2 0 1 6 HISTORIC
Official Guide
28th Annual June 17-18, 2016 A special publication of
GAZETTE THE CENTRE COUNTY
BILLIARDS & DARTS
BILLIARDS &
Central Pennsylvania’s Game RoomCentral Superstore! Pennsylvania’s Central Pennsylvania’s Game Room Superstore!
Central Pennsylvania’s Game Room Superstore!
Pool Tables
New & UsedTables Pool Tables Pool
Pool SticksPool PoolTables Cues Pool Sticks
Ping Pong
Pi Po P
RDS & DARTS BILLIARDS & DARTS
Darts &Boards Boards Dart sylvania’s Game Room Superstore! perstore! Dart Boards
ds
n ard
Air Hockey Ping Pong Ping Pong Pool Sticks
Lighting
AirHockey Hockey Air Ping Pong
Air Hockey
Shuffleboard Shuffleboard Lighting
Lighting Dart Boards Lighting
Foosball
F
Popcorn Shuffleboard Popcorn
Popcorn New & Used Ball Machines Shuffleboard our showroom at 1358 College Visit ourPinshowroom at 1358 E. CollegeVisit Ave.Foosball in State College, for allE.your gameAve ro Foosball Foosball
Visit our showroom at 1358 E. College Ave. in State College, for all your game room supplies.
Classic 80’s Arcade games Popcorn Stand up Version
Classic 80’s Arcade games Cocktail Version
College in State College, for all your game room supplies. our gameAve. room supplies.
Visit our showroom at 1358 E. College Ave. in State College, for all your game room supplies.
814.234.0722 Mon.-Fri. 10am -5:30pm • Sat. 10am-4pm • Sun. by appointment 2 — Centre County Gazette — June 9, 2016
GAZETTE THE CENTRE COUNTY
403 S. Allen St., State College, PA 16801 Phone: (814) 238-5051 • Fax: (814) 238-3415 www.CentreCountyGazette.com PUBLISHER Rob Schmidt
MANAGING EDITOR Chris Morelli
SALES MANAGER Amy Ansari
AD COORDINATOR Katie Myers
ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Bill Donley Vicki Gillette Katie Myers
COPY EDITOR Andrea Ebeling
BUSINESS MANAGER Aimee Aiello
GRAPHIC DESIGN Laura Specht, Beth Wood INTERNS Antonia Jaramillo Jaimie Williams
CONTACT US: To submit news: editor@centrecountygazette.com Advertising: sales@centrecountygazette.com The Gazette is a weekly newspaper serving Centre County and is published by Indiana Printing and Publishing Company. Reproduction of any portion of any issue is not permitted without written permission. The publisher reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement for any reason.
Table of Contents Cruise attracts 20,000 visitors to Bellefonte ..................... 4 What’s new at the Bellefonte Cruise? ................................ 6 Registration rules and guidelines .......................... 7 Kids can have fun at the cruise, too .......................... 8 Bellefonte Cruise downtown merchant map ................. 9 McCool is the man behind the cruise ......................... 10 Cruise offers plenty of entertainment ............... 12
Making memories at the Bellefonte Cruise ........... 14 It’s time to cruise again! ............................... 16 Cruise classes ....................... 17 Buddy’s was Long Island cruisers’ first and last stop .................................... 18 Bellefonte businesses gear up for the cruise ................................. 20 Judging guidelines ............ 21 Cruising through the years .................................. 22
Your Central PA Honda Powersports Dealer
Honda Pioneer SxS’s In Stock. Stop and Test Drive One Today
Sales ~ Parts ~ Service ~ Support Since 1952 6547 Nittany Valley Drive, Mill Hall, PA
570-726-3471 www.dottererequip.com 3 — Centre County Gazette — June 9, 2016
Cruise attracts 20,000 visitors to Bellefonte By G. KERRY WEBSTER news@centrecountygazette.com
BELLEFONTE — Imagine taking a full hour to travel just a few blocks in Bellefonte Borough. That was the situation each Friday and Saturday night in the 1970s and 1980s as dozens of teenagers and their wheels arrived to “cruise� the streets, waving at onlookers and gawking at the other rides driving by. Cruising was a huge pastime in that era; not just in Bellefonte, but in communities throughout the country. On Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, Bellefonte will once again become a local mecca for show-quality automobiles and the nostalgia of cruising small-town America on a lazy summer night. “I think we’re more excited about this year’s event than any we’ve had before in the past,� said Pat McCool, chairman of the Historic Bellefonte Cruise Committee. “We have a great lineup of events for the community of Bellefonte. There’s a lot of can’t-miss things going on.� The 2016 Historic Bellefonte Cruise enters its 28th straight season, and, according to McCool, attracts more than 20,000 visitors to the community’s downtown during the weekend. Friday’s event, according to McCool, is informal. Car enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their automobiles to town between 6 and 7:30 p.m. to participate in the nostalgia of a
Cruise Free onhearing in for better test and consultation hearing today! (814)814.355.1600 355-1600
TIM WEIGHT/Gazette file photo
THE POPULAR Bellefonte Cruise is expected to draw more than 20,000 visitors to downtown Bellefonte. cruise around town. “We close a few streets and have a parade of cars moving about through town,� said McCool. “Normally, we get between 5,000 and 10,000 people in town for that short cruise
Maintenance Free Decks & Railings
Call today for an appointment!
252 Match Factory Place Bellefonte, PA 16823
New Deck Construction or Established Deck Makeover
814.355.1600
www.centreaudiology.com
<hfihlbm^ =^\dbg` Obgre =^\d KZbebg`
Richard W. Foust, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology
Ik^llnk^ Mk^Zm^] =^\dbg` :oZbeZ[e^
252 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA 16823 www.centreaudiology.com â&#x20AC;˘ Like Us On Facebook!
FREE ESTIMATES! 814-364-1436
6HUYLQJ &HQWUDO 3$ VLQFH
www.ronaldwjohnson.com Contractor Registration #002047
4 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Centre County Gazette â&#x20AC;&#x201D; June 9, 2016
alone. But, you never know what kind of weather you are going to have. That makes a big difference in the crowd.” Immediately following the cruise, the local band Your Dad’s Friends will perform sock-hop style on the community diamond. The band has performed at the event in the past. “A lot of people really enjoy the songs of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s at car shows, so that’s why we decided to bring these guys back,” said McCool. He said there will be plenty of contests and giveaways offered during the music. On Saturday, registration for the car show begins promptly at 7 a.m. and continues until noon. Online registration is also available at www.bellefontecruise.org. “We’re asking people to not show up until after 7 a.m. that Saturday,” McCool said. “We can’t close the streets for the car show until 7 a.m. and we don’t want to get all crammed up. Please, don’t arrive until after 7 a.m. We will not take any registration after noon.” The first 300 to register will receive a goody bag and a dash plaque for their vehicle. Judging, under the direction of professional car critiques G.F. Grifana Carshows Inc., will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. with awards to follow immediately on the main stage. Through the day, vendors will be open in various locations around the diamond, and local businesses will offer specials. WOWY will provide a live broadcast all day, with musical entertainment by Biscuit Jam from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the strolling doo-wop sounds of Ramalama. “Saturday is really our big day,” said McCool.“We’re expecting between 10,000 and 15,000 people that day. It’s a big day for Bellefonte and the business community as well. I couldn’t imagine a summer without it.” The event concludes on Sunday with the Make-A-Wish Ride, sponsored by the Eagle Riders. All proceeds benefit the Make a Wish Foundation of Centre County. Registration is from 10 a.m. to noon and admission is $15 for each rider and $10 for each passenger. For more information, call (814) 404-5875. “We have a few surprises in store as well,” said McCool. “It’s gonna be a great time for sure.”
What: 28th annual Bellefonte Cruise
When: Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18
Where: Downtown Bellefonte
Cost: Free
More info: www.bellefontecruise.org
1833 Christmas House
Treasures Old & New 210 W. High Street Bellefonte, PA 16823 Telephone: 814-355-1012
bfarmer1833@gmail.com
Let us protect your investment!
1620 Zion Rd . • Bellefonte • 814 .355 .3000 www .blackwalnutbodyworks .com 5 — Centre County Gazette — June 9, 2016
What’s new at the Bellefonte Cruise? By VINCENT CORSO correspondent@centrecountygazette.com
BELLEFONTE — In its 28th year, the Historic Bellefonte Cruise gets bigger every year, but chairman Pat McCool said they still like to tinker with what they offer to attract even larger crowds. New to this year’s cruise, running Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, are soap box derby racers, a MarketPlace for craft vendors, and a new award for antique cars. “The soap box racers should be a fun thing for the kids, and families,” said McCool. The cruise and other sponsors plan on having a few soap box derby cars ready to ride 100 yards down Allegheny Street, said McCool. There will be a demonstration of the cars Friday night and they will be available to ride after the demo and during the day Saturday. “Soap box derby used to be real big in Bellefonte, and we kind of hope to bring it back as a way for younger people to
Find us on Facebook. Search “Centre County Gazette.”
be involved in the cruise,” said McCool. Fixing up cars can be expensive, said McCool, and something that kids may not be able to be a part of, so the soap box cars are a way to bridge the gap to a younger generation. The new MarketPlace will be on the courthouse lawn and will have spots for 30 vendors. McCool said they are still reviewing the applicants, but expect to see arts and crafts such as jewelry and candles available at the booths. “I think the MarketPlace will be a nice option for people to have at the cruise, something for people to do besides the cars and food,” said McCool. Also new is the antique car award named after Richard “Witt” Davidson, who passed away last year. Davidson and his wife, Dottie, were long-time supporters of the cruise who were always looking to get more antique 1930s- and ’40sstyle cars involved in the event. “It was one of his true heartfelt things that he was passionate about, antique cars,” said McCool about Davidson. Davidson was able get his own antique car the year before he passed, and McCool said he hopes that the award allows his legacy to continue on.
GORGEOUS HAIR 204 East Cherry Lane, Bellefonte, PA 16823 www.jimsitaliancuisine.com Established since 1951
Jonna Jabco Jennifer Schuster by Appointment 111 East Bishop Street Bellefonte, PA. 15823
814-355-1149 EXCHANGE • REPAIR • PARTS
FIND YOUR
PRODUCTS AT
MILLHEIM SMALL ENGINE and HARDWARE
WILLIAM SHREFFLER AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, INC.
Visit Millheim Small Engine, your local Husqvarna dealer, for expert advice, service and full selection
Gear Up for the Cruise
Exceptional Products for Exceptional Results. One Mile West of Millheim on Route 45
814-349-5007
(Leave Message)
Mon.-Fri. 7:30-6:00 pm, Sat 8:00-1:00 pm
BILL SHREFFLER
1028 Old 220 Road Bellefonte, PA 16823
6 — Centre County Gazette — June 9, 2016
Phone: (814) 355-9370 Fax: (814) 355-1065
It’s easy to participate in this year’s Bellefonte Cruise. Just download a registration form from the event’s website, complete it and mail it to Bellefonte Cruise, P.O. Box 536, Bellefonte, PA 16823. Or, take the form to the chamber of commerce office at the Train Station, 320 W. High St., Bellefonte, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information, call (814) 280-5881. Register before Friday, June 10, and pay just $10. After that, the fee is $15. Day-of-event registration takes place from 7 a.m. to noon Friday, June 17. Reservations are not accepted by phone. Participants are reminded of the following guidelines: ■ Bring current proof of insurance and vehicle registration to the registration area. Only insured and registered vehicles are allowed at the show. ■ Register early to be eligible for door prizes and to keep from waiting in line. Pre-registration does not guarantee you a specific place to park. ■ Be ready for judging. While every consideration is given to automobiles in original condition and to owners who are new to the hobby, the cruise can accept only automobiles that are ready for judging. Automobiles not ready for judging may be ruled ineligible to compete and turned away at the gate. In these rare cases, entry fees will be refunded. ■ In order to qualify for judging, all show cars must arrive at the show grounds by noon. Registration begins at 7 am. Vehicles arriving after noon may not be eligible for judging and the show may be full. ■ Participants should heed the registrars’ instructions while moving vehicles and during the cruise to avoid pedestrian-vehicle accidents.
Corman Home Sales & Property Management
(814) 357-2371
136 West High Street, Street A Bellefonte, PA 16823
SERVING ALL OF CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA SINCE 1977! Clinton County’s LARGEST DEALER With 39 YEARS of Service (& Counting!) 10 East Walnut Street, Lock Haven, PA 866-519-2737 Local: 570-748-4068 www.billmacintyre.com IT’S A SHORT DRIVE From State College & Bellefonte! I-99 North to Rt. 220 North, Lock Haven, Exit 120 W. Walnut Street Exit, Left at Stop Sign “Big enough to serve you and small enough to know you!”
7 — Centre County Gazette — June 9, 2016
Kids can have fun at the cruise, too By CONNIE COUSINS
correspondent@centrecountygazette.com
BELLEFONTE — On Saturday, June 18, from 7 a.m. to noon, kids 18 and younger can register their own vehicles — tricycles, bicycles, toy trucks, or just about anything with wheels — at the Bellefonte Cruise. Registration is free and the item will be on display in a special area for the duration of the cruise. All entrants will receive a prize. Last year, there were a few children who took part, and organizers are hoping to attract more this year. The children are not allowed to cruise, only to display their vehicles. This is one more way that Bellefonte Cruise 2016 wants to make this year’s cruise family-friendly. This is meant to be a family activity and there are features to entice everyone. From the food, the new MarketPlace, the music and, of course, all the cars to view, it is a standout among Father’s Day activities. Something new this year is the soap box derby. For many years, DuBois had the lead in soap box derby activities and many Bellefonte residents traveled there to take part. Now the roles are beginning to shift, and it appears that once more Bellefonte will take the lead.
www.bellefontewok.com
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Sun. - Thur.:10:30 am - 10:00 pm Fri. - Sat.: 10:20 am - 11:00 pm
Gift Certificate Available Tel.: 814-353-888
111. S Allegheny Street Bellefonte, PA 16823
Gazette file photo
THERE IS A special “Kids Class” for the little ones at the Bellefonte Cruise. The idea for soap box derbies grew out of a photography assignment made to Myron Scott in Dayton, Ohio. He saw boys racing homemade cars in the summer of 1933. From that experience, he created the first soap box derby. Eventually, Chevrolet and Akron civic leaders moved the track site to Akron because of its hilly terrain. This area is District 8 of the national Soap Box Derby organization and includes Washington, D.C., Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Friday, June 10, is the next race in Dubois. Local racers must race in the closest race city to where they live. Bellefonte Cruise is working on a soap box to display at the show.
Our Services
• Auto Body Repair • Paint - environmentally safe waterborn system • State-of-the-art frame rack machine • Two- and four-wheel alignments • Window Replacement • Paintless dent repair Hours: 8-5 Monday-Friday
130 Hawbaker Industrial Dr., State College, PA 16803 Tel: 814-237-0565 • Fax: 814-238-8821 • gwautocollision.com 8 — Centre County Gazette — June 9, 2016
reMarkables
Plumb’s Drug Store & Gift Shop
1833 Christmas House
N Allegheny St
W Burrows St
Hale Alley
E Burrows St
E Burrows St
E Howard St
E Howard St
W Pike St
E Pike St
E Pike St
N Ridge St
N Penn St
Decantur Ln
St
Locust Ln
N Spring St
N Water
Dunlap
W Howard St
St
Talleyrand Park
E High St W High St E High St
E Cherry Ln
W Cherry Ln
E Cherry Ln
S Ridge St
S Penn St
Cedar Ln E Bishop St
E Bishop St
W Logan St
E Logan St
E Logan St
St
Perry Ln
S Spring St
SW ater
W Bishop St
S Allegheny St Manchester St
St
The Bellefonte Wok
Corman Home Sales & Property Management
9 — Centre County Gazette — June 9, 2016
Gorgeous Hair
g rin
Sp
Manchester St
Pin
eS
t
McCool is the man behind the cruise By G. KERRY WEBSTER
news@centrecountygazette.com
BELLEFONTE — Pat McCool admits he is no “car guy.” Oddly enough, he is the chairman of the committee responsible for organizing and producing the 2016 Historic Bellefonte Cruise — predominantly a car event — for the past 27 years. “I’m more of a motorcycle guy myself,” he said, reclining back in an office chair at his place of business, P.A.M.P. (Printing and More Printing), in Pleasant Gap. “But, you know something, being able to be part of something so big, and
Company Branding • Engraving Custom Merchandise • Awards 103 S. Allegheny Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 303-2511 www.reMarkables4me.com
G. KERRY WEBSTER/The Gazette
PAT McCOOL is the chairman of the Historic Bellefonte Cruise.
201 Madisonburg Pike, Rt. 445 North, Madisonburg, PA 16852 M&F 7:30-7:30; T, W, Th 7:30-5:00; Sat. 7:30-4:00; Closed Sun.
We have a large selection of shoes, boots & tack.
All your Leather Motorcycle Needs — Chaps • Jackets • Saddle Bags Fine Wallets, Purses & Belts “We cut the price ... Not the quality” 10 — Centre County Gazette — June 9, 2016
something that just continues to grow, has been remarkable. It wouldn’t matter if I was a boat guy, an airplane guy, heck, even a submarine guy, I would still love to be able to be a part of this event. “We say it’s historic, and it truly is. It makes new history each year.” Although McCool has only been on the committee for a few years, his involvement in the cruise actually dates to the 1990s when previous cruise committees used his printing shop exclusively for event T-shirts. “We printed them every year for awhile there,” McCool said.“I always enjoyed seeing what new logo they were going to come up with each year. “For whatever reason, we stopped printing the T-shirts as the committee then went elsewhere for them, but, in 2006, they came back to us for the shirts. That’s when I became more involved. A few years later, I found myself as the chairman.” McCool doesn’t take his position lightly. He said when he first took the position as chairman that there would no longer be four-hour committee meetings. In fact, he said there would be no meetings at all longer than 60 minutes. And, he said he has stuck to that commitment. “I don’t want to waste anyone’s time here,” he said. “We’re here to put together the best cruise-in car show we can, and to do that, we have to work together and work efficient together. We can’t be bogged down talking for hours. We come up with an idea and we either go with it, or we shoot it down. There’s no time to dabble.”
He said his biggest concern about the cruise is keeping the events downtown. “We had a problem a few years ago with businesses who just weren’t getting the foot traffic because of everything going on in town that weekend,” McCool said. “Instead of fighting or arguing with them, we figured it would be best for everyone to work together. We now have a wonderful relationship with our business community and they are seeing the benefits of keeping the cruise in the downtown.” Recent additions to the weekend have also increased the popularity of the event. He said including a category for children has gained momentum over the past couple of summers, and the Sunday Make-A-Wish ride with the Bellefonte Eagle Riders will provide a local terminally ill child with a “wish” of his or her choosing. “There’s so much we can do with this because we have the support of the community, the businesses, the car owners and the visiting public,” McCool said. “In just a couple years, we’ll be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the cruise-in. We’re hoping to make that our biggest event yet.”
Follow us on Twitter. @centrecogazette
Fabulous Views ... Abundant Charm Amenities include
Downtown Bellefonte Walking distance to Bellefonte Area Schools Spectacular views Public transportation On-site laundry facility ƪ High ceilings
ƥ Carpeted bedrooms Community Center On-site manager Parking space included Walking distance to shopping, recreation and Tallyrand Park
ƥ downtown Bellefonte.
120 West Bishop Street
814.548.7393
www.rentpmi.com
Properties managed by:
Apartment Rental Options: 1, 2 or 3 Bedroom Garman House
1 or 2 Bedroom units 112 East High Street
Cadillac House
2 or 3 Bedroom units 86? )* ) &' *( * 207 South Allegheny Street
Income Restrictions Apply 11 — Centre County Gazette — June 9, 2016
Cruise offers plenty of entertainment By HARRY ZIMBLER correspondent@centrecountygazette.com
According to Pat McCool, chairman of the 2016 Bellefonte Cruise, the event promises to be a year filled with family fun. The entertainment kicks off with a sock hop Friday, June 17, reminiscent of the dances that teens in the 1950s attended. This year’s hop will find the oldies band Your Dad’s Friends on stage. The dance starts at 7:30 p.m. and runs until 10:30 p.m.“We had quite a few requests for Your Dad’s Friends, (and) that’s why we invited them back,” said McCool. McCool said that while the sock hop is taking place, the DuBois All-American Soap Box Derby will be holding time trials. “This is an event that should be fun for the entire family,” said McCool. “There has been a lot of interest in soap box derby lately; a lot of interest in bringing it back to Bellefonte.” On Saturday, June 18, the entertainment mix includes the roving doo-wop group Ramalama, featuring such well-known personalities as Jeff Brown and Tom Wilson, former mayor of Bellefonte. On the main stage, the cruise will present The Lindy Sisters.
State College
BATTERY OUTLET Every type of battery from Automotive to camcorders! 1230 E. College Ave. 814.234.3192
Now offering full line trailer sales
Submitted photo
THE POPULAR BAND Your Dad’s Friends will play at the sock hop on the Diamond June 17. “They sing a variety of 1950s and early 1960s songs,” said McCool. “They do a real good job.” The second stage will offer the sounds of Biscuit Jam. “They’re a smaller local group that people enjoy listening to,” said McCool. In addition to the music on the entertainment menu, the cruise will present Motorcycles Games, a competition for motorcycle riders. “That always draws a big crowd,” said McCool. “It’s sponsored by Extreme Custom Cycles.” McCool noted that there will be a disc jockey on stage throughout the cruise and there will be many giveaways and prizes. There also will be a MarketPlace on the grounds of the Centre County Courthouse offering a variety of items for sale, including arts and crafts. Overall, McCool is pleased with the rising interest in the event. The Bellefonte Cruise should continue to show growth now that the economy is improving, he said.
Nice Cars Need Nice Homes! 2300 S. Atherton Street State College, PA 16801 (814) 238-6771 x 3126 ucallpaul@gmail.com
TRUCK - JEEP - SUV Accessories 2987 Benner Pike, Bellefonte, PA
814-357-8142
Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm
www.truckstuffandmore.com
e-mail: sales@truckstuffandmore.com
Call me to Cruise through your next Home!
Paul Confer
REALTOR® 814-234-4000 x3126
12 — Centre County Gazette — June 9, 2016
Complimentary shuttle service from Fullington Trailways will run from Bellefonte Area High School to two locations in downtown Bellefonte from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 19.
Local Restaurant
Food Court
MOTORCYCLES
MARKET PLACE
FOOD COURT
Shuttle Stop
HANDICAP PARKING
2nd STAGE
Rest Rooms
BIKE GAMES
MAIN STAGE
MILITARY VEHICLES
MARKET PLACE
13 — Centre County Gazette — June 9, 2016
Making memories at the Bellefonte Cruise SAM STITZER
The Historic Bellefonte Cruise and Car Show has been rolling into downtown Bellefonte on Father’s Day weekend for 28 years. The two-day event features an open cruise and a sock hop on Friday night, and the car show and a cruise for the show participants on Saturday. The event is considered one of the biggest and best of its kind in central Pennsylvania, attracting hundreds of vehicles of all kinds. Antiques, classics, muscle cars, hot rods, trucks and bikes can all be seen cruising the block on Friday night, or Sam Stitzer covers lined up along Bellefonte’s curbs in the Penns Valley for Saturday show with open hoods and polthe Centre County Gazette. Email him ished paint and chrome glistening in the at pennsvalley@ sun. If you like cars, this is the place to be. centrecounty There’s no question that I like cars. gazette.com. My first two cars in my young and single days were convertibles — a 1965 Chevy Corvair and a 1967 Mustang. But marriage and parenthood led me to own more practical vehicles — a string of hatchbacks, station wagons and minivans. In 1987, I mentioned to a friend who was an auto mechanic that I wished I had another convertible. He knew of a 1964
623 Willowbank Street Bellefonte, Pa. An Independent Insurance Agent
AUTO & HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE Great Rates Superior Coverage
Please call us for all your insurance needs.
814-355-5900
SAM STITZER/For the Gazette
PHIL YEARICK, of Spring Mills, showed his beautiful 1956 Chevy in the 2010 show. Plymouth Valiant convertible for sale by its original owner, a retired Penn State professor. The car had spent nearly all its life in San Diego, and was rust-free, having never seen snow or road salt. It had a 273 V-8 engine, a push-button automatic transmission and its original top, and it came with a custom-made full tonneau cover that covered the entire interior when the top was down. I fell in love, bought it and drove it in the early Bellefonte Cruises. By 1994, the Valiant had acquired some rust, and needed a new top and an engine overhaul, so I sold it, and bought another Valiant, a pristine 1962 sedan with just 5,500 (yes, 5,500) miles on it. It got some brake, engine and exhaust work, and
Fox Hill Gardens
2.3 miles from Beaver Stadium at 1035 Fox Hill Road Hours: Mon - Sat 9:00 - 6:00, and Sun 10:00 to 4:00 GIFT CERTIFICATES
Cruise Over and Enjoy our Blooming Gardens We have Native and Wildlife Plants, Shade Plants, Japanese Maples and Unusual Evergreens Landscape Consultation, Design, and Installation Services, Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff Fruit Trees - Apple, Pear, Plum, Peach, Hardy Nectarine, Asian Pear. Asparagus, Rhubarb, Grapes. Blueberry, Strawberry, Raspberry, Honeyberry, & Jostaberry Plants. Azaleas, Trees, Perennials & Shrubs.
Your local source for quality plants and service...Since 1990
Phone 814-237-9087
E-mail: contactfhg@yahoo.com www.foxhillgardens.com
14 — Centre County Gazette — June 9, 2016
I cruised with it for three years until I sold it when my second son entered college. Driving those Valiants in the cruise was great fun, and it showed me what a great event the cruise was. After the Valiants were gone, I attended the cruise and car show as a spectator, enjoying every vehicle in the show. The 2010 show was my first as a Centre County Gazette reporter, and I spoke to many show car owners, who shared details about their pride and joy. I was impressed by how much time and work some of those guys put into restoring their cars, many of which were found in barns or junkyards, rusting away. Although I lacked a classic car for cruising, I did get to cruise a few more times in recent years, riding my 1962 Honda 50 motorcycle. With a 50cc engine rated at just two horsepower, this bike might have the dubious distinction of being the lowest-powered vehicle to ever cruise in Bellefonte. It isn’t powerful, but it was an integral part of the car culture in the 1960s. Millions of these little bikes were sold, thanks in part to a brilliant ad campaign that said “You meet the nicest people on a Honda.” The Friday night open cruises bring out many folks who “lapped the block” in the days before cruising was outlawed. In 2012, I met John Ripka and Jerry Rockey, who stood along Allegheny Street, watching the parade of cars, and reminisced about cruising the same street in their younger days. “Back in the old days we would come in here and cruise. We’d get in verbal fights with somebody, then go down to Milesburg, on old Route 220, and race to settle the arguments,” said Rockey. “Every weekend,” Ripka chimed in, as both men laughed. In 2015, I listened as Sharen and Richard Lyons, of Bellefonte, spoke of their days of cruising. “I lapped the block when I was young,” said Sharen Lyons. “He had a GTO,” she said, pointing to her husband. “It was a ’68 hardtop with a 400 engine, 350 horsepower and a four-speed,” said Richard Lyons. “I bought it new for $3,500.”
SAM STITZER/For the Gazette
EVEN ELVIS came to the 2007 cruise – in the back seat of a 1958 Pontiac. He said that cruising in Bellefonte was very popular. “Pretty much every night, someone was lapping the block, and on Saturday nights it was bumper to bumper for hours. Sometimes, there were arguments, and they would settle them with a drag race. The cops usually left us alone.” I remember cruising in Bellefonte a few times in the 1960s. I took my mom’s 1962 Mercury Meteor sedan around a few times, and rode with a high school friend, the late Bob Dunklebarger, in the 1950 Plymouth sedan he had bought from his grandfather. I doubt if we impressed any girls, but it was fun. The Bellefonte Cruise and Car Show is a great slice of Americana. It has always appealed to everyone who loves cars and the freedom and sheer enjoyment they symbolize, and this year’s show promises to continue the tradition.
BELLEFONTE CRUISE SPECIALS - NEW CARS 2016 OUTLANDER
2016 LANCER EVO
2016 OUTLANDER SPORT
7 Passenger Family Hauler Starting as low as
24,900
ONLY THREE LEFT!!!
AWC - All Wheel Control Starting as low as
21,900
$
$
BELLEFONTE CRUISE SPECIALS - USED CARS 2010 CAMARO SS COUPE
2007 BMW 328I CONVERTIBLE
6 sp. Manual, 41,000 Miles, Moonroof Cruise Special
22,799
$
2015 MUSTANG ECOBOOST PREM. CONV.
Red, 55,000 miles. Cruise Special
22,899
$
Leather, Auto, Raven Black Cruise Special
26,995
$
150 Shiloh Rd., State College 273 Benner Pike, State College 814-237-8895 • Maggimotors.com 15 — Centre County Gazette — June 9, 2016
It’s time to cruise again! CONNIE COUSINS
Some things do just get better and better, and the Bellefonte Cruise is one of them. Always on Father’s Day weekend, the cruise has been happening since 1988. There is still time register your vehicle for the event. Download a registration form www.bellefontecruise.org/ registration, fill it out and mail it to: Bellefonte Cruise, P.O Box 536, Bellefonte, PA 16823. You can also drop off the form at the chamber of commerce office at the Train Station, 320 W. High St. in Bellefonte. No registrations accepted by phone. For help or more information, call (814) 280Connie Cousins 5881 or email bellefontecruiseorg@gmail. covers a wide com. variety of events in An early registration fee of $10 is due Centre County for the Centre County by Friday, June 10. After that, the cost to Gazette. Email her participate is $15. Only pre-registered at ccous67@gmail. participants are eligible for door prizes. com. On Friday, June 17, registration will be held from 7 a.m. to noon only. The day of the event, following some simple guidelines will be appreciated, as per Pat McCool, chairman of the cruise: Be ready for judging — only automobiles that are ready for judging are accepted and others may be ruled ineligible All cars for show must arrive at the show grounds by noon Safety first — heed the registrars’ instructions while moving vehicles and during the cruise. No one wants a pedestrian-vehicle accident to occur. There are 31 car and truck classes included in this year’s Bellefonte Cruise, including the kids’ class. Twelve motorcycle classes round out the show menu. The sponsors of the cruise are presenting a new feature this year, the MarketPlace. This venue is similar in nature to a yard sale, and is being offered by 30 to 40 vendors with craft and art items. According to McCool,“This is new, but we feel it will add another draw for folks to enjoy the cruise.” The vendors will be set up on the courthouse lawn.
TIM WEIGHT/Gazette file photo
THERE’S NOTHING quite like the Bellefonte Cruise. Car enthusiasts pack the streets of downtown Bellefonte.
Major sponsors for the 2016 event include Mitsubishi (Maggi Motors Inc.), Black Walnut Body Works, Bellefonte Elks Lodge No. 1094, Weis Markets, Printing and More Printing and Best Line Power Sports. Media sponsors include The Centre County Gazette, WOWY 97.1, the FREQ 98.7 FM, 3WZ 95.3 FM, Auto Connection Magazine, Auto Locator and WJAC-TV. Other sponsors include Fullington Travel, Robinson Septic Service, Middleswarth, Spikes, Workman Auto, Stocker Chevrolet, Restek, Bath Fitter, Eagle Riders, Centre Line Riders, Jabco Auto Sales, Extreme Custom Cycles, M & M Copy Service and Brothers Pizza. Over the past 28 years, the cruise has raised thousands of dollars for nonprofit organizations, including Bellefonte Borough, Bellefonte Education Foundation, Bellefonte EMS, Bellefonte Police, Bellefonte Library, Historical Bellefonte Inc., the Bellefonte Museum, Bellefonte Library, Union Cemetery Association, Bellefonte Youth Service Bureau and the Bellefonte Historical Railroad. The hope this year is that the cruise will again provide Bellefonte High School students the opportunity to go further in the pursuit of their career choices through a scholarship fund. Entertainment will be an integral part of the Bellefonte Cruise Weekend, starting with the sock hop on the Diamond, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, June 17. Saturday, June 18, features Visit Our Cruise Party Your Dad’s Friends, WOWY and Biscuit Jam. Doo-wop from at the Bellefonte Location! Ramalama will roam around during the cruise and the Lindy Sisters will perform. 114 Hetzel Street, 106 North Spring Street, State College, PA 16801 Bellefonte, PA 16827 On Sunday, June 19, the Eagle Riders are sponsoring a www. WeArePiz z am ia. com Make-A-Wish Ride to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of & Check us out on F aceb ook! Centre County. For more information, call (814) 404-5875. Text Pizza Mia to 25328 to Join and Get a FREE 4 Pc. Bread or Cinnamon Sticks for joining. F AST and ACCU RATE with seam less deliv ery to all of State College and Bellef onte! ( Dine in, Pick up or Deliv ery- $ 1 0 m inim um ) “This promises to be the best cruise yet,” said McCool. 16 — Centre County Gazette — June 9, 2016
234-1606 355-3738
Cruise benefits local nonprofits CAR CLASSES 1. Antique Car/Truck, 1900-1960 2. Antique Car/Truck, 1961-1991 3. Street Rod, 1900-1948 4. Ford Stock, 1949-2016 5. Mopar Stock, 1949-2016 6. GM Stock, 1949-1979 7. GM Stock, 1980-2016 8. Ford Modified, 1949-2016 9. Mopar Modified, 1949-2016 10. GM Modified, 1949-1979 11. GM Modified, 1980-2016 12. Camaro-Firebird Stock, 1967-1989 13. Camaro-Firebird Stock, 1990-2016 14. Camaro-Firebird Modified, 1967-1989 15. Camaro-Firebird Modified, 1990-2016 16. Mustang Stock, 1964-1987 17. Mustang Stock, 1988-2016 18. Mustang Modified, 1964-1987 19. Mustang Modified, 1988-2016 20. Corvette Stock, 1954-1982 21. Corvette Stock, 1983-1996 22. Corvette Stock, 1997-2016 23. Corvette Modified, 1954-2016 24. Truck-Van-SUV Stock, 1949-1986 25. Truck-Van-SUV Stock, 1987-2016 26. Truck-Van-SUV Modified, 1949-1986 27. Truck-Van-SUV Modified, 1987-2016 28. European-Import Stock/Modified, 1900-2016 29. British Cars, all years 30. Special Entries (must be no class for car), all years 31. Kids’ Class (must be 18 or younger)
MOTORCYCLE CLASSES M1. Antique (any bike 20 years or older), all makes M2. and M3. Sport/Cruisers, all M4. and M9. Touring, all M5. Stock Sportster, new HD M6. Custom Sportster, new HD M7. Rubber Mount, DYNA M8. Softtails M10. Custom Harley-Davidson M11. Trike-Side Car, Pull Behind, Tri, Combo-Cycle M12. Indian/Victory
BELLEFONTE — Over the years, the Bellefonte Cruise has raised thousands of dollars through the generous support of sponsors. Past cruise beneficiaries include the Bellefonte Education Foundation (scholarship), Bellefonte Borough, the Bellefonte Youth Service Bureau, Union Cemetery Association, Bellefonte Fire Police, Bellefonte EMS, Bellefonte Police, the Bellefonte Library, Historic Bellefonte Inc., the Bellefonte Museum and the Bellefonte Historical Railroad. With help in 2016, the cruise committee looks to again provide student scholarship funds, giving students at Bellefonte Area High School the opportunity to extend their education and pursue careers that could contribute to our growing community. The financial support of this event continues the good works of hundreds of people since the show’s inception in 1988.
REGAIN INDEPENDENCE
with Specialized and Individualized Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy From hip fractures to stroke and other neurological conditions, our rehabilitation therapists help you reach your goals faster, safely transitioning from an inpatient to an outpatient rehabilitation program back into the community. To learn more about our specialized therapy programs, call 814 359-3421.
Pleasant Gap 550 West College Avenue Pleasant Gap, PA 16823 • 814 359-5630 Lewistown 105 First Avenue • Juniata Valley YMCA Burnham, PA 17009 • 717 242-5400 NittanyValleyRehab.com ©2016 HealthSouth Corporation:1187178-14
17 — Centre County Gazette — June 9, 2016
Buddy’s was Long Island cruisers’ first and last stop HARRY ZIMBLER
Growing up on Long Island in the late 1950s and early 1960s, a major tectonic shift was occurring right under our feet. We had no idea what it meant in the long run. But it did mean that the charming villages, potato farms and duck hatcheries were disappearing as Levitt-style homes popped up like wild mushrooms in the forest. Since most of us were escaping the neighborhoods in New York where our parents had grown up, we had the same love of the automobile that our fathers Harry Zimbler is — and some mothers — brought to the a freelance writer suburbs. who resides in Pennsylvania Sure, I liked to cruise, just like the old Furnace. He man did growing up on Valentine Avenue is a frequent in the Bronx. Only one problem: The old contributor to The Gazette. man had well-defined city blocks to circumnavigate in his 1938 Oldsmobile. On the other hand, our generation got lost in suburban sprawl. Of course that was not going to keep us from cruising. So, we created our own corridor. It started at Mario’s Pizzeria, eased on down the road to the Veterans Bowling Alley, eventually making its way past the Long Island Arena and on to Buddy Burgers. No one knew who Buddy was, but it didn’t
matter. Buddy’s is where the in-crowd hung out. In 10th grade we were cruising wannabees. Always cooler than the middle-schoolers, never as cool as the seniors. Still, despite our lack of cache with the older crowd, our cruising was memorable. On a typical weekend, guys with names like Cusimano, Farelli, Bellino, Giacomazzo and Nicorino would gather in front of Buddy’s until we could figure out who was going to buy the quarts of Miller High Life that would fuel our shenanigans. (Exactly how a Zimbler fell into that crowd is still a mystery.) Our cruises always started and ended at Buddy’s. However, they took us far and wide on the island, almost always to the seashore. We’d usually end up building a gigantic bonfire on the beach that could be seen from as far away as Connecticut, some 17 miles across the Long Island Sound. Once we played “Lord of the Flies.” We had to keep up on our intellectual pursuits. The most striking aspect of our cruising was the primary car we used. Our friend Phil was the first in the group to get wheels. I think it was an old Chevy Bel Air with a stick shift on the column. There were only two problems. The shift didn’t shift, often locking in place, which meant one of us had to crawl under the car to move it manually. Once, it wouldn’t move at first and we drove a long ways in reverse.
HOME • LIFE • AUTO • RECREATIONAL VEHICLES • MOTORCYCLE • RENTAL PROPERTY • COMMERCIAL Proud to Serve the Local Community
Please call Bob, Kami or Cathi for a free quote today!
750 E Bishop St., Bellefonte, PA • 814-355-4050
18 — Centre County Gazette — June 9, 2016
The other problem was the clutch didn’t do what clutches do, namely get you from first gear to third or fourth. We also drove for miles in first gear. Our cruising wasn’t the slow drive around the block like a standard cruise. But how can you beat a bonfire, getting stuck in gear and those quarts of Miller High Life? It didn’t matter how you got to Buddy’s. You just had to get there. And we did.
MUSSERS AUTO BODY DON MUSSER Owner
208 Water St. (Rear) Milesburg, PA 16853 814-357-7760 814-357-7761 (fax) musserauto@aol.com
Lunch
Dinner Catering Private Parties Gift Certificates Delivery
Plumb's Drug Store & Gift Shop Locally Owned & Operated since 1951 *Full Service for all your Pharmacy needs -No Prescription Coverage-Ask about our competitive cash prices
*Old Time Soda Fountain -Flavored Cokes, Hershey's Ice Cream, Sundaes & More
*Large Selection of Gifts and Collectibles -Willow Tree, Yankee Candle, Gardner's Candy & More
*10% off all orders of $40 or more during the month of June* with this ad no other offers combined
25% OFF (With this Ad) Regular Priced Gift Shop Purchase Expires: June 30, 2016
135 S. Allegheny St. Bellefonte | 814.353.4696
105 North Allegheny Street Bellefonte, PA 16823 M-F: 9-9; Sat. 9-6; Sun. 10-12 Pharmacy: 814-355-3225; Gift Shop: 814-355-9404
WHY YOU SHOULD
BUY NOW! BACKYARD BUILDINGS BUILT TO LAST
200 in Free Upgrades
$
6 Months Same As Cash* (Now through June 30, 2016)
New England Classic
Double Wide Garage
ACCEPTING • Rent to own no Credit Check
• FinanCing available
(To qualified buyers - see store for details)
• Trade in Old Shed for New
10x14 Victorian
12’x24’ Two Story Barn
Hot SummeR Deal Rent to own for
58.21 per mo.
$ 8’x10’ Freestone Workshop
(1st Payment Down - Call For Details)
Call Today 877-349-5458 814.349.9864
200 Shaffertown Road Madisonburg, PA 16852 11 miles east of Centre Hall HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 7am - 5pm, Sat. 10am - 3pm, Closed Sun.
StoltzfuS STORAGE SHEDS, LLC
WeWe Promise You’ll Buildingor orWe WeWill Will Make it Right! Promise You’llLove LoveYour Your New New Building Make it Right!
BACKYARD • GARAGES • OFFICES • POTTING SHEDS
CABINS • PLAYHOUSE • DOG KENNELS • CHICKEN COOPS
• ALL SHEDS MADE IN • DURATEMP • VINYL • CEDAR • LOG • BOARD -N- BATTEN •
• ALL SHEDS MADE IN • DURATEMP • VINYL • CEDAR • LOG • BOARD -N- BATTEN • 19 — Centre County Gazette — June 9, 2016
Bellefonte businesses gear up for the cruise By VINCENT CORSO correspondent@centrecountygazette.com
BELLEFONTE — With up to 20,000 people visiting the Friday and Saturday over Father’s Day weekend, the Bellefonte Cruise offers a chance for local shops to drive in some extra business and new faces. “The cruise is just a wonderful thing for Bellefonte. A lot of locals and outside people flock to Bellefonte for the cruise, making this a fun place to be,” said Ciara Semack, who runs the Blonde Bistro on Allegheny Street. Semack said that she usually doesn’t see a lot of extra cusFamily Owned & Operated
Serving You for Over 20 Years
TIRE DISTRIBUTOR, INC. • PA State Inspection • Complete Repair Service • Air Conditioning • Alignments
147 East College Ave., Pleasant Gap, PA 16823 814-359-4290 facebook.com/Raymond’s Tire
tomers coming in to sit down, because many are there for the food vendors. But, she sells Penn State Creamery ice cream outside the shop, and does other things to draw in the crowds. This year she plans on having local distillery Big Springs do a tasting during the day inside the restaurant. Down on High Street, Jeanne Butler, manager at the Governor’s Pub, said they plan on being prepared for the crowds with extra staff on board and plenty of food and drink in stock. “It usually gets pretty busy in here for the cruise, more than a typical day, especially during lunch, with people getting warm and wanting to have a place to sit down and relax,” said Butler. “It is something that we plan for every year, like graduation weekend, making sure we are ready to go.” On the corner of Allegheny and High streets, Courthouse Crepes plans on opening in early June, and co-owner Gary Miller said he hopes the cruise gives customers a chance to check out the new place. “I am excited to be a part of the cruise, because it is such a fun time and good, positive thing for Bellefonte, which is such a great town. We are going to be serving soft-serve ice cream and other things right outside, and hopefully giving people a chance to see what we are all about.” Miller also said that his business will have its grand opening the week before the cruise, on Friday, June 10. He expects people to still be curious about the new place located in the spot where the Dairy Queen used to be during the cruise.
What about
Bob?
216 W High Street • 814.548.7825 Monday thru Friday 6am - 3pm Saturday & Sunday 8am - 3pm
uto & ATV Rep A s ’ n o (814) 357-0538 air Tys Bob Langton
We Service Auto, Motorcycles 4x4 Trucks & ATV’s
REALTOR®
814-574-0293
814-272-3333
740 S Atherton Street, State College, PA
State Inspection & Emissions Testing Snowmobile, Motorcycle, & ATV Parts 551 Tracy Dale Road, Milesburg, PA 16841
20 — Centre County Gazette — June 9, 2016
Follow us on Twitter. @centrecogazette Judging of cars, trucks and motorcycles will take place from one hour after parking until 4 p.m. Saturday, June 18. Judging will be conducted by G.F. Grifana Carshows Inc., which has been judging the Bellefonte Cruise since 2007.
• Pruning • Removal • Lot Clearing • Timber Harvesting • Storm Damage • Skid Steer Work • Brush Removal & Cleanup
CALL 814.883.6375
CARS Points will be given for open hoods, the chassis, the interior and the exterior of the vehicle. Trunks need to be open. Decisions of the judges will be final. The awards will be presented at 5 p.m. Participants should not leave the show until the awards are completed.
Free and Fair Estimates Fully Insured PA 078879
MOTORCYCLES Points will be given for paint, plating/polishing, engineering, cleanliness, detail and style. Decisions of the judges will be final. The awards will be presented at 5 p.m. Participants should not leave the show until the awards are completed. Once a vehicle has been parked in a zone by the cruise parking staff, participants should not leave that spot. Each participant will be given a parking card, which must be taken to the registration desk. The card has the vehicle’s “zone” letter on it. Participants must have the zone card, proof of current insurance and current vehicle registration when registering at the show. Kids’ Class participants can take part in the car show, but are not permitted to participate in the cruise.
3140 W. College Ave., State College • 814-238-5041
21 — Centre County Gazette — June 9, 2016
Cruising through the years
BELLEFONTE CRUISE SPECIALS Honda-Suzuki-Yamaha – Scooters-Bikes-4x4-Side-by-Side
2014 Honda Forza™ NSS300
$
2999
2016 Honda CRF®110F
$
1899
2013 Suzuki C50
$
4999
2015 Suzuki DR-Z70
$
1299
2013 Yamaha Super Ténéré
$
9299
2014 Yamaha Raider
$
8999
Track N Trail Honda-Suzuki-Yamaha
Rt 26 — 1246 E. College Ave., State College, PA 814-237-2581 • 800-585-9200 • www.trackntrail.net • Mon.-Fri. 9 to 6, Sat. 9 to 2 *Price, if shown, does not include government fees, taxes, dealer freight/preparation, dealer document preparation charges or any finance charges (if applicable). Final actual sales price will vary depending on options or accessories selected.
22 — Centre County Gazette — June 9, 2016
THANK YOU TO OUR 2016 SPONSORS! MAJOR SPONSORS
SUPPORTERS OF THE CRUISE Auto
I N C.
FRIENDS OF THE CRUISE Bellefonte Elks Lodge 1094
MEDIA SPONSORS
GAZETTE THE CENTRE COUNTY
CUSTOM CYCLES
Cindy Evcic
23 — Centre County Gazette — June 9, 2016
Dr. Amy Hays and Jess Woytowich, PA-C
New Patients Welcome Penn State Family Medicine is now offered at four convenient State College locations. Visit our newest location at 303 Benner Pike, Suite 1! Make an appointment today by calling 814-272-5660.
Penn State Health. What inspires you, inspires us.
MG-10459-16 060116
24 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Centre County Gazette â&#x20AC;&#x201D; June 9, 2016