FEBRUARY 2020
VOLUME 37, NO. 1
PRECIOUS METAL
PLUS: 1911 MAXWELL AB RUNABOUT - BILL HARRAH’S FIRST COLLECTOR CAR
SM
CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS
3 FROM THE NAM TEAM 11 AWARDS AND RECOGNITION 18 VOLUNTEER NEWS 20 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 22 MUSEUM STORE 26 MUSEUM ON THE MOVE 31 NEW MEMBERS 30 THANKS A MILLION 32 WIN THIS JAGUAR
FEATURES
4
7
8
BOARD OF TRUSTEES IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT MUSEUM TEAM STAFF AT THE WHEEL 1911 MAXWELL AB RUNABOUT BILL HARRAH’S FIRST COLLECTOR CAR
14 CHRYSLER AIRFLOW COMEBACK
IN THIS ISSUE
EDITOR Kathy Powers
10 IN MEMORY OF BOB CINKEL 13 SECOND THURSDAY TALKS 16 30TH ANNIVERSARY AND
JACKIE FRADY’S RETIREMENT PARTY
28 ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN 29 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
JOIN OUR TEAM
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Buddy Frank GRAPHIC DESIGN Grace Lark Design PRINTING SERVICES A. Carlisle Precious Metal is a benefit to members and is published by the National Automobile Museum The Harrah Collection 10 South Lake Street Reno, NV 89501-1558 (775) 333-9300 Fax (775) 333-9309
www.automuseum.org info@automuseum.org Materials in this publication cannot be reproduced or utilized without written permission of the National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection).
2 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
FROM THE
NAM TE A M Who
Who would have thought that 30 years after the National Automobile Museum opened its doors on Sunday, November 5, 1989; that the collection would remain the Number One attraction in Reno as cited by Trip Advisor and Yelp.
Few sites anywhere generate as many five star reviews as we have. That’s quite an accomplishment when you think of all that’s changed in three decades: gasoline was $1 a gallon then, the minimum wage had just been raised to $4.25; and the stock market hit a record high of 2,560. Just before our opening, the Oakland A’s were celebrating their World Series win over the Giants; just as the 49ers began the year savoring their victory over the Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII. Germans were bringing down the Berlin Wall, about the same time as the Loma Prieta earthquake brought down the Bay Bridge. The Mirage in Las Vegas opened just two weeks after we did on November 22nd. If you were an automotive journalist, you got a sneak peek inside the building with late-author Leon Mandel on Friday the 3rd, and VIP guests were invited to an Odyssey d’Elegance the next night where they danced to the music of the Peter Duchin Orchestra in the Museum streets. Today those same streets continue to be filled today with party-goers from high school proms, to weddings, holiday festivities and even celebration of life memorials. Just as it was in ’89, special events are always more special when you’re surrounded by $60+ million worth of rare automobiles. Today is also time to look back to those who made this marvelous attraction possible and peek ahead to our future. We continue to celebrate the leadership of the late Ben Dasher, our first Board of Trustees chairman; the artistry of painter Robert Cinkel who passed just last year, and the contributions of our Emeritus board members Gordon Horsley, Ted Bacon and Dr. Louis Sellyei, Jr. We’re also indebted to our generous patrons and members of the last three decades who have been vitally important, but too numerous to mention individually.
However, the City of Reno; Verna, John & Tony Harrah and current board chairman Ranson Webster and his wife Norma, each have made above and beyond contributions of time and/or resources to keep us moving forward. You can see all of the current Board of Trustees members in the accompanying feature; along with a look at the current staff. As we launch into the new decade, the Board is actively pursuing a new vision to use our rich collection to explore the role of the automobile and its profound impact on all facets of American culture and society; past, present and future. We will seek new forms of media to provide better reasons to generate repeat visits to the Museum by locals and tourists from around the world. This will include refreshed “changing” exhibits and more forward-looking projects with links to our past. A good example might be examining the emerging battery technology of Tesla, VW, Ford, GM, Toyota and Mercedes contrasted to their roots of our 1912 Baker Electric; 1914 Detroit Electric, 1973 Battery Box and, surprisingly, the electric Toyota RAV4 of 2002.
A new Executive Director will be chosen soon to
help move us along, and he/she will be charged with re-energizing our volunteer group which is so vital to our success. In 2019, we enjoyed a record 9,320 hours of service from these dedicated men and women who represent the heart and soul of the daily operation. Their enthusiasm and willingness to show up 363 daysa-year are the reason that we’re confident that the commemorate issue of Precious Metal January 2050 will be celebrating and reflecting with as much pride as we have today. Thank you all: visitors, contributors, members, patrons, volunteers, staff, Board of Trustees, and fans of the automobile everywhere. Postscript: As we went to press, it was announced that Harrah’s Reno had been sold, and that the casino of the same name would cease operations later this year after 83 years. At least for now, the Harrah name will live on at our Museum and at casinos in Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Atlantic City and several other locations. But for the first time since 1937, there will no longer be a Harrah marque in the “Biggest Little City.” The current twin hotel towers and former casino will be converted into the non-gaming “Reno City Center,” consisting of shops, restaurants and housing options.
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M 3
IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT FOR 38 YEARS
RANSON WEBSTER Chairman (since 1997) Elected 1994 PAUL GEORGESON Vice President (since 2012) Elected 2009
BOARD OF TRUSTEES While the National Automobile Museum celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019, it also observed the 38rd anniversary of the incorporation of a nonprofit organization that embarked on a remarkable journey in 1981.
The original Board of five trustees accepted a daunting task. Could they have imagined the many successes that would fill the next 30 years? While some may dwell on the struggles, we have the privilege of witnessing and celebrating the successful outcomes. Today, the Board of Trustees consists of 13 members who serve the common goal of ensuring the Museum has the necessary resources to fulfill its mission not only today but for generations to come. Once again, in 2019, the Board made it possible for the Museum to earn The 100 Percent Club award from the Community Foundation of Western Nevada in recognition of Boards that support their agencies with 100 percent financial participation through personal giving.
1
Truly, the Museum’s Board is the model for nonprofit boards, by accepting monumental challenges, believing in the Museum and giving personal donations to support their beliefs, encouraging others to give and governing an ethical and competent organization.
Reviewing the history of the Board illustrates there have been four important phases. Numerous Trustees throughout this period accepted demanding responsibilities and made vital contributions. While not all can be named, they are sincerely thanked and respected for their efforts.
The first phase was led by Chairman Ben Dasher beginning in 1981 and through the opening of the Museum in 1989. He spearheaded this project through endless negotiations with Holiday Inns, Harrah’s Hotels & Casinos, City of Reno, State of Nevada, and many individuals and organizations. In addition, he oversaw construction of the Museum. This phase wouldn’t have been successful without Ben Dasher. Many said this was an impossible project, but he accomplished it.
4 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
JANET L. CHUBB SECRETARY (since 2016) Elected 2001 WILLIAM RAMSEY TREASURER (since 2014) Elected 2014 NED BACON Elected 2013 BRIAN COLODNY Elected 2009 NORMAN L. DIANDA Elected 2004 JIM ROGERS Elected 2019 PHILIP G. SATRE Elected 2015 TED STOEVER Elected 2004 BJ SULLIVAN Elected 2005 ALLEN J. WILT Elected 2018
2
During the 1980s, there was the enormous gift of automobiles and a library worth millions of dollars; however, there were no financial resources. After the Museum opened, there was an outstanding construction debt of $9.6 million.
The second phase of the Board involved developing a plan to retire the construction debt and working with the City of Reno, State of Nevada, and others. During this phase, credit is given to John Sande; his service with the organization spanned more than 20 years. He worked on the establishment of the nonprofit organization, then beginning 1981 he served as corporate secretary, became chairman from 1991-1994, and remained on the Board until 2001.
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M 5
F IRS T BO ARD O F T RUS T EES IN 1981
3 4
MEAD DIXON Chairman EVA ADAMS RICHARD J. GOEGLEIN ROY POWERS JOHN P. SANDE, III Corporate Secretary B OARD OF TR U S T E E S W HE N THE M U S E U M OP E NE D I N 1 9 8 9
The third phase was completion of the Capital Campaign to fully retire the construction debt, a task undertaken by key members of the current Board. A driving force during this phase was Chairman Ranson Webster. He and his wife Norma gave a $1.1-million-dollar donation and challenged others to match their gift. Thanks to Ranson and Norma and many donors, the construction debt was fully retired and $1 million was raised for the Endowment.
BEN DASHER Chairman E. STANTON WARREN Vice Chairman JOHN P. SANDE, III Secretary/Treasurer MEAD DIXON VERNA R. HARRAH ERNEST MARTINELLI THOMAS J. MILLIGAN ROBERT F. RUSK HON. PETER SFERRAZZA
CHAI RM E N OF THE B OARD OF TRUSTE E S , 1981 – 2015
{present}
The fourth phase is underway, during which our current Board of Trustees addresses infrastructure improvements, visitor enhancements, and guiding the Museum into the future.
MEAD DIXON,1981 - 1983 BENEDICT J. DASHER, 1983 - 1990 E. STANTON WARREN, 1990 ROBERT F. RUSK, 1990 - 1991 JOHN P. SANDE, III, 1991 - 1994 served the Board for 20 years FERENC SZONY, 1994 - 1997 RANSON WEBSTER, 1997- present
6 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
STAFF AT THE WHEEL
MUSEUM TEAM
Buddy Frank
Tony Castellanos FACILITY TECHNICIAN
SR. SUPPORT SERVICES MANAGER
EVENT AND OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR
Donna Goldsmith
INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Barbara Clark
Noah Cole
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Jay Hubbard
AUTOMOTIVE COLLECTIONS MANAGER
Jennifer McFarlane
Emily Parker
Kathy Powers
Melissa Simmons
Marcia Trujillo-Penman
Dick Petersen
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
SALES AND EVENT MANAGER
STEM EDUCATION ASSOCIATE
RETAIL MANAGER
BUSINESS MANAGER
VOLUNTEER RESOURCE MANAGER
PRECIOUS METAL DIGITAL OPTION AVAILABLE Are you looking for a more convenient and efficient way to read our Precious Metal magazine? Is portability and easy access a factor for you? Would you like to share and post what you read to social media for others to enjoy or are you simply interested in saving a tree?
We have the answer for you. Take a moment to flip through our digital issues of Precious Metal magazine at https://issuu.com/automuseum. This magazine is a benefit of membership. F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M 7
Harrah and the Maxwell By Buddy Frank
As our Museum moves into its 31st season, there is perhaps no better time to look back to our beginning. Not just to the opening of our Lake Street location in November of 1989, but back to the very beginning:
William Harrah’s first purchase of a classic car.
It was actually two cars, a 1911 Ford Model T Roadster and a 1907 Maxwell AB Runabout. Perhaps more than any other vehicle, this particular Maxwell is symbolic of what Mr. Harrah later achieved with his auto collection. Arguably, the lessons from this purchase also had a lot to do with the positive changes he made in his lifestyle and casino management around the same time period. It definitely anchored his obsession for good research and his never-ending quest for quality.
Bill Harrah with 1911 Maxwell 8 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
Johnny Vogel, the brother of a Harrah friend, died in an auto accident. His mother sold Johnny’s cars to Harrah in 1947 ($1,500 for the Ford and $2,000 for the Maxwell). Feeling sorry for the grieving mother, this was one of the rare times that Harrah overpaid for a car (the Maxwell was worth half that price then). While Maxwell’s have long been gone, they were popular cars of the period ranking #4 in overall sales in both 1907 and 1911. Many radio listeners from the 1930s and 1940s first learned of this marque from Jack Benny who often mentioned the car. A 1923 model that Benny frequently used in his casino stage shows is also in the Museum today. Maxwell ceased production in 1924.
1911 Maxwell Model AB
As quoted in Harrah’s Auto Collection by author Dean Batchelor, “Harrah then set about restoring the cars with the help of Jim Gullihur, who had been a mechanic at the Packard agency where Harrah bought his Packards. Unfortunately, Harrah and Gullihur didn’t restore the Maxwell quite right.”
Model AB Motor
In Harrah’s own words, as quoted by the late automotive journalist Leon Mandel, “I hopped up about everything on the Maxwell as I hopped up about every car I owned. We [had] made a terrible mistake. An antique car should be restored authentically. A 1911 Maxwell should be restored as a 1911 Maxwell.”
Indeed, the two not only “hopped up” the engine with wrong parts, they, or the previous owners, tried to make the car look more like a 1907 Maxwell. Those liberties caught up with them when they joined the Horseless Carriage Club and signed up for a tour from Los Angeles to San Diego. As Mandel wrote, it was “the equivalent of showing up at Madison Square Garden for the Westminster Kennel Club show with a part Dalmatian, part Chihuahua.” These folks knew their cars and could spot a “fake” a mile away. They were not kind to this newcomer casino owner. Not only that, Harrah couldn’t drive the car very well. “The lunch stop was in Long Beach, and I got there just as they were all leaving.” [NOTE: In his defense, driving a Maxwell is not easy for a novice. The internal clutch is cranky and the shift pattern back to front is unusual: Reverse, Neutral, Low, Neutral, and then High.] Regardless, it was extremely embarrassing to Bill Harrah, and he made sure it didn’t occur again. Batchelor says, “two things happened [during this tour] that were to affect his life: He met Bud Catlett, and he
discovered the need for thorough research.” At the second lunch stop in Oceanside, Harrah said, “I’ll never forget. He came up to me and he was so polite. ‘Mr. Harrah, I’m Bud Catlett, how do you do?’ And he looked at the Maxwell and instead of sayin’, ‘This is wrong, the radiator’s wrong, the upholstery’s wrong, the fender’s wrong,’ and not even talkin’ about the hop-up part, he said ‘Gee that’s a nice car.’” As Mandel recounts, “Harrah could have encountered a thousand people who would have gone out of their way to humiliate him. Instead, he found perhaps the one man who encouraged his interest. Admirers of the Harrah’s Automobile Collection [and our own National Automobile Museum] owe much to Bud Catlett’s decency, restraint, and diplomacy that 1947 day at Oceanside.” Harrah quickly hired Catlett, and the former Sacramento police officer became a trusted auto expert and the man that subsequently purchased many of the cars in the collection. To restore a car correctly, Harrah learned, he needed data and research materials. Thus, his team began collecting automotive literature even more aggressively than they did cars. Thanks to their efforts, our library today is one of the world’s finest containing shop manuals, promotional materials, owner’s manuals, photos, films and more on autos from just before the start of the 20th Century to the 60’s and 70’s. Seldom does a week go by without a commercial inquiry from a collector or hobbyist seeking information about a vehicle. It is rare that we don’t have an answer. Nearly all the original Harrah’s cars in our collection that were restored are correct to the finest details. Whenever possible, original parts were refurbished, rather than replaced. Paints were custom mixed to original specs. And the library was constantly checked to ensure the smallest details were accurate. Harrah’s driving skills of classic cars also improved dramatically since that day in Long Beach. In fact, each vehicle was always road tested personally by the owner before receiving a classification and final approval to join his display collection. To his credit, and perhaps as a constant reminder of his earlier folly, Harrah never corrected the flaws F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M 9
in his first Maxwell. Today it sits near the entrance of Gallery Two. It is bright red, even though Maxwell only produced the 1911 AB Runabout in dark blue with ivory wheels. The running boards are covered in rubber instead of linoleum. The seats are upholstered in vinyl, not the original leather. The U-joints are wrong. So is the carburetor, the magneto, the oiling system, the fenders, and the interior of the cowl. You might notice that the radiator and shape of the hood on the 1911 Maxwell ad and photos (shown) feature a narrower radiator with a symmetrically round top tank. There are supposed to be 10 louvers. Someone seems to have installed 1907 parts with a more irregular shape of the hood, only nine louvers and a wider radiator.
In other words, everything that is wrong about that first Maxwell represents a lesson to “do it right” learned by Mr. Harrah and put into practice with the other Harrah cars that are in our museum today.
This is the original blue color that is correct for all 1911 Maxwells.This one is owned by Museum volunteer Al Abrahamson and features the correct headlamps, linoleum running boards and the proper 1911 radiator and hood.
1 9 1 1 MAX W E LL A B RU NABOUT BUILT BY
Maxwell-Briscoe Motor Co. Tarrytown, New York
PRICE WHEN NEW ENGINE
$600
BORE STROKE DISPLACEMENT
4 1/2”
Horizontal Opposed 2-Cylinder, 16 hp 4” 127.2 Cu. In.
However, he never quite lost that one quirk of “hopping up” a few of his personal rides. In Gallery Four you can see the Ferrari V-12 engine he stuffed into a sedate, but stretched, 1977 Jeep Wagoneer. In Gallery Three you’ll spot his 1956 Lincoln Continental that received a transplant of a 1958 Chrysler Hemi engine (it wasn’t exactly a stock motor as specialist Ed Pink bored the 392 cu.in. to 440 cubic inches, installed dual-quad carburetors and a few other upgrades to produce 400 horsepower). If you look close, you might also detect a Model A or two here in Reno with some minor personal Harrah “improvements.” With those few exceptions, thank you William Fisk Harrah for learning those painful and embarrassing Maxwell lessons so well that you inspired generations of classic car restorers to seek perfection…and for making our Museum so special.
IN M E M ORY
B OB CIN K E L 1/24/1940 - 8/8/2019
If you’ve been inside the Museum, read past issues of Precious Metal magazine, or even received an invitation from the Museum you’ve been introduced to Robert Glen “Bob” Cinkel and his artwork. Or you may be lucky enough to have one of his paintings hanging in your home. Over the last six decades Bob created hundreds of paintings and other works of art. Bob began his career as an advertising artist, after 45 years he “retired”. Museum Chairman Ranson Webster, who Bob had worked for before retirement, generously paid him to work part-time at the Museum. As the Museum’s graphic artist, Bob spent 1 0 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
his time designing signage, interpretive text to accompany the Museum’s exhibits, and filling the Museums walls with his paintings. Bob was a self-described historian, he loved old snapshots and spent his “free” time combing antique stores across the West for vintage black and white photographs.Those photos became the inspiration for many of his wonderful paintings, along with several books. Those of us that worked with Bob at the Museum miss him dearly.We are grateful that he shared his remarkable talent and skill with the Museum, and its visitors. He helped us reach important goals, including transforming our newsletter into a magazine. Bob will forever be a part of the National Automobile Museum and in our hearts.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
100% GIVING BOARD AWARD
Congratulations to the Museum’s Board of Trustees for once again earning the 100% Giving Board Award. Every year since 2008 the Community Foundation of Western Nevada has presented 100% Giving Board Awards in recognition of nonprofits which actively encourage their Board members to make a personal financial gift to the organization’s operating fund. The Foundation states, “While time and talent on the board are necessary, board members’ personal financial contribution to the nonprofits they serve is crucial.” Each organization receives a certificate with a star for each year they’ve received the award. The Museum’s certificate features nine stars, indicating the Board has earned this award every year since it was introduced.
The Foundation sends the list of awarded organizations to donors, fund holders, community leaders, and other grant-making bodies in our area to make sure anyone and everyone knows these organizations and Board members are working together for our community and personally demonstrate their belief in the work being done. GOLDEN QUILL AWARD OLD CARS WEEKLY Congratulations was offered by the In December 2019, once Foundation to all 2019 Giving Board again, the Museum was members who support their chosen cause awarded a Golden Quill and the mission of their organizations by Award by Old Car Weekly making an annual gift. “You understand magazine for the Museum’s your role as a board member, and you are 2018 Precious Metal magazine commended for your commitment,” said series. the Foundation.
HELENE AWARD LAS VEGAS CONCOURS
Judging is based on page count, publication format, use of color and visuals, quality of writing and photographs, creativity and balance of articles.
The Museum’s 1961 “Frank Sinatra” Ghia L.6.4 won the Helene Award for the Most Elegant Post-War automobile at the Inaugural Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance.
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M 1 1
Rev Up Your Engines and Pocketbooks by Investing in and Preserving This Remarkable Collection for The Next 30 Years
A NN UAL GIV IN G C AMPA I GN Thirty Years! The Museum opened its doors 30
years ago on November 5, 1989. It was a day of great fanfare and celebration. The Museum’s 30th Anniversary was marked with the same excitement…but this time with decades of gratitude for everyone who has helped us reach this milepost through their generosity. In 1989 we were focused on fundamentals – from selling admission tickets and running a store to operating equipment and perfecting customer service skills. Who knew what 30 years would bring – we didn’t think it would be flood, fire and famine, but it was (1997 flood, 2014 arson fire, and many financial challenges). Those were the road bumps. Our future was filled with so much more – national and international recognition, countless awards, notable programs and a museum and collection that still captivates visitors.
Please know your contribution today to our Annual Giving Campaign is an investment that will extend our journey into the next 30 years. Please give generously – your support is needed more now than ever. Donations can be made by mailing a check, calling the Museum at (775) 333-3900 with your credit card information or going to automuseum.org. For 30 years our friends, donors, members, Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers, community and the collector car arena have embraced the Museum. We can’t begin to express our
gratitude for your generosity and support.
While day-to-day operations and a 30-year-old facility continue to occupy a good portion of our day, it’s gratifying programs like our new STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) field trips that symbolize what we’ve become.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Hart Foundation, we developed an immersive STEM program for 3rd-6th grade students from low income, high needs schools. It offers exceptional learning opportunities and earned the Museum a First Place NAAMY Award of Excellence in Education in the annual competition of the National Association of Automobile Museums.
1 2 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
JOIN OUR
E-NEWS MA ILING LIST Stay in the know! Sign up for emails and get the scoop on what’s coming around the curve. Just send your email address to info@automuseum.org and ask to be added. In the future, we’ll send you a few emails a month with promotions, discounts, special events, and exclusives. You’ll be able to unsubscribe at any time and we’ll never share your information.
HAVE YOU MARKED YOUR CALENDAR TO ATTEND OUR SECOND THURSDAY TALKS? On the second Thursday of each month, the Museum offers an entertaining presentation from 1:30 – 2 p.m., followed by refreshments and a chance to mingle with our speakers and Museum guests. Talks are included with admission, free to members and volunteers, otherwise, they are $5 per person. Reservations are not required.
Simply drop by every second Thursday.
J ANU A RY Winton and Packard, a Transcontinental Feud Part 1: A Rivalry is Born, 1898-1901 By Packard enthusiast Jim Chase
J ULY The Lunar Roving Vehicle The Most Innovative (and Expensive) Car Ever Built By Paul McFarlane
F E B RU A RY Winton and Packard, A Transcontinental Feud Part 2: First from Sea to Sea: The Race that Wasn’t – or Was it? By Jim Chase
AUG UST The History of Ride-sharing From Hailing a Cab to Using Your App By Museum Docent John Sell
M ARC H The Best Car in the World The Story of the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost By Museum Docent John Sell A P R IL Henry Joy’s 1915 Road Trip Detroit to San Francisco in his Packard By historian Jim Bonar M AY Gordon Buehrig The Designer of Classics By Museum Docent Norm Miller J UNE The People’s Car The Amazing Story of the Volkswagen By Museum Docent Terry Nielsen
SEPTEMB ER Topic – TBA O CTO B ER Edsel Ford President in name only By automotive historian Bill Cathey N O VEMB ER The Adventures of the Abernathy Brothers The Most Adventurous Kids in History By Museum Volunteer George Canavan D ECEMB ER Henry Leland: Founder of Cadillac and Lincoln Inventor, Machinist, Engineer and Automotive Entrepreneur By Museum Docent Chair Rod Smith
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M 1 3
While automobiles are not the main focus of this show, there were some interesting ideas; including one that was a throwback to one of our Museum cars. Chrysler Fiat debuted a new concept car called the “2020 Airflow Vision.”. As you can see from the photos, the “Airflow” name has a lot to do with the shape that looks like it was sculpted in a wind tunnel. Every surface seems to have been molded to reduce drag and turbulence. While it looks futuristic, the ideas behind this test vehicle are really a throwback to an earlier Chrysler; a car made 86 years before: the 1934 “Airflow.” Museum visitors may have noticed our black Airflow in Gallery Three. Like its newer, and much whiter namesake, the ’34 featured slick lines designed to cut through the air instead of blasting through it like all the upright radiators of the Fords and Chevys of the day. According to a Chrysler company legend, one day engineer Carl Breer was watching what he took to be a flock of geese in flight. But as they approached he came to realize that what he was seeing wasn’t geese; he was observing a squadron of military aircraft on maneuvers. The story goes that if an airplane, or for that matter the bird, was shaped in such a way as to minimize wind resistance, could not the same
principle be applied to cars?
1 4 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
AIRFLOW COMEBACK
At the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, held January 6th through the 9th, vendors unveiled the latest in technology from robots that fetched toilet paper to prosthetic hands that respond to an amputee’s brain waves.
CHRYSLER
By Buddy Frank
Q U I C K FA C T S
With Walter Chrysler’s blessing, work got under way on the development of a streamlined automobile. A wind tunnel was constructed at Dayton, Ohio, and there Breer and his engineering partners, Fred Zeder and Owen Skelton, undertook their research under a cloak of secrecy. By the end of 1932, a prototype was on the road known as the “Trifon Special.” There were several other innovations in the 1934 CHRYSLER AIRFLOW FIVE-PASSENGER COUPE car with a radical • It’s an innovative streamlined design, with aviation influences. new weight distribution of • The strong “unit body” was promoted by a famous stunt of 45% in the front __driving it off a 100-foot cliff, where it landed on all four wheels and 55% to the __and was driven away. rear. They also positioned all the • While innovative, its design was ahead of its time and did not passengers within __appeal to the public. the axles, largely eliminating the bouncing sensation that had was standard for anyone sitting in the rear. That also made it possible to have wider and roomier, 50-inch-wide seats. The car was way ahead of its time when it debuted as a 1934 model. Unfortunately, it was too far ahead. The public hated it. Where were the upright radiators that were so popular in legends like the ‘32 deuce coupe? And, who wanted those rounded lines of the top that were nothing like the other roadsters of the mid-30s.
Sometimes it’s not good to be first.
ST O RY Big news for 1934 was the revolutionary Airflow unveiled in the Chrysler and DeSoto lines. Now considered one of the most influential cars of the 1930s, the Airflow was primarily the brain-child of Carl Breer, who put into it all of the most modern concepts of streamlined automotive and aviation designs.
BUILT BY
Chrysler Corporation Detroit, Michigan
PRICE WHEN NEW
$1,245
ENGINE
8-Cylinder, 122 hp
BORE
3 1/4”
STROKE
4 1/2”
DISPLACEMENT
298.6 Cu. In.
All Airflow bodies were constructed around a cage-like steel girder network, to which the body panels were welded. This “unit body” was so strong that, in a publicity stunt, an Airflow was driven off a 100-foot cliff, bounced down the cliff face, landed on all four wheels and was driven off under its own power. Barney Oldfield and his “Hell Drivers” thrilled millions and demonstrated the durability of the Airflow design at the Chicago World’s Fair. As innovative as it was, the Airflow was clearly ahead of public taste and was not a dramatic sales success. F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M 1 5
&
__Jackie Frady’s Retirement
PA RT Y NOVEMBER 7, 2019
Outgoing President and Executive Director Jackie Frady thanked the people and organizations who made another successful year possible, and thanked the Museum’s Board of Trustees, Boeger Winery and Roundabout Catering and Party Rentals for helping to sponsor the party. She recognized and thanked Museum members of 30 or more years, Trustees, staff and volunteers.
Ranson Webster, Chairman of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, along with Board Secretary Jann Chubb, thanked Jackie Frady for her 38 years of service to the Museum, congratulated her on her retirement, and presented her with a commemorative crystal vase.
The Museum’s Board of Trustees sponsored a retirement video which chronicled Jackie Frady’s career and commitment to the Museum.The video included photographs from throughout the years and memories from Board members, staff, friends and family.
1 6 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
Raffle Car Committee Chair Tom Batchelor thanked his raffle committee, everyone who purchased tickets and volunteers and staff who sold tickets for the 2005 Corvette.
On behalf of the Museum, Ranson Webster, chairman of the Board of Trustees, received a presentation check for $23,500 from Tom Batchelor, representing net raffle ticket proceeds from the sale of 67,603 tickets.
The highlight of the evening was the 23rd annual raffle car drawing. Chris Bock, Chief Judge of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, drew the winning raffle ticket. See page 25 for the big winner.
The 2020 raffle car was unveiled and ticket sales commenced for a 2004 Jaguar XK8 Convertible, with less than 43,000 miles.The car has an Ebony exterior with Cashmere Leather interior, and is equipped with a 294 HP, 4.2 Liter, DOHC V8 and a 6-Speed Automatic Transmission. F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M 1 7
VOLUNTEER NEWS VOLUNTEER HOLIDAY PARTY
Interim Executive Director Buddy Frank sincerely thanked volunteers and staff for their service and commitment to the Museum. He shared the staff’s gratitude for the valuable role they play in the operation and success of the Museum. Keeping with tradition, members of the Board of Trustees each made personal donations to host dinner catered by Roundabout Catering & Party Rentals as an expression of sincere gratitude to this wonderful team.
Museum Volunteer Bill Petty played Santa and helped deliver gifts to the raffle winners.
Museum Volunteer Nancy Lowe entertained the crowd with beautiful holiday melodies on the Museum’s antique Steinway piano. Thank you Nancy!
The Museum’s management team donated gifts and worked hard to solicit donations from local businesses for raffle prizes for the volunteers. Each volunteer in attendance received at least one gift.
1 8 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
2019 – VOLUNTEERS WHO CONTRIBUTED 100 OR MORE HOURS
We thank our volunteers who contributed 100 or more hours of service in 2019. What a valuable contribution! We sincerely appreciate all of the volunteers who helped the Museum in 2019. Gary Crain Bill Petty John Sell Frank Papp Leonard Bonilla Bruce Wright Bill Bromley Nancy Lowe Norm Miller Cal DeCoursey Lynne Scherfenberg Myron Hallauer Neil Holets Greg Howe Janice Hubbard Eric Nordberg Patty Kozic Bill Bremer Shelagh Bremer Al Fernandes
526.75 477 384.25 373.5 354.25 280.75 273.5 237 236 235 218.75 213.75 212 198.5 197.75 197.25 186.5 185.75 185.5 181.75
Eric Cole Verna Peeler John Plough Larry Bear Doug Hast Terry Nielsen Rod Smith Viki Neyens Rick Wilson Jay Schmitt Linda Abrahamson Craig Williams Susie Reinke Peter Lui John Harp Al Abrahamson Daniel Schemenauer Donna Rose Robert Rose Jim Milstead
166.75 161 160.5 156.25 155 154.5 147.5 140.25 139.75 137.75 129.25 128.5 111.75 109.75 109.25 107.75 105 103 103 100
Mary Warth has served the Museum as a volunteer since February 1994. She was a longtime Museum Store volunteer – not only serving as a clerk, but assisting with merchandise displays, store inventory and many other tasks. As an expert seamstress Mary has helped mend all sorts of things around the Museum, including the capes and coats for the Museum’s photo car dress-up station. She has helped with labeling raffle tickets, and many other Museum needs for the past 25 years. Mary, along with her husband Duane, have also been Museum members since 1997. Thank you Mary for your 25+ years of service!
2019 – VOLUNTEERS OF 10 YEARS OR MORE This is a remarkable commitment and accomplishment. We can’t begin to express our appreciation of the volunteers who have been part of our team for so many years. They are the foundation of our Museum Family.
2009 – 1 0 YEA RS
20 0 5 – 1 4 Y E A R S
2 0 0 0 – 19 Y E AR S
2008 – 1 1 YEA RS
20 0 4 – 1 5 Y E A R S
1 9 9 9 – 20 Y E AR S
Tom Batchelor Eric Nordberg Doug Hast Patty Kozik Dick Petersen John Plough David Schulte
Leonard Bonilla Craig Williams
George Canavan Norm Miller Darrell LaRue
20 0 3 – 1 6 Y E A R S
2007 – 1 2 YEA RS Susie Reinke
Linda Abrahamson Craig Hartman Rick Wilson
2006 – 1 3 YEA RS
20 0 2 – 1 7 Y E A R S
Tina Hubbard
Verna Peeler Merrilie Witham John Fuller
1 9 9 7 – 22 Y E AR S Al Abrahamson
1 9 9 4 – 25 Y E AR S Mary Warth
Rod Smith
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M 1 9
CALENDAR OF
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
SCIENCE SATURDAYS
SECOND THURSDAY TALKS
Presented by Nevada Space Center. $12 Register at nevadachallenger.org
Free to Museum members, included with paid admission. Otherwise, $5 per person to attend the talk.
19 Tuesday 1 - 5 pm
13 Thursday 1:30 - 2 pm
Call (775) 333-9300 for more details.
JANUARY
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
9 Thursday 1:30 - 2 pm
SECOND THURSDAY TALK Winton and Packard, a Transcontinental Feud: Part 1: A Rivalry is Born, 1898-1901
11
Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm SCIENCE SATURDAY Training Future Astronauts
FEBRUARY
8 Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm SCIENCE SATURDAY Engineering Spacecraft
13 Thursday 1:30 - 2 pm
SECOND THURSDAY TALK Winton and Packard, A Transcontinental Feud Part 2: First from Sea to Sea: The Race that Wasn’t – or Was it?
MARCH
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
8 Sunday
AMELIA ISLAND CONCOURS D’ ELEGANCE Jacksonville, FL 1959 Scimitar EX All Purpose Sedan
10 Tuesday 1 - 5 pm
AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM AT THE MUSEUM Refresher course for drivers 50 and older that qualifies for auto insurance discounts for those 55 and older. $20 and $15 for AARP members. Register at (775) 440-1116 or aarp.org/drive.
12 Thursday 1:30 - 2 pm
SECOND THURSDAY TALK The Best Car in the World: The Story of the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
14 Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm SCIENCE SATURDAY Exploring Mars
APRIL
AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM AT THE MUSEUM Refresher course for drivers 50 and older that qualifies for auto insurance discounts for those 55 and older. $20 and $15 for AARP members. Register at (775) 440-1116 or aarp.org/drive.
4 Saturday
SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE MUSEUM DAY! Smithsonian magazine or Smithsonian.com offers free admission on a ticket good for two people.
9 Thursday
JUNE
SECOND THURSDAY TALK Henry Joy’s 1915 Road Trip: Detroit to San Francisco in his Packard
11 Thursday 1:30 - 2 pm
SECOND THURSDAY TALK The People’s Car: The Amazing Story of the Volkswagen
11 Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm
SCIENCE SATURDAY Talking to Space
ANNUAL HISTORY SYMPOSIUM Wednesday, April 29 – Saturday, May 2
JULY
Wed: 4 - 9 pm Thurs: 4 - 9 pm Sat: 8:30 am - 5:45 pm
MAY
OLDER AMERICAN’S MONTH
Make Your Mark Free admission to Seniors (50 and older) each Thursday in May.
9 Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm SCIENCE SATURDAY Touching the Sun
14 Thursday 1:30 - 2 pm
SECOND THURSDAY TALK Gordon Buehrig: The Designer of Classics
HOLIDAY PARTIES It’s time to book your holiday party at the Museum.
9 Thursday 1:30 - 2 pm
SECOND THURSDAY TALK The Lunar Roving Vehicle: The Most Innovative (and Expensive) Car Ever Built
10 Friday
NATIONAL COLLECTOR CAR APPRECIATION DAY Drive your collector car to the Museum and receive half-off admission.
PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE Pebble Beach, CA
SEPTEMBER
10 Thursday 1:30 - 2 pm
SECOND THURSDAY TALK Topic - TBA
Taking Flight
15 Tuesday 1 - 5 pm
AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM AT THE MUSEUM Refresher course for drivers 50 and older that qualifies for auto insurance discounts for those 55 and older. $20 and $15 for AARP members. Register at (775) 440-1116 or aarp.org/drive.
26 Saturday
IRONSTONE CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE Murphy’s, CA 1906 Adams-Farwell 6A Convertible Runabout
OCTOBER
11 Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm 8 Thursday 1:30 - 2 pm SCIENCE SATURDAY Making Space Art
12 Sunday
HILLSBOROUGH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE Burlingame, CA
AUGUST
BLUE STAR MUSEUMS NATIONAL PROGRAM Saturday, May 16 – Monday, September 7 Armed Forces Day through Labor Day: Free admission to active duty military families.
16 Sunday
Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm 13 Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm 12 SCIENCE SATURDAY
SCIENCE SATURDAY Understanding Ecosystems
1910 – 1920: Battles at Home & Abroad Explore the traumatic 1910 – 1920 decade with renowned national speakers, authors, and state and local experts. $60 Register at automuseum.org
SECOND THURSDAY TALK The History of Ride-sharing: From Hailing a Cab to Using Your App
HOT AUGUST NIGHTS POKER WALK STOP Wednesday, 5 – Saturday, 8 at the Museum.
8 Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm SCIENCE SATURDAY Exploring Planet Earth
2200 NNAATTI IOONNAALL AAUUTTOOMMOOBBI ILLEE MMUUSSEEUUMM FFEEBBRRUUAARRYY 22002200
SECOND THURSDAY TALK Edsel Ford: President in name only
10 Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm SCIENCE SATURDAY Living on the Moon
24 Saturday
LAS VEGAS CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE Las Vegas, NV
31 Saturday 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm TRICK OR TREAT IN THE STREETS OF THE MUSEUM Family Halloween fun with candy stations and games. Special admission: $2
DAILY THEATRE PRESENTATIONS
11 am - 4 pm The Bill Harrah Story and The Magic Carriage
DAILY INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE ALL DAY Nevada Space Center
DAILY AUDIO TOURS ALL DAY English/Spanish
1:30 p.m. Based on tour guide availability
NOVEMBER
Featuring the Winning Car: 1907 Thomas Flyer Gallery Four
For Members Only Anniversary festivities and 2004 Jaguar XK8 Convertible
In 1908 in the middle of winter, six cars from around the world embarked on the longest, most grueling auto competition in history, the New York to Paris automobile race. It’s a remarkable story of man and machine against unimaginable odds, complete with maps of the route. Featuring the only American entry, the Museum’s 1907 Thomas Flyer that won the race. In 2016, the Thomas Flyer was entered into the National Historic Vehicle Register, a permanent archive of significant historic automobiles within the Library of Congress.
10 Tuesday 1 - 5 pm
AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM AT THE MUSEUM Refresher course for drivers 50 and older that qualifies for auto insurance discounts for those 55 and older. $20 and $15 for AARP members. Register at (775) 440-1116 or aarp.org/drive.
In addition to the winning car, the exhibit includes a series of paintings by late Reno artist Robert Cinkel depicting the challenges and triumphs of different points in the race.
11 Wednesday
VETERANS DAY
12 Thursday 1:30 - 2 pm
SECOND THURSDAY TALK The Adventures of the Abernathy Brothers: The Most Adventurous Kids in History
14 Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm SCIENCE SATURDAY Eating in Space
DECEMBER
10 Thursday 1:30 - 2 pm
SECOND THURSDAY TALK Henry Leland: Founder of Cadillac and Lincoln: Inventor, Machinist, Engineer and Automotive Entrepreneur
12 Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm SCIENCE SATURDAY Discovering the Universe
HOLIDAY SHOPPING Shop in the Museum Store and visit the Museum for a fun, family outing. Museum Membership is a perfect holiday gift.
2020
ON DISPLAY
MUSEUM’S 31ST ANNIVERSARY PARTY Thursday, November 5
Free Admission Day for Veterans.
DAILY GUIDED TOURS
STAR CARS Just like in Hollywood, you can enjoy a walk of the stars at the Museum, but in this case it’s a Walk of the Star Cars. You will discover these “stars” as you tour the Museum beginning in Gallery One and ending in Gallery Four
․ 1912 “Andy Griffith” Baker Electric Model V Special Extension Coupe ․ 1922 Dodge Brothers “116” W.B. Custom Victoria (built for General MacArthur’s first wife) ․ 1923 “Jack Benny” Maxwell The Good Maxwell Touring ․ 1928 “Mary Pickford” Ford Model A Sport Coupe ․ 1933 “Al Jolson” Cadillac Series 452C All Weather Phaeton ․ 1935 “Sammy Davis, Jr.” Duesenberg SSJ Roadster – 1971 Replica ․ 1941 “Lana Turner” Chrysler Newport Dual Cowl Phaeton ․ 1948 “Elliot Gould” Lincoln Continental 876H56 Cabriolet ․ 1949 “James Dean” Mercury Series 9CM Six-Passenger Coupe ․ 1953 “John Wayne” Chevrolet Corvette 2934 Convertible ․ 1961 “Frank Sinatra” Ghia L.6.4 Hardtop ․ 1962 “John F. Kennedy” Lincoln Continental 86 Convertible ․ 1965 “Smothers Brothers” Lotus-Ford 38 Indianapolis Race Car ․ 1973 “Elvis Presley” Cadillac Eldorado Custom Coupe
Pick up a Walk of the Star Cars pamphlet during your next visit and explore the Museum’s cars with celebrity status. It’s a quiz about cars that have either starred in movies or were owned by celebrities, with fun facts and information.
Presented by Nevada Space Center
Created by Eureka Exhibits Changing Exhibits Gallery and Gallery Three World-class exhibit for all ages that teaches science and engineering through video game technology, simulators, artifacts and NASA reconnaissance data. Experience the excitement of spaceflight through interactive simulator pods and much more. Events and programs subject to change. FFEEBBRRUUAARRYY 22002200 N NAATTIIO ON NAALL AAUUTTO OM MO OBBIILLEE M MUUSSEEUUM M 2211
MUSEUM STORE Convenient free parking in the Museum lot on Museum Drive off Mill Street.
The Museum Store is packed
with new, unique merchandise and is ready for shoppers.
The Museum Store is packed with new, unique merchandise and is ready for shoppers. There are more products than we can list. As an example, for home décor there is a custom-made lamp created from car parts that’s perfect for a car lover’s desk or den, clever boxes crafted from license plates, vintage trailer bird houses, and fun ornaments for your Christmas tree. We have some beautifully hand-crafted jewelry made from piano wire, Fordite, and gears as well as many other unique items. For men consider a stunning Fordite money clip, ties, T-shirts, die-cast cars, books and be sure to check out our line of Ed Roth and Rat Fink merchandise, and much more. If you’re shopping for children, check out Automoblox cars. These high quality, interactive toys are fun to build and collect. There are lots of space themed educational toys, books and interactive items; and many auto-related gifts from plush cars for little ones to books satisfying a range of ages.
The Museum’s recently updated souvenir book is a great gift for the collector car fan in your life. The book is 48 pages, features over 30 cars along with photographs of the galleries and artifacts, and tells the history of this collection. It also includes a complete and updated car list. Of course, the Museum’s popular logo is featured on an array of articles, including hoodies, hats, beanies, tote bags, notebooks, glassware and mugs, among others. If you’re curious about collectible Fordite jewelry -- Fordite is a by-product of auto manufacturing. It’s formed from the build-up of layers of different colored paint. When hardened and removed, it’s cut and polished into beautiful, unique gemstones known as Fordite. It’s also known as Detroit agate and motor agate.
NATIONAL AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM SOUVENIR BOOK The Museum’s recently updated souvenir book is a great gift for the collector car fan in your life.The book is 48 pages, features over 30 cars along with photographs of the galleries and artifacts, and tells the history of this collection. It also includes a complete and updated car list. $15 2 2 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
THE MUSEUM STORE IS OPEN DAILY. MONDAY – SATURDAY 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you can’t shop in person, you can shop online at automuseum.org or call the Museum at (775) 333-9300 to place an order that will be mailed to you or your gift recipient.
NATIONAL AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM SWEATSHIRT Micro-fleece, hooded sweatshirt with embroidered National Automobile Museum logo (available in black). Adult sizes from Small to 4X; youth sizes also available from Small to XL. $40-58
NATIONAL AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM KNIT CAP Knit beanie with embroidered National Automobile Museum logo (available in black). One size. $18
PLEASE
REMEMBER Purchases in the Museum Store help support the Museum. Not only are you buying wonderful gifts, you’re helping a good cause.
MUSEUM LOGO SHOT GLASS $7
MUSEUM LOGO GOLF BALL $4
BOOKS, BOOKS AND MORE BOOKS We have a great variety of car related books (some space related too!). $19.95 and Up F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M 2 3
For the past few months, visitors to the Museum had the opportunity to view the 1956 Hy-Rail Motor Car #18, on loan from the Nevada Northern Railway Museum in Ely, Nevada.
In 1956, the Nevada Northern Railway purchased a 1956 Pontiac Station Wagon from the Fairmont Motor Car company. At first glance, it looked like any other station wagon, but if you looked closely, you would see small railroad wheels under the car. These railroad wheels would allow the car to operate on the railroad tracks and on the state’s highways. While many hy-rail vehicles were built from trucks, Nevada Northern Hy-Rail No. 18 was built from a four-door station wagon.The recently restored Pontiac is nearly identical to one the railroad purchased back in 1956. This unique piece of history was on temporary display from December through mid-February.
In celebration of the Museum’s 30th Anniversary, the Museum offered a 1980’s-themed Free Admission Day event where staff dressed in themed costumes, and visitors were encouraged to come dressed in their favorite 80s attire. A DJ provided 80s music in the streets and in Gallery Four where a party ambiance was created with a “selfie station” featuring the Museum’s gold DeLorean. Guests were offered free ice sandwiches donated by Model Dairy and a variety of soda donated by Swire Coca-Cola. A lucky new member won a gift basket donated by the Riverwalk Merchants Association. The Museum Store had special offers, and the Nevada Space Center hosted Science Saturday with games and activities in the Changing Exhibits Gallery for all.
October 31, 2019, was the Museum’s 29th annual Trick or Treat in the Streets event.Thousands of visitors have visited the Museum on Halloween and hundreds of thousands of pieces of candy have been given out thanks to many generous businesses and individuals. We are grateful for the opportunity to share our Museum with the community on this fun holiday.
2 4 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
David Setwyn of Sparks,
Nevada won our 2019 raffle car: a 2005 Corvette C6 twodoor hatchback. He is a young officer in the U.S. Commission Corps serving as a water engineer on Native American projects. He said he was never a “car guy” until now, but has started reading everything he can on Corvettes. He and his family were in the process of preparing for a new posting in Oklahoma and looked forward to driving his new ride to the Sooner state. Hoping that his luck is still intact, just before driving off, Setwyn bought $100 of tickets in hopes of winning again this year.
WINNER!
Our very first raffle was for a 1954 Oldsmobile. Since then, we’ve raised over $560 thousand and given away 22 Corvettes and a 1975 Ferrari. For 2020, we’ll again break the string of Corvettes with a beautiful black 2004 XK8 convertible. As always, tickets are just $1, but the best deal is buying 40 tickets for $20. Good luck to all.
AUTHORS – HISTORIANS – EXPERTS
REGISTER NOW 2020 HISTORY SYMPOSIUM
1910-1920: BATTLES AT HOME AND ABROAD
WED., APRIL 29 4 – 9 p.m.
THURS., APRIL 30 4 – 9 p.m.
SAT., MAY 2 8:30 a.m. – 5:45 p.m. Join us for the 17th Annual History Symposium at the National Automobile Museum for a chance to learn about these tumultuous years from awardwinning authors and lectures such as Geoffrey Wawro, David Pietrusza, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Eileen Welsome and many other topic experts.
FUNDED IN PART BY:
THE CONFIDENCE FOUNDATION
Registration is $60 (Meals Are Extra). Register by calling or emailing Barbara Clark at (775) 333-9300 or bclark@automuseum.org. Teachers Earn One Inservice Credit
20 Century Automobile Endowment Fund F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M 2 5
2019 HILLSBOROUGH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE Burlingame, CA July 21, 2019 1961 Roth Beatnik Bandit Custom Hot Rod Award: Hillsborough Schools Foundation Children’s Choice Award
INAUGURAL SIERRA NEVADA EUROPEAN CAR FESTIVAL Sands Regency August 8-11, 2019 1948 Delahaye Type 135 M Convertible 1950 Porsche Type 356 Coupe Award: Best of Show, 1948 Delahaye ____Type 135 M Convertible
HOT AUGUST NIGHTS 2019
ARTOWN DISCOVER THE AUTOMOBILE McKinley Arts and Culture Center – Reno, NV July 31, 2019 1932 Packard Ninth Series 902 Eight Coupe Roadster
2019 IRONSTONE CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE Murphy’s, CA September 28, 2019 1933 “Al Jolson” Cadillac 452C All Weather Phaeton
2 6 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
GRAND SIERRA SILVER STATE PAVILION Main Registration Area August 6-10, 2019 1961 Roth Beatnik Bandit ____Custom Hot Rod HOT AUGUST NIGHTS PARADE Downtown Reno August 11, 2019 1949 “James Dean” Mercury 9CM ____Six Passenger Coupe
56TH RENO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES Reno, NV September 11-15, 2019 2005 Chevrolet Corvette C6 2-Door Hatchback Raffle Car and Ticket Sales 1917 American LaFrance Fire Truck
2019 PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE Pebble Beach, CA August 18, 2019 1907 Thomas Flyer 35 New York-to-Paris Racer
2019 HILTON HEAD CONCOURS Hilton Head, SC November 2, 2019 1907 Thomas Flyer 35 New York-to-Paris Racer
INAUGURAL LAS VEGAS CONCOURS Las Vegas, NV October 26, 2019 1938 Phantom Corsair Experimental Six-Passenger Coupe 1961 “Frank Sinatra” Ghia L.6.4 Hardtop Trophy: 1961 “Frank Sinatra” Ghia L.6.4 Hardtop won the Most Elegant Post-War Automobile
MUSEUM ON THE MOVE
MACY’S NORTHWEST HOLIDAY STORE CONFERENCE Peppermill Resort Hotel August 28, 2019 1981 Gold Plated DeLorean LK Sport Coupe
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M 2 7
GRATITUDE 2019 ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN
Thank you for helping the Museum by contributing to the Museum’s 2019 Annual Giving Campaign!
Every donation makes a difference and we sincerely thank each of you for making it possible to raise $50,850 (so far) during the 2019 Annual Giving Campaign.
$ 5 ,0 0 0 & A B O VE Norman L. Dianda
$ 1 ,0 0 0 T O $4,999 Leslie Adams Bacon Family/Minden Automotive Museum Roger Bergmann Wanda Casazza Clark/Sullivan Construction The William E. Connor Foundation, Inc. Deborah C. Day The Deborah and T.J. Day Foundation Paul and Heidi Georgeson Edwin D. Hale Janice Hamilton
Ronald and Susan Krump Foundation Stan Lucas Dick and Jan Petersen Dan and Maureen Rovig Robert and Marilyn Rusk John and Gail Sande DeArmond and Joyce Sharp Preston and Dianne Sides Ron and Linda Smith Stephen Stepler and Susan Scarritt
UP TO $999 Al and Linda Abrahamson James Alder Tim Allen Byron and Louise Auten Milton and Jane Balian Tom Batchelor Richard Baumgartner Bruce Lee Bledsoe Janet L. Chubb Dominick A. Cipollini DeVonde and Kathleen Clemence Anthony Costa Wayne and Alzina Davis Tom Davison Philip DeLone Norman Dianda Irene Babcock Drews Joan Dyer Ron Ebert Sidney Burr and Sharon Ellis ERGS, Inc.
Steve and Jackie Frady Paula Ganley Bruce and Christie Gescheider Steve and Blanche Gordon Luck Gravett, Jr. Susan Gulas James K. Hardy Roger Hedlund Michael Henry Bill and Jane Holhut Red and Connie Kittell Lawrence R. Klein Robert Lewis Michael Lockwood Hugh Roy and Cynthia Marshall Richard and Judith Maus Jim and Linda Milstead Leonard Moorhead John A. Nelson Jim and Penny Nicely Mark Paloolian
2 8 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
Verna Peeler and Merrilie ____Witham Janice C. Pine John Plough Danno Raffetto Reno British Car Club Kevin Schaller Steve and Danielle Schmidt Lawrence and Leona Seidell Richard Simmonds Jennifer Skelton Del Smart Rod and Sharon Smith Ted Stoever Brian D. Suen Ralph and Sandra Theiss John and Sharon Todd Hjalmar D. Trent Don and Barbara Waite John and Susie Young
The Museum is looking for people to fill important volunteer positions. It’s an ideal opportunity for those who enjoy working with the public and/or helping with important tasks.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES The Museum wants to grow its team of thoughtful individuals who share their time and skills. They volunteer for a variety of reasons – to give back to their community, to make a difference, to be helpful, to share or learn skills, to interact with people with common interests, to broaden their social circle or to try something new. THERE ARE OPENINGS FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:
>
ADMISSION TICKET SALES CLERKS AND MUSEUM STORE SALES CLERKS Make a Great First and Lasting Impression. This is an ideal position for courteous people who enjoy working with the public, particularly visitors from across the country and around the world. Both positions are interchangeable and involve cash handling and processing transactions using a point of sale system. Most volunteers start in these positions and advance to other positions.
>
AUTO SHOP ASSISTANTS (AUTO CLEANERS) Get Up Close and Personal with Treasures. These volunteers keep the Museum’s valuable collection clean and dust-free. The position requires the ability to learn and follow special techniques, to carefully handle rare and collectible autos, and to work in the Museum without disturbing visitors.
>
DOCENTS (TRAINED TOUR GUIDES) Share Stories of Remarkable History. Docents present the Museum’s 90-minute, daily tours. This position requires the ability to learn, retain and present detailed, factual information. It’s perfect for people who enjoy spending time with the public and sharing information.
>
EVENT HOSTS Be an Evening Ambassador and Helpful Hand. Hosts work evening banquets and special events. They direct visitors, remain watchful of security and safety concerns, and help staff. This is a good match for someone with a pleasant personality, who can be flexible in meeting assigned needs and ones that arise as an event evolves.
The steps to becoming a volunteer include an application, interview, background and reference checks, placement and training. Volunteers pay annual dues of $15 per person and strive to contribute 80 hours of service annually with a goal of reaching 120 hours. Monthly meetings help volunteers stay connected and informed, provide opportunities to ask questions and share input, and include the Museum’s Second Thursday Talks. In addition, volunteers coordinate social activities, such as movie nights and picnics. Each December, the Museum holds an annual holiday party to thank active volunteers and staff for their contributions, with a catered dinner hosted by the Board of Trustees.
The Museum has terrific volunteers and we are very thankful for their generosity and thoughtfulness. Volunteers share their skills, form lasting JOIN OUR TEAM friendships, and make our time at the Museum enjoyable and rewarding. Our volunteers are an indispensable part of the organization. To become a volunteer and a valuable member of the Museum team, please contact the Museum at (775) 333-9300. F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M 2 9
THANKS A MILLION!
THANKS
We want to express our appreciation to those who have made significant donations to the Museum.
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Reno, NV, in-kind donation Phil and Jennifer Satre Family Charitable Fund at the Community Ned Bacon, Minden, NV, financial contribution Foundation of Western Nevada, Reno, NV, financial contribution Baldini’s Sports Casino, Sparks, NV, in-kind donation Steve and Dannielle Schmidt, Costa Mesa, CA, financial contribution Lawrence Brackett, Kentfield, CA, financial contribution Richard Simmonds, Reno, NV, financial contribution Briggs & Stratton, Milwaukee, WI, financial contribution Ted Stoever, Reno, NV, financial contribution David Brown, Durham, CA, financial contribution Summit Racing Equipment, Sparks, NV, in-kind donation Bob Chaplin, Homewood, CA, retail support Swire Coca-Cola, Sparks, NV, in-kind donation Champion Chevrolet, Reno, NV, in-kind donation The Row, Reno, NV, in-kind donation Chevron Your Cause on behalf of Rod Smith, Princeton, NJ, B.J. Sullivan, Reno, NV, financial contribution financial contribution Tholl Fence, Sparks, NV, facility support Janet Chubb, Reno, NV, financial contribution Ranson and Norma Webster Foundation Fund at the Community Clark/Sullivan Construction, Reno, NV, facility support Foundation of Western Nevada, Reno, NV, financial contribution Brian Colodny, Reno, NV, financial contribution Allen Wilt, Carson City, NV, financial contribution Confidence Foundation, Reno, NV, financial contribution Newt Withers, Anaheim, CA, financial contribution Darkshot Coffee, Reno, NV, in-kind donation Philip DeLone, Reno, NV, financial contribution TRICK OR TREAT IN THE STREETS Norman Dianda, Reno NV, OF THE MUSEUM financial contribution Firematic Collectors of Northern Nevada, Bill Pearce Motors, Reno, NV Sparks, NV, financial contribution DigiPrint, Reno, NV Buddy Frank, Reno, NV, in-kind donation Diane Hill Edwards, Reno, NV Paul Georgeson, Reno, NV, Intrepid Motorcar Company Inc., Sparks, NV financial contribution Kaempfer Crowell, Reno, NV Judy Gordon, Sparks, NV, financial contribution Kiwanis Club of Reno Sunrisers, Reno, NV Anthony “Leon” Gresham, Ogden, UT, Nevada Franchised Auto Dealers Association, Reno, NV retail support Obsolete Iron Street Rod Club, Reno, NV Art Johnson, Reno, NV, facility support Preston and Dianne Sides, San Antonio, TX Kevan Lesch, Carson City, NV, retail support Washoe County Sheriff’s Department, Reno, NV David Lightner, Reno, NV, collection support Stan Lucas, Long Beach, CA, 30TH ANNIVERSARY & JACKIE financial contribution THANK YOU! Charles May, Reno, NV, retail support FRADY’S RETIREMENT PARTY Dean Meiling, Reno, NV, retail support The Museum would like to thank Museum Board of Trustees Model Dairy, Reno, NV, in-kind donation Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Boeger Winery, Placerville, CA Douglas Moore, San Jose, CA, Authority for a grant to upgrade Roundabout Catering and Party Rentals, Sparks, NV financial contribution and replace exterior, on-site Dr. James and Barbara Muff, Reno, NV, promotional and directional signs. financial contribution Nevada Humanities, Reno, NV, financial contribution ANNUAL SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS Over the Hill Gang of Northern Nevada, Carson City, NV, We express gratitude and give special recognition to annual sponsors financial contribution and supporters who give generously to the Museum throughout the year. Charles Parmelee, Reno, NV, financial contribution Peppermill Resort Hotel, Reno, NV, in-kind donation 20th Century Automotive Endowment Fund, Granite Bay, CA Mike Powers, Washoe Valley, NV, facilities support Boeger Winery, Placerville, CA Puffles & Pastries, Reno, NV, in-kind donation Clark/Sullivan Construction, Sparks, NV William Ramsey, Reno, NV, financial contribution Colodny Fields LLP, Reno, NV Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel, Reno, NV, in-kind donation Dolan Auto Group, Reno, NV Reno Forklift, Reno, NV, collection support Focused Computing, Reno, NV Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority, Reno, NV, Great Basin Internet Services, Reno, NV facility support Harry’s Business Machines, Inc., Reno, NV Rick Reviglio-Western Nevada Supply, Sparks, NV, facility support Reno Drain Oil, Sparks, NV Riverwalk Merchants Association, Reno, NV, Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority in-kind donation Roundabout Catering and Party Rentals, Sparks, NV Jim Rogers, Reno, NV, financial contribution Sam’s Sparkle Shop, Sparks, NV Roundabout Catering & Party Rentals, Sparks, NV, TNT Yard Service, Reno, NV in-kind donation Western Nevada Supply Company, Sparks, NV 3 0 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
NEW MEMBERS Memberships help sustain the Museum’s programs and events and we extend our thanks to our newest members.
BECOME A MEMBER
You Can Make a Difference When you become a member, you join us in preserving a remarkable collection and sharing the story of one of the most significant inventions in our country’s history not only today, but for generations to come. Stories of innovation and ingenuity that spark imagination, stimulate learning, and educate and entertain audiences of all ages – a stepping stone to the future. Plus, you’ll enjoy valuable benefits from free admission and Museum Store discounts to a subscription to Precious Metal, e-news, and invitations to events and activities. Thank you for joining our team.
James Rogers
SUPPORTING Terrance Oliver
CONTRIBUTING Stephen Mountford
FAMILY
Daniel Charboneau Jeffrey Corman Mark Evenstad Michael and Mandee Graves Brian Hohman and Bailey Larimer Chad Martinson Douglas and Deanna McKee Bob Moore Nancy Northrup Linda Stock Matthew and Amy Sutherland Jack Westermeyer Qiang Zeng
COMPANION
James and Irene Hodge Robin Lendrum George and Wendy Loyd Dani and Nick Meyer Jim and Linda Milstead Ellen Minetto Matt Murphy Alan and Shelah Rosenberg Robert and Elainea Scott John Spence James Willette
INDIVIDUAL Judd Allyn Robert Klieforth Rick Seaman
ADOPT-A-CAR
Ken and Barbara Mackey Bruce Williams
Please note: Our members are very important to us. If you were incorrectly listed or omitted, please let us know and we’ll be happy to correct your listing.
For information, please call (775) 333-9300
O INDIVIDUAL $45 O COMPANION $60 O FAMILY $70 O CONTRIBUTING $150
O SUPPORTING $250 O PATRON $500 O BENEFACTOR $1,000 O DRIVING FORCE $1,000 O DONATION $________
DRIVING FORCE CORPORATE O LEVEL 1 $2,750 O LEVEL 2 $5,000
O LEVEL 3 $10,000
O Send information about the Driving Force Corporate Membership O Send information about the exclusive Driving Force Membership
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
NEW MEMBERS DRIVING FORCE
NAME ___________________________________________ ADDRESS _________________________________________ CITY/STATE/ZIP CODE _______________________________ TELEPHONE _______________________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS ___________________________________ RECRUITED BY _____________________________________ If you prefer to use your credit card: MASTERCARD
VISA
AMERICAN EXPRESS
DISCOVER
CARD NUMBER ____________________________________ EXPIRATION DATE ____________ SECURITY CODE _______ SIGNATURE _______________________________________ Billing Address for Credit Card if different from above: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Please make checks payable to: National Automobile Museum 10 South Lake Street Reno, NV 89501-1558
Membership expires one year from date of issuance. Join online at automuseum.org.
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M 3 1
The Harrah Automobile Foundation 10 S. Lake Street, Reno, NV 89501-1558
THE MUSEUM IS OPEN DAILY MONDAY – SATURDAY 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
ADMISSION
Adults $12, Seniors $10 Youth ages 6-18 $6 Children 5 and under free Members free OFFICERS Chairman Ranson Webster Vice President Paul Georgeson Secretary Janet L. Chubb Treasurer William E. Ramsey
TRUSTEES Ned Bacon Brian Colodny Norman L. Dianda Jim Rogers Philip G. Satre Ted Stoever B.J. Sullivan Allen J. Wilt
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS Benedict J. Dasher
HONORARY TRUSTEES John A. Harrah Tony L. Harrah
TRUSTEES EMERITUS Ted Bacon Gordon L. Horsley Louis F. Sellyei, Jr., M.D.
INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Buddy Frank
PURCHASE TICKETS AT THE MUSEUM 40 Tickets for $20 8 Tickets for $5 1 Ticket for $1 Buy 40 tickets and WE fill them out! The next time you’re at the Museum, buy tickets for a chance to win a Jaguar. It’s a great way to support the Museum.
WIN
2004 JAGUAR XK8 CONVERTIBLE
> > > > > > > > >
THIS JAGUAR
Ebony Exterior with Cashmere Leather Interior 294 HP, 4.2 Liter, DOHC V8 6-Speed Automatic Transmission Speed Sensitive Power Steering with Tilt and Telescoping Steering Wheel, Traction Control and Stability Control Four Wheel Anti-Lock Disc Brakes Dual Power Heated Outside Mirrors Dual Heated, 12-Way Power Seats Climate Control Heat and Air Conditioning Front and Side Airbags
> > > >
19-Inch Apollo Alloy Wheels
>
Less than 43,000 Original Miles
Rear Parking Sensors Keyless Remote Door Locks and Anti-Theft Alarm Alpine 320 Watt Sound System with AM/FM, Cassette, and Multi-disc CD Player
The winning ticket will be drawn on November 5, 2020, at the Museum’s 31st Anniversary Party.
