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Rolling Cruise To Neustadt
by Duke Snyder
(Pics #1-2-3) On June 8, 2014 a great group of approximately 65, made up of members, wives and friends met at Tim's at the junction of #24 & #5 and got their route instructions for the cruise, while two of our newest members, Ken Breau and Vince Brennan, decked out in their new 60th Anniversary shirts compared notes.
(Pic # 4 & 5) shows an array of our 32 rides and the group getting ready to proceed on the journey.
( Pics #6 & 7)show us re-grouping at Home Depot in Cambridge where Mark & Mike from London joined us for the 147 kms. journey.
After a real nice ride north, by-passing Guelph, and traveling in a convoy thru Elora, Alma, Rothsay, Teviotdale, Harriston and Clifford where our contingent sure drew many looks, we were on our last leg of the trip to Neustadt.
After arriving and proceeding right thru town we ascended to the top of the hill and (Pics #8-9-10-11) show our group and cars filling in the parking lot and entering the TOP END Restaurant and Tavern for lunch.
(Pics #12-13-14-15) are of us inside getting seated and almost filling the place as we looked over the menus and waited for the staff to take our orders.
(Pics #16-17-18) are of the fast finishers out in the parking lot with our cars and waiting for the rest of the group.
(Pic #19) shows our next stop back down on the main street at our destination - the NEUSTADT SPRINGS BREWERY LTD.
(Pic #20) We were being seated inside where we met our hosts.
(Pic #21) Andrew and Val Stimpson the owners.
They explained how they emigrated to Ontario in 1995 from Wales and set up their own microbrewery in the old abandoned Crystal Springs Brewery in Neustadt. After almost 10 months of intense renovations to this historic stone brewery including installing sewage, hydro and all brewing tanks and equipment, they opened two days before Christmas in 1997 and sold out the first historic batch of beer from the brewery in 82 years. It sold out within 5 hours. (Pic #22) shows some of our group waiting as they broke us up in two bunches and the 1st bunch is leaving (Pic #23) to start the tour. (Pic #24) shows our tour guide explaining the manufacturing process to our attentive group (Pic #25)
He explained that they first made beer in bottles (Pic #26) but switched to cans, (Pic #27) as this way it stays better longer.
(Pic #28) shows the very popular brand 10W30 in a 473 ml can as he explained the capping process.
In (Pic #29) he then took us into the caverns under the brewery where he explained how these caverns were built by the original HEUTHER'S family in 1859. They were built over one of the finest sources of spring water in Canada.
Our group (Pic #30) equipped with lanterns could feel how cool and damp it was down there. This is also reputed to being the oldest operating original brewery building in Ontario.
(Pics #31 & 32) is of one of the old chandelier lights in the cavern which has now been wired to have a bit of lighting to show the old original wooden kegs which were used in days gone by.
(Pic #33) is of our group exploring the caverns with their lanterns.
(Pics #34 & 35) is of our group passing the next tour in the halls.
The walls (Pic #36) were adorned with historic pictures from the past.
(Pic #37) We are back in a tasting room where we were allowed to sample their products.
(Pic #38) shows Val explaining the ingredients they use while we tried the different samples.
(Pic #39) The consensus of our "Car Guy" group was that 10W30, a malty grain, Premium Dark Ale was their favourite and many of us returned home with some of it.
(Pic #40) Our second choice was Neustadt Lager.
A very interesting drive in the country as well as an interesting tour. Thanks to Chris Nemeth and Doug Graham!
Check out their website: www.neustadtsprings.com
6th Annual Remember When Cruise
By Duke Snyder
Photos By Kenny Kroeker
As the sun started to set it was evident that our REMEMBER WHEN CRUISE was beginning to come to a close as indicated in the above 9 pictures taken by Kenny Kroeker of the relatively new "LUG NUTS" magazine.
These beautiful pics show a very large crowd was there and it was made up of a myriad of beautiful rides. Included on display was a well known Dragster as well as a Sprint Car from Oshweken, some different Classics and Rat Rods, as well as Ken Breau's Firebird which put on quite a display of Flame Throwing for those in attendance at dusk.
Actually the event had started at 4.30 pm with the registration tables ready at Tim Horton's (Pic#1), Dairy Queen (Pic#2) and A&W (Pic#3)
The crowds started to gather and cars were arriving in numbers (Pics #4-#5-#6).....
...at every location (Pics#7-#8-#9)
Activity was starting on the streets between the three locations (Pics #10- #11-#12)
Pic#13) A special Guest -"The Flying Nun" is greeting a local Hippie
-while in (Pic#14) she was greeted by a special spectator "Rockin Ray Michaels" of CKOC Radio in Hamilton.
(Pic#15) shows the girls of A&W greeting customers with big smiles and ready to serve.
More and more cars started to fill the lots at all three locations (Pics#16- #17)
As darkness arrived, the crowd started to gather at A&W (Pic#18)
The customized Bar Fridges were on display. (Pic# 19)
Our courier Rob Maloney arrived (Pic#20) with all the cards from other locations.
Jim Harris, Chairman of REMEMBER WHEN committee and his crew tabulated the results (Pic#21)
And the winners were (Pic#22) Winston Goold, Brantford, ON and (Pic#23) Larry Cuthbert, St. George ON
The Long Distance Award went to Dave & Kathy Wilson of Lion's Head ON. (Pic#24) pictured here.
(Pic#25) Our DJ Ken Chaplin of London thanked the crowd and got a huge Thank You for the great music he played.
(Pic#26) shows a sample of the smiles on the faces of those in attendance for another great "Remember When" festivity.
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR, JUNE 20th, 2015
Clair Hills Classic Car Show
Photos By 'Jennie Wiebe Photography'
Cruise To Tim Horton's Ononadaga Farm 2014
by Duke Snyder
There were two visits to Tim Horton's ONONDAGA FARM by our club this past summer. One, (a rainy night in July), and a second in August is the only one covered by this article.
There were LAMBS (Pic#1) -and COLTS (Pic#2) --also OWLS (Pic#3), --and FILLIES (Pic#4) as well as SWANS (Pic#5) which made up our group of PISTON PUSHERS & friends during our gathering for coffee and cookies after our showing of our rides at the camp.
(Pic#6) shows the 24 cars arriving and parking on the left (Pic#7) and right (Pic#8) of the large soccer and recreational field of the beautiful grounds.
Once in place (Pic#9) - we were ready for the arrival of the campers (Pic#10)
(Pics#11 & #12) shows as they started to explore our rides and pick their favourite
Some wanted to sit inside as shown here in Ron Morley's Shelby Cobra (Pic#13)
(Pic#14) shows some just looking at this different Rat Rod.
Others wanted to sit in Ken Crabb's '55 Convertible (Pic#15)
-while others explored the older rides like Doug Woodley's '29 and Murray Smith's '33 (Pic#16)
Some wanted their picture (Pic#17) taken by their pick
(Pic#18) shows Doug Graham answering questions
- and getting a big thumbs up (Pic #19) from his beautiful '64 Chev.
(Pic#20) Several took turns behind steering wheels,
-and then there were horn honkers as in Dennis Battigelli's '46 (Pic#21)
(Pics#22 & #23) show some of our large group enjoying the festivities and sun on a great night!
Thanks are certainly in order to all who attended!
Cruise To Norwalk
Why Not Join Us Next Year - July 17th to July 19th - See July Events Calandar
or Contact Jim Harris
ELTA Summer Bash
ELTA on Facebook
What A Wonderful Night!
by Duke Snyder
(Pic#1) What A Wonderful Night! Event Ticket (Pic#2) The hall was decorated, (Pic#3) Jim Mills & Larry Rook are standing in front of a table with merchandise for sale.
(Pics#4-5-6-7-8) shows Piston Pushers, wives and friends who have arrived and getting seated at their tables.
(Pic#9) shows the men making their way to the bar, mostly in their nice new anniversary black shirts.
In (Pic#10) some of the ladies are greeting one another.
(Pic#11) is of the centerpiece on the tables which would be given away later that night.
(Pics#12-13-14) People smiling as they introduce themselves around the tables.
(Pic#15) Some standing up, (Pic#16) while others are seated.
The next four (Pic#'s17-18-19-20) show heavy discussions about the grand buffet including turkey, beef and all the trimmings which had just been finished and was excellent.
President Dan Bratina then made a presentation (Pic#'s21 &22) to the club's 1st President Don Douglas. It was a framed original of the art work showing Don in his Dragster at the opening of "The Launch" of Dragway Park in Cayuga.
Next was an auction by member Chris Nemeth of the #1 copy of the same poster,( Pics#'s23 &24) Assisting Chris was the lovely Sarah Ann.
(Pic#25) gives another shot of people enjoying themselves.
We managed to get the Original Members in attendance (Pic# 26) and others from out of town together for a great picture. They are left to right Wayne Moyer, Don Douglas, Chas Haviland, Tom Drummond, Don Fedak, Ed Chorniak, Larry Rook, Jim Rutyna, Dave Bailey, and Doug Woodley.
(Wayne Moyer and Dave Bailey are Associate Members from out of town) It was great to have 8 of the 14 Original Members there!
Then the dance started (Pics#'s 27-28-29-30-31) There was a lot of different jive styles and be-boppin' out on the floor and the rest of the crowd was certainly watching.
(Pic#32) Our London contingent was smiling
While in (Pics#'s 33-34-35-36) the old and new alike were enjoying the festivities
Then slower dancing (Pic# 37 &38) seemed to help fill the floor for the rest of the night.
Thanks are surely in order to these guys (Pic#39) many of whom started the club and carried on the 60 years of fun so far.
And (Pic#40) is of a nice tribute to a great guy who was not only our initial President but instrumental in bringing the 1st Christmas Tree to Ontario (as shown in the artwork) which certainly indicates " Drag Racing is in Our Blood"
Piston Pusher 60th Anniversay Car Show
by Duke Snyder
When We Reached This Plateau...
... We Decided To Have A Big ...
And the aerial shots (Pics# 3-4-5-6) show we succeeded. Just look at the number of cars and trailers!
On the ground it shows (Pics# 7-8-9-10) we got a nice assortment of Rods.
And you can certainly see (Pics# 11-12-13-14) a stunning array of Customs.
But look at the Pick-Ups (Pics# 15-16-17-18) WOW!
And some beautiful convertibles (Pic#19),a gorgeous'49 Caddy, (Pic#20), a total redone '55 Chev, (pic#21) a Classic Chrysler, and what about this (Pic#22) eye catching Custom?
Then there was the VW Group (Pic#25), with one of them (Pic#26) showing a weird Hot Dog!
(Pic#23) shows a pair of nice '34's,-- chasing their male Greyhounds in (Pic#24)
(Pics#27-28-29-30) are of four very nice Rat Rods.
While here are some outstanding Coupes (Pics# 31-32-33-34)
There was even a bright green Woodie ( Pic#35),
Some nicely finished kids cars ( Pic#36)
And even (Pic#37) Michigan Bob's '41 Sedan Delivery.
(Pic#38) shows Dennis Wilson and his Nostalgic Hemi powered, push button dragster, which is now well known...
...for performing a famous marshmallow toast, (Pic#39) at this years E.L.T.A. Bash in London. Look at Dennis smiling.
(Pic#40) shows our club's own Shawn Dunford's rail job,
as well as (Pic#41) Dan McWhirter's,
And Scott Haviland's, (Pic#42). Scott & Shawn are comparing notes.
They are a new breed since our Charley Haviland's (Pic#43) Famous CHARLEY HORSE, pictured here.
These along with Vince Brennan's (Pic#44) wild '68 Camaro
and the fact that Mike Roi has been running Bill Heisler's (Pic# 45) Willys, - "Gone Bananas" coupe, nearly all summer,...
...proves the statement on the door of our trailer (Pic#46) is true! "Drag Racing Is In Our Blood"
Along with Mark McMullen's Mustang (Pic#47)
Tom "Pappy" Ricard's Maverick (Pic#48),
and (Pic#49) Kim Brusher's '55 Chev, from Amherstburg, ON, this completed a great display!
(Pics#50 &51) The concessions were very busy,
so was the prize table (Pic#52),
The 50/50 table (Pic#53), and the merchandise table was ready, and sold out of event T's early (Pic# 54)
(Pics#55 & #56) Ken Holmes of the RODMASTERS CAR CLUB presents President Dan Bratina with a plaque congratulating us on our 60th Anniversary.
Then it was time to have group photos (Pics# 57-58-59)) taken of our club members who all pitched in to make this a most memorable event.
CHCH-TV were on site (Pics# 60-61-62) covering our day. The video is here on our website. Why not take a look?
Piston Pushers Celebtate 60th With Car Show
Many thanks to all for a great event!
35TH STREET ROD NATIONALS NORTH
Kalamazoo Michigan, Sept. 12-14, 2014
by Duke Snyder
A very spirited group of 16 left Brantford bound for Kalamazoo Michigan last September and after a great drive across Michigan led by our Vince Brennan, suddenly came to a stop along the highway not far from our destination of Grand Rapids where we were to stay at our hotel. (Pic#1) shows us all lined up behind Vinny's beautiful Chevelle, which apparently had lost its gear linkage.
(Pics#2 & #3) show Vince investigating underneath the car and then he and Chris Lovey hooking it back up while
( Pic#4) shows the rest of our contingent waiting behind.
(Pic#5) With the needed repairs done, our group congratulated Vince and we were back on the road to our resting place.
(Pics #6-7-8) show our hungry bunch at APPLEBY'S in Grand Rapids getting ready to order a well deserved meal before bunking down for the night.
The next morning, after a great breakfast and a short drive to Kalamazoo we arrived at the registration hotel where the lot was filled with street rods like this '50 Dodge coupe in (Pic #9). Next (Pic #10} with our tarp up, beside our rides (Pic#11) we began to plan our inspection of the grounds.
(Pics#12-13) show there were rods everywhere you looked.
Even at the entrance to the Flea Market (Pic #14) as we were ready to enter.
Once inside we ran into a familiar face, MICHIGAN BOB (Pic#15) at the junction of Michigan South where he was vending!
There certainly was lots for sale like this Falcon Convertible (Pic #16).
Back out on the grounds we came across this wild '34 Sedan Delivery with two HEMIS (Pic#17) which kept driving all around the grounds and was for sale.
(Pics#18 & 19) show a couple more neat rides.
The Moose (Pic #20) certainly kept getting a going over.
Another good meal was had (Pic#21) that night and the next morning the sun showed up (Pic#22) while we planned our day.
There was so much to see (Pic#23- 24 -25) like this flamed convertible and this rare '39 Dodge with the new Hemi installed.
Beautiful Rods, Pickups, and Customs (Pics#26-27-28) were everywhere!
All kinds of "Eye Candy" and Power were seen by all like in (Pics# 29 &30)
It was certainly a very worthwhile trip. Our well rested group had our photo taken on Sunday by the Travelodge owner (Pic#31) before we left for home, and we stopped in Mt. Brydges for lunch (Pic#32). just look at the size of the Panzerotti! Fun was had by all!
FALL CRUISE 2014
by Duke Snyder
On a nice clear but cold day last Fall, approximately 22 vehicles of members and friends joined in for a very scenic and interesting cruise. After a spirited drive through some nice scenery, we had taken a route to make our first pit stop in Aberfoyle.
(Pics #1 & #2) show our group making a stop at a very busy Tim Horton's and lining up across the road.
Leaving this 1st stop we left snaking our way up the escarpment, through Arkell, winding through the north of Guelph over to Marden, and then west through the quaint little town of Maryhill enjoying the Fall colours. We continued our ride into Waterloo County and our next stop in beautiful St. Jacob's
(Pic#3) shows us parking at our destination, The St Jacob's and Aberfoyle Model Railway (Pic#4)
Once inside we were treated to a great display of handmade "0" gauge locomotives in action. (Pic#5) shows a CP Hudson just getting ready to leave the station, while(Pic #6) shows a CN Diesel Passenger train in action over the bridge while a 4-6-2, CP 1201 with a mixed train is making good time on a main line below.
(Pics#7 & #8) show some of our group discussing the phenominal work on the layout and the realism which included a night and day session.
The railway passes through little cities like in (Pic#9) These areas depict life in the 50's complete with scale diecast automobiles from that era like in (Pic#10).
Back out in the country, (Pic#11) shows a 4-8-4 CN 6400 Northern on it's way over a bridge while below we see CN Diesel 6521 attempting to get its passengers to the station on time
(Pic#12) 6521 is in the station and will shortly leave again.
We then walked up to The Stone Crock where we were given our own room and had a great Brunch as you see our people in (Pics #'s 13-14-15-16)
Our cars were waiting back at the Railway (Pic#17) where we boarded and proceeded on the cruise. Some had to leave us there.
(Pic#20) Keith Taylor
(Pic#23) Brian Bowerman
(Pic#26) Ian Smith
(Pic#29) Pat Giles
(Pic#32) Brian Jones
(Pic#35) Chris Lovey
Our next stop was at the famous West Montrose Covered Bridge for a Photo Shoot as follows: (Pic#18) Doug Woodley
(19) Don Blake
(Pic#21) Ron Morley
(Pic#22) Dan Bratina
(Pic#24) Rick Usher
(Pic#25) Donna Bailey (waving her hat)
(Pic#27) Jim Miles
(Pic#30) John Taylor
(Pic#28) Nick Schira
(Pic#31) Brian Kerr
(Pic#33) Morris Brock
(Pic#34) Al Nutbrown
(Pic#36) Jim Harris
(Pic#37) the photographer, Duke Snyder.
(Pic # 38) shows the tail end of our group getting ready to head for home. A very good outing!
PUMPKINFEST 2014
by Duke Snyder
Saturday
On the sunny Saturday in Waterford some of our members started to gather for the parade, (Pics#1-2-3).
The pipe band was ready (Pic#4) and in (Pic#5) Doug Graham pulled our trailer out to lead the group.
(Pic #6) is of a character on a FURY bumper keeping warm by the radiator.
Murray Tuck's '29 Street Rod follows in (Pic#7), then comes Jim Harris, in his Skylark and Ron Morley sporting a RAT hood ornament in (Pic#8).
Potential member Pat Giles is next, (Pic#9) in his neat '30 Ford Woodie.
(Pic#10) is our later Star Dan Bratina in his hot NOVA.
Scott Haviland (Pic#11) follows Dan in his '35
and is followed by one of our originals Doug Woodley in his '29 (Pic# 12)
Dominic Difelice (all smiles) is next in a '63 Chevrolet (Pic#13).
A very nice Dodge coupe, (Pic#14) ,an unknown follows.
(Pic#15) shows our group is slow turning onto the Main St.
Another nice set of wheels in the parade (Pic#16) was driven by Kenny Morris of the Dead End Street Rodders of Delhi.
Coming down the hill of the last lap, (Pic#17) shows the crowded streets and beautiful Fall colours, while in (Pic#18) smoke can be seen and the crowd roared when Dan "Lit em up" as prompted by Nick!
Some of our rides had strange looking drivers (Pic#19) while others (Pic#20) were all decked out. (Pics#21 &22) show the parade participants back at Marg & Jim Harris shop for snacks. A very nice touch!
Sunday's Car Show
Sunday was the large Car Show at the High School and as shown in (Pic#23) the club had its own section inside our signed
Our members gave a good showing outlining both sides of our area (Pics# 24 &25).
The beautiful Red '48 Pickup belongs to a new potential member Jerry Yakymchuk recently moved from Langley B. C.
(Pic#26) shows legend member, Charlie Haviland and the boys inspecting a real old Ford truck that they had just got running for that day
A good display of our dragster members cars (Pics#27 &28) along with their trailers filled the end of our section.
Pic#29) shows member Jim Miles (of Matty Moo Fame) and his friend barbequing burgers for our our members in attendance and the crowd enjoying our display, (Pic#30). THANKS ARE CERTAINLY IN ORDER TO JIM!
CHRISTMAS DINNER 2014
by Duke Snyder
The tables had been set with the greatest of care (Pics#1-9).
And our New Feathers and Bar Fridges were on display there. (Pics #10-11-12)
People were anxiously waiting for Dan to say prayer.(Pics#13-19)
And then we all really enjoyed the great Roast Beef Fare!
Jim was real quick in grabbing their flowers (Pic#20)
While the ladies are more selective for theirs, to be enjoyed many hours.
Great friendship and spirits filled the rest of the evening as people enjoyed discussing their Christmas plans (Pics# 21-25)
And as the banner (Pic#26) shows, Season's Greetings were extended throughout the room the rest of the evening.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL & HAVE A HAPPY & SAFE NEW YEAR
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