Docent Newsletter June-July 2013 1

Notes From the Dashboard…June-July 2013

Docent Training Class

On Saturday, May 18, the 38th Docent Training Class will have graduated 30 more well-informed docents. The pot luck

activity will be held at Leiva Park next to the Museum. Bill Millard will conduct the activities and certificates will be

presented to them and the many post-graduates that attended the classes for the 21 weeks of the Class. Many docents’

collectable cars will be lined up for all to observe and admire. Docent years-of-service hangers will be presented to those

achieving those five year milestones. GENE VAUGHN will be presented with his special hanger depicting his 25 years of

dedicated docent service. Thank you, Gene.

Your Time While Helping As A Volunteer

Regardless of the type of help you are giving the Museum, whether at the Museum or off-site, please be sure to log your time

in the binder at the Docent Desk. Also, include your travel time from home to the Museum (or other location) and back

home. It is important that all volunteer hours be recorded.

Have You Encountered Unhappy Visitors?

Recently, a letter was received from a couple who visited the Museum. In the letter

they described their experiences when they first came in the Museum, and after

they began their self-guided tour. Even though four docents were standing near the

entrance, no one approached them with a greeting and offered to give them a tour.

The couple further indicated that, after their visit of approximately one hour, the

four docents were still standing and talking in the same location. They also

indicated that, again, no one approached them while they were walking through the

Museum. Guys and gals—this is totally unacceptable. You are to greet the visitors

when they come in, and check on them while they are in the Museum. I have also

indicated many times that positioning yourselves at Vic’s is not where you are to

remain. Please, let’s make each visitor feel welcome. I know you have the capability.

Thank you.

.........Elegance In Motion Opens May 25............................Inservice May 23, 1pm

..........................Vettes for Vets May 26....Woodies on the Wharf Trip Jun 22-23

.........Southern California Trip Jul 27-29................Board Meeting 4th Weds, 6 pm................Docent Council 2nd Weds, 6 pm

..........................Revenue 3rd Tues, 4 pm......................Education 2nd Weds, 5 pm

.........................Exhibits 2nd Weds, 4 pm.................Collections 1st Thurs, 5:30 pm

...........................Finance 3rd Tues, 3 pm...............................Library Thurs 10 am

..................................Staff Weds, 9 am.........................................Building TBD

.....................................New Home TBD

Upcoming Events

Volume 15, No 3 June-July 2013

Meet Our New CuratorCarly Starr Page 2

Elegance In MotionThe Cars of the Golden Age—A Special Exhibit Page 3

The Docent Class of 2013 Page 5-7

Docent Scrapbook Personal automotive memories of the CAM Docent Corps Page 8-10

Inside

Docen t Corps o f the Ca l i f orn ia Au tomob i l e Museum

DocentNewsletter

Docent Newsletter June-July 2013 2

Wearing Of Your Docent Vest

It has been reported that some docents have been coming to the Museum when not

scheduled on the Docent Calendar. That is fine; however please do not wear your vest

in the Museum if you are just visiting and not planning on providing tours to our

visitors.

Annual Docent Picnic

I know it’s a little early to think about it, but set aside Sunday, August 25th for the

Annual Docent Picnic. Watch for the flyer advertising it. The primary purpose of the

Picnic, which is a regular Docent Council meeting, is to elect officers for the next

term. This year I term out after six years as Docent Council Chairman; and Bill Van

Gundy terms out of his first three years as Secretary/Treasurer. Therefore, we will be

voting for individuals to fill these positions. If you are interested in being on the

Docent Council and are considering running for either of these positions, please

let me know and we will put your name on the ballot.

Docent Council Meeting

Docent Council Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month in the

lunchroom at 6pm. All of you are invited.

Questions, comments or complaints, email me at kjordan@calautomuseum.org, or

call me at 916-960-6858. Thanks for all you are doing. …Ken

Meet Our New CuratorCarly Starr is a museum enthusiast with a diverse

background in marketing, administration, and – of

course – history. Born and raised in Rocklin, she

returned to the area seasonally during college to work

at the Leland Stanford Mansion, a State Historic Park,

and has never stopped working in museums since.

Carly received her bachelor’s degree in history from

the University of California, Los Angeles. After

graduation, she moved to Boston and became the

marketing coordinator for an engineering firm, in

addition to working for the Otis House museum. At that museum, she was formally

trained by Historic New England in historic housekeeping and preservation

techniques. Since returning to California, Carly has been at a political lobbying

firm providing administrative services, as well as being a regular docent for the

California State Railroad Museum.

In her spare time, Carly enjoys traveling anywhere and everywhere, exploring the

restaurants in Midtown, reading history books (yes, really!), watching British

television, and – naturally – visiting museums.

Carly is excited to join the California Automobile Museum, and looks forward to

increasing her knowledge and being a part of the team that shares the fascinating

story of the automobile to the visitors.

California Automobile Museum

2200 Front StreetSacramento, CA 95818916.442.6802www.calautomuseum.org

Board of Directors Stacey Castle James DannDavid Felderstein Mark GloverJerry Godfrey Joe HenslerMike Hess Ken JordanKim Nelson Susan OliverJim Orsburn Mike RitenourCarl Stein Jeff Swain

Bob TarczyDocent CouncilKen Jordan ChairmanTerry Root Vice ChairmanBill Van Gundy Secretary/TreasurerBill Millard TrainingKeith Tronson MembershipTom Bailey EventsRichard Floch Newsletter Editor

Museum StaffKaren McClaflin Executive DirectorCarly Starr Curator/EducationOlessya Zhuk MembershipJohn Anquiz Vehicle SalesFrances WoodsAngel NunezNatalie Minas MarketingHallie Morris Rentals and EventsRandy Masterson Maintenance

VolunteersBill Millard TrainingTom Mason Road CrewJeff Swain CAM TripsDaniele Yantos Car Club CavalcadeGreg Goodsell PlacardsMilt Webb Dave Eichner Technical, Mechanical

Giftshop/Front Desk

Visit Us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Yelp. VEHICLE SALES

It was the worst of economic times the century had ever seen—the Great Depression of the 1930s. Yet it produced what

many people believe are the greatest, most elegant automobiles ever manufactured.

Opening May 25 and running through October 13, the California Automobile

Museum will host Elegance In Motion, a very special exhibit featuring the fabulous

luxury marques of late ‘20s and ‘30s. Rare vehicles such as Duesenberg, Stutz, Pierce-

Arrow, Hispano-Suiza, Cord, and Auburn will join more familiar luxury cars from the

Art Deco era like Packard, Lincoln, Cadillac, Chrysler and LaSalle in one of the most

ambitious special exhibits ever offered by CAM.

Some of these remarkable cars had been born on the race tracks of the first part of the

Twentieth Century only to reach their zenith in the ‘30s as the powerful carriages of the

rich and famous. Others were from the beginning known for their luxury and

craftsmanship. In addition to their elegant styling, many pioneered technological

advances like power assisted hydraulic brakes, overhead camshafts and engines of 8,

12 and even 16 cylinders. The grandest of all came as a bare chassis, to be hand

finished by custom coach-builders such as Derham, Locke and Murphy with Art Deco

interiors of leather and the finest fabrics for their wealthy owners with names like

Rockefeller and Vanderbilt who came from the established elite of society as well as

the nouveau-riche of Hollywood like Clark Gable and Mae West.

By the end of the decade they would be gone, or would become mere echos of their

former selves—the slow-selling luxury production cars of the few remaining

automobile manufacturers that held on until World War II brought the Country out of

its greatest Depression. Yet examples of many of these magnificent cars survive today

to be brought together by CAM once again—the elegant artifacts of another time, the

Cars of the Golden Age.

Elegance In Motion has been designed and put together by a group of our own

Docents. Special thanks to Ron Vogel, Greg Goodsell, Bill Millard, Terry Root and Bob

Daloia as well as Board member David Felderstein for their efforts. The Exhibit features

a new track lighting system made possible by the generous sponsorship of Rex Moore

Electric, personal contributions of Board Members and a substantial contribution

made by the Docent Corps Fund.

The Docent Inservice is scheduled for May 23rd at 1PM. This is one not to miss.

…Richard Floch, Committee Chair

Docent Newsletter June-July 2013 3

ELEGANCE IN MOTIONCars of the Golden Age

Docent Newsletter June-July 2013 4

Granted, the Aug. 3 CAM Cruise is still a ways off, but it’s one of our main sources of income, so we’re already planning for the big event!   The CAM Cruise committee is hard at work to make this year bigger and better than times past, and one of the key ingredients is a strong volunteer group.  Our needs are in three areas: 

• Staging/registration (at Sac State) - We need about 30 people for registration, t-shirt/water sales and parking.   10:30am - 4:00pm.  Those of you who are cruising and want to help, this is for you. Your shift will be up at the drivers’ meeting.  

• Cruising (intersection control) - 50 people from 2:00-4:45pm.  There is a mandatory meeting with the CHP at 2:15pm at Sac State. 

• Park and show  (Fulton Ave) - 3:00-5:00pm.  An orientation meeting will be held onsite Saturday, July 27.  Randy Kellen will be calling soon for a commitment to help, but you can also sign up in the CAM office.

Thanks in advance to all our dedicated volunteers,Paul Cocciante, volunteer coordinator

July 27-29 Southern California Tour including the Petersen (with Vault), Mullin, Nethercutt (with Restoration Shop and Showroom) and others! Big Dog Garage (Jay Leno’s) is allowing 5 people for a private tour, so those July 29 tours will be auctioned off to the highest bidder, more details to follow!

June 22 – Woodies on the Wharf plus a private owner’s tour. Price is $60 Museum Members, $70 nonmembers, includes bus transportation and entry to events. Meals on your own.

Saturday, August 3Fulton Avenue

The california Automobile Museum Presents...

Sacramento, CA

Docent Newsletter June-July 2013 5

Docent Corps of the California Automobile Museum

Docent Class of 2013

Tom Allen

Background: Med.IndustryInterests: All kinds of machinery

John Anquiz CAM Car Sales

Background: Heavy EquipInterests: ‘50s Customs and Rods, Model As

Christian Arroyo-Diaz

Background: IT, Pol SciInterests: 55-57Chevys and 67-72 Chevy Trucks

Ralph Beshore

Background: not statedInterests: not stated

Leonard Brewer

Background: NewspapersInterests: All Cars

Dennis Cole

Background: Banking, LandInterests: American Muscle Cars, Ford/GM ‘50s-’60s

Joe Conley

Background: Manufacturing Engineer, YachtingInterests: Brass Era, racing

Bruce Currie

Background: TeacherInterests: Brass Era, ‘50s, Chevrolet

Tim Dwyer

Background: MillwrightInterests: Old race cars, ‘50s cars, home-built cars

Dan Faustman

Background: Public service, coffee businessInterests: Sports cars

David Frank

Background: Aircraft MechInterests: “Flat fender” cars, early auto technology

Tom Jones

Background: State Gov’tInterests: Muscle Cars, Pit/Road Crew

Docent Newsletter June-July 2013 6

Martin Jovanovic

Background: not statedInterests: not stated

Mark Marshall

Background: Auto/Aircraft MechInterests: History of autos

Robert Nunes

Background: Technical/Q.A.Interests: Motor Sports, Dodge

Angel Nuñez CAM Giftshop

Background: Model/ActorInterests: ‘50s, Hot Rods, Muscle Cars

Tim Palmer

Background: Palmer’s Garage, Drag Race SponsorInterests: “Go Faster”

Bill Phillips

Background: Forensic Sci (Cal Dept of Justice)Interests: German Cars

John Provience

Background: not statedInterests: not stated

Keith Rearick

Background: RE AppraisalInterests: English and German Cars, Alfa Romeo

Edward Romero

Background: Painter, Mech.Interests: ‘40s and ‘50s, Drag and Road Racing, & more

Tony Rosecrans

Background: ContractorInterests: Old Hot Rods and VWs

Larry Sheridan

Background: not statedInterests: not stated

Sandy Shongood

Background: not statedInterests: not stated

Docent Corps of the California Automobile Museum

Docent Class of 2013

Docent Newsletter June-July 2013 7

Chris Smith

Background: HR ExecInterests: Auto history, Styling, Muscle Cars

Rick Stevens

Background: State AttorneyInterests: Fords, MGs, Alfas. Corvairs, Mustangs

Joe VanSickle

Background: not statedInterests: not stated

Patty Vassilopoulos

Background: Store Mgr.Interests: Corvettes, ‘50s and ‘60s

John Wogec

Background: State Gov’tInterests: Classic Era Packards

Kathryn Woodyard

Background: Truck Driver, Small Business OwnerInterests: Restoration,‘60s-‘70s

Welcome Aboard!

Docent Corps of the California Automobile Museum

Docent Class of 2013

When a Future Docent gets a Free Ride to Las Vegas in a New Plymouth:

A Tale of Gambling, Racing, and Vandalism on the…

POCCA Economy RunSubmitted by Ken Jordan. Docent Class of 2001

In 1955 I was 17 years old and a senior in

high school in East Los Angeles. I had a 1940

Ford coupe and was president of the Black

Knights Car Club of Montebello, Ca. The car

club was sponsored by the Montebello Police

Department.

Earlier that year our sponsor at the police

department let us know that the Peace Officers

Car Club Association (POCCA) of California

had invited us to participate in the Second

Annual Youth Safety Run from Lynwood, Ca. to

Las Vegas. It was to be held in June of 1955.

The arrangement was that the presidents of

the invited car clubs (about 40) would be

drivers; and an observer (passenger) from

another car club would ride with him. We

would leave Lynwood, Ca. on a Saturday

morning and drive to Las Vegas, returning on

Sunday. The goal was to drive carefully and

try to get the best ton miles per gallon that

we could.

We had to have a brand new car to drive. One

Saturday morning a Montebello police

officer took me around the Los Angeles area

trying to find a new car dealer that would

provide a car for me. We had no success until

we went to Eddie Nelson Dodge/Plymouth in

Huntington Beach. I was provided a bare-

bones stripped down 1955 Plymouth 2-door

sedan. They agreed to paint the appropriate

signage on the side of the car with their

dealer information on the rear (see photos).

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All of the cars left Lynwood early on a Saturday morning in June. I was car no. 37 and Jack G. from another local car club

was the observer in my car. My good friend Dale H. (I would be best man at his wedding a few years later) from Whittier

was car no. 38. He had been provided a 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 from Harris Motor Co. in Whittier.

Police officers from the various cities represented by the car clubs were to be a part of this caravan of 40-some cars to

make sure everything went well. We hardly ever saw them.

When we left Lynwood and were in the West Covina/Pomona area Dale pulled up beside me in the Oldsmobile and

gestured that he wanted to race. He pulled the shift lever down to a lower gear and took off. I pulled the shift lever, located

on the dash to the right of the steering wheel, sticking straight at me, down toward the floorboard and instantly geared

down. Instead of taking off like the Oldsmobile, the Plymouth just slowed down. I couldn’t catch up with him, or even get

close to him. This scenario was repeated many times through Barstow and Baker and into Las Vegas. I could never catch

him when he did that.

When we got to Las Vegas we were supposed to stay at a dude ranch on the outskirts of town. But, due to a mix-up of some

kind, another car club had taken our reservation. After many hectic phone calls, our police chaperones obtained

permission for us to stay at one of the local high school gyms in the downtown area. Blankets and pillows were provided

for us to sleep on the floor.

All 40+ cars were impounded in a large fenced/gated lot at the National Guard Armory nearby.

The weather was hot and we wanted to go

swimming. But, Dale, Jack and I did not bring

bathing suits. So we went to a local store and

bought them. With packages in hand, we

hitch-hiked out to the Las Vegas Strip. A

traveling salesman named Terry Griel (I

remember this because he told us to think of

‘heel’ when we thought of ‘Griel’) gave us a

ride. He said he was staying at the Desert Inn

and would we like to go there? He said he

was going to have dinner and then do some

gambling.

While he was having dinner the three of us

went out by the swimming pool, went behind

some bushes, changed into our new bathing

suits and jumped in the pool. While we were

in the pool, the entertainer Spike Jones who

was performing there, came out by the pool

to have a cigarette. He talked to us and

figured out we didn’t belong there but he just

said to ‘have fun’.

After a while we dried off and went looking

for the guy who gave us the ride. He was

shooting craps (dice) and had Dale roll

them for him (Dale and I used to shoot craps

in a back room in a junk yard in Pico

Rivera). Dale started winning money for him

Docent Newsletter June-July 2013 9

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so Jack and I left the Desert Inn and explored the other casinos. We all ended up back at the gym many hours after

midnight.

The next morning, Sunday, when we went to our cars to start the planned group trip back to Lynwood, it was discovered

that many of the cars had been vandalized. Many of the Studebakers had their engine damaged with a hammer;

carburetors were knocked off the manifolds; some of the cars gas tanks had holes punched in them. Fortunately, neither

Dale’s Olds nor my Plymouth was damaged.

Later that morning the cars that were able to be driven started the trek back to Lynwood. Dale and I repeated our

downshifting game with him speeding off and me slowing down .

A few weeks later, at the awards ceremony, Dale ended up winning first place (because of the ton-miles per gallon

calculation I guess) with the Olds. And probably because so many of the other more fuel efficient and lighter cars had

been vandalized and were out of the competition. The trophy he received was so big it wouldn’t lay flat in the back seat of

his 1949 Ford.

I ended up getting third place and still have the trophies and the Black Knights Car Club jacket (see photos).

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