Peach State Cadillac & LaSalle Club past events

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Saturday, October 1 (9 - 3): 3rd Annual Roswell Motoring Festival benefitting St Jude Children's Research Hospital at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell GA. This was a really nice event with lots of cars, food trucks, and music. Here's Doug Bailey's report about the event:

"Participated in the Roswell Motoring Festival today. Saw Tom Di Nucci, Danny and Calvin Steeves, Richard Burgess, Henry Dabrowski. I heard Bill Marsh was there. Also talked a bit with Cecil McCall and John Landstrom. Beautiful weather, we lucked out. Best of Show was a 1910? Lafayette. I also liked the '51 Hudson Commodore, a gorgeous red XKE, and a neat '62 VW bus. But my favorites were the Cadillacs (and one Continental that slipped in under the fence, belonging to Burgess)."

Nice event, Philip Carroll. Thanks!

August Cruise Up to Rome, GA

A cold front hit Georgia on Friday so the weekend was low humidity and 70s during the day. Four of us Cadillac guys decided to do some driving.

Doug, Stan and I took Hwy 41 to Cartersville because the interstate was 5 lanes of dead stop going nowhere due to construction. As it happened, Hwy 41 was empty , two lanes in each direction, and recently repaved.

When we met Buster in Cartersville, his 12 year old battery had given up the ghost so we headed over to an Auto Zone and picked up a new one. After that we hit the Savoy Auto Museum to see what happens to old cars that will never see the pavement again. We parked in a line out front and people thought it was some sort of special exhibition!

After the museum we drove 30 miles to downtown Rome for lunch and ice cream and wandered around downtown Rome for a while before heading to downtown Cartersville for a few beers.

It was a 12-hour day and about 170 miles for me — and it was a blast!

— Forest Ward

Peach State CLC Spring Driving Tour to Augusta, May 13 - 15

We had a fabulous time on our 2022 Peach State Cadillc Spring Tour! Our first night was a stay at The Partridge Hotel — a charming hotel, now part of the 'Curio Collection by Hilton.' On Saturday, we cruised along the back roads to Appling, GA, where we met other local car clubs and caught a local car show. We continued on our picturesque tour and later enjoyed dinner and ice cream near our hotel, the Partridge Inn in Augusta. Finally, we saw the John Force car collection that will all be sold by Mecum in Chattanooga in October. Our group is thinking of attending the auction! We hope you can join us on future cruises!

BOPC Show Recap, May 6 – 7, 2022 at Piedmont Church, Marietta, GA

We had 61 pre-registered folks in attendance for the whole hog BBQ picnic on Friday. We ate ALL that pig! Thanks to the Smokehouse BBQ team! We had great reviews, and all were happy – although it was windy and chilly. At least no rain, which had been called for… Our goal had been to raise our pre-registrations from around 50 to 75, to take the pressure off the Saturday morning registration “gold rush.” We accomplished that goal by pre-registering 73. Russ DeBarros had done a terrific job of laying out the field on paper, so it was a matter of driving around the lot putting out traffic cones before we ate. We used all that space!

It was an early wake-up call for those who had to set up the field on Saturday morning. Around 6:30 it was chilly but warmer than it was three hours later! Russ put out the class signs and Mike and Cindy Coggins worked with Doug to get the directional signs out all over the place. Doug and Scott Edwards from Piedmont Church raised the banner out front to show the world where we were having this shindig. Thanks to all our sponsors, who are listed on the banner. Thanks also to our hosts, Piedmont Church and their two fabulous helpers, Doug and Jeff, who helped us carry tables and chairs, trash cans and signs. Could not have done it without you guys.

On Saturday we had 73 pre-registered (but a handful did not show up), and another 30 signed up on the day-of-show. Our final count was 103 - that was a little disappointing. We'd been hoping for 125, and the Friday turnout had us believing that we might have 150... Russ rode around the lot on his bike most of the morning, directing traffic. as far as I know we had zero issues with the ROMEO guys' cruise-in out in front of the church. Mike Coggins managed the cars and trucks for the swap meet, car corral, and other vendors. Mikey and Michelle Anderson and Sandy Partridge labored under a cold and windy chill, tent flaps waving, but they got the job done with excellence. A lot of problem-solving, but that's what we always see on Saturday morning of the BOPC! We didn’t get the Day-of-Show numbers we had hoped for, and most people thought this was because of the threatening weather most of the day. It never rained more than a brief drizzle, but it seemed like it might all day. Sandy, Lucille, Mike and Michelle sold about 70 custom 41st annual BOPC t-shirts. We have several remaining in case you want one!

DJ Ray DeLuca did another fabulous job playing the tunes of the Sixties without killing us with the Beach Boys, and we had a successful raffle of a ton of items for the garage - thanks to a heroic effort by Lucille O'Neill. We took in $208 on the 50-50 raffle, half to the winner, thanks to Lee and Haden Wilson who walked the field at least twice selling tickets. The BBQ was outrageous, and everyone I talked with said it was terrific. Much better than a food truck, and practically a whole meal for a very reasonable price. Thanks again, Smokehouse! We shut down the voting at 1:00 PM as planned, so that Sandy and Michelle could tally the votes. Alan Grist was super helpful as well, scouting the classes and helping Doug to hand out the awards. Tom Di Nucci, Haden and others took plenty of photos, including a record of all the awards we handed out. (We will post those soon.)

The Pontiacs carried the day with 32 registered cars, mostly the A-Bodies from ’61 through ’72. The Buick club came in second with 28 cars, and the Olds club had 22. Peach State Cadillac pre-registered 19 cars, which was terrific, but we only had two join us on the day-of-show for a total of 21. The Buick club took 14 awards (14% of the Peer voting awards), including two of the Top Six awards. Pontiacs took 10 awards, roughly 10% of all Peer awards and one Pontiac took two of the Top Six awards. Cadillacs won 9 Peer awards (9%) and one of the Top Six. Oldsmobiles took 8 awards (8%) and one of the Top Six. A special thanks to Jim Ellis Cadillac, who sponsored our trophies -- everyone was thrilled with the awards.

We want to thank our partners, the Dixie Buick Club, the Dixie Olds club, the Southeastern GTO Association and Piedmont Church for supporting this, the 41st Annual Peach Blossom BOPC Show. Mark your calendars for May 6th, 2023, when the Buick Club once again hosts the BOPC Show at Piedmont Church!

A few photos of BOPC award winners...

BOPC event photos...

See the List of BOPC Award Winners

Wellborn Muscle Car Museum - Lewis Kelly and Faye and Roger Williams share a neat article with photos that is a terrific reminiscence on the Spring Tour we took to south Alabama a few years ago. Be sure to click on the link, below, to read the article.

Wellborn Muscle Car Museum article

2021 PSCLC Christmas Party at the Atlanta Country Club

Touring the Savoy Auto Museum in Cartersville, GA - Dec. 2021

CLC Virtual Car Show Winners
Click here to see the list of all the winning cars!

Piedmont Car Show - Sept. 5th
What a gorgeous day for a show!
That's Doug Bailey appearing with his Green Giant, Tom has the white convertible. Stan also brought the Godfather.
Dixie Olds, Dixie Buick, Southeastern GTO Assn, ROMEOs, Po Boys car clubs and others joined in the fun!

Show Your Ride for Beyond The Ribbon, Inc.
Saturday, June 5th - Lawrenceville, GA

We enjoyed a day of fun and cars in support of Cancer Survivors
helped by the nonprofit organization, Beyond the Ribbon, Inc.

2021 BOPC PSCLC Winners
Special Thanks to the Dixie Olds Club for Hosting!

Check Out the Full List of 2021 BOPC Winners

Peach State CLC Spring Driving Tour 2021: “Back to Spring 1945!”

Our team of travelers shared a 270-mile, three-day journey. We braved the elements, and we finessed some challenges to our plans. We did it together. There was some griping and a fair amount of good-natured kidding. But that makes us more of a FAMILY than just another a car club. With us there’s a depth of feeling, a sense of belonging, of caring for one another. If you don’t care about one another, you’ll just keep your mouth shut and go about your business. “Get through this and survive to drive another day…” Also, we feel secure enough to speak up. We have our own interests and perspectives, and we feel free to share them. We may not always get our way, but we will surely be heard. This connection does not prevent all issues – we lost a couple folks for brief periods of the journey due to gaps in our communication – but generally speaking we go about this together. Twenty folks cruising in a dozen cars, caring only about their own rights and interests, is no way to discover the countryside. That’s a mule train, not a tour. Peach State does not tour in a dozen steel Conestoga wagons, we travel as family.

Case in point: The rain caused us to change up the itinerary a couple of times, and we failed to communicate those changes as thoroughly as we should have. That caused us to leave someone behind when we struck out in a direction that deviated from the printed agenda. But those times when we were out of the cars, walking around a mountaintop or seated around the breakfast table, those were genuinely SWEET times of camaraderie and fellowship. Another case in point: One of us (ahem) broke down and coasted onto a dirt road. Five or six guys pulled over and helped change a coil while the rest waited patiently (okay, sort of patiently). We figured out a way to let this driver participate as a driver, not a rider. Believe it, that sort of cohesiveness will bring you back for another journey someday!

So, who woulda thunk it that a three-day trip with rain on parts of two days might be considered one of our BEST driving tours? I heard that more than a few times… “This might be our best one yet, Doug.” How did we do it? Flexibility, going with the flow, responding to changing circumstances. Sharing the leadership: I counted at least five people who contributed to adjusting the itinerary along the way, even when that part required them to take the lead for making reservations, taking the point during a leg of the driving, or negotiating with parks or restaurant staff. We did our best to communicate, to bring folks along for not just the physical ride, but also for the emotional experience. Like most groups, we could stand to improve our communication – the demand for it increases exponentially when you keep changing the plan – but we tried hard to keep everyone in the loop. Didn’t always succeed. But gave it our best shot. If it was frustrating to pause for so many team meetings, please write it off to keeping everyone in the loop. If you missed something it was probably my fault, but it’s also possible you weren’t really paying attention. Take that feedback as it was meant, a kind word from your “BIG brother…”

Friday: Our tour began at the rallying point in East Point GA. We all found our way to Virginia Avenue in plenty of time to get a bite and to gas up the Cadillacs. It’s a great feeling to see everyone so excited at the beginning of a tour. The downtown connector *SURPRISE!* was NOT as brutal as we had feared. Apparently Friday is mostly work-from-home nowadays! We may have even signed up a few new members among the many admirers who admired our cars, accepted our brochures. (Roland, I’m talking to YOU!) Everyone except Lewis Kelly and his grandson Alex McGilvray was there in time for departure, Tom Di Nucci and Joanne in the lead. We met Lewis and Alex (who drove in from Montgomery) 35 miles down the freeway in Moreland.

Moreland’s Main Street was our first stop, at the Lewis Grizzard and Erskine Caldwell museum. Feeling old timey, walking on the wooden floorboards of an old brick millworks, we began to relax into the rhythm of rural south-central Georgia. The museum’s volunteer staff was friendly, and about as excited as small town folks can get about seeing their first tour group in many months. The club paid freely for us to catch up on these two best-selling Georgia authors. That was a welcome contribution to the success of Moreland’s biggest (only-est) museum. We had already received a heads up about Grizzard’s career, but it was educational to be reminded of Caldwell’s writings. The author of Tobacco Road and God’s Little Acre, Caldwell was known as the “lyric poet of the poor.” No less than William Faulkner of Mississippi thought of him as one of America’s top five authors. This small-town boy came to be known around the world for his depictions of impoverished mill workers. Our visit caused me to add these two works to my reading list.

Now for a backroads run on Route 27 down to Warm Springs to find us some lunch! At Mac’s just off the square the air was cool, so we sat in the sunshine and pounded down some pork BBQ. Plenty of parking, even for 20-foot beasts, and always a crowd wondering where the car show is going to be. It’s right HERE, wherever we are! Hal Raper, whose friends call him Toby, was raised in Warm Springs by his mom and dad, a rehab specialist and a doctor who met at the polio rehabilitation center in town. Toby took over the tour guidance for a while. He drove us around the campus and introduced the center’s director and staff, who showed an immense degree of respect for the obviously well-known Dr. Raper. The staff gave us a detailed orientation to the facility made famous by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. FDR was its most recognizable patient, but the center has treated and rehabilitated thousands of polio patients (and since polio was eradicated, many more people with physical disabilities right up until today). I don’t know about you, but the reminder about how the US responded to the epidemic of polio in the Thirties with the widespread adoption of vaccines by Salk and Sabin in the Fifties inspired me. It is completely relevant to our situation with COVID today. Get that vaccination so we can keep doing these events!

By mid-afternoon we had checked into the Aiden by Best Western on the outskirts of Warm Springs. This place was NICE! Roomy accommodations with poolside access made it easy to sit outside our rooms and have a “pop” or two. A better stocked bar would have made a mint from us, but luckily we had brought a few tastes of adult beverage. I love this casual time to catch up and tell tall tales, to rehash the day’s events and figure out how to keep these Cadillacs on the road. I like talking about solutions for getting that cracked steering wheel repaired, even if some of us don’t take notes and keep asking the same questions… You know who you are… 😉 Around 6:30 we wandered back to the lobby where we took a few minutes to reintroduce ourselves to the group – what we drive and how long we’ve been involved in the club. I think it’s neat how some are so shy they won’t speak to the crowd at all, while others will try to tell you their life stories… Our hosts had catered a terrific lasagna dinner with garden and pasta salads and apple pie for dessert. The club covered this meal to help offset the higher cost of the room reservations. We introduced the owners, Neil and Cathy Patel, and thanked them for their extreme hospitality. Neil, who drives an Escalade, graciously accepted both a membership brochure and a Peach State CLC keychain. We’re hoping to draw this couple into the fold one day soon. After dinner we gathered at the firepit overlooking the miles-long vista of three counties to the east. Just about the time Herman got the fire going really well we realized we were exhausted. We headed for bed. What an exhilarating but demanding day.

Saturday: People staggered into the lobby and snarfed their bagged breakfasts by 8:30. It was time to depart. But… it’s always someone… Doug’s ’66 Eldorado wouldn’t start. No spark. Was it waterlogged from the overnight downpour? Or had it just picked this time to protest all the attention Doug had been lavishing on his ’58? No time to consider it; Doug climbed aboard that maroon ’91 yacht brought by Lewis Kelly and Alex. In fact, we started a trend when Lewis invited Doug to drive! We rode to the Little White House and set up a car show that attracted a good deal of attention in the lot. Speaking from the intensity of personal experience, FDR (er, I mean Toby) gave us a thoroughly captivating orientation to the president’s vehicles, his loves and challenges, and his last days. We were truly enriched by Toby’s accounts, and the artifacts were highly educational. The Little White House was frozen in time, April 12 of 1945. Roosevelt’s presence was made palpable by Toby’s highly personal account. Roosevelt’s unfinished portrait has always intrigued me; to see it in person was moving. We were rained on a little as we walked the grounds, and we certainly got our exercise in for the day as we walked about the property. No surprise that we were very much ready for lunch by the time we returned to a sunny downtown Warm Springs.

Competing for attention was a motorcycle club in town, but we were staggering times, and there wasn’t a problem. They wanted to know all about our four-wheelers. We waited only about 30 minutes for seats at Bulloch House, a magnificent country “meat-and-three” that anchors the downtown area. While we waited Doug ran Lewis’ car to nearby Manchester to secure the town’s last V8 coil and some starting fluid. He made it back before most of the group had finished lunch. Now, that was some GREAT fried chicken! Livers, hamburger steak, fried catfish, fried green tomatoes, collards, black-eyed peas. Wow. Photos of the desserts made their rounds to our missing members just to tantalize them into joining us on the next tour. Peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream, a chocolate thing that looked decadent… $13 plus dessert and tip. A walk down the street netted me and Alex a pound each of boiled peanuts for later by the fire! I’m pretty sure just about everyone walked across the street to the candy store for a scoop of Mayfield ice cream.

The plan was to run out Route 27 to cruise the FDR park, but again we flexed. Doug was pouting because his car had been sitting back at the hotel and didn’t get included in the photos taken at the Little White House. He was aching to drive some parts of the Saturday map. So, we ran back to the hotel to crank the Eldo. With some coaxing from Mark and a can of starter fluid we got it to fire. We lined up and headed out for the park. About two miles up the road the Eldorado started hesitating. Doug and Toby decided it just needed to dry out, but it really started stumbling as we went up a slight grade, so Doug pulled into a driveway and backed it up to go back to the hotel. On the way down the hill the Green Machine died completely, and Doug coasted into a dirt driveway. Immediately five guys jumped out and began to resuscitate the green beast. Tom found a broken plug wire and re-crimped that while Doug, Mark and David Smith laid hands on the coil. We dropped the wingnut, and then lost a coil wire and a couple of washers, but we got it back together and even found the wingnut. Success! Back to the hotel to pick up the others, and then we resumed the cruise to the park. Jolly Green Giant ran well the rest of the trip and Doug was a happy camper. Considering the alternative, riding back on a flatbed, Doug was a REALLY happy camper. In all the shifting plans we lost track of Tom and Nancy Brown, and they went off on a venture to find us. They never did, and made it all the way to Callaway (which had been the original plan, but had changed with the rain) before returning to the hotel, finding us about to settle in for a “Coke.” We got back in the cars at 6:30 for a short run to the Meriweather Steak Company. MSC hosted us with aplomb, moving our tables and chairs from directly in front of the six-piece rock-n-roll band to a side room so we could talk. Thanks to David Smith for arranging this switch in plans! The club bought dinner, but we were so full from a late lunch that few people could manage a huge steak. But the steakburgers and fries, shrimp n grits, vegetable plates were awesome. Someone who asked not to be named (initials Lucille O) picked up the bar tab, so we made out like bandits. The band played some Stevie Nicks and Creedence Clearwater Revival, but the hit of the night was “Pink Cadillac” by Bruce Springsteen, in honor of the Peach State Cadillac club! We retreated around 9:00 PM in a total downpour. Nancy noted that Nicole got drenched in order to bring Lucille’s Biarritz to the front door, continuing the day’s adventure driving other peoples’ cars. Everyone piled into back seats to try to stay dry. We gathered back at the hotel lobby for another evening chat. No firepit this evening because of the rain, but it was cozy inside and we had a long talk about Roosevelt, Cadillacs and people in general.

Sunday: The sun rose early over the long, low eastern horizon. Sitting on the verandah outside my room the air was clear and clean. Old Sol would brook no dallying this morning. It was time to drive! We rallied at 8:30 AM for the run to Callaway. Nancy McCall had made us reservations at the Callaway Diner for breakfast. And we were glad she had. A great country breakfast in our own seating area. After breakfast we walked a bit, and then got behind Toby’s black ’56 sedan for the ride to and through Callaway Gardens. We were JUST in time for the Birds of Prey presentation at 11:00 AM. The raptor trainers “flew” several large birds, including a couple of owls, as well as a red-shouldered and a Harris’ hawk. We learned a lot, although at least one of our party is averse to large flying birds, right David? About 12:30 we decided no one wanted lunch this soon after such a huge breakfast, so we broke into three groups:

Tom, Joanne, Nicole and Cullen stayed and found even more exciting things to do, such as a zip line Cullen made famous. David Smith and Nancy McCall stayed a while and walked the grounds admiring the spring beauty.
David and Jody Wall lit out for St. Simons, continuing their vacation. Lucille and Deborah Wells hit the road, trying to beat the traffic back through Atlanta.
The rest of us – six cars for Raper, Nichols and Runyan, Knell, the Browns, Bailey and Lewis and Alex – lined up and drove around the remainder of the Gardens, soaking up the wonder of this gorgeous place. The azaleas were just past their prime, but the green trees and shrubs, the golf course and the many ponds and lakes were all stunning. Of course, people stopped in their tracks on their way to their picnics or boat trips to admire our rides. More than one stopped us to ask about one Cadillac or another. Once we had exhausted the Callaway sights, Alex and Lewis split off to run west to Montgomery. The remaining five cars headed back to the northeast. With Toby in the lead we set out to find one of only ten remaining covered wooden bridges in Georgia. This was a destination Bob Knell had discovered in his literature the day before and added to our itinerary. This impromptu adventure made for an interesting backroads drive – a terrific alternative to cruising back north on I-85. When we arrived at the location of the covered bridge on Georgia Route 85 we found the roadway blocked by damage to a modern bridge just in front of the older structure. We parked in the road and walked to the bridge. Doug backed up the hill to accommodate the three cars that showed up behind us, content to tap into his stash of boiled peanuts, eating out of the trunk and tossing the shells onto the blocked roadway. Back onto GA 85 we ran into some traffic when we reached Fayetteville, but a stop for gas was a welcome break. On the north side of Riverdale we were forced onto the I-75 freeway, and had to navigate some dreadful Sunday afternoon traffic through the Downtown Connector. But we made it unscathed.

I heard from several of the drivers that they made it home intact later that evening. We left a mark on the Warm Springs community and left some cash there as well. We hope this tour represents a kick-start to the 2021 comeback – a comeback for the area around Warm Springs and a comeback for the activities schedule of Peach State CLC. If you’re looking for a cause to support, the Warm Springs rehab center’s foundation is trying to raise a good deal of money to restore the pool areas where the natural hot springs can once again warm the tight joints of the center’s patients. If you want contact information please let Doug know. Meanwhile, thanks to the group for a Griswald Family Vacation. I look forward to the next one!

— Doug Bailey

December 5th - Annual Christmas Party - Atlanta Country Club

Our November Nashville Tour was featured in

Cadillac & LaSalle Club's 'The Self Starter'!

Nashville 2020 CLC article, written by Doug Bailey

Saturday October 17th - 39th Annual Peach Blossom BOPC SHOW
— This year's host was the SE GTO Association —

September 20, 2020 - Cadillac Clinic
Sunday's Peach State CLC had one of our best Cadillac Clinics ever!
Art Gardner was our host (blue shirt and overalls in gallery pix).
The Clinic was at his home garage on top of a mountain in East Cobb County.
Twelve guys and ten Cadillacs. Over six hours. If you missed it you'd better make the next one!

Click to see the short video of Cadillac clinic cars

September 12, 2020 - Patriot's Day Tour and Car Show

Seven Cadillacs showed up for The Patriot Day tour of Cherokee County and First Baptist of Woodstock car show.
A 60+ mile tour of the back roads and a respectful cruise through the National Cemetery in Canton. Good times!

February 16, 2020

Sixth Annual Valentine’s Day Brunch & Car Collection

We had lots of fun at the Village Corner German Restaurant Stone Mountain to celebrate Valentine's Day. After that, we visited Bill & Ann’s Marshes fabulous Classic Car Collection. Attendees; Mark Anthony, Eddie Bibb, Rob Johns & friend, Mike Kelly & Bill Bruere, Bill & Ann Marsh, Nancy McCall & David Smith Frank & Susan Patton, Donald & Dolly Smalley, Charles & Bea Soloman, Tom Di Nucci with friends Russ & Char Wissman, Lucille O’Neil & friend, David & Laura Coakley,

January 6, 2020 - PSCLC Lunch + Joe Nichols' Model Railroad

Attendees; Jay Friedman, Bill Bruere, Mike Kelly, Rob Johns, Nancy McCall & David Smith, Joe Nichols Mark & Herman Nichols, Phillip Maddox, Jim Seabastin, Donald Smalley, Calvin & Danny Steves, Forest Ward, Larry Wilson, Doug Bailey, Tom Di Nucci

Peach State Cadillac & LaSalle Christmas Banquet, Dec. 7, 2019

Thanks for making the November 2019 Benefit Car Show a big success!

We could not have raised the money we did without your dedication and commitment to our causes! Thanks to you – whether you registered, bought an auction item, or drew a ton of cash in your bucket – we were able to send Cobb Police Athletic League, Piedmont Church’s “Love Does” campaign to stock a local food pantry, and the Navy Seal Foundation EACH $1,117. I know these great organizations appreciate your help as much as we do.

I want you to know that Cadillac of Lake Lanier, our co-sponsor, was kind enough to supply a lot of the gear we auctioned off (like hats, coolers, chairs, thermos bottles). But they also covered our shortfall on the food trucks because we didn’t sell enough sandwiches and fries! More money for our beneficiaries. If you would like a piece of memorabilia to remember the day by, let us know. We still have plenty of “Give Thanks” t-shirts at $25 apiece!

Peach State CLC at the Atlanta Concours d'Elegance

This years Atlanta Concours d’Elegance was moved to a new location. The Tyler Perry Studios proved to be an excellent location for the event. The original Ft McPherson parade field provided a very scenic location. With old Victorian homes lining one side of the field and the barracks on the other. The barracks were almost as beautiful as the homes with two story balconies running the length of the buildings. The field was also surrounded by huge shade trees, which would have been a welcome site on a hot sunny day, which it was not.

Saturday was the show’s “Club Day”, with individual clubs being invited to show a limited number of cars on the field. This proved to be something of a problem, as it rained most of the night before and rained off and on during the day. The field was so wet, they were afraid that cars would get stuck in the wet ground, or at least end up trenching the field. But, the parade field has parking all the way around the field, so it was no problem to park the cars long the perimeter, under the huge shade trees, which dropped leaves on the cars all day long. With the rain, the two story balconies quickly became a popular hang out. They were more than wide enough for everyone to set up folding chairs, and made themselves comfortable, out of the rain, with a great view of the leaves covered cars.

Although the rain probably did keep many people away, there was a respectable turnout, especially considering that it started out chilly and then the wind started picking up and the temperature started dropping.

In attendance at the event from the Peachstate Cadillac LaSalle Club were Forest Ward, Michael Marr, Buster Miller, Mark Nichols, Doug Bailey, Donnie Bentley, and Donald and Dolly Smalley.

And the cars that attended were Forest’s 56 Coupe, Michael’s 58 Eldorado, Buster’s 58 Coupe, Mark’s 64 Fleetwood, Doug’s 66 Eldorado, Donnie’s 67 Eldorado, and, Donald’s 77 Fleetwood.

Sunday’s weather was a complete turnaround and was a wonderful day and by mid-day was sunny and great. I was driving a Packard and therefore could not represent the club, and Bill Marsh was there, but although he had 5 cars on the field, somehow he forgot to bring a Cadillac! However, Martina and Frank Butler did the club proud with a “Car of Distinction” award for their 64 Eldorado and Michael Marr with his 58 Eldorado. Forrest’s 56 Coupe, Doug’s 66 Eldorado, and Donald’s 77 Fleetwood were asked to come back on Sunday as well and created quite the crowd on the field themselves.

There were some very impressive cars on the field on Sunday, some of which you will probably never get a chance to see again and many had been brought in from out of state. Including a barn find V16 Cadillac in original unrestored condition.

For anyone who has not been to one of these events, each year they have been improving every year. Even with the rain on Saturday, everyone had a great time and Sunday so much better than Saturday. It is, in my opinion, the best car show in the Atlanta area and I look forward to next year.

— Mark Nichols

Peach State CLC 2019 Fall Driving Tour & HHI Concours d'Elegance:
October 31 – November 3, 2019

Thursday, October 31, 2019: No Trick or Treaters for Peach State! We’re headed east for our annual Fall Driving Tour. It was cloudy, dark and chilly when we left home. One Cadillac every few minutes rolled into the hotel in Lithonia, east of the Perimeter. The staff were outside taking photos and asking questions. “Where is the car show?” This place has served before as our rally spot; it provided warmth, some breakfast, and a place to talk before a long first day of careening about. Everyone was on time, gassed up and ready to cruise. This group GETS it! Our caravan included all but the Greenes, the Johns, and the Butlers – who were meeting us on Hilton Head Island because they trailered their cars. We rolled eastbound in a long line on I-20 for over an hour toward the exit for Warrenton, making good time and waving to the Cadillac fans passing us slowly with thumbs up and eyes wide. The weather held. Barb was counting cars but behind me she could barely see around the massive chrome muzzle of that ’51 Fleetwood. There they were - the veterans (Buster and Kim Miller, Eddie and Suzanne Bibb, Tom Di Nucci, Mark Nichols, Donald and Dollie Smalley) as well as those on their first Peach State tour. Although experienced tourers, Glenn and Debbie Novak (’92 Eldo) and Stephen Page (’02 Eldo) from Minnesota were with us for the first time. Lee and Hayden Wilson were on their first vintage Cadillac tour and they were lapping it up, enjoying every minute from the drivers; meeting to the gas stops. This leg was the last time all weekend that I felt comfortable about the lineup sticking together, because a line of nine Caddies seldom makes it through a traffic light. And that was one long line: a ’66 Eldorado, ’58 coupe, ’51 Fleetwood, ’61 convertible, ’70 SDV, ’76 Talisman, ’77 Fleetwood, plus the “modern” cars. That’s a ton of tailfins, taillights and tall tales! READ MORE of Doug's exciting reporting on the Fall Driving Tour 2019 - including HHI's Concours!

2019 CAR CLUB SHOWCASE AWARD WINNERS

2019 CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE AWARD WINNERS

Fall Tour: Ogeechee River Museum • 10-31-19

Fall Tour: Laurel & Hardy Museum, Hiram, GA • 10-31-19

Fall Tour: Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum • Friday Nov 1, 2019

Fall Tour: Lunch & Dinner in Savannah • Friday Nov 1, 2019

Fall Tour: Concours d'Elegance at Port Royale Golf Course, HHI • Saturday, 11.2.19

Fall Tour: Concours d'Elegance at Port Royale Golf Course, HHI • Sunday, 11.3.19

Read Doug's Reporting on the 2019 Fall Tour

Memorial service for Lee Dunn

Saturday the 21st was a beautiful afternoon in the country. Rydal's Pine Log United Methodist church was the location. We were missing Lee, but it was a sweet reunion with MJ. I was proud to see so many of our gang in attendance. I didn't count, but at least 25-30 of us joined an equal number of family members and another number of the Dunns' church family. As Jack Hurley noted, it was Standing Room Only.

Mary Jean looked great, but understandably got tired quickly. It was a long and demanding day for her. It was a beautiful service. Lee's sister read the 23rd Psalm from the King James, where she said she and Lee had learned it as kids. Two eulogies and a rousing guitar-led rendition of "I'll Fly Away" were convincing that this was a celebration of Lee's impact on our lives.

After the service we retired to a reception with finger foods, a photo collage prepared by eldest son, Dan, and lots of catching up. Ten of us in five cars drove around a bit and ended up in Cartersville for dinner.

A bittersweet day.
We will never replace our buddy, but he would definitely want us to continue on,
ensuring we are a model of how a car club should function.

Saturday, August 17th. We began at "Chariots of the Gods," a private car collection in Ball Ground, GA, for coffee and donuts. Lunch was on Main Street in Ball Ground, then a casual drive over to Gibbs Gardens. Next, back to Ball Ground to 'Feather's Edge,' a local winery. After that, some of us heartier souls drove over to Canton's Riverstone cruise-in around 3:30pm until dinnertime. A full day and lots of fun!

Monday, June 10th - Sunday, June 16th - CLC Grand Nationals in Louisville, KY

PSCLC members who attended the Grand Nationals:
Doug and Barb Bailey # 2 primary
Stan Debbie Tucker
Mark Nichols Herman Runyan # 1 primary
Michelle Mike Anderson #
Sandy Partridge
Donald Dollie Smalley # 1 primary
Ron Jill Pair ## 1 modified, 1 primary
Frank Susan Patton #
Paul Janice Phillips
Art Gardner and friend Sheila # 1 Touring
Jay Elaine Friedman # D

Alex McGilvray
Mitch Lewis Kelly ##
Dave Coakley
Martina Frank Butler
Barbara Logan Williams
Miller Jennifer Parnell
Vince Karen Haaland
Rob Compton
Jeff Debi Butler # D
Joe and x Gilbeaux
Marty Comstock Doug Kuter
Alan Cerise Grist #D

2019 B.O.P.C. Award Winners

May 17th - Sunday, May 19th - Spring Driving Tour to western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mtns.

“Let there be SMOKE”
Peach State Region Annual Spring Driving Tour

Belching deep black smoke from her stack, the “Steam of the Smokies” began a slow exit from the depot in Bryson City, NC. This gigantic 354,000 pound engine and tender, built in 1942 as an official commissioned WWII plan, was destined for service abroad but ended up hauling war freight in the US. It is of the world’s largest engine class and is one of two remaining in the US. Pulling the highlight event of our Peach State Region Annual Spring Driving Tour into the Nantahala Gorge on a 44 mile excursion trip, she missed narry a belch. This historic train featured well restored early 20th century cars. Ours was the “Cherokee” with facing seats, fine walnut paneling, operable windows and ceiling fans.

Departing from Cumming, GA, on Friday, May 17 our group of 21 in 10 Cadillacs, ranging from a 1954 purchased 2 weeks before the tour to a 2015 CTS-V, headed into the mountains for the 3 day, 2 night, 3 state, 400 mile CLC sanctioned Touring Program event. Taking US-19 north for the full day, we traversed undulating, beautiful 2 lane roads through the Nantahala Gorge and into the Smoky Mountains to our host hotel in Cherokee, NC, aptly named for the Indian tribe that inhabited the area years ago. For the evening we dined and recreating at Harrah’s Casino.

Saturday was spent in nearby Bryson City all day. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad had arranged for a special parking area featuring our Cadillacs. Being pulled over tracks that were hand build almost 100 years ago required a slow pace, at one area 5 mph, as we went along the river into the Nantahala Gorge where kayakers were dodging boulders in the white water. Our 4-1/2 hour excursion included a one hour layover at the Nantahala Outdoor Center and lunch aboard the train.

We visited the GSMR Museum with large model train layouts and hundreds of engines and cars on display behind glass on the walls. Our club locomotive expert, Dr. Joe Nichols, told everyone listening the history of one after another from his expert memory. He, by the way, has a model train layout in his full basement that would put the Museum’s to shame. Then we visited the unique Bryson City shops before entering the Everett Street Diner. The Diner was opening for a private dinner party hosted for our club. It was a hugh success.

Sunday was a day in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with vista after vista showing off the bluish haze as the mountains receded out of sight. It was top-down perfect weather, as it had been, for our 60 miles of cruising through GSMNP with Visitor Center stops. And of course our beautiful Cadillacs were a big hit with the thousands of visitors in the park. Our drive back to Cumming was on US-23, another mountainous and foothills route. Our Cadillacs were given a tough 3 day test in the mountains and they all were up to the task.

Our tour group consisted of members from 4 states:
            Eddie Bibb, Birmingham, AL
            Lee & Mary Jean Dunn, Waleska, GA
            Dan & Alice Dunn, Douglasville, GA riding with Lee & MJ
            Henry & Elizabeth Mainwaring, Cullowhee, NC
            Glenn & Debbie Novak, Carrollton, GA on their first PSCLC driving tour
            Lewis Kelly & grandson Alex, Clarksville, TN
            Michael Kelly & Bill Bruere, Atlanta, GA in a 1954 Caddy purchased 2 weeks before
            Mark Nichols & father Joe Nichols, Buford, GA
            Lucille O’Neill & Aggie, Roswell, GA
            Donald & Dolly Smalley, Monroe, GA
            David Smith & Nancy McCall, Atlanta, GA

It was a great trip with fantastic weather, awesome roads, delicious local food, beautiful Cadillacs and exceptional group camaraderie. Y’all better join us on the PSCLC Fall Driving Tour.

— Lee Dunn, Peach State Communications Director and Spring Tour Guide

38th Annual Peach Blossom BOPC Show (April 26 - 27, 2019) Buick-Olds-Pontiac-Cadillac lovers! KUDOS to Dixie Buick Club for hosting the annual BOPC show at the Piedmont Church in Cobb County. It truly is the best car show in the area and Dixie gets a HUGE thanks for all their work pulling it together! FOR PSCLC IT WAS A GREAT DAY! Seemed like Peach State Cadillac LaSalle Club Members won the field! Winners include: Doug Bailey, Lucille Colacrai O'Neill, Philippe Maddox, Rob Johns, Mac Randall, Jr and Mac Sr, Stan Tucker, Bill Marsh, Sandy Partridge and quite a few more!

Max Marsh, was honored as a riding mechanic by the Buick Club.
BTW, Max is a five month old German Shepherd puppy with a plush coat.

See the full list of BOPC Winners

Pine Pollen, Pulled Pork, and Plenty of Pretty Cars in Cartersville
– By Glenn Novak

The Second Annual Hope Center Car and Truck Show was held in Cartersville, GA on Saturday, March 30, 2019, and was a big success. Promoted to our PSCLC members through a notice in The Tailfin, we had several of our members show up with their Cadillacs to enjoy the warm, early Spring day and visit with old friends and new (see full article, below).

The show drew over 120 collectible cars, trucks and military vehicles and the Hope Center parking lot was just about full. There were more Cadillacs (and one LaSalle) at this event than one would normally find at a typical local car show largely populated with Fords and Chevys. This made the day more special than usual as spectators got to see and learn more about “The Standard of the World.”

Club members and their cars present at the show included Tom DiNucci with his 1961 Series 62 convertible, Donald and Dotty Smalley with their 1977 Fleetwood Brougham, Buster Miller with his 1958 Coupe DeVille, Stan Tucker with his 1956 Fleetwood 60 Special, Jay Friedman with his 1949 Series 61 Coupe, Dave Smith with his yellow Nissan and Debbie and Glenn Novak with their 1992 Eldorado.

Other cars spotted at the show were a beautiful silver 1939 LaSalle Series 50 coupe, a modified 1962 Series 62 convertible, a modified pink 1966 convertible, and a 1974 Coupe DeVille.

A small but very special section of older military vehicles occupied one corner of the lot and these Jeeps and trucks were well-restored and adorned with many authentic military artifacts and accessories.

Participants received goody bags with dash plaques, a ticket for a free pulled pork sandwich plate, and other small but useful items. Door prizes were awarded all day and several of our members got their lucky numbers called.

The weather was perfect with sunny skies, low humidity and temperatures in the upper 70’s. Pine pollen was the only negative for allergy sufferers and most vehicles began to look just a bit yellowish by the end of the day. Nothing that a garden hose and 30 minutes couldn’t take care of.

Rather than using the People’s Choice method of popular voting, the organizers of this show actually had judges going around with clipboards and looking at each vehicle. Awards were given out starting around 2 pm and these included such things as Top Ten, Hope Choice, Best Paint, Best Engine, and Best of Show.

Congratulations are in order for Donald and Dolly as their very beautiful Fleetwood was awarded one of the Top Ten vehicle trophies. This is saying a lot in view of the number of cars present and their overall fine conditions.

All of us in the PSCLC are grateful to our leadership for alerting us to this opportunity to bring our cars out in the early Spring and to fellowship with other members. I would recommend this show to everyone for next year if they hold it again (and that seems likely). Maybe we could have a goal of a dozen of our club cars all parked together in a long line. That would surely make a statement.

Saturday, March 9, 2019 • Cadillac Clinic
Bill & Anne Marsh, Stone Mountain, GA

Larry Wilson, who’s still working on reassembling his ’65 Deville convertible, and I arrived bright and early on Saturday morning at Bill and Anne Marsh’s “compound” for the latest in Peach State CLC’s famous Cadillac Clinics. We beat David Smith and Nancy McCall inside the gate, once again an Eldorado besting a CTS-V…. 😉 Anne and Bill welcomed us right off. There were already a number of folks there, with donuts on the table! Mark Nichols brought the club’s stash of soft drinks on ice. Frank and Martina Butler were hanging with Sandy Partridge; we haven’t seen much of the Butlers in a while, so that was great. Paul Phillips was there too, without one of his show cars. Donald Smalley was there in the green meanie, and it was great catching up with him, sore shoulder and all. Mac and Mac Randall JR were there, driving separate Cadillacs – the ’93 hearse and the ’78 CDV (?). Nick Osgood and his dad, Brian, were there – good to see you guys. Eddie Bibb arrived from Alabama! With much fanfare and “Hail fellows, Fare thee well!” we commenced to clinicin’.

Donnie Bentley was already in a floor bay, hood up and parts in hand. Donnie was looking for help installing a transmission kick-down switch on his slightly modified and sleek black ’67 Eldorado. Soon enough Forrest Ward showed up; we were hoping Forrest’s work on his ’66 Olds Toronado would come in handy. Mark Anthony went back home and brought his ’69 CDV back to see if there were any clues in there tied to the 472 they have in common. No dice… As it turned out, while the Eldo and the Toro share a transmission type, and the Eldo and the Coupe DeVille share an engine type, the linkage on Donnie’s ’68 fuel system was not fitting the new part, and Donnie had to give it up… a little frustrating, but at least you got to see it play out and learn a little something, right Donnie? I pulled the Jolly Green Giant, my ’66 Eldorado, onto an open floor space to see if we could identify some vibrations that had been rattling my hood when the car is cold. We tried revving in park, then in gear with a hard brake pedal. I could see the engine rock slightly from the driver’s seat, but nothing seemed too out of the ordinary. Mac Jr. took his life in his hands and was poised right in front of the car, so I was standing on that brake hard!

Meanwhile, Bill showed us how to operate the lift, and we pulled Mark Nichols’ ’76 Fleetwood Talisman up in the air for an underbody inspection. Mark must have found what he was looking for, because it was only three donuts later that we were looking for car #3.

Guy Van Ort had been listed #3, but at the right time he was up at the other garage with Bill and Anne visiting their collection of classics. So, I pulled the Eldo up onto the lift. The plan was to do another hard rev while up I the air, to see if the rear transmission mount or either of the engine mounts were loose or worn out. So, I was in the car again, but this time up in the air about eight feet. I was their captive! So, we’ve got ten guys wandering around under my car, and busting my chops about scraping the underside… “You must have been street racing!” “You have bottomed out so bad you’ve scraped the exhaust system!” They knew I couldn’t get out of the car and put speed bumps on anyone’s head, so they let loose with the catcalls and jibes… Nancy McCall caught it all on video, which you can see on our Facebook page. It was a blast. I loved every minute of the razzing… When all was said and done we determined the motor mounts were solid but there were a few loose connectors and hangers on the exhaust system. Forrest tightened those up on behalf of Jose Azcuy, our go-to exhaust system guy at Buckhead Mufflers. I did notice it ran a little smoother on the way home, but I’ll have to wait to see how it does on cold idle.

After that, we put Guy’s “new” Cadillac up and he scouted about. Mac lifted the hearse on the other lift, with Bill manning the controls. As it was coming down, Bill’s attention was off to the right when the left front post hung up. As the other three corners descended, the left front locked up, and the car started leaning hard right. STOP! Back up and then down in normal fashion. Crisis averted. That would have been a LOT of vehicle turned on its side!

Bill and Anne went back inside to monitor the bidding on a 1911 Napier… We buttoned up the cars and headed out for lunch about 1:15 PM. A caravan of old Cadillacs pulled into the lot at the German Bakery, a local landmark since 1972. Authentic German food, and plenty of great desserts. Weiner Schnitzel and German potato salad for me! And a huge block of German Chocolate cake. We sat around and chatted for a couple hours I think. What a great day. I think it was the best Cadillac Clinic we have had in a long time, maybe ever! — Doug

PS. Nick Osgood says: "Check this out! This is the engine in my 1968 Coupe DeVille. It’s a Cadillac 500, just a little warmed up. It’s a short video, but here we’re dialing in the carburetor." CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SHORT VIDEO.

February 10, Saturday: 5th Annual Valentine's Day Brunch,
Garland Mountain, Waleska, GA

This one took some planning. Thanks to Lee Dunn and Tom Di Nucci, we had a terrific event. On this blustery winter day it was about 40 degrees, but the wind was blowing HARD on top of Garland Mountain. When we arrived there were already a few Cadillacs lined up in the spots reserved for our Cadillacs. Mark labeled each car so that the GMSC staff could judge them by number.

It wasn’t long before we had our full complement of Valentine’s Day guests in front of the huge stone fireplace, warming their tushies. After a brief welcome, some celebratory banter about birthdays and roses, Lee oriented us to the day’s activities. We set upon a marvelous buffet in short order. Scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, salmon patties, home fried potatoes and green beans, peel-and-eat shrimp, roast beef, cornbread and a wonderful side table of desserts like raspberry-chocolate bread pudding and small pastries. The bar was open, and we partook of bloody marys, mimosas, Cosmos, beer and wine.

The meal warmed us up for the main events: Corn Hole tourney and the shooting tournament. With what seemed like 50 mph winds there was only one brave enough to get out and shoot, Bob Knell. He won the shooting prize, a $25 gift certificate from GMSC, for only missing 90% of his shots. Yeah, I said he hit ONE of TEN. Way to shoot Deadeye!

Meanwhile, on the deck the Corn Hole tourney got under way. After several rounds to bag tossing, the winners were Michelle and Mickey Anderson, how blew away their nearest competitors. They each earned a $25 gift certificate offered by the club. The REAL action was indoors near the fire, where the rest of us sat around and caught up on all the latest. It was a lot of fun.

We met our newest members, as well: Joe and Terry Gilbeault. They are from Wisconsin, they own Cadillacs, and they have been active in their Wisconsin chapter in the past. So, welcome Gilbeaults!

When we ran out of gas at the Garland Mountain cabin, we headed out in a caravan for Lee and Mary Jean Dunn’s beautiful lakeside home. That was a familiar and smile-inspiring journey – eight Cadillacs and a couple of “off brands” snaking through the mountain roads! There we resumed our chatter, had a few drinks, then sampled Mary Jean’s and Tom’s famous chili recipes. Desserts topped off the evening, and all said “Let’s do it again!”

Next event with a similar theme will be the Spring Driving Tour to the mountains of western North Carolina. Mark your calendars for May 10-12 and check back on our EVENTS PAGE for more details soon …

February 2nd, Saturday: Cofer’s Stable of Thoroughbreds
Tucker, Georgia

Peach State CLC had a great turnout for our annual DAVE COMSTOCK chili cook-off. I counted 45 members and guests, and a show of hands indicated at least half had never visited the Stable of Thoroughbreds. A win for everybody!

Several of us arrived early to get set up. Forrest was busy arranging the food table while the crockpots marched through the doors in the arms of the chefs. I think we had eleven pots of chili heating up, filling the garage with that welcome aroma. It was a bright sunshiny day. The parking lot was lined up with classics and of course curator Cecil McCall had the collection of Auburns, Cords, Duesenbergs, Packards, Cadillacs, Lincolns, Pierce-Arrows, Marmons, sparkling.

I have to say the chili was particularly good this year! Our judges included Forrest Ward, Lewis Kelly, David Trees and XXX. They amazed me – as you know if you were there – by selecting two white chili chicken chilis for top awards! Congratulations to the winners for 2019:

Mac Randall won Top Prize (with gifts of cooking utensils) with a red chili he’d never prepared before this day. Congrats Mac! (Watch out for Di Nucci, who will be jealous.)
Laura Coakley made a terrific white chili that everyone adored. I was disappointed to have missed it, because I loaded up on red chilis.
Mark Nichols also brought a white chili that was popular. His crockpot was empty before the lunch was over.

Cecil introduced us to the owner of the collection, Chip Cofer. He’s a fan of our Cadillacs, and hosts us about twice a year. An honor, since a chance to visit these cars is by invitation only. Chip also sponsors the Peach State Cadillac group by having us take up a center row on Main Street Tucker for the Tucker Cruise-in. Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 13th! I’ve heard Cecil give a tour of those cars several times, but I never hear that enough. Thanks Cecil!

Here’s a list of those who attended (with apologies to those I missed), including guest of honor Marty Comstock:

Mick & Carol Opelak
Doug & Pete Kuter
Hank Kuter & Jennifer Hill
Sandy Partridge
Michelle & Mike Anderson
Lucille O’Neill
Lee & Mary Jean Dunn
Jack Hurley
David & Eilja Trees

Frank & Susan Patton
Patton’s guests
Dave & Laura Coakley
Michael Kelly & Bill Breuer
Bill & Ann Marsh
Lewis & Mitch Kelly
Alex McGilvray
James & Staton
Jimmy & Greg Jones

Forrest Ward
David Smith & Nancy McCall
Eddie & Suzanne Bibb
Mac & Cathy Randall
Mac Randall Jr.
Jay Friedman
Mark Nichols & Herman Runyan
Doug Bailey

November 3rd: Woodbridge Inn, Jasper, GA
and Fainting Goats Vineyards!

Saturday's lunch and cruising thru countryside to the Fainting Goat!

This first November Saturday dawned crisp and a bit foggy, but promised to turn sunny. The trees were not quite as colorful as we were hoping they'd be along Rt 372 through bustling Birmingham and Ball Ground. Maybe we were too early for the fall leaves to show off? We were "boulevard cruising" at 50 mph with the windows up through the morning breeze. We talked about what it must have been like to travel like this before Eisenhower built the freeways.

A man shouted at us from a step on Main Street, "We're glad you're here! Nice ride!" The Woodbridge Inn sits in beautiful downtown Jasper, Georgia, and it's a worthy destination in its own right. Across the wooden bridge and shining in the sunlight was "Patsy," Buster's and Kim's '58. Marking the territory; hard to miss. We docked the Turk next to Patsy and found Sandy was there already in "Monica," Mark and Herman were there in the silver Talisman, as were Marty and Doug in the green Allante. Lee and Mary Jean barged in behind the tiller of "Goldilocks," with Tom and Linda in tow in the white '61 (didn't you ever name that beast, Di Nucci?). Jimmy and Zane rolled up in the '99 Deville, and finally Ron and Jill in the striking blue '37 sedan. When we gathered on the porch with the Andersons (who rode with the Millers) and the Hurleys (in a modern ride), we had 21 Peach Staters and nine old Cadillacs! Tom and I had been wondering if we'd get half a dozen people. You all keep surprising us... It was a relaxing chance to catch up with friends in a casual atmosphere -- and a car show broke out in the parking lot!

After we sorted out the tabs and found the last few meals (we recommend the food!), we checked out and headed down the road for gas and to scout the two-lane road. Marty and Doug peeled off for parts unknown, but the rest of the entourage made it to the winery. We found a huge crowd of folks at the Fainting Goat Vineyards, named for its -- get this -- fainting goats! Scare them and they just fall out right there in front of you, feet to the sky. Don't believe me? Check it out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxoL--u8HsM I guess they were not feinting, but were "faint of heart..." You could look it up! ;-) The wine glasses have the vineyard's logo - a goat on its back, feet to the sky. Cute.

It was just a wonderful day to get the cars out on the road, exercise their running gear, and to catch up with good friends over a decent glass or two of Georgia wine... What a day. Barb and I made it home by 5:00 PM, tired and ready for some college football. What are we doing NEXT weekend?

September 29-30: The 3rd Annual Atlanta Concours at Chateau Elan

Saturday, Sept. 15 - PSCLC Member Appreciation Picnic

34 members attended our annual picnic at Serenity Cellars Vineyards in Cleveland, GA

Peach State CLC FALL DRIVING TOUR 2018:
Muscle Cars, Red Tailed Stars, Gators and Taters…

Photos in this article courtesy of Lee Dunn & Doug Bailey

Nothing beats that feeling of excitement, anticipation that builds as the cars arrive at a rally spot just before departing on a driving tour. When Barb and I pulled into the lot at the Waffle House in Union City, Lucille and Debi in tow in their ’78 Biarritz, I caught the wave of energy. We’re heading out once again across country! Let’s GO!!! Right off I knew we had a great group, because we hit some snags with the twisty route to the main drag, and no one got lost or bogged down. We were iced down, gassed up, and ready to rock n roll! Here’s another mind-grabber: the vision of a long line of Cadillacs as they snake around a long, slow curve in a two-lane road. Nice. When I glanced back to make my head count I could see David and Nancy, Mark and Herman, Lu and Deb, Michael and Bill, Donald and Dollie, Jim and Sandy, Lewis and Alex (who drove WAY outta their way east in order to drive WEST with us).

Passing through some small towns, I kept thinking the local people would turn out en masse on the brick-lined town squares waving flags and shouting “American IRON! Drive N Style!!!” But all we got was a couple dozen thumbs up, and an occasional smile out of a rolled down truck window. Good enough! (I watched Michael Kelly light up one evening when a fellow wanted to go all over his Seville… his Pride and Joy… the attention is still a major benefit of driving a classic car.)

We made our way past Newnan on the truck bypass, no worries in the world. Well, I admit to a little anxiety because both guys who pre-drove this route with me were elsewhere… I’m now in the lead, and I had been counting on being “tail-gunner Charlie.” Nice roads, though, and the map was decent. New schools, but no school buses. Traffic was pretty light the entire trip, wouldn’t you say?

Alexander City Muscle Cars! After a brief but welcome McDonald’s stop in Roanoke, we hit Alexander City just about on time. As we pulled into the former Chrysler dealership we found the Williamses and Parnells waiting for us. We had a wonderful guide, Alton, who took some time with nearly every vehicle, making it a personal journey. Mr. Wellborn has some GM muscle there as well as his beloved MOPARs, and for that we were thankful. Lewis gave Alton a memento of the Peach State CLC in the form of a keychain, and I benefitted when Alton wouldn’t accept my payment for a museum ball cap. Thanks to both Alton and Lewis! Drive N Style!

We had an adventure leaving the MOPAR museum. Lewis was in the lead with half our group, but four of us got caught at the red light. Two of us were in the straight lane instead of the turn lane, holding up a long line of locals who started doing an impression of metro drivers: They started honking! A trucker next to me said we needed to run the red light, so I began yelling to Lu to run it. (She was having some vapor lock issues and I couldn’t imagine her stalling out right there!) Barb was trying to explain why Lu couldn’t (“Its RED!”), and I got louder still. Go, goooo, GO! Once we made the turn we were stuck on the railroad tracks waiting on another light, and being advanced upon by a cop leading a long funeral procession… I was picturing being run over by a train – pinned on the rails between the light and the funeral procession. So, justified by my sense of the greater good, I gunned it past David on the right, ran the light, and busted a move! We outta here! This escape would come back to haunt me later in the weekend, you could say…

Kowaliga! It was an uneventful cruise for 16 miles to Kowaliga, where we stopped for lunch. We snapped some cool photos and had a great meal. Get Lewis and Roger to sing you their version of Kowaliga, poor little Indian boy. I don’t think Hank done it that way. "Kaw-liga" was originally a song written by Hank Williams, while looking out onto the Kowaliga Basin from his cabin on Lake Martin. http://kowaligarestaurant.com/index.html On to Tuskegee! Another 30+ mile leg on blue highways. Parnells returned to Anniston, promising to catch up again soon.

RED TAIL MUSEUM in Tuskegee! Okay, I missed that turn into the museum grounds, but what’s a tour without a couple of U-turns, right Lee? We made it to the Red Tails museum about 3:30 PM, finding Mary Jean and Lee already there. The museum folks wanted to close by 4:30, but the ranger agreed to show us the history video at 4:00 sharp. We were thrilled he did. This awesome video clarified the challenges of a crucial period of time in the States and overseas. Those paying attention had a moving lesson in the social conditions of African Americans fighting for us. I can never get enough of the P-51s; the exploits of those flyers over Europe are simply breathtaking. American heroes. Afterwards, we watered up and headed south.

When we left Tuskegee someone put me in the lead (mistake), so we headed down toward the loveliest city on the river, Eufaula. Naturally, we got turned around and went about half an hour out of our way. When we stopped for gas (our third try I think) we lined up beside the exit, but Michael Kelly’s Seville stalled out. Was it vapor lock? Dunno. Mark and Herman stayed back with them and we kept moving forward. Not long after they got the car started, and both cars caught up to us at the lodge as we were checking in.

Lakepoint Lodge at Lake Eufaula State Park. We arrived around 5:45, plenty road weary. The lodge had our parking area blocked off as promised – and listed us on their welcome banner. We checked in, cooled down a bit, then checked out their Friday seafood buffet. Honestly, our plan had been to pitch our tents on the lake side of the lodge and just hang out there for the evening. There was a wonderful sunset, and things were shaping up fine. Then we heard about the throng of gators lining the banks. That changed our plans a bit! I’m frankly not sure what happened later on, because ole Doug was in bed by 11:00!

Eufaula on Saturday: The lodge’s breakfast buffet was great. We began our relaxing weekend by hanging out together at the dining room, just talking and catching up on car tales. Roger, Faye and Lee drove over to town and picked up our Cadillac hero, George Celani. When they strolled into the dining room there was a round of applause. We continued enjoying the breakfast bar while we picked George’s brain about how things were back in the Seventies and early Eighties in the Detroit area.
Jim and Sandy launched their own cross-country journey. Lucille called her sister Cat and Rob, her husband, who brought his tools. He set up shop in the parking lot and worked on Lu’s fuel system. I’m guessing he spent about half a day on that car!

Eufaula’s Historic Homes. Roger and Faye led the rest of us on a driving tour of town. The oak-lined streets, statues, fountains and ivy-covered parks really framed the ante-bellum homes nicely. Roger led us to George’s beautiful bed and breakfast, and Mr. Celani offered us a tour. What a gorgeous mansion! I could imagine myself in retirement running this B&B in southern splendor. Nearly 7,000 square feet with a wraparound porch and matching driveway, charming old furniture and wall decorations, models, collectible knickknacks, a totally engaging visit. George even played a tape of his recent guitar work covering some classic C & W tunes!

After our visit we ran through town once again. Doug got into trouble --- a city policeman took exception to my running a red light from a wrong turn lane – and gave me a warning… Gulp! Justice for yelling at Lu, shouting at Barb, and defying the law in Alexander City! We parked downtown along Broad Street and set out our cruise-in chairs on a stretch of ivy and brick walkway among the shops and restaurants. Donald, Dollie, Lewis, Doug, Lee, Mary Jean ignored the challenges of the world – we talked instead about future Cadillac activities – and enjoyed the respite. Mark, Herman, Barb, Mary Jean, Michael, Bill and Alex shopped at boutiques and antiques shops – and eventually joined us. The Eufaula po-lice drove by twice more to see if we were disturbing the peace, but found we were a docile bunch. After that late breakfast we weren’t hungry until nearly 2:00, but then we found a sweet little restaurant a short walk up Broad Street. The River City Grill served up some great vittles. More great conversation. One more pass through town to see the huge old mansions, then back to the lodge!

We found Lucille and her gang still working on the Biarritz when we got back, so we noodled on that a while. Rob took it out for a good, long test run. The red beast behaved well coming home, so I guess Rob got that fuel pump working well. This being billed as a relaxing weekend, we hung around the picnic tables outside our rooms. We talked about the cars long enough to recognize we needed a nap, so we retired for a brief snooze.

At 7:30 PM we gathered in the lot for dinner. Lewis led us across the bridge to locally renowned Michelle’s Seafood. On the way Mark realized we were losing time going back into Georgia, so Barb called ahead and the owner agreed to keep the place open for us. More fried and breaded seafood! This was the best peach cobbler I have ever had! Lewis bestowed on the owner yet another Peach State CLC keychain to remember us by. Later, sitting around the picnic tables over wine in paper cups, we fashioned DRAFT ideas for a Spring Driving tour to Asheville in April 2019, for the Louisville Grand National in June 2019, and for a drive to Nashville and the Natchez Trace in the Fall of 2019… Now THAT was some brainstorming! These are just ideas at this stage, there remains a lot to talk about. But it’s nice to have some thoughts on directions for future driving tours… and who better to discuss these plans than those who are participating in a driving tour?

SUNDAY, Getaway Day: We had another leisurely breakfast buffet at the lodge before checking out. We headed north on US 431 in a caravan. Naturally, Doug got us turned around as we approached I-185 near Phenix City. What’s a driving tour without at least one more U-turn? Lewis and Alex peeled off toward Montgomery, and we barreled on. When we finally made it onto I-85 northbound we hit a few downpours, which were good – they pretty much washed the blankets of LOVE BUGS off our windshields. They were thick and annoying! At Newnan Mark and Herman, Dollie and Donald split off. And the rest of us stopped for one last four-car gathering at a Cracker Barrel. The final leg began about 3:30 eastern time. I was getting texts and calls the rest of the evening as folks arrived safely back at their homes.

We drove a total of just over 450 miles round trip to the south Alabama lake country and the historic little town of Eufaula, Alabama. Along the way we stretched twelve Cadillacs along some of the smoothest and most scenic “blue highways” we have ever encountered. We visited a world-renowned muscle car museum, spent time with the Red Tail Squadron of the Tuskegee Airmen, and toured Eufaula’s historic antebellum homes. We ran some lights, did some U-turns, laughed and cried, tipped a few and ate like kings. We inhaled a ton of nature’s summer beauty. Best of all, we spent quality time with each other and with George Celani. Friends, it don’t get much better’n dis!

— Doug

Labor Day Outing
It was just a day for four of us: Buster Miller in his black ’58 coupe, Doug in his turk-oise ’58, Stan in his ’56 Sixty Special and Philippe Maddox in his ’55 Roadmaster.

Saturday, July 21st - Cadillac Model Car Museum

Dazzle! That’s what happened at member Stephen Sauer’s “home” and car museum on Saturday, July 21. The morning began with raging thunderstorms, and a lot of us thought this would kill the event. But by 10 AM it was a sunny day, and we turned out in numbers in Austell. Many of us drove daily drivers because of the rain forecast. But not to worry, Steve had his two colorful Cadillacs ready for display, and Forrest showed up in the Bismarck, his battleship (I mean ’56 coupe). Mac and Mac brought the p[eople mover, their ’93 Fleetwood Superior-bodied hearse. We also had what looks like a new member, Marc, who arrived late in his ’58 extended deck sedan.

As you can see in the photos we had a great turnout: 26 members and guests! We hung around the cars, caught up on old times, feasted on deli sandwiches supplied by the club. And we toured Steve’s model car collection. I leave it to you to decide how DAZZLED you are by these hundreds of collectible models in scales from 1:40 to 1:12. See if you can find the ’59 in 1:12 scale on the coffee table… Room by room we walked among the largest collection of Cadillac models I have ever seen. Every once in a while I noticed one that I have at home, but I have about 15 and Steve has about 1500… (I jest- I really have no idea how many he has…)

Tim the Milkman Bearden and Bill, videographers and web hosts known as “Hot Rod Madness” were there. They shot a ton of footage of our group celebrating all things Cadillac. Toward the end of the day they gave us a chance to promote the Peach State Cadillac & LaSalle Club – so we DID! We’re all anxious to see what gets posted. If it’s not too embarrassing we will update this story with a link. Thanks to the following folks for coming to join us:

Stephen Sauer (The Hostus with the Mostus) and two of his friends
Carlos and Amie Izaguirre
Donald and Dolly Smalley
Mac & Mac Randall
Forrest Ward
Mark Nichols
Marty Comstock and Doug Kuter
Alan Grist (welcome back from Alaska, Alan!)
Glenn and Debbie Novak
Eddie and Suzanne Bib and grandson Cade (thanks for driving from Birmingham!)
Bill and Anne Marsh
Stan Tucker
John Gray (first time for a PSCLC event, and not the last we hope!)
Marc, a potential new member driving a ‘58

Saturday, July 14th - Sonic Drive In, The Cofer Collection and the Tucker Cruise In

Peach State Cadillac club showed up in numbers for the Sonic Drive in, Cofer Collection of Thorobreds, and the downtown Tucker cruise in. We discovered a few new rides: Marshes arrived in a blue '41 sedan. Mark Nichols drove his new '76 Fleetwood Talisman, fresh from Detroit. Mac Randall Jr. showed off the new '93 Fleetwood Superior hearse. After schmoozing a while and consuming hot dogs and shakes we caravanned over to Cofer's.

There we lined em up. When we drove a couple miles to Main Street we got into order by year (hey, I know this isn't by year, but give me a break I'm going by memory)... Bob Knell, '80 Fleetwood. Marty Comstock and Doug Kuter '93 Allante. Donald Smalley, '77 Fleetwood. Bill and Ann Marsh '41 sedan. Glenn and Debbie Novak in daily driver. Rob Kaufman in newly painted red '66 DeVille convertible. Mac and Mac Jr Randall drove '80 coupe and '93 fleetwood hearse. Donnie Bentley drove his beautiful black '67 Eldorado and Art Gardner drove the '55 Blue Mistress (Fleetwood), Jay Friedman drove his '49. Stan was in the '56 Fleetwood named Godfather. Steve Sauer drove a pink flamed '69 convertible. Russ Pena joined us for a while..John Landstrom was in a '41 maroon sedan(?). Bobby and Jeff Greene drove the green '68 coupe after breaking down in the '55 coupe on the way. I drove the '96 Brougham cause I was askeered a the rain. Shouldn't have been because it was beautiful all afternoon. We also were thrilled to see Mary Greene and David Snyder having a good time at the meet.

Peach State CLC makes a grand appearance at the
2018 CLC Grand National meet in San Marcos, Texas!

Think of the last time you were in central Texas. Was it hotter than a jalapeno’s armpit? Heck yeah, it was. We were there and never stopped sweating! From June 5th through the 10th the Peach State was represented by 35 (!) members at the CLC Grand Nationals. It was over 100 degrees a couple days, in the midst of a drought. I’d say it was positively heroic that Peach State showed up with the largest legation of ANY of the CLC regions… We are getting a reputation for our activity level, and especially for our attendance at Grand Nationals. Let’s just say we travel well! Fully seventeen of us actually DROVE a car over 1,000 miles each way to attend. Fifteen of those folks were in vintage Cadillacs! READ DOUG'S FULL REPORTING — CLICK HERE!

Have Grand Nationals stories and photos you'd like to share? Just click here!

On the Road to the CLC Grand Nationals...

37th Annual B.O.P.C. Show - Saturday, May 12th
CONGRATULATIONS PEACH STATE CADILLAC & LASALLE CLUB on another SUPER BOPC SHOW!

Nothing stresses me more than trying to organize and pull off a really big, annual car show. I don’t get this tight with any of my “real” work, spending magnitudes more of OPM (“Other Peoples’ Money”). But for some reason… and believe me I have been quizzed about it by many of your board members… the 37th Annual Peach Blossom Buick-Olds-Pontiac-Cadillac Show put me over the top! A week out and we were sitting on 70 registrations. (You usually estimate 100 as a break-even headcount, and you always worry about rain killing your budget.) We spent more money on trophies than in past years, and we deliberately “ate” some cash to sponsor a Friday-night bash catered by Ruth’s Chris steakhouse. There are a ton of moving parts with a show like this, and it takes a LOT of dedicated people doing EXACTLY what they said they’d do to pull it off.

I should have learned by now not to worry — READ MORE

PART 1 - Embassy Suites Dinner and B.O.P.C. Show

PART 2 - B.O.P.C Show Award Winners

SEE THE FULL LIST OF BOPC AWARD WINNERS

Sunday, April 1st
20th Annual Avondale Easter Parade
A beautiful day for a parade with Peach State CLC hosting!

March 17, 2018
Atlanta's St. Patrick's Day Parade

Despite a little rain, our intrepid drivers and Cadillac convertibles ferried important local dignitaries in this annual parade.
Well done!!

2 weekends in March 2018
Driving Miss Daisy

Thanks to all for participating in this event and adding a true, vintage feel to this event by showcasing their fabulous Cadillacs right in front of the venue!

Our theater critic, Lee Dunn, felt Driving Miss Daisy by the Cherokee Theatre Company was very well done. The acting, set design, lighting, sound, etc. were all of a high caliber and our cars added an interesting flavor for the theater-goers.

Sunday, February 11th:
4th Annual Valentine's Day Brunch, Waleska, GA

Sunday, February 11th:
Annual Dave Comstock Chili Cook-Off, Alpharetta, GA

Saturday, January 20th:
Cadillac Clinic at Cadillac of Lake Lanier, Gainesville, GA

Saturday & Sunday, November 4-5, 2017

The Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival & Concours d'Elegance

The top honor at Sunday’s Concours d’Elegance, ‘Best of Show,’ was awarded to a 1934 Cadillac Victoria Convertible Coupe owned by Steven Plunkett of London, ON Canada. Attendees at the event chose a 1953 Chevrolet 3100 Good Humor Ice Cream Truck as their ‘People’s Choice’ winner. The car is owned by Barry and Deborah Fodor of Ashland City, TN. Another top honor presented at the close of the annual event was the Paul Doerring Founders Award, established to honor Paul Doerring, one of the key contributing founders of the event. The award went to a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTS/4 NART Spyder from the Rare Wheels Collection in Windermere, FL.

Martina Butler took Best of Class in her division, 1963-1973 American Classics. Paul Phillips finished out of the running with his ’41 Sixty Special, which was absolutely stunning. It was a HUGE and very competitive class. I believe he lost to a 4-door convertible from ’41. We found a fellow who will hopefully join PSCLC, David Kantes of Alpharetta, who had a green ’39 Coupe in the same class. It too was beautiful, but did not earn a ribbon.

Among the Car Club Showcase cars on Saturday, PSCLC members captured four ribbons:

• Buster Miller took Best American in his ’58 coupe (a crystal decanter)
• Rob Johns took Best Cadillac in his ’41 Series 62 convertible
• Tom Di Nucci won an award for his ’61 Series 62 convertible
• Doug Bailey won a Crescent ribbon in the ’66 Eldo (similar to a Peoples’ Choice runner-up award)

We all got to parade around the awards stand, and accept some nice awards. Doug ran around the
field behind a ’55 Chevy resto rod, and ahead of a Ford GT40 and a classic Ferrari.

Following the show, all participants arrived safely home. Doug had the hardest time making it – losing a water pump bearing – the fan was rattling around, but it got him home at 65 mph. Buster had a fuel issue on the way home and had to bypass his mechanical pump (which didn’t help)… Perhaps a clogged fuel line?

We had a terrific time, and we are hoping to go back next year. The hosts were very gracious and showed their support for our continued participation.

Saturday, October 14, 2017
Big Success: the Peach State/Cadillac of Lake Lanier fundraiser
for veterans groups and at-risk teens was a WINNER!

Ever had that sense of relief when a big, tough-to-plan event finally happens? This was one of those.! (Think BOPC in May!) I’m guessing we spent six months and half a dozen meetings in Gainesville trying to be better organized and more efficient than last year. We worked harder than ever to get invitations in the hands of car guys and gals all over Georgia, and in the end we made it onto the calendars of several clubs. Many people worked behind the scenes, recruiting supporters and donors, and almost as many gave freely of their time on this Saturday. I counted at least 40 cars, trucks and a motorcycle on the field at CLL. We had top-notch grilled dogs and burgers at a knockout price, and the young men from “Gut Check,” the Gainesville Jaycees program, worked alongside us selling 50/50 raffle tickets. We handed out a number of beautiful trophies to quite a few owners. The best part? We raised thousands for our cause.

The day began overcast and spitting a little mist. For many of us it’s well over an hour’s drive to the venue. The Andersons drove a couple hours from Dalton, and we put them right to work collecting money at the gate. Mike and Michelle worked with Dennis from the Vette club, and Sandy Partridge (who drove his Silverado because “Monica” is down for the time being). Somehow Mike, Michelle, Sandy and Dennis captured several hundred bucks from the entries while getting them signed in. If we had had a long distance award, it would have gone to Eddie Bibb, who drove his ’93 Sedan DeVille all the way from Birmingham AL. Now THAT is supporting your club! Also on the field, as you can see in the accompanying photos, were:

John Dellasalla, head of the GM Veterans’ Group, manned the grills and used a number of volunteers from his team to serve up some donated burgers, dogs and sides. Thanks, John and gang!

We had a great turn out on Saturday (34 cars, 2 trucks and a motorcycle by our count, although the tech folks and race cars might not have been charged the $20 entry fee). That included from Peach State CLC: 12 Cadillacs, a Rolls, a ’66 Lincoln Continental, and technically speaking Marty’s ’70 Roadrunner. Lanier Corvettes showed about a dozen Corvettes. There were a couple of trucks (a big Ford and Bud’s Ranchero), a motorcycle, a Jeep, a Mustang, a couple of Olds 442s, and an AMX. Lanier Tech was represented by a couple race cars and a three-wheeler.

Dennis Beach (Lanier Corvettes), Mike and Michelle Anderson and Sandy Partridge (Peach State Cadillacs) collected $730 at the gate. The Peoples’ Choice voting – donations at the buckets – collected $682. A significant amount of that money in the buckets (well over $400) came from Peach State Cadillac. We won the top donations (over $200 by last year’s champs, plus the 2017 Best of Show at $130, and the Best Cadillac at $51), as well as those smaller donations spread around all the other Cadillacs on the field. Bud, don’t forget you promised the guy with the red ’66 Lincoln to find him a plaque.* The auction raised $305 for the ice chest, framed prints and smaller items, plus Marty's purchases of $680 for the flag and a print. The auction totaled $985. The exact number for the 50/50 drawing was vague, but at one point it was announced to be over $300; we’re not sure if the winner’s $50 donation was included in that. Cory with Jaycees had that money. We think the food and other costs were covered before this tally. All donations went to good causes.

Here’s an approximate tally:
$ 730             Gate
$ 682             Buckets
$ 985             Auction
$   300             50/50 Raffle
____________________________
$3,002           TOTAL

Congratulations again for a wonderful car show and fundraiser!
— Doug

Our participants...

Mike and Michelle Anderson actually raised the most money with their ’64 Fleetwood… Don’t ask, but it was well over $200 because they’ve been soliciting support for weeks. They opted out of the voting because they won last year!
Rory and Lucille O’Neill – Drove their ’78 Biarritz and took Best of Show for raising way over $100. There’s a picture of their bucket, filled to overflowing with bills.
Doug Bailey took Best Cadillac thanks to Lewis Kelly, who took the time to send us a huge cash roll for Doug’s ’66 Eldorado.
Also supporting the cause by buying raffle tickets and auction items:
Marty Pecora, owner of Cadillac of Lake Lanier – our host and partner – bid on and won two items: A Huge American flag that had flown over GM headquarters on 9/11, and a framed print of racing Corvettes. Marty also shared his ’70 Plymouth Roadrunner, recently restored.
Prospective new member Perry Venable drove his black ’57 Fleetwood with the LS3 motor, hung out with us, and won the 50/50 raffle. He promptly gave it back to the cause. (I think our raffle netted over $300.) You are going to fit right in, Perry!
Bailey won a cooler with insulated mugs (and a hat). It was a tough battle, but Bai! ley lost and had to pay up…
We didn’t count the money in these other buckets for trophy purposes, but they were on the field, catching up with one another and supporting our cause:
Tom Di Nucci in the ’61.
Frank Patton in the ’50.
Larry ?? and his son. Frank’s buddies, who drove a recently restored RED ’66 Lincoln Continental.
Larry Wilson and his son, Justin, in Larry’s ’84 Rolls Royce.
Donald Smalley, who drove that beautiful, pristine ’77 Coupe DeVille.
Mac Randall Junior and Senior, who drove their ’78 Coupe DeVille.
Ron and Jill Pair in the red! ’59 Coupe DeVille.
Jay Friedman in the ’49 club coupe.
Michael Kelly bought into the 50/50 and drove his chocolate '88 Seville.
Harold Brown, another prospective member, who drove a low mileage ’88 Sedan DeVille.
Also on the field and contributing not only their entry fees but buying into the 50/50 raffle were:
Bud Hughes, our emcee and host, and the legs behind a LOT of the meet (in his Ranger);
Doug XX, who drove a huge truck (Best Truck);
Tim ???, who drove his ’71 Olds 442 (Best Olds);
A mix of other drivers, with an AMX, a Harley (Best Cycle), a three-wheeler, a Jeep (Best Jeep), a Prowler (MOPAR), and two race cars each took some sort of recognition.
A dozen Corvettes from the Lanier Corvette Club (Best Corvette was a 2018 with 1500 miles, and a Best Chevy was also a Vette).

October 7, 2017
Swan House with the Early Ford V8 Club

On Saturday, October 7th, Peach State Cadillac returned to the Swan House for a visit. This time we took guests from the Early Ford V8 Club, the group of good folks who always invite us to join them in Avondale for the Easter Parade. After a little finagling, we worked out parking next to the House. (There was a christening in the Inman family, so some family friends were coming and going for the first hour or so. That just meant more spectators for us!) It drizzled a little, and that probably put a damper on the turnout. But it cleared as the morning wore on, and at that point we were happy to have driven the old cars.

Russ and Marcia DeBarros arrived shortly after Tom and I got parked. They took off on their own for a little adventure. I saw them later strolling toward the Swan Coach House, but we didn’t get to talk. I think they were going over to visit the Margaret Mitchell house.

The Ford gang took off with Tom to visit the Swan House and take the guided tour, so I stayed behind to mind the cars (and troll for thumbs up). Several couples stopped by to ask about the cars; I think there was as much interest in the Harts’ 1952 Ford flathead and Bert’s 1939 Ford flathead as there was in my Turk and Tom’s P-Elvis. After the tour the Ford folks walked over to the Swan Coach House for lunch, and came back raving about the food. Some of them toured the Atlanta History Center while on the grounds. We played at diagnosing our vapor lock issues, yet another thing we have in common. Lamar reminded us that it’s our turn this spring to host the Easter Parade, meaning we have to bring the drinks and snacks for the picnic after the parade…

On the way out our host from the Swan House, Jessica Gordy (group sales manager) arranged to allow us onto the grounds out front for the “money shot.” So, we drove around to the front and took a few long portraits with the house in the background. Aced out of lunch at the Swan Coach House, Tom and I stopped at the Landmark Diner on Roswell Road and had a HUGE lunch topped off with chocolate cake. I barely made it home in time to fall asleep on the couch. If you weren’t with us, you missed a nice time.

Reinhardt's Cuba Day - Sept. 23, 2017
Special thanks to Lee Dunn for capturing this event.

Saturday, September 16, 2017

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION PICNIC

Activities Directors Tom and Linda Di Nucci partnered up with members Russ Pena and Adam Eiremann to organize one of the best Membership Appreciation Picnics we have ever had. (Remember, we have had some doozies – like the low country boil hosted by John Landstrom, and the two times we visited the Duluth Train Museum). This year, some of our folks drove up to Dillard and spent the night Friday night (09/15), so they’d have time on Saturday morning to visit Jeff and Deb Butler in Lakemont. Jeff spent way too much time cleaning up his shop and clearing downed tree limbs, but I am told he hosted a neat tour of the progress on his ’56 convertible – undergoing a complete, frame-off restoration. If you haven’t seen Jeff’s meticulous work you owe it to yourself to visit Jeff and Debi some time.

A number of us drove up to Cleveland GA on Saturday morning (09/16) to meet the rest of the gang at the Serenity Cellars winery. Russ and Tom had to move our venue to the winery because we had such a strong turnout that Russ and Adam’s place wouldn’t accommodate so many cars! And that was a great adjustment, because Russ’ friends at Serenity Cellars took such good care of us. Thanks Russ, Adam, Tom and Serenity – we want to go back!

The morning began for Barb and me when Larry and Missy pulled up around 9AM in this foreign job: a “Rolls Something or other”). We ran up through Roswell and Alpharetta, drawing attention – not that we mind that you know. Two hours later, at the end of a nice blue-highways jog, we pulled into the driveway of the winery. We found a green ’57 Series 62 sedan parked in the middle of the road. Ahem. Lee and Mary Jean had made it halfway up a pretty steep hill when “Geraldine” coughed and refused – the little engine that could… not. Lee maneuvered his way back down the hillside without power steering or brakes. He was waiting to re-start her once she got over her case of “the vapors.” As it turned out, it wasn’t the vapors. Let’s just say he was marking the road for the other Cadillacs… ;-) The Dunns DID eventually get her started – it was a fuel delivery problem – and they made it home Saturday afternoon after the picnic. Our ’58, the Turk, must have benefitted from engineering advances made by Cadillac Motors by ’58, because we had no trouble at all pulling the hill. Once I found low gear…

We pulled in and parked next to a beautiful Linton Green Cadillac, and I told Barb, “Jay’s already here.” When I got out I thought “That’s a huge coupe!” and then I realized this was a Fleetwood. And it wasn’t a ’49! It was Frank and Susan Patton’s ’50 Fleetwood. I heard that Susan had been a bit nervous about the old Cadillac’s performance, but it proved its readiness and Susan relaxed. Maybe it was the wine? Welcome to old car touring, Susan! Sandy Partridge was there, too, with “Monica,” his ’76 Coupe Deville d’elegance resplendent in its blue dress. Not long after that the rest of the cars began to stream in, and eventually we had a lineup of 15 Cadillacs as well as several “off” brands. (Larry and Missy Wilson delivered the Grey Poupon in their Rolls Royce.) Michael Kelly drove his ’77 Seville, and Mac and Mac Randall Jr. arrived in the ’80 Seville. Buster and Kim sashayed in, all in black with the ’58 coupe “Patsy.” Forrest Ward and Maria Azcuy literally cruised in and docked “the Bismarck” (which someone called the Krautmobile).

Sandy Partridge arrived in his inimitable style — and Michelle and Mikey Anderson buzzed the tower in their ’64 Fleetwood, “Jolene.” Rob. Linda Johns spared the ’41 for another day and showed up in a BMW roadster. David and Jody Wall joined us too, but I never saw their ride – I know they are working on a ’55 Fleetwood back home, because they have consulted Peach State CLC Fleetwood guru, Art Gardner. A short caravan arrived with the food: Mark and Joe Nichols with Herman Runyan drove the SUV, Tom and Linda drove the Volvo (because his ’61 convertible had had the presence of mind to have its fuel troubles early enough in the route for them to switch cars). Russ and Adam brought the food, as well as Russ’ brother Steve and his wife Janice in their ’85 bustleback Seville. New members Dave and Laura Coakley were brushing their hair and getting the bugs outta their smiles when they arrived in splendor behind the wheel of a NEW ’76 Eldorado convertible. I was thrilled to see an old member who has been scarce lately, David Greenwood with Gloria in David’s ’31 Cadillac rumbleseat coupe. That’s the one that was 5100 pounds before he replaced the original flathead V8 with a 500 cid Cadillac mill… What does she weigh now, David? New members Barbara Williams and Vivian Connell exited Vivian’s superb ’13 CTS in full command of their hair and everything else, owing to the luxury of this modern cruiser. Carlos and Amie Izaguirre saved some gas for the rest of us by driving their Prius (thanks for your service, Carlos). He had been experiencing difficulties with his 1982 Seville Custom. The Butlers showed up in their new ’96 Fleetwood Brougham – there goes that extra gas…

We lined up for some really good BBQ, catered by a local establishment. There was also some terrific cole slaw and special baked beans, and a peach cobbler that must have been awesome, since I never got any… Barb. And since it was Mary Jean’s birthday there was a neat birthday cake. All this was paid for by your club to acknowledge your active participation. I think we counted about 45 members in attendance. We love to have this many show up for ANY event, but especially when the club’s paying it forward… Thank you for your support, Peach Staters! A truly wonderful day. Hey, it went really, really fast because I looked up and people were leaving after a mere four hours of partying! I guess people were in a rush to get to a college football game or something.

Barb and I spent the night in Helen at the Hofbrau House, where Michelle and Mikey had some history (something about an anniversary far in the past…). We checked in, then walked up Main Street. We drank some brew with Russ, Adam, Steve and Janice, then crossed the street to partake in some serious German vittles – liverwurst, schnitzel, kraut and potatoes. And beer. A good walk back, then sitting on the veranda telling tall tales and responding to the folks walking by with questions about the two big Cadillacs… Let’s just say that casual time hanging out made up for a really miserable night of tossing and turning on a teensy, sway-backed bed. I’d do it again in a Munich minute!

On Sunday morning we had a great breakfast, then hung a while as the girls shopped. We caravanned back to Cleveland for gas before we split up. We made our way back to Roswell in 86-degree heat. No, Barb, this car never had air conditioning… And it never will. So, let’s get the AC fixed in the ’66!

I bet you have some stories about this weekend. Why not share them with us? Happy Cadillacin’ Peach State. You all are the best!

July 8, 2017
Tucker Cruise-in
Thanks to Sandy Partridge who took these photos of our Cadillac group!
We also visited the fabulous Cofer Collection.

Participants included:
• Mark and Joe Nichols ('74 Fleetwood Talisman)
• Sandy Partridge ('76 Coupe)
• New members Mac and Bubba Randall ('58 hearse, but drove an '80 sedan)
• Renewed members David, Bobby and Jeff Greene ('75 Eldorado).
• Those two new guys were Mike Kelly and Bill Breuer. ('77 Seville)

May 12 - 14, 2017
Peach State Spring '17 Driving Tour: Macon, Where Soul Lives!
We met at the Varsity in downtown Atlanta at 10:00AM Friday. We found new Peach Staters Eddie and Suzanne Bibb (Birmingham, AL) waiting in a ’93 STS, Jay and Elaine Friedman and Elaine’s sister Donna (the ’49 stayed home because of the threat of rain). Baileys were in the Eldorado with the top up. One of the carhops offered me a LOT of hot dogs for my car… O’Neills were thrashing about east of us in their red ’78 Biarritz, so we told them to run on down the road and meet us there. We saw Lee and Mary Jean drive past us on North Avenue, and figured they were lost. When I called, we discovered they had joined up with David Smith and Nancy McCall on the other side of the restaurant! We slipped out the back side of the parking lot and made an uneventful left turn onto North Avenue. (Thank goodness it was not rush hour! Tom, we lucked out in midtown on a weekday).

We meandered a couple miles through town, catching thumbs up, then made a right onto Moreland Avenue, US Highway 23 south. It didn’t take long to find the open road on our way to Juliette. Blue Highways! We rolled into Juliette and debarked for the Whistle Stop Café! Lewis and Vickie Kelly were already there, holding down reserved tables in a crowded place! Baskets of Fried Green Tomatoes, of course. Ribs ol’ Fred Flintstone would envy… Some great looking fried chicken, and even a veggie plate. I figured I couldn’t miss with a BBQ, pretty sure it was pork. We had time to wander around; downtown Juliette has become something of a shopping spot for crafts and antiques. READ MORE - CLICK HERE.

April 16, 2017
Our Annual Easter Parade in Avondale Estates.
Once again seven Peach State Cadillacs met up with about 40 Fords, Lincolns, T-Birds, Packards and hot rods to drive in the 19th Annual Easter Parade through historic Avondale Estates. We assembled at the Twin Oaks Shopping Plaza and the parade started on time, at 2:30 PM. The Avondale Estates Police Department always shows its strength, leading us through the residential areas. The cars must have tossed a ton of candy to the kids (and adults) who turned out to see the vintage cars. The Avondale Estates folks turned out in droves, and as usual were so very kind and encouraging. The parade ended at South Avondale Road where refreshments were provided by the Early Ford V-8 Club. Doug saw the following Peach Staters at this event: Charles Solomon ('56), Mark Anthony ('56), Henry Sluss and Barbara Malone ('57), Lee and Mary Jean Dunn (Tom and Linda Di Nucci were backseat riders because Tom's '61 is having tranny troubles - '76), Jimmy Jones ('02 ETC). John Landstrom was there in a new '52 Series 62 coupe. And I drove the '66 Eldorado, continuing to test if for the run to DC in August. See our Facebook page for photos and video! Or go to Avondale's web site when they get it updated!
http://avondaleestates.org/2263/Antique-Car-Parade

March 23rd, 2017
The Georgia Governor’s Mansion, the historic Swann House, and luncheon at the fabulous Swan Coach House restaurant.
Mark Nichols & Tom Di Nucci arranged for a spectacular spring day of touring and history lessons.

March 18th, 2017
Lunch and Dave Caffey's Contemporary Auto Restoration shop in north Alpharetta
We had a great turnout. Tom and his friend Jeff, Larry rode with Doug. Mark, Jay, David and Sheri Frantz, Forrest and his mom, Hendershott. Eric, Wendi, and who are we forgetting? Dave showed us his cars, explained his philosophy, answered questions about restoration. ..and pizza! Then we drove over to Gateway Classics to see what they have for sale. A good day, especially after the sun came out!

March 11th, 2017
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Doug Bailey and Mark Allbaugh participated in this year's parade. Doug hosted Sam, a Make-A-Wish participant in his "Jolly Green Giant" '66 Eldorado. You can view more video footage of the parade with Mark Allbaugh, his beautiful 1941 Cadillac and his new pal, John Lewis here: http://www.cbs46.com/story/34731334/annual-st-patricks-day-parade AND here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHMwkSQIkm4

March 4th, 2017
Atlanta Road Rally for Peach State CLC
Guy Van Ort was our host and organizer for this event that was a combination scavenger hunt and a timed road rally.

February 25, 2017
PSCLC Visits Dreamland BBQ & California Car Company

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THIS EVENT

Road Rally to Wolf Mountain Vineyards for a Valentine's Day Lunch,
Plus a Guided Winery Tour and Tasting

AHhh… OOOOooo! I mean ahhhhh….”* Wolf Mountain was a GRRRRRReat trip! Events like this are good reminders why we join this club – we DROVE our Cadillacs, we CONSUMED some fantastic food and drink, and WE SPENT ALL DAY WITH OUR FRIENDS. Cannot beat that, I tell you…

Well, truth in advertising requires me to ‘fess up: When Tom came up with the idea of a visit to a winery at $42 a person I said “It’ll never work.” Man, was I WRONG, Tommy! You did a fabulous job working this up. We didn’t have FOUR couples as I had predicted, but TEN couples for Valentine’s Day 2017.

Half of our group rallied out GA 400 near the Gainesville exit, then caravanned together about 45 minutes to the destination, outside Dahlonega. The weather was warm, though cloudy, and we got a wee bit of rain. But I was thrilled to be driving the convertible despite the threat of rain. It is always cool to look in the rear view mirror and see four or five Caddies strung out for half a mile back. When we arrived, Dave Frantz had an adventure digging it up the last couple hundred feet of the mountain – tranny shuddering as the ’40 LaSalle struggled for a grip. The only issue for the rest of us was finding a wide enough berth to get out of our cars… the parking was not set up for 20-foot beasts.

We met the Canton/Kennesaw contingent about noon at the lodge, which was a remarkable location – mountain retreat with all the luxuries. We sampled wines at a leisurely pace while overlooking the valley and the Blue Ridge in the distance. And we talked and talked. Around 1:30 the owner gathered up our gang to visit his car collection. I stayed with the wine, but I heard he had a Model A and ten old and new Porsches. (You understand, right, that even if I could afford one I could never DRIVE it, so I stayed with the vino.) About 2:30, as planned, we were seated in the main dining room for our meal. The service was impeccable and the food was incredible – no exaggeration. We were arranged at three tables (6+6+8). Perfect. We had the option of French Onion soup, a nice green salad, chicken thighs wrapped in bacon, pork tenderloin Wellington, smoky gouda grits, mixed veggies, and bread. The dessert table was tantalizing and there was plenty for our sweet teeth. Even ol Doug couldn’t make a second trip!

Then we closed the place down! We hung around for a couple hours, just gazing over the horizon. The sun peaked through the clouds and showered us with shafts of light that promised Spring was near. We made some plans for our spring tours, and talked about the cars. Heaven in north Georgia. We broke up around 5:00 when the staff made it clear we were the only ones left in the place. A nice, warm drive home in Sunday traffic capped off the day. I asked our group if they would do it again, and the vote was UNANIMOUS: YES! How Soon???

* How many of you got the reference to Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs’ Little Red Riding Hood? I thought so…

Feb. 4th: 12th Annual Dave Comstock Chili Cookoff

The 2016 PSCLC Christmas Banquet at the Atlanta Country Club

THE BEST YEAR EVER! 2016 was Peach State CLC’s Best Ever, judging by nearly any measure you could come up with. Most new folks in a year? Tied for first with 23. Most participation by members in club events? Over 50% of our members participated in at least one of our twenty big events this year. Most big events in a year? Almost so: at 20 we came close to our record of 22. Most progress with the club’s organization? You bet! We have all our board positions filled with excited and engaged folks who are ALL IN. Financials? Yup: Our bank balance is growing, even as we do a better job of giving back value to our members – by sponsoring more trophies, subsidizing more of the entry fees for our activities, and spending on infrastructure (like QuickBooks to monitor our finances). We could go on and on…

We believe our 2016 was so good that have applied for TWO of the international CLC’s major awards:
• We nominated Secretary and web master Sandy Barth for the CLC’s Webmaster Award;
• We nominated ourselves for the Norm Uhlir Award, which goes to the Most Active American region of the CLC based on six criteria of success.

We have raised money for a number of special causes throughout the year, from cancer awareness to veterans’ health benefits. We have sent a check to the CLC Museum and Research Center as part of the proceeds from our Challenge Coin Keychains promotion. Our CLC rep, Martina Butler, serves as an important member of the Grand National’s awards committee, and our president, Doug Bailey is a member of the CLC’s National Meets and Tours Committee. We own most of the CLC’s Touring badges thanks to our twice-annual regional driving tours. And we have authors every year posting articles in The Self Starter. We even flew CLC president and all-around good guy, Dave Richie, to Atlanta for a weekend of fun and relaxation for our annual Christmas banquet.

Our award winners for the 2016 season are:
• Oldest Driver to the banquet: Jimmy Dorsey
• Farthest Drive to the banquet: Faye Williams of Montgomery, AL
• Peoples’ Choice for Best Cadillac on the field today: Bill and Ann Marsh, with their 1920 Cadillac touring car
• The Richard Dunford Memorial Most Active Members Award, with participation in 8 of 20 events: Bill and Ann Marsh
• 2016 member of the Year Award: Lewis Kelly, who sponsored the Challenge Coin Keychains promotion, the trophies for longest and oldest drivers, and who sponsored bringing Dave Richie to Atlanta

New Peach State CLC BOARD for 2017:
• President, Doug Bailey
• Vice President, Mark Nichols
• Treasurer, Michelle Anderson
• Secretary, Sandy Barth
• Membership Director, Sandy Partridge
• Activities Directors, Linda and Tom Di Nucci
• Communications Director, Lucille O’Neill
Our National CLC representative will continue to be Martina Butler.

Come join us in January for the Cadillac Clinic at Bill Marsh’s home, then at Dick Peden’s for the Annual Dave Comstock Chili Cookoff in February!

• November 12th - 35th Annual Atlanta Veterans’ Day Parade - The Georgia Veterans Day Association invited veterans to ride in our Cadillacs (and a few Corvettes) for the 35th Annual Georgia Veterans Day Parade.

The Atlanta parade is one of the largest Veterans Day parades in the country, and it’s one of Peach State Cadillac club’s most significant activities. We gathered at the corner of Peachtree Street and Ivan Allen Boulevard around 9:15am. Parade officials provided a car sign with the veterans’ names and titles for our vehicle. We departed at 11:11 am and wound down Baker Street from Peachtree Street towards Centennial Olympic Park. Veterans were announced as they disembarked from each car at the Parade Reviewing Stand. We were very honored to serve!

Participants included:

Bob Hendershott, Joe and his wife
Mark Anthony
Lee Dunn
Michelle & Mike
Charles Solomon

Henry Sluss & Barbara Malone
Carlos Izaguirre
Doug Bailey
Tom Di Nucci
Doug Bailey
& Captain William Overend

Following this event, we received this lovely letter from Michelle Bradley:

What a wonderful day we had this past Saturday, November 12, 2016 for the 35th annual Georgia Veterans Day Association parade and Freedom Ball.

Because of the hard work of our volunteers and participants we were able to honor our veterans for their service to our great United States of America and also honor the 75th anniversary of the USO. We also would not be able to complete our mission without the support of our sponsors who show up every year to make it happen. Of course I’m biased by feeling that Division I always sets the stage for a wonderful parade and this year was no different. It means so much to many that you carve out time from your busy schedules to support the Veterans Community. As a veteran and the daughter of a SGM (Ret) I know firsthand how far the gesture of appreciation goes for those that have and continue to sacrifice for the freedoms we continue to enjoy. All of you were wonderful and for that I’m personally grateful.

Save the Date for next year’s events on Saturday, November 11, 2017.

On behalf of President Kevin Miller and the entire team of Directors for the Georgia Veterans Day Association, Inc. may God continue to bless you, our veterans, their families and the United States of America.

My last charge for Division I is to have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Safe travels and Be Happy!

P.S. Thank you Susan Oglesby and Sam Rhodes for your hard work in Division I.

Michelle D. Bradley | Guest Relations
Georgia Veterans Day Association

October 14 - The Allanté club invited PSCL to join them in driving the Green-Eyed Snake routes in NW North Carolina, including a few miles in Virginia and Eastern Tennessee.

Here's Paula Vopelak's original promotion PRIOR to the event: We will be rallying at the McDonalds (our favorite rally place) in Buford, GA at 7 am. (Yes, yes, I know its early but we have miles to go before we sleep.) From McDonalds we'll start on I-985 to US 441/74 to Waynesville, NC where we will pick up I40E. We will stop a little before 1 pm at the Switzerland Inn and Chalet Restaurant for a delicious lunch. The Switzerland Inn is about halfway in our travel to Boone, NC (our hotel for the weekend). More stops along the way for rest and picture taking and oohing and aahing before we reach Boone, NC.

This will be fun but challenging weekend requiring good driving skills and an Allanté/XLR in good condition (brakes and tires).
And Big Surprise, some of the Peach State CLC members will be joining us for our Fall Cruise in those BIG Beautiful Caddies, They promise to drive nice and not push us. (wink)

October 8 & 9 - Atlanta Concours d’Elegance at Chateau Elan. Paul Phillips won some hardware at the Concours! Details to come!

Oct. 9 - Brunch and Oakland Cemetery’s “Sunday in the Park,” Josie, her daughter Debi, and the Starnes Gang hosted the brunch once again at Sugar Magnolia, their bed & breakfast near the Park. We met at Josie’s home for her wonderful and now famous brunch of grits, soufflé, biscuits and fruit.

Around 11:00 AM we headed to the Oakland Cemetery. Now, that’s a parade! Over a dozen Cadillacs, all primed for Halloween and ready for display. Sunday at the Park,” Oakland Cemetery: We lined our cars up on a key corner in the “park,” and stretched our banners in a tree. Participants were in full turn-of-the-20th century regalia, strolling around in top hats and bonnets. With the downtown skyline in the distance, the food was typical street fare on a beautiful Sunday. Stan organized a “peoples’ choice” voting. The winners earned a gift certificate to “Six Feet Under,” our usual late afternoon dinner haunt. More details coming!

Canton's Riverstone September 17th Cruise-In

On the third Saturday of each month during non-winter, the Po Boys Car Club of Canton organizes a major cruise-in supporting charities. Held at the Riverstone Shopping Center parking lot on Riverstone Parkway, the September 17th edition had picture perfect weather and a large group of cars in attendance.

The CLC was represented by Peach State members Tom Di Nucci with his triple white 1961 convertible, Vince Haaland in his "Goldfinger" '66 Fleetwood Broughm and Lee Dunn driving "Goldilocks", a 1976 Eldorado Amberlite Firemist convertible and by Peach State prospect and CLC member Chris (Sorry, Chris, didn't get your last name) from Macon in his newly acquired 1975 Coupe de Ville. We expect Chris to be joining soon and attending events.

— Submittal and photos by Lee Dunn

Member Appreciation Luncheon - August 27

Dick Peden hosted us for our annual Members' Appreciation "picnic" on Saturday, August 27. In past years we have visited the Duluth train museum, and a couple of city parks. Those were REAL picnics, eating out in the open on picnic tables, and swatting flies. THIS "picnic" was TOO CLASSY to call a "picnic!" Dick tells us that we had the largest crowd he's ever hosted, at 65 folks. The club provided all the BBQ, sides and desserts. Dick and the club provided the drinks. Dick provided the entertainment -- we spent some quality time with his stable of classics, sat like teeny boppers in his new red and white diner, and bobbed our heads to the sound track in the background. Good times. I think we saw Stan Tucker looking in the mirrored walls, bending down and acting as if he was behind the wheel of that '57 Eldorado. Don't even think about it, Stan! There are a dozen of us who would knock you in the head to get in front of you in the line for that car! I think I will just settle in on the '53 Skylark, and try to beat Martina out of it...

Outside we found a fantastic display of gorgeous classics too. Among the photos you see here are:
• '57 Eldo Biarritz (Bill, was that yours?)
• ’57 Series 62 green sedan (“Geraldine”) belonging to Lee and Mary Jean Dunn
• '55 (green "Idella") and '56 (black "Godfather") Series 60 Specials belonging to Steve Garrison and Stan Tucker
• '49 Club Coupe belonging to Jay and Elaine Friedman
• '61 Series 62 convertible belonging to Tom and Linda Di Nucci
• '63 sedan belonging to Jimmy Dorsey
• '66 Toronado belonging to Forrest Ward
• '66 Fleetwood Brougham belonging to Vince Haaland
• '76 CDV d'Elegance belonging to Sandy Partridge
• '84 Seville belonging to Joel Feuer
• a LOT of newer cars, from the '90s and '00s and the newest cars from the 20-teens... a breakout car show in the driveway.

Thanks, Dick — and thanks for offering to host us again next year! We will see you at your place in February for our Annual Chili Cookoff!

Cofer Collection & Tucker Cruise-in - June 11

On Saturday, June 11th, we reprised one of our favorite club activities: A shake at the Sonic, then a nice visit with Cecil McCall at the Cofer Collection of Thoroughbreds, then a cruise-in down the center of Main Street as the featured marque for Tucker’s monthly downtown celebration. A great day, although it was VEDDY, VEDDY HOT and HUMID!

When I rolled into the Sonic about 2:00, Andy and Kathy Miller were already there, cooling off in the shade. Around another table sat the O’Neills, Stan Tucker, Henry Sluss, Jay Friedman, and our long lost brother, Alan Grist. (Alan and Cerise work nine months of the year in UPPER Alaska with the school system. They come back for our summer just to warm themselves for another winter above the Arctic Circle…) We had a great little pow wow, then headed off for Cofer’s. Cecil was in the parking area, directing traffic. When we went inside we were pleased to find they had cranked the AC down a notch or two. We met the Lambda Car Club there, who brought fifteen of their members… Well, the cars there speak for themselves, so just take a look at the photos… I have visited maybe eight or nine times, and the collection changes a little each time. But the key to me is that this is one of the most special collections ANYWHERE, and we need to stay current with Chip Cofer and his curator, Cecil. During his welcome Cecil mentioned that his job largely revolves around a schedule where he drives every one of those cars a minimum of 50 miles every three months. Put that (enviable) chore alongside the routine maintenance and traveling to concours all over the country year-round… and you have a pretty exciting slice of Americana right there.

Around 5:00 with the sun still overhead and beating down on us, Cecil got us lined up in sequence: Jay’s ’49, Mark’s ’55, Stan’s ’56, Tom’s ’61, Mikey’s ’64, Hendershott’s ’65, my ’66, Alan’s ’70, Rory’s ’78, Mark’s ’79, new member Carlos Izaquirre’s ’84, Andy’s ’87, Guy’s ’88. I missed an ’85 Seville that had been customized, belonging to Joel of the other club. There were 16 Cadillacs lined up! We circled up our chairs for a while on the street, enjoying the music and photographing the cars, but after a short while we ended up in the Mexican restaurant. Hey, $3.00 margaritas! While we were there Jay took a door prize for the oldest Cadillac on the street, and both Tom Di Nucci and Mark McDermott won top award plaques. Congratulations, guys. Hey, Di Nucci, didn’t you win that same prize LAST YEAR?

A list of those who participated, from memory (forgive me if I left someone out):

Jay Friedman, Stan Tucker, Rory and Lucille O’Neill, Alan Grist, Andy and Kathy Miller, Henry Sluss
Mikey and Michelle Anderson, on the tail end of an anniversary weekend
Linda and Tom Di Nucci
Sandy Partridge, Bill and Ann Marsh, Mark McDermott, Terry Bird, Mark Anthony, Bob Hendershott and son/chauffeur, Joe
Russ Pena, Guy Van Ort and Gary Heichelbach

That’s 23 if my count is right.

Spring Driving Tour to Huntsville, AL - May 27, 28 and 29

The tour was another successful trip for the club, becoming our sixth CLC-sanctioned three-day driving tour. All our participants earned 358 miles toward their CLC Touring Grille Badge. (If you turned in a mileage form to Doug please be patient, the filing will go to CLC this week, and it takes them a while to get badges mailed out.) At one point Tom and I thought we might not have as large a group as we have lately grown accustomed to… like fewer than ten cars… and we realized we’ve been spoiled by the great turnouts in recent years. Used to be we were lucky to get ten cars, but lately we have averaged 14 or 15 cars. Our trip went pretty much as planned: no one broke down (at least for long), no one got lost, and there were some beautiful, scenic vistas. As a result we had a wonderful time.

Here’s a list of Huntsville Tourers:
• Doug & Barb Bailey
• Tom & Linda Di Nucci
• Buster & Kim Miller
• Mike & Michelle Anderson
• Jimmy & Mary Sue Dorsey
• Lewis & Vickie Kelly
• Richard Dunford
• Bill Torella
• Norm & Linda Penfield
• Steve & Julie Garrison were unable to attend due to some unforeseen family issues.
• Miller Parnell met us Friday at the park for the day…

We rallied at the Cartersville Cracker Barrel and headed west on time, bellies full, ice chests loaded, and fuel tanks topped off. It was quite a sight to watch that line of ten Cadillacs snake through the traffic and run out those two-lane roads west toward Ft. Payne, AL. I was tail gunner Charlie, and that is a terrific vantage point if you can manage not to get stuck behind traffic lights. When we arrived at the Little River Canyon National Preserve the Parnells were waiting. They had arranged for coffee and donuts! It turns out that Miller was instrumental in helping the university get this park facility started, and he still has some pull… But I’d have to say the staff there were as knowledgeable and willing to share as any I have encountered. We had a pleasant video explanation of all that’s going on at the park, and a couple staff showed us around. We drove back to the falls and walked down the path to view what had become a trickle over the falls… It had been a rushing torrent when we scouted the trip back in March, but by May the water was way down. The rocks 30 feet below the falls made it impossible for any kayakers.

We headed on into Ft. Payne, worried about road construction that never materialized. There, we stopped and visited a small collection of classic Corvettes belonging to a local man who has resurrected the sock industry in Ft. Payne. Once we got turned around, we headed on over to Vintage 1889, a quaint but HUGE antiques shop with a restaurant. Lunch! Lots of time to gab and walk around looking at the mysterious old stuff. Jimmy and I looked over an old carbide lamp, which was neat, but would probably blow your face off if you tried to use it. Having such a good time made us late, so we skipped the Alabama Band’s Fan Museum. Next time! After a fill-up we were back on the road to Scottsboro… We lost a few cars there, including Penfields, but we regrouped in Scottsboro.

Scottsboro! Home of Unclaimed Baggage… where you can shuffle through tens of thousands of displays of clothing, tools, jewelry, sporting goods, and many other gadgets and gizmos bought in bulk from the airlines. Mikey bought himself a Stetson for $25, Vickie bought herself a red leather bag (and I watched Lewis talk her out of it then back into it!) We had a minor adventure when someone in the parking lot got too curious and opened up Tom’s car to have himself a peek around… that sent us scurrying to make sure this was just curiosity and not larceny. We had to calm down the security guard, who was ready to do battle for us! We gassed up and iced up again, then we were off towards Huntsville. A long line of Cadillacs just happens to bring smiles to everyone’s faces… and everyone has a story about “the one that got away…” I am amazed at how many folks share with us about their project car, or their Tri-Five Chevy back home. The hobby seems to be in fine shape in the South.

Traffic picked up some as we approached the city, but Tom got us to the Marriott Space Center safe and sound. We arrived about the same time as the world’s largest Family Reunion! So, checking in wasn’t too bad, but there were lots of folks standing around asking questions. After we unpacked I drove the Jolly Green (ask me and I’ll tell you about it) over to the area off to the side of the parking lot where we staked out “Cadillac Heaven.” I cut off the engine, withdrew the key, opened the trunk, took out a beer and a chair… and before I sat down I realized Tom must have left his car running. I walked over and put my hand on his fender. Nope. It was the Jolly Green Giant still running! (Smoothly I have to say – because I got out without realizing it was running.) I had to borrow a wrench from Mikey to pull the battery cable, but that didn’t work. I had to unplug the alternator to get it to stop! This has never happened to me before, and I imagine it’s an ignition switch going bad, but it never happened again on the trip – or since. Back in the lounge we figured going somewhere to eat would just cut into our drinking time, so we ate there and proceeded directly into some partying and drinking. I think we fit right in with the reunion revelers. I was drinking something called “monkey naught” beer. Oh well, whatever, it was a decent local craft beer.

Saturday was another gorgeous day. We were up early and in line at the Space Center. We were met in the lobby by Steve Schneefus of Huntsville. Steve is a CLC member who lives in Huntsville, and who wanted to join us for the day. After some hassles with the Space Center staff, who got our reservations wrong after Tom spent HOURS working them through the arrangements, we began our guided tour. We walked among the earliest American rockets, some of which were converted Cold War anti-ballistic weapons. That Redstone rocket that pushed Alan Sheppard into space in ’61 was a converted ICBM missile. I am still amazed at the bravery those Mercury astronauts exhibited just to climb into one of those capsules. By the way, my “monkey naught” beer? It was named after the early American Monkeynauts, the ones who went up in space before the human Astronauts… now I get it!

Most of us finished the tour, walking under the Saturn V rocket, the biggest rocket Americans built (like five Titan I’s) – the one that launched the moon missions. I saw Mary Sue climb up onto a demonstrator that shook the foundations when the rocket was launched… Mary Sue scrambled back down off there when it started shaking… Barb, Lewis, Vickie and I walked back to catch the 10:30 IMAX showing of the Hubble Space telescope mission in 2005 (I think). Wonderful show, my third time through it, and it was cool and dark and restful. We emerged from the movie to find most of the gang sipping cold drinks and slurping ice cream in the Mars Bar. About half of the group climbed aboard the bus for a guided tour of the Redstone Arsenal, which was the Army’s testing grounds for the development of the manned missions. I liked two things most: (a) the visit to the Mission Control room, where we watched scientists monitoring the International Space Station (ISS) in real time; (b) the display of half a dozen Army choppers from a Huey UH-1 and a Chinook used in Vietnam to the modern Apache and Cobra gunships. All were decked out in fighting regalia, machine guns mounted, and ready to inflict serious damage on some enemy. Even the Chinook, which was usually a big airborne truck, was fitted with armaments all around.

Andersons, Di Nuccis, Dunford, Miller, Bailey, Schneefus, Torella, and the Kellys all got back in time to head back out to a local cruise-in about 15 miles away, hosted by an ice cream shop. We drove over there in caravan style, missed the place, then found our way back. When we pulled into this small strip mall all the lower jaws dropped. There were a few nice cars there, a couple of modern Vettes, a nice old ’51 Chevy with a 327 in it. But everyone was dumbfounded to find a group mostly from Atlanta making an appearance in this small town. We hung out a while, ate some really good ice cream, talked smack with the other gearheads, then jumped in our rides and headed back to the Marriott. We returned to the hotel in time to clean up and head out some back roads to have dinner at Landry’s Seafood House, a popular local spot. We splurged on oysters, appetizers, some good fish, and wine. This was a spot I would return to any time. Good dining, and great company. After gassing up again (the one station we found with the “real” gas, no ethanol, only had one pump and that drew a crowd of locals) we headed back to the hotel where we found Barb, Kim, Buster, Vickie and Lewis recovering from their afternoon adventures. We pulled up some chairs and had a toddy or two sitting amongst the good old American hardware. You cannot go wrong when you’re with good friends, hanging out with the Cadillacs…

Sunday we slept in to accommodate our next host’s church schedule. So we had another hearty breakfast at the hotel, then packed and got on the road… But first, we lined up in front of the SR71 Blackbird and took a bunch of pictures. A couple are really nice ones, showing the US flag and the Space Center entrance in the background. What you can’t see in these shots is the crowd that formed, many of whom left the Space Center to come out and see the amazing lineup of old Cadillacs. We chatted with a couple more Cadillac fans, one of whom was in town from the Northeast, and an owner of a ’67 Fleetwood. He took some photos back to his friends.

This time we headed southeast toward Boaz. We cruised through some wonderful scenery, across bridges and beside marinas, and through a couple of small towns. We made it to the east side of Boaz before Richard’s ’85 Seville stopped in the middle of the side road, overheated. Mikey went back to help and the rest of us stopped within a mile at Don Ingram’s Used Car lot. Don’s cars are so well used that only one or two still have PAINT! While the ladies sat idling by in the shade of Don’s patio (I heard they had a swinging good time), the boys took a 90-minute walk through Mr. Ingram’s old car graveyard. We saw hundreds of junkers, most of which were fairly special pieces, including some convertibles under tarps… late Forties and Fifties Cadillacs and Lincolns, a few Packards, a shed full of ’32 Ford bodies, a couple of Crosleys, Buick Roadmasters, Pontiac Silver Streaks, an Olds 98… as well as a Plymouth Valiant that caught my eye. Many of these cars had trees growing up through their engine bays, and despite some careful bush-hogging there was a heightened awareness that this is where the Alabama snake population ought to be hanging out.. We actually found a couple of huge piles of wheel covers of all makes and years, and a few of these derelicts still had a solid bumper or a rearview mirror. However, Mr. Ingram was not selling on a Sunday. We respected that. The bigger issue is that he wants to sell these cars whole. He kept saying “this one would make a decent rat rod…” He doesn’t want to part them out…he might finish it one day… We asked some prices: The ’56 Roadmaster was set at $1,550, and a Fleetwood or two were at $2,000. We told Mr. Ingram we will bring back a troop of members for another chance to spelunk – and maybe make a couple deals. He was a gracious host, and I believe he looks forward to us coming back. In fact, he didn’t want to let Buster leave because he fingered Buster as the Big Bucks dude in the crew. That’s what you get for driving that wreck of a ’58 coupe, Busta!

Richard filled the radiator and got back in line. We drove a few more miles to Gadsden for a late lunch at Top O’ the River. Oh, yeah, some fried catfish, hush puppies, great cole slaw, corn bread, iced tea… A terrific way to cap off the day. We got back in the cars, and headed home. I guess from Gadsden it’s eighty miles back to Cartersville. We sort of split up as we made our way east, and some headed northwest as we headed back toward Atlanta. What a super time this trip was. If you didn’t go, you were missed. When you’re sitting around the “campfire,” that is, circling around the old cars sipping a cold one, that’s the time when we miss those who aren’t here. Some we won’t see again this side of heaven, but some of you need to get signed up for the Fall 2016 Driving Tour.

Tom is circulating a poll online, asking which direction you’d like to go in the fall. Southeast to Savannah or Charleston? Northeast to western Carolina? Southwest to Talladega? Northwest to Nashville? All of those destinations are being considered. If you’ve been waiting for a certain place to go, why not let Tom know about your “druthers?”

— Doug

VetDogs Benefit at Cadillac of Lake Lanier - May 21, 2016

Peach State CLC has done it again! We partnered with Cadillac of Lake Lanier, whose owner Marty Pecora is an avid Peach Stater. Also involved were the GM Veterans’ Group and, of course, the fine people from America’s VetDogs. It was a rainy start, and that may have slowed down a less intrepid group. (The GTO guys sent one representative and I don’t think we saw anyone from the Buick or Olds clubs.) The early birds had a chance to wash their cars in a light rain, but only that one shower darkened the skies. As the cars began to arrive around 9:30 AM the sun poked through and the day turned beautiful. The band played some great oldies, mostly from the Seventies, so a few of us sighed as we heard Bread, America, ABBA and other proto-disco hit-makers. Hamburgers and hot dogs were a buck, and the soft drinks rounded out the party. We got a chance to scout out the newest offerings from Cadillac, as well as a whole row of classics parked out front of the dealership. The local Corvette Club showed up in numbers, and almost balanced the field with our ten or twelve Caddies.

Here’s a list of the winners:
• Sign hung out front on Brown’s Bridge Road welcoming people to come and see the car show…
• A couple of trainers with three guide dogs in training out front of the ’60 Coupe and the bandstand.
• Black 51 Olds (Stefan Bartelski) won Best Original. He had run into Jay Friedman at the ATL Motoring Festival, and found out about the VetDogs event. Glad you brought your baby, Stefan! This was nearly 100% original, and Jay told me that this was his favorite car of all time!
• Firemist green 60 Eldorado Biarritz (Bill and Ann Marsh) won Third Place in money raising. Is that bear papered in American currency? Yes, yes it is!
• Cranberry 67 (belonged to Tim DiPasquale of Tim’s Upholstery in Gainesville. Tim won Best Modified. He may be the man to see for your interior project – he joined the Peach State this day!
• Mike and Michelle Anderson won the Big Trophy for raising the most money for America’s VetDogs. That’s Joe of Vetdogs on the left with Marty Pecora, owner of Cadillac of Lake Lanier in the red, white and blue…
• Bill and Ann displayed their Biarritz with a stuffed bear and both pooches.
• Lucille and Rory O’Neill, Sandy Partridge and Doug in the club tent during the meet. (Rory’s red ‘78 Biarritz won Second Place among Money raisers, and Rory took the 50-50 raffle as well.)

We will see you all at next year’s event, usually at the end of May

The Atlanta Motoring Festival May 14, 2016
See a short video from the Festival taken by Dick Peden.

In its second year, the Atlanta Motoring Festival showed its hosts are learning from experience… This was a really good car show – a great turnout - on a truly magnificent Saturday in the spring. If the hosts keep listening to feedback from classic car collectors the AMF has the potential for leading Atlanta’s car clubs’ activities lists. With a chill still in the air, the host team rolled us into position by class… We lined up early on Saturday the 14th at the polo field at Chukkar Farms. This is a really good location north of Alpharetta: lots of grass, plenty of space, trees for shade, and a good layout for some nice walking. They did the entertainment right: Practically all-you-could-eat BBQ and all the fixins. Music was pretty good, and there were bathrooms close enough for comfort. We set up the Peach State tent and cooler, posted our flag, and settled in for a great day of friendly banter and car talk!

Classes and judging are two areas the AMF team needs to work on. The number of anticipated “trophy cars” didn’t appear, and therefore the hosts collapsed the field of “enthusiast cars” (read: driver quality) with “trophy cars” (i.e., show cars). If you signed up to hunt for a trophy this probably was disappointing, because it felt like the promotions didn’t pan out. Not enough show cars… not to say there were NO show cars. There were plenty of show cars among the field of well over 100… but nowhere near 100 SHOW CARS.

Judging went from Professional to Peoples’ Choice along with the last-minute change. There were six classes: American Open and Closed, Pre-1972 and Post 1972; and Foreign Open and Closed, Pre-1972 and post 1972. This resulted in too few classes in my judgment, pitting disparate cars against one another. My American pre-’72 Open class, for example, included Rob John’s 1941 Cadillac convertible, a purple handmade roadster with an Indy car nose, a red ’32 Ford resto-rod, Martina and Frank’s 1964 Eldorado, and my ’66 Eldorado. Only Rob’s and Martina’s cars were actually show cars. If any ’32 Duesenbergs had shown up, or 1970 Roadrunner convertibles for that matter, these would have been in that class too. Tough class! (Rob won, naturally and rightfully.) But since it was Peoples’ Choice, ANYTHING might have won – as we know from experience the PEOPLE usually go for the red hotrods! Peoples’ Choice is good for a friendly BOPC Show, but for a concours it’s a woeful shortcut that counts against the hosts until they fix it.

But we had a terrific day in spite of that! Lots of good friends and a wonderful day outdoors… I counted six Cadillacs on the field, and 12 Peach State members:
- Buster Miller’s completely restored black ’58 coupe, Patsy (Buster, Kim and Kim’s mom);
- Forrest Ward’s gray ’56 coupe, Bismarck (Forrest was solo this day);
- Tom Di Nucci’s white ’61 convertible (solo);
- Dick Peden’s white ‘57 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado convertible;
- Martina Butler’s blue ’64 Eldorado Fleetwood Eldorado convertible, Miss Blue (Frank and Sandy Partridge drove);
- My ’66 Eldorado, which debuted its new name: Jolly Green Giant – not the guy with the green tights hawking peas and corn, but the chopper that saved a lot of solders in Vietnam…
- Paula and Russell Vopelak were also at this event (although no car on the field)

There were also a number of non-Cadillacs on the field representing Peach State CLC:
- Richard Burgess brought his lavender ’60 Imperial;
- Phil Maddox brought the green ’55 Roadmaster;
- Dick Peden also showcased four other GM show cars:

The ’57 fuel-injected Bonneville in blue and white;
The red ’57 Olds 98;
The black ’58 Parisienne with the four-speed;
The blue ’53 Buick Skylark – which won BEST OF SHOW!

I hope I haven’t forgotten anybody. I’m pretty sure we inked a new member or two, including Rob John’s friend Jim Pixley, publisher of Mascot Magazine, specializing in classic automobiles. I know we handed out a number of club brochures!

See you next year, folks!

— Doug

The 35th Annual BOPC Show, April 30. 2016

On Friday night we met with 50 of our GM friends at Cherokee Cattle Company, and had a great meal and a good time socializing. The venue for Saturday’s All GM Car Show, the 35th Annual BOPC Show, was Piedmont Church in Cobb County. This worked out GREAT! (It’s turned out to be a way to break free of the tyranny of the Marriott on Windy Hill Road!) We arrived at what seemed like the break of dawn, and volunteers were ushering us to our well-marked spaces. The classes were fairly straightforward, and the judging was Peoples’ Choice – voting was for our favorite cars. We estimated about 150 on the field, and there were some VERY nice examples out there. We set up the club tent and had a cold drink, and we passed out flyers for upcoming events. We saw a few of our newest members, and we signed one new couple up – the Coggins’. There was a food truck with pretty good BBQ, and DJ music, raffles and cash drawings, and a great time was had by all. The church offered us its lobby for cooling off and restrooms. We were finished with the awards presentations by 3:15 and on our ways home. I think I’d like to go back, what about you?

Some additional notes: Dick Peden in Class C won two awards, with Olds and Pontiac. Bill Torella, who took 3rd in Class B with an Olds is a NEW Peach State CLC member. Robert Briggs, who took 2nd in Class D1 on popular voting for his 1960 Eldorado Biarritz, ALSO won BEST OF SHOW! This was a really TOUGH class! Eric Varah, who took 1st place in Class K with his '79 Trans Am, is a NEW Peach State member and is looking for a Cadillac.

We had 32 Peach State folks in attendance: 19 Cadillacs from the club were on the scene. Winners are in bold type, below.
Once again the Best of Show was a Cadillac – this year it was Robert Briggs’ 1960 Eldorado Biarritz in a pale pastel pearl-plum color.
Many congratulations to all who attended and BOPC Winners! The 2016 BOPC show was a great success and we are looking forward to the Peach State CLC hosting again in 2018!

Club’s members had 4 other cars:
• Eric Varah’s ’79 Trans Am
• Dick Peden’s ’57 Olds 88 (2nd)
• Dick’s ’58 Pontiac Parisienne (1st)
• Robert Briggs: ’60 Biarritz (Best of Show)
• Rob Johns: ’41 Series 62 convertible (Best Cadillac)
• Guy Van Ort: ‘88
• Rory and Lucille O’Neill: ’78 Biarritz
• Andy Miller: ‘89 Biarritz
• Richard Burgess: ’92 Brougham
• David Smith/Nancy : 2015 CTS-V coupe
• Jay Friedman: ’49 Club coupe
• Art Gardner: ’51 sedan
• Russ DeBarros: ’63 sedan
• Mikey & Michelle Anderson: ’64 sedan

• Steven Sauer
• Mike Coggins: ’59 Series 62 convertible
• Mark Anthony: ’55 sedan
• David Bullard/Gayle Gazaway: ’64 sedan
• Richard Dunford: ’85 Seville
• Donald Smalley: ’78 coupe
• Doug Bailey: ’66 Eldo
• Tom DiNucci: 1961 Series 62 convertible
• Bill & Ann Marsh: His 1920 Cadillac’s starter wouldn’t start, and his crank was missing

And 5 members had no car:
• Terry Bird
• Sandy Partridge
• Russ Vopelak
• Larry Wilson
• Phil Maddox

Click here to see the full list of BOPC winners!

Chattanooga TN: Coker’s Cruise-In, April 2, 2016

While our other folks were gathering in Cartersville for our 9:30 departure, I drove to the MARTA train station in the ‘66 and picked up the three CLC members from New Zealand: Ron Melville, his son Ridge, and Steve Gill, the president of the Kiwi CLC. I got them at the North Springs “Kiss n Ride.” But we just shook hands – I don’t know them that well you know… Doug’s friend (and potential new member) Eric Vera, met us and ran up the freeway with us. We met several others at the Harley Dealership in Cartersville before 9:30 AM:

Dick Peden in his ’57 T-Bird,
Tom Di Nucci in his ’61 Series 62 convertible,
Mark Anthony in his ’69 Coupe DeVille,
Forrest Ward, Maria and Bob Hendershott in the ’56 coupe called the Bismarck,
Bill and Ann Marsh drove their ’58 limo, and
Lewis and Vickie Kelly had driven their ’93 Allante over the night before from Montgomery, so they were roaring to go by the time we departed.

We heard from Richard Burgess, who got a late start and went on ahead in his ’92 Brougham. Good thing too, because Dick’s T-Bird “threw a shoe.” (Eric helped determine it was a ruined wheel bearing.) So, Dick climbed in with Tom and we left the Bird in Cartersville amid a lot of motorcycle-riding admirers. Forrest picked up Buster in Dalton and caught back up before we hit Chattanooga. Heavy traffic held us up big time. Merging in to join us were Michelle and Mikey Anderson in their ’64 Fleetwood, and Richard Dunsford and his friend Connie in Richard’s new ’85 Seville (purchased from John Landstrom just last week). Once we cleared the wreck on I-75, we found that the I-24 traffic was horrible. Into the city streamed nine Caddies… We promptly got twisted up and lost in the melee. (We later learned that this was probably the biggest Coker Cruise-in ever – some said as many as 3,000 cars!)

Richard later reported that he got to the event before us, and managed to find the LAST space just as the car club parking lot was filling up around 10 AM. About noon Richard saw Bill circling in the '58 limo, but never could find the group. He figured rightly that there was no place where we could land. I lost Eric somewhere about then. He called in from where he was dickering with Corky Coker over some tires… I saw Bill, too, but then he vanished…

Some of our gang found spaces in a parking lot way west of the event. Somewhere in there we passed Mark in the ’69 coupe and Lewis in the red Allante. But they got hung up behind a downtown traffic light. I ran it and got completely lost, only regaining my bearings after we crossed the river and toured a pleasant little riverside park. We found Mark later at Coker’s but we didn’t see the Kellys again all day. Lewis called to say they escaped the turmoil and sat down for some lunch. I’m fairly certain they never made it to Coker’s!

It was about noon when we found a spot. I bit the bullet and snuck the wrong way into a locked hotel lot; we took our chances at getting out later. Just to rub it in, we sneaked into the hotel and used their facilities… I think the Kiwis were hanging on tight, wondering how lawless Americans can be. I might have been speeding a little, and for sure made some creative U-turns and yellow lights. Who’s going to run into an Eldorado on the day of such a big cruise-in? RIGHT! Eventually we discovered the others were spread all over town. We caught up with Tom and the gang walking through Coker's with 10,000 of our best friends. Working up a thirst, the Kiwis were yearning for a “tall, cold and frosty one…” So, once we rounded ‘em up we walked a mile to grab a beer and lunch. One beer and an hour later, we learned that our orders would not be filled, because the tavern had RUN OUT OF FOOD! We moved on down the line and found a better place, which turned out to be a bowling alley. Good food and good drink!

Dick started giving me a hard time almost immediately, ribbing me about leaving him out of our Kiwi table for lunch, and before it was over he was suggesting Tom find a new prez for the club. He backed off some when I said “but you’ll have to find someone else crazy enough to DO this job!” Later, I posted a picture of me and Dick, when I claimed him as my new best friend. I was just sucking up to get back on Dick’s good side… It paid off later that evening, as noted below.

We all walked back to the cars about 3 PM, and caught a ride with Mark back to the hotel. We sneaked back out of the locked hotel lot, and followed Tom to Cartersville. On our way out of town Dick called a tow truck to meet us at the Harley place. There, Dick loaded his T-Bird onto a flatbed; me and the Kiwis ran out GA 20 east, ahead of him. We barely beat Dick back to his place in Alpharetta. He invited us in to see his collection. As usual, I was dumbfounded, and the gang from the southern hemisphere marveled at the chrome and neon. They tell me they have over 100 members in their two-island club, but I cannot imagine they have many with cars like Dick’s. I pulled up a chair and sat, admiring that new ’58 Parisienne with the 348 Chevy big block and the four-speed on the floor. (Yeah, that’s right, they ran a Chevy chassis and engines in the ones built in Canada – and that manual tranny was a special order for a GM exec.) Dick offered to bring in some food for us all, but I knew we were still facing a run over to Roswell to swap cars and a 30-mile stretch to the airport hotel. I didn’t want to drive the Eldo another 75 miles, having filled her up four times in two days already! On our way out Dick showed us his show horses, which are really something. I drove the Kiwis to their airport hotel, getting lost briefly when the GPS sent me down I-75. I got home a little before midnight...

We need a better plan for the next Coker’s cruise-in, but I venture to say we all had a good time! Next time let’s go the night before…

Doug

If you missed this event you should be shuffling your feet and begging for forgiveness from your backseat passenger! If you were REALLY into it, you screened the movie for the umpteenth time the night before our event, just to appreciate the camera angles, the scenery, and the magnificent old Cadillacs! I know we did that at the Bailey household, and we were glad we did… It’s a good story. And when we saw those beautiful Decatur and Druid Hills homes in the flesh we gasped at the beauty of the real thing… it is SPRINGTIME and the daffodils and azaleas are out! But I get ahead of myself.

Saturday morning in the sunshine… Amazing because rain had been forecast, and we all were worried about taking a convertible… We arrived at our hosts’ home on Ponce de Leon. Terry Bird and Clark Lemon are so very gracious… the ultimate southern hosts. They had a fine catered springtime brunch laid out for us: chicken salad on croissants, an amazing watermelon and feta salad, fruit slices, asparagus spears with Bernaise sauce, a soufflé and breads… oh and a plate of pastries to die for… Well, 32 of us chatted and toured Terry’s and Clark’s fine home, and we took a few photographs. Then we gathered around the big screen in the basement to view a few excerpts of the movie. We found those parts where Dan Ackroyd (Boolie) sits on our hosts’ sofa, perusing ‘50s Christmas albums, and the place where his wife (Patty Lupone) sits at their dining room table and buffet having breakfast. We watched Boolie drive up several times in Jay Friedman’s ’49 Cadillac Club Coupe, and we got the insiders’ take on how the production company lost his spare tire… We ogled the other Cadillacs featured in the movie – a fine ’55 Fleetwood that had a ’56 like Stan’s double for the road scenes through Alabama; a really sweet ’65 Fleetwood was also shown. Was Werthen Industries really doing well enough for Boolie to own one of those stainless roofed ’57 Eldorado Broughams? In a few scenes we saw Mark Nichols cruise through the traffic in his ’64 Fleetwood. We laughed out loud when Terry marched through a scene in his blue suit, and when Clark approached the phone booth outside the Piggly “Viggly,” while Hoke (Morgan Freeman) spoke on the phone. It’s a fine movie in its own right, and Miss Jessica Tandy turns in an Oscar-winning performance. Go get a copy and a few Kleenexes now!

We got into the cars and did a caravan tour of the neighborhoods, following an itinerary and maps Terry had prepared. We saw the brick house used to depict most of Miss Daisy’s front lawn locations. We saw the home where Miss Daisy backed her car over the retaining wall. We drove down Oakdale Street where Hoke rode alongside Miss Daisy in the Hudson as she walked toward the Piggly Wiggly. We saw the home where Miss Lena Fox, Alfred Uhry’s grandmother, lived. Ms. Fox was the model for Uhry’s Daisy Werthen. We took Euclid Avenue to find Little Five Points, where the bike store was painted over with a Coca Cola sign for the Piggly Viggly scene. (It’s not “ Piggly Wiggly,” because of copyright issues.) Afterwards, we parked and had some snacks and drinks at Tijuana Garage, while we compared notes and just generally had a good time. Now that was FUN! We are going to briefly reprise the tour on April 3 when our CLC friends from New Zealand arrive. Come join us at Terry’s house about 11 AM if you like!

Attending:
Doug and Barb Bailey
Tom and Linda Di Nucci
Jimmy and Mary Sue Dorsey and guest, Andy
David Smith and Nancy McCall
Mark, Joe and Gene Nichols
Bill and Ann Marsh
Rob and Linda Johns
Josie and Debi Starnes
Stan Tucker
Jay and Elaine Friedman
Terry Bird and Clark Lemons

Guests:
Mike and Eleanor Posey
Carlos & Ami Izaguirre
John & Sherry Hancock

Past Peach State Cadillac & LaSalle Club Events

St. Patrick's Day Parade
Doug Bailey drove the Grand Marshalls in the St. Patty’s Day parade (Bert and Kritin of the Bert Show on Q100). As you can see by Doug’s red face he had the top down and in his Cadilac for almost six hours that Saturday! Also, check out the photos that Mark Allbaugh sent of his Cadillac from this same parade! We're famous! Faith and Begorra! ;-)

Chili Cook-Off (February 14, 2016)

Peach State CLC’s 11th Annual Dave Comstock Chili Cook off was once again HOT! We had a great turnout: 53 was the head count, with an estimated 20 classic cars in the driveway. The weather was nearly perfect for a February, sunny and in the low fifties. Our host Dick Peden once again opened his home and stunning garage to us, and set up the tables and chairs so we could sample the grub. Dick [photo Dick] has an amazing collection of classic cars to drool over, and he showed off two new acquisitions. (The ones he picked up in Scottsdale last week are still en route.) We mingled and caught up on recent events – and ogled chrome while Dick showed us his new cars. We were also privileged to get to visit with three new colts, and that was special. Thanks, Dick, you are the best!

Our three chili judges were Rob Johns and his two friends, Jim and Monte. Our folks brought seven large pots of chili!
And the winners were:
• 1st : Tom Di Nucci
• 2nd: Mark Mc Dermott
• 3rd: Mark Nichols

Congratulations, guys! Tom was last year’s 2nd place winner, so this might predict an upcoming dynasty to rival Mick Opelak’s. Mick is Marty Comstock’s son-in-law and our former perennial champ. Marty presented the awards for these Peach State pepper-based gastronomes. Tom and the group welcomed new members Philip and Barbara Beaudette, who drove their ’66 Deville convertible. [photo members parking] The photos [photos group shots] reveals the following who also made an appearance: Vince and Karen Haaland, Doug Kuter and Marty Comstock, the Opelaks, Phillipe Maddox, Martina, Frank and Frank Butler, Mark, Joe and Gene Nichols, Mark and Carole McDermott, Larry and Missy Wilson, David Smith and Nancy McCall, Rob Johns, Jim and Monte, Lynn and Linda Newport, Bruce Scheck, Mike and Michelle Anderson, Forrest Ward and Josie Starnes, Tom and Linda Di Nucci, Stan Tucker. (Doug and Barb Bailey came down with the flu, and were not able to make it. Bummer.)

Valentine’s Day event (February 14, 2016)

Valentine’s Day opened sunny and cold, but we had a terrific turnout for the Copeland’s New Orleans buffet brunch. We got there a bit early and had to wait for seating with hundreds of our friends. What a popular place to eat on Valentine’s Sunday morning! We were seated in the bright, airy sunroom, warmed by the February sunshine. We feasted on unlimited breakfast items such as made-from-scratch omelets, Cajun-spiced egg soufflé, and breads and pastries. The carving bar was open, and the prime rib was outstanding. Jambalaya, crawfish etoufe, beans and rice… wow. Fresh berries and cream, canoli, waffles and brownies… man, that was a spread! Attending with their Valentines: Tom and Linda Di Nucci, Bill and Ann Marsh, Gayle Gazaway and David Bullard, Michelle and Mike Anderson, Rory and Lucille O’Neill, Vince and Karen Haaland, Ray and Dottie Diodati, Jay and Elaine Friedman, Stan and Debbie Tucker, guests Mike and Barb Summers, Doug and Barb Bailey.

After the feast the Di Nuccis, Marshes, Gazaway & Bullard, Andersons, O’Neills, Friedmans, Summers and Baileys piled into Tom’s ’61, David’s ’64, Rory’s ’77, Jay’s ’49, and Doug’s ’58 for the drive to Jasper to do a wine tasting at Sharp Mountain Vinyards. Wow, some of us had our first “official” wine tasting. It ain’t scotch, but it’ll DO! Nice time, with an orientation to one of Georgia’s premier vinyards. We each had four tastes of our choices of whites and reds. Cheeses and pastries, chocolate-covered berries made it Valentine’s Day all over again. And some of us took home a bottle or two! The hour-long drive home was a treat, low traffic on Hwy 372 backroads into Roswell (in our case). All together, we put 125 miles on the Turk, and did a little highway exercising. Good for the cars, and good for the folks!

Looking forward to our next gathering, March 12th at Cadillac of Lake Lanier for a clinic. THEN the big Driving Miss Daisy tour on March 11th – don’t forget to get your reservations in to Tom! See the registration form on the web site under Upcoming Events!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN — THEN MEET CADILLAC OWNERS & ENTHUSIASTS!

2021 PSCLC Christmas Party at the Atlanta Country Club

Our November Nashville Tour was featured in

Cadillac & LaSalle Club's 'The Self Starter'!

February 16, 2020

Sixth Annual Valentine’s Day Brunch & Car Collection

January 6, 2020 - PSCLC Lunch + Joe Nichols' Model Railroad

Fall Tour: Ogeechee River Museum • 10-31-19

Fall Tour: Laurel & Hardy Museum, Hiram, GA • 10-31-19

Fall Tour: Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum • Friday Nov 1, 2019

Fall Tour: Lunch & Dinner in Savannah • Friday Nov 1, 2019

Fall Tour: Concours d'Elegance at Port Royale Golf Course, HHI • Saturday, 11.2.19

Fall Tour: Concours d'Elegance at Port Royale Golf Course, HHI • Sunday, 11.3.19

PART 1 - Embassy Suites Dinner and B.O.P.C. Show

PART 2 - B.O.P.C Show Award Winners

Saturday & Sunday, November 4-5, 2017

The Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival & Concours d'Elegance

Saturday, September 16, 2017

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION PICNIC

VetDogs Benefit at Cadillac of Lake Lanier - May 21, 2016

Past Peach State Cadillac & LaSalle Club Events

Chili Cook-Off (February 14, 2016)

Home

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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2021 PSCLC Christmas Party at the Atlanta Country Club

Our November Nashville Tour was featured inCadillac & LaSalle Club's 'The Self Starter'!

February 16, 2020Sixth Annual Valentine’s Day Brunch & Car Collection

January 6, 2020 - PSCLC Lunch + Joe Nichols' Model Railroad

Fall Tour: Ogeechee River Museum • 10-31-19

Fall Tour: Laurel & Hardy Museum, Hiram, GA • 10-31-19

Fall Tour: Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum • Friday Nov 1, 2019

Fall Tour: Lunch & Dinner in Savannah • Friday Nov 1, 2019

Fall Tour: Concours d'Elegance at Port Royale Golf Course, HHI • Saturday, 11.2.19

Fall Tour: Concours d'Elegance at Port Royale Golf Course, HHI • Sunday, 11.3.19

PART 1 - Embassy Suites Dinner and B.O.P.C. Show

PART 2 - B.O.P.C Show Award Winners

Saturday & Sunday, November 4-5, 2017The Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival & Concours d'Elegance

Saturday, September 16, 2017ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION PICNIC

VetDogs Benefit at Cadillac of Lake Lanier - May 21, 2016

Past Peach State Cadillac & LaSalle Club Events

Chili Cook-Off (February 14, 2016)

Home

About

UPCOMING EVENTS

BLOG

Contact

Our November Nashville Tour was featured in

Cadillac & LaSalle Club's 'The Self Starter'!

February 16, 2020

Sixth Annual Valentine’s Day Brunch & Car Collection

Saturday & Sunday, November 4-5, 2017

The Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival & Concours d'Elegance

Saturday, September 16, 2017

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION PICNIC