40th Annual Fall Meet
St. Charles, IL - September 15 - 18, 2010

Ed and Angie Phillips - Meet Hosts


Our first time hosting the Club Meet, which we looked forward to with so much anticipation, has come and gone all too soon! Wednesday the 15th, we were ready and waiting, while our grandson Andrew (Drew) freehanded the Club Logo, and our welcome message, with some Letter Cars on the slate boards that hung in the hospitality room, along with our granddaughter Katie adding her talent as well.

The Hilton Garden Inn, St. Charles, staff and the main contacts for our event, Cindy and Mike, were also waiting to see the "Beautiful Brutes" that they had heard of so much, and were curious about. Nonetheless, "The Pride of the Fox" was prepared for any and all of our members, no matter what they drove or how they came. And we have to say, there were many fine cars in attendance. Some we hadn't seen before, some we had. And we were glad to see every one of them, and especially the members that drove them. It was such a great feeling to see those familiar faces again, and the new faces we hope to continue to see. It always seems like our "reunions" are too far apart, and the time spent together is way too short!

On Thursday, after a breakfast at the hotel, the morning started out with a tour of Ed and Judy Schoenthaler's private car collection. Our thanks go out to our member Noel Hastalis for suggesting it as a must see for our Club. And what a collection it is! We had no idea what kind of cars we were going to see. We never imagined that they would be so prestigious. These were all Concours D'elegance winners, with their ribbons and pictures to prove it. (No wonder they are personal friends with Jay Leno.) We felt it a privilege to be there, and to view these breathtakingly beautiful automobiles. There also were rooms, and rooms full of automobilia, and items from the eras. The second floor was also amazing with his immense toy train collection setup that filled the room. Thanks again, Noel!

Thursday also was the first day of the four-day event of the "Mecum Auction" being held across the street from the hotel at the Pheasant Run Resort. One car in particular to be auctioned off was once owned by our dearly missed club member John Hertog, his "Golden G." So, some of the members went over to see it. We can thank Andy Mikonis and Ray Jones for acquiring free four-day passes for our members, compliments of the Mecum Auction.

On Friday morning, the business meeting was in the large Blue Jay room, which was also the hospitality room, with the parking of our cars “only” just outside the doors. It was very convenient for all. Our weather for Friday couldn't have been more perfect for our back yard BBQ. It looked like everyone was enjoying themselves. I know we were, just to have all of you here! Some of the girls had wanted to see my Betty Boop collection, and I was more that happy to oblige them.

The Concours judging was done in our "Big Dog Garage" where Ed hopes that he spoiled the judges a little. There was even time for a repair on Ron & Marian Gendjar's beautiful black "F," replacing a fuel pump (which got them the hard luck award.) Later, after a short drive back to the hotel for more car talk and relaxing, we were also happy to be a part of a surprise birthday for member Tom Cox, with a delicious chocolate birthday cake after we sang him a "Happy Birthday" once or twice. (We believe that the Jetts, and wife Dannis were behind it) Thanks, guys! Some of our adventurous (can't hold down) members set out to the much talked about Al Capone's Hideaway and Speakeasy for great food and nostalgia.

On Saturday, we were off to the Volo Auto Museum, and the rain we encountered on the way didn't stop us from having a good time. (It wouldn't be an official Meet without at least one day of rain.) When the rain finally stopped, we enjoyed the rest of the day along with the (Northern Illinois Region) NIR-WPC Club members that joined us for a day of fun and friendship. The People's Choice voting was done, and we were also given the pleasure of viewing the owner of the museum's "Private Vault" collection, not open to the public, which included an original "General Lee" from the TV series, Princess Di's car, and more. Thanks, Greg!

There are many fine cars throughout the ever changing museum, and many antique items in the barns and buildings with as many as four floors. Something for everyone!

Later after getting back to the hotel, there was still some time for parking lot talk before getting ready for the awards banquet, which was held in the Falcon Room on the second floor of the hotel. The buffet food was superb, with delicious desserts to match.

We want to thank Jim McGowan for his generous donation of the Letter Car prints, which was his own personal gift. The prints and other items were raffled off at the awards banquet. The evening ended with George Riehl presenting us with the Meet Host Appreciation Award. And we want to express our appreciation and thanks to Ray Jones, Gloria Moon, George Riehl, Jim Krausmann, Mick Kreszock, and Carlton Schroeder. We couldn't have had a successful Meet without all your help.

We want to thank The "Peoples Choice Award Girls" Jo Ann Jones, Elizabeth Wieland, and Gloria Moon. Our thanks go out to all of the concours judges, Gil Cunningham, Brian Frank, Jim Krausmann, Mick Kreszock, Terry McTaggart, Andy Mikonis, Herb Rogers, Gary Runkel, Dave Werner, Greg Leggatt, and first time judges assisting and learning, Jamie Hyde and Mark Knutsen.

And, we want to thank all of you for coming to St. Charles, and making "Our First Meet" a memorable one!




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