Growing up in Williams Bay Wisconsin many of the cool guys back then started a car club named the MARQUES. I was (14) at the time, had a car, but no license, so they would not let me join... Over the years many went into the service, passed on, or moved away. Well recently three of us old timers who grew up there decided to do some research on their club.. Actually we did not even remember the name of it. After many contacts we finally got the name, and of course remembered it then. I contacted what original members were still around, and talked with options with them, as to starting another chapter of it, or revive it. They unanimously agreed to just start it back up, and gave us permission to use the original plaque. There were three of us founding members, and we now have a board of five total. Bi laws and Constitution are done, as well as many other things..... Thru research we were able to come up with the original plaque maker, and after contacting him he said no problem, and no set up charge if they stayed the same...as he still had the original plates. We had our last organizational meeting last Monday. Here is my plaque, which is made from the original plate. Interestingly, I have had the HAMB license topper for some time, and on the back....yep the same manufacture.... It will proudly sit on my car plaque on my '63 Biscayne... I painted the HAMB topper background with a toothpick, the was we used to do way back then. Need to touch it up a bit, but not bad for a (75) year old half blind shaky hand guy.... LOL ALSO a question: Is there a way to fasten the HAMB topper to the back of the plaque without drilling holes ??? We are very excited to get this club back living again... Hoping this does not break the rules here... Here is a picture of my plaque, as well as a picture of one of the original members (back in with us) showing his car and plaque back in that era ...... (We asked him what he was doing way back on that road, and he won't answer)
He won't answer because he probably doesn't remember.... Car clubs are different critters now then they were back in the 50s. Even in the 70s and 80s they were still fun, not so much anymore, at least to me. Gene
Well kudos to you for getting it kick started back to the living. When your club is out and about, you may spark someone's interest. And that can only be a good thing .
Great story!...Glad that some of the "originals" are still around and gave you the thumbs-up to revive the club. You might be able to J-B Weld your HAMB topper to the plaque, but a small drilled hole with a nut and bolt would of course be more secure.
Nice!!! Another Wisconsin Club. If you guys are interested in attending a run. Check out the link by my name.
(We asked him what he was doing way back on that road, and he won't answer) Looking for the 'Goat Killer' ..same as Toad & Debbie ?
Yes I do, I enjoy cruising with the Tin Butchers when I can as well. Cruising and having fun isn't the same as being a member, membership brings club politics and expectations of hours of free labor. Often times, you end up working while everyone else is having fun, especially if your one of the 20% that actually do something. I've done my time being a club member in two different car clubs, I'm ready to pay the entry fee and enjoy the show/cruise. Gene
Good points.' We are setting it up to be a laid back minimal obligation group. Minimal dues, and low expectations...Our home town is having it's Centennial this fall, and we volunteered to have a car show there...will be at the old hangout that still exists...the Arctic Circle...now under new management... Will see where it goes...
There is an addition that was added several years back, originally it was just the igloo portion, and no inside eating.. This is now our official clubhouse and meeting place..
Keep us posted on the dates for your show, and where it will be held (pretend we don't know where "the Arctic Circle" is. I don't live far from Brodhead WI and if the date is open on my growing busy schedule, I would try to cruise to your show. Gene
cool story, maybe try putting on seminars too? i founded a club in january and thats something we are trying to do, teach guys to rebuild engines, do bodywork, paint, interiors, save money on their projects. its a good fund raiser. we are a registered non profit though and we donate a bunch of our income
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