Getting some new blood into Studebakers.

By letting your membership lapse, you are not letting your voice be heard and therefore have nothing to contribute or any right to complain. If you are an active member, then you can try to change things from within. Our (brand new on the verge of being recognized) chapter is trying to make frequent appearances at local shows and ALWAYS trys to get some kind of free publicity be it in the local paper or even on local television... Twice in the past few months we have had a camera crew at our events and have had mention in our local newspaper. Just today our chaplain came by my shop with one of his grandsons to show him some cars and the young man was duly impressed and quite interested. He didn't even know that Studebaker made trucks. He is fourteen. I also encourage our members to bring their kids and wives and we are trying to have meetings and outings that will be fun for everyone. I understand fully the problem with the age of our club and I believe that the younger members are a key in promoting and continuing our organization, but as I said...if you drop out, you are part of the problem and not helping in the solution. I know that in this world of fart pipers and shoebox Chevys by the dozens, old Studebakers are not well known in younger circles, but as a young person YOU can help change that. My soap box for the day...(week?) Studebaker George (Interim president Big Bend chapter)

San Diego Chapter activities (and other*)have included:

Two visits to auto musuems, one very local, one about 50 miles from rugular meeting place. Hobby night - what do we do that's not studebaker-related. Very intesting!!! White elephant auction Holiday dinners July 4th parade Christmas parade (One thing from elsewhere is a parade of old cars past "retirement homes" to bring back memories - invite other clubs.*) Officer installation blast. Train trip to a foreign country. (may be not be practical for all chapters) Swim party Movies (SNM has many on DVD) (I won't mention key parties.)* "Blind driving" contests (May not be covered by SDC insurance - check first.*

That should keep you going for a year or so.

Karl (in "12 month country") Haas

Studebaker George wrote:

Studebaker George really hit the nail very squairly on the head with what he said. Only by going to meetings and participating in the club can a persons wishes and ideas be known.

Clubs are always looking for things to do to enjoy our Studebakers. It takes someone to come up with an idea, present it to the club at a meeting, get the interest of the other members present, and then be willing to follow through with his or her idea. Other club members are usually willing to help when additional help is needed.

A lot of good activities that we could be enjoying don't ever happen because the idea is never presented, or a member waites for someone else to come up with the idea and do the organizing that is necessary.