooked you, please forgive me.

Early records were as poor as my memory.

(To Be Continued as I get time) - Stu Brahm (SB)