Are we having fun yet? Yes we are! We’re off to a great start with our year. I hope eve-ryone got an opportunity to see our assemblage of An-tique and Classic Boats at the Northern California Boat Show in January. Event chair Tim Bush did a great job of orga-nizing an excellent collection

of boats this year. We had 11 boats plus 1 antique car in the display. New for this year, the show had two entrances and we were at one of them. It is esti-mated that 95% of attendees saw our display. A total of 49 people took shifts manning it. Thanks to all of you who took time to volunteer. Educating the public about Antique and Classic Boats is an important part of our Charter and the January show plays a vital role in accomplishing that goal.

We were supposed to have a Restoration Clinic in March, but it just wasn’t coming together this year. It was probably a good thing too because our planned weekend was the start of the series of storm that plagued us all of March. The good news is that I am planning to have various restorers put on demonstra-tions during the International Boat Show and Meeting in September. I hope to have these talented profes-sionals cover a variety of topics during the Friday and Saturday of the show. If you are a restorer and want to participate, let me know.

We just completed our first weekend event of the year, Spring Fling. It was a great event and very well attended. This event seems to get more popular each year. I think many members haven’t seen each other

since the fall and they are anxious for a get together. I have a full write up on the event in this newsletter.

As some of you have heard, the Tahoe Keys Show will not be happening this year. Rumor has it that the marina is in the process of being sold. They could not commit to us since a sale may be pending. So now what? Well, we are optimistic that the marina will be amenable to a show in future years, but in the mean-time we are planning an alternate event for the same weekend. Event chair Greg Joseph is planning a Cir-cumnavigation Day on Lake Tahoe. We’ll start out from the West Shore and circle the lake with a lunch stop along the way. This is what we like to do, use our boats! Look for more on this event in the mail or on the ACBS web site.

Speaking of Lake Tahoe, the water level will be at maximum this year. The lake is already way up from last year and only has two feet to go to the rim. As of this writing, the snow pack is 170% of normal and hasn’t even started to melt yet. This is good news for great access to docks around the lake.

Bass Lake, Wood and Glory at Clear Lake, and Crossing of the Chris Craft’s at Tahoe are just around the corner. Get signed up and see you on the water.

Herb Hall,

President

Message From Our New President—Herb Hall

Western Wood

The Northern California/Lake Tahoe Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society, Inc. www.acbs-tahoe.org

Volume 23, Issue 1 & 4 Quarterly Newsletter Spring 2006

Page 2 Western Wood

ACBS

CIRCUMNAVIGATION DAY

(boat parade around the lake)

I’m sorry about the loss of the Keys Marina for the show this year; I hope it is not forever. I’m doing what I can to see it is not.

I’ve been thinking of what we can do on Saturday, July 8th as a replacement activity and thought maybe a group trip around the lake would be fun. Believe me, it’s just in the planning stages now, but I’ve received good feed back on the idea. Here’s what I have in mind:

• I’m envisioning a morning start, somewhere on the west side (Obexer’s?) about 10:00 AM.

• A prepared box lunch will be provided for each partici-pant including a couple of bottles of water (BYO other drinks). Someone with a big boat could carry and distribute lunches as boats join in.

• Travel counter clockwise, speed to be around 25 MPH. (Lake circumference is about 70 miles)

• Pre-determined places and times to re-group to accom-modate lunch, fuel, potty, cocktail stops. We don’t even have to beach or anchor for lunch; we could raft boats to-gether in groups.

• It seems ideal for a concurrent poker run for those who wish to play.

Return to start point around 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

This will be weather dependant (obviously) and we will be safety minded at all times. The group will not leave anyone stranded in rough water. If you are interested, e-mail or call me and I will send out formal sign-up sheets to you.

Greg Joseph (831) 688-6295 or (831)334-5783

Wood & Glory is very rapidly arriving June 02, 2006. Please make hotel reservations now--you cancel later if you are not sure of being available. Check room bloc--cut-off date is May 15, 2006. Making reservations past this date you will be required to buy concert tickets to a concert........Make your reservations call 800-660-5253 and select group reservations and Diane will take care of you. Rooms are $99 - $259........We have a secon-dary place a few miles west of Konocti Hotel for those that do not like walking the hills, Ferndale Resort and Marina, with launching and docks. Rooms are limited to 13, completely remodeled, and five cottage cab-ins. You can sit in the yard in front of your room and view your shining boat at the marina. The owners are ACBs members; give them a call at 707-279-4866 for $99/night or pay the regular rate of $110 for two nights and the third night is free........We have changed our venue for this year hoping all have a great week-end. Your Wood & Glory team is busy getting our ducks lined up and all is falling in place.

Jack Bingham

Sign up sheets included in the last issue and are avail-able on the website www.acbs-tahoe.org.

June Antique and Classic Boats & Santa Cruz Woody Cars

June 2,3 &4, 2006

May 19 - 21 16th Annual Bass Lake Rendezvous Cary Winslow cell-559-901-8158 Ducey’s on the Lake – Bass Lake, CA 559-733-8379

June 2 , 3 & 4 Wood & Glory VIII- Konocti Harbor Resort Jack and Linda Bingham Clear Lake, CA 707-374-5066

June 11 Shriners Car and Boat Show, Sacramento, CA Chuck Kelley 916-717-3002

June 16 Woodie Whoopie - “Tex Mex” Tom and Marie O’Rourke McKinney Shores - Homewood, CA 530-546-2360 June 17 A Crossing of Chris Crafts - Obexer’s Marina Dave and Tammi Lyon Homewood, CA 831-659-3036

June 18 Handling and Safety Clinic- Obexer’s Marina Homewood, CA Herb Hall 530-546-2551

July 7 Woodie Whoopie “Italian Tom and Marie O’Rourke Rubicon Bay, CA 530-546-2360

July 8 Cancelled—Tahoe Keys Boat Show - Tahoe Keys Greg Joseph 831-688-6295 July 9 Board Meeting, Location to be determined

July 21 Woodie Whoopie - “Hawaiian” Tom and Marie O’Rourke Olympic Beach - Tahoe City, CA 530-546-2360

July 28 Woodie Whoopie - “Irish Tom and Marie O’Rourke Bernie and Carol Atkinson’s - Carnelian Bay, CA 530-546-2360

August 4 & 5 TYC Concourse d’Elegance - Sierra Boat Co. - 9am - 4pm Herb Hall Carnelian Bay, CA 530-546-2551

August 4 & 5 Ships Store @ Concourse d’Elegance Rich Fisher 925-945-8036

August 8 ACBS Annual Picnic – Meeks Bay John Lahti 530-581-2709

August 25 Woodie Whoopie - “Clam Bake” Tom and Marie O’Rourke Howard and Kay Turner’s – Homewood, CA 530-546-2360

Sept 9 Woodie Whoopie - Clear Lake Jim Robello 707- 524-4691 Buckingham Homeowners Clubhouse Ralph Wallen 707- 433-4289

Sept 11 – 14 ACBS Annual Meeting Pre-event Functions Lake Tahoe, CA Jeff Peterson 415-733-6540

Sept 15 & 16 ACBS Int’l Annual Meeting ACBS Headquarters 315-686-2628 Lake Tahoe, CA Tom O’Rourke 530-546-2360

Oct 6, 7 & 8 Delta Cruise B & W Resort Norm and Kathy Kitching 964 Brannan Island Road & Highway 12 – Isleton, CA 650-941-3459

Oct 8 Board Meeting - Picnic Area at B & W Resort Herb Hall 530-546-2551

Nov 3 Chapter Annual Meeting – The Sutter Club, Sacramento, CA Herb Hall 530-546-2551 For membership information contact: Ralph Wallen - 1520 Prentice Drive - Healdsburg CA 95448

707-433-4289 e-mail : randbwallen@comcast.net Other events of interest— May 27th WOODYFEST 2006—Fundraiser for Twaine Harte Fire & Rescue—See Website for more information(acbs-tahoe.org) or Diane or steve Kurgan (209)586-4274 or diane@woodyscabinoutfitters.com

August 6th—Tahoe Maritime Museum 1st ANNUAL MARINE SWAP MEET, 8am-2pm. Tahoe Maritime Museum, 520 Westlake Blvd, Homewood CA Info Tom Batchelor (775)825-3269 or batchelor@gbis.com

Page 3 Western Wood

Page 4 Western Wood

Officers President Herb Hall ( Barbara) 530-583-1382 1st Vice President Norm Kitching (Kathy) 650-941-3459 2nd Vice President Jack Bingham (Linda) 707-374-5066 3rd Vice President David Lyon (Tammi) 831-659-3036 Secretary Jane Bane (Kelly) 530-878-2710 Treasurer Jared Hein 650-348-5794 Directors at Large Immediate Past President Chuck Kelly 916-717-3002 Editor, Western Wood Sandy Chase (Lee) 408-374-2307 Dir of Information Services Lee Chase (Sandy) 408-374-2307 Director of Philanthropy Steve Caplan (Cheryl) 408-353-2755 Director of Advertising Glory Beall 916-408-8673 Membership Ralph Wallen (Bonnie) 707-433-4289

Class of 2006 Class of 2007 Rich Fisher 925-945-8036 Tim Bush (Teri) 510-426-1746 Jim Robello (Gail) 707-568-7135 Mary Drew (Eric) 707-433-5880 Greg Joseph (Micki) 831-688-6295 Marti Grossman 415-453-3700 Preston Smith (Joy) 916-434-6022 John Lahti (Mary) 530-581-2709 Jon Fletscher (Melissa) 408-377-7850

Class of 2009 National Appointed Members Bruce Adair (Gail) 925-837-7948 Vice President Wayne Mooers 925-788-5628 Bob Bush (Arlene) 925-462-0716 Jerry Turney (Kate) 510-531-8214 Dir – Membership Cary Winslow 559-733-8379 Norm Kitching (Kathy) 650-941-3459 Dir – Annual International Boat Show Tom O’Rourke (Marie) 650-345-8163 Chairman, 2006 International Boat Show Lake Tahoe Jeff Peterson (Linda) 415-492-1242 Past Presidents 1983 Charter Received 1998 Bob Bush 1984 Glory Beall 1999 Mary Felletto 1985 Glen Wilson 2000 Roy Domke 1986 John Mitchell 2001 Jeff Peterson 1987 Glory Beall 2002 Barry Ludwig 1988 Ron Wolfman 2003 Kirk Pumphrey 1989 Ken Shutt 2004 Jim Fentress 1990 Bette Shutt 2005 Chuck Kelley 1991 Bette Shutt 1992 Bette Shutt 1993 Brad Hill 1994 Kelly Bane 1995 Lee Chase 1996 Anne Veihmeyer 1997 Paul Mehaus

Officers and Directors

Herb Hall

Jack Bingham

Jared Hein Steve Caplan

Gregg Joseph

Page 5 Western Wood

Boat Show Update from our

ACBS International Director -2006 Annual

meeting chairman

Tom O’Rouke

Attendance at the Annual Meeting and the Boat Show will be well over 300 members. As of April 19 the sign ups are coming in in good numbers. We have 95 al-ready signed up for the Woody Whoopie at Bernies, 88 for Emerald Bay, 114 for the lobster feed and 115 for the Welcome Aboard party on Wednesday night.

The Hyatt hotel only has 16 rooms available for Mon-day, 21 rooms available for Tuesday, 17 rooms avail-able for Wednesday, 13 rooms for Thursday, 18 rooms for Friday and 24 rooms available for Saturday. What-ever rooms we have not filled by May 15 will be re-leased and your lodging must be found somewhere else.

An auto display will be taking place at the International Boat Show. I will be sending out notices to members inviting them to display their antique, classic, historic or race cars at Sierra Boat Company. If you have a car you would like to display please contact me at toro101746@aol.com or by phone at 650 345-8163. At this time my list of contacts with eligible cars comes from the Barn Burners car show held at Swiss Lake-wood Lodge.

If you are entering a boat in the boat show please re-member to contact Sierra Boat Company if you wish to

keep your boat there on Monday, Tues-day or Wednesday. Sierra Boat Company will rent berths to those who would like a berth for the pre events.

Pre-Event News Release Members of the Northern California ABS Chapter are eagerly awaiting your arrival to Lake Tahoe in September of 2006!!! If you have been here before, then enough said. On the other hand, if you have not ex-perienced the majesty of Lake Tahoe, you are in for not only a great time, but perhaps an experience that you will cher-ish years to come. Like many of our members, we like to go boating!!! Boating on Lake Tahoe, with its emerald waters and vast mountain terrain, makes for a setting usually reserved for royalty. That is our goal: to have you experience Lake Tahoe as if you were the King of Siam!!!

Many of you will be arriving in Reno, Nevada in order to take part in the Pre-Event activities of the 31st Annual Meeting and 5th International Boat Show. If it is your desire to visit San Francisco before all of the fun at the lake begins, then we have arranged for you to be the guest of Jeff & Linda Peterson at their wonderful country home for brunch on Sunday, September 10th. Their home is located in San Rafael, just a few short miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Our Tahoe journey will begin on Monday, September 11th at 11:00 a.m. at The Tahoe Maritime Museum in Truckee, California, which is approximately 30 miles from the Hyatt Resort (Host Hotel for the Annual Meeting). The original Mu-seum Founders will guide you on a tour of the many boats that have been donated by our generous boating community. Light hors d’oeuvres and drink will help prepare you for the beginning of your unforgettable Tahoe experience.

The next stop, for those brave enough to see the sights, will take place at Squaw Valley USA, home of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Enjoy a ride aboard the Tram to the top of Squaw Valley for a breathtaking view of the Tahoe basin and sur-rounding mountains. We will begin up the mountain at 1:30 p.m., take in the view for a spell, and then be on our way by approximately 3:30 p.m. Later that same day, at 5:30 p.m., you are all invited as guests of our chapter members to the magnificent lakefront home of Bernie & Carol Atkinson on Carnelian Bay, which is located just a short distance from Si-erra Boat Co. (Home of the International Show). We call this event “Weekend at Bernie’s”. Over the years, our chapter members have enjoyed the gracious and warm hospitality of the Atkinson’s, and you will love the setting: the pink sky as the sun sets and a feast of assorted BBQ delights and drink. You are encouraged to bring your favorite wine or other flammable libation.

Tuesday, September 12th marks the start of the boating fun!!! We are meeting at Sierra Boat Co. at 9:00 a.m. to stage our departure so that we may promptly leave the marina at 10:00 a.m. for our voyage down the West Shore. Please fuel up at Sierra Boat before you set sail, if you had not already. Yes, there are other fueling facilities on the lake, but you will not want to be behind on this day. Single-file (and this is a must)!! “Miss Tahoe”, a Garwood boat owned by the Mu-seum, will escort us by some of the beautiful homes along the lake on the magical bright blue waters. We will rendez-vous at Obexer’s (the Original Garwood Dealership) at 10:45 a.m. to pick up other passengers and boaters for our jour-ney to OZ…Lake Tahoe’s “Emerald Bay”. “Emerald Bay” is truly a sight to see along with the world famous Vikingsholm (www.vikingsholm.com). We will anchor or tie-up on shore and indulge in drinks fitting the occasion and location. A light snack is provided to keep you satisfied, but still wanting more. Our journey continues along the white sandy beaches of Rubicon, arriving back at Obexer’s by 2:00 p.m., allowing plenty of time to dock, anchor, or tie-up our boats to once again take a break and admire more boats, as well as a vast array of memorabilia at the Homewood site of the Tahoe Maritime Museum, just a short walk away.

Finally, at 3:00 p.m., the feast begins!!! King Henry Style Lobster Feed. You may want to bring the portable shower to keep that boat of yours clean after you feast on fresh Maine Lobsters dripping with butter while nestled in on the West Shore and sharing stories of the past, present, and days to come. We will wrap up the evening before nightfall to get you on your way back to Sierra Boat.

Page 6 Western Wood

Wednesday, September 13th, how do you top the prior day? Well, very few - even those who spend time on Lake Ta-hoe - have experienced the splendid castle and surroundings of the Thunderbird Lodge (www.thunderbirdlodge.org) on the East Shore. We will again depart from Sierra Boat at 10:00 a.m. and cruise from Carnelian Bay through Agate Bay and Crystal Bay on our way into Nevada to the home of George Whittell. Mr. Whittell was known for his outlandish and extravagant lifestyle. You might say that he was the Hugh Hefner of the 20’s, 30’s, & 40’s. Mr. Whittell commis-sioned John Hacker to build “Thunderbird”, a 1939 55-ft, one-of-a kind, classic wood boat, berthed in the estate boat-house, which can to this day exceed 50 mph with her twin “Allison”. This event is sure to be a sellout, as it has always been in the past. You will note that we have two different times for lunch: one seating at 11:00 a.m. and then one at 1:00 a.m. In order to accommodate the crowd, we are required by the State of Nevada, who owns the property, to limit the number of people onsite. The first 240 guests to register will look back at this event as being one of the highlights of the Lake Tahoe experience. The Tour of the Whittell Estate will deliver secret passages, hidden tunnels, and other exotic treasures. Beyond that, hugging the East Shore of the lake, Thunderbird Lodge to this day may hold the most breathtaking view of Lake Tahoe. Dinner suggestions will be provided for you and your guests for the evening.

Although you might have thought the fun was over, not quite yet. Wednesday, September 13th is the start of the 31st Annual Meeting and 5th International Boat Show - 2006. That evening at the Hyatt Lake Tahoe, the Northern Califor-nia ACBS Chapter will be holding a “Welcome Aboard” Party on the white sands of the beach at the resort. The fun begins at 5:00 p.m.

Once again, we are looking forward to having all of you join us at Lake Tahoe. Please register for the Pre-Event early!!! We are limited with each venue and we do not want to turn anyone away.

P.S. Please note that we have arranged for you to experience all of the Pre-Event activities with or with-out your boat. Many of our members have already volunteered to share with you the Tahoe experience aboard their personal historic, antique, or classic wood boat.

Pre-event sign up sheets were in the last issue of Western Wood and are available on the website:

acbs-tahoe.org

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Page 8 Western Wood

The Great Northern California Boat Show was held January 25th - February 8th 2006. The show encom-passed over 92 hours over 10 days. Forty-nine volunteers staffed the show with thirty-one members working more than one shift. The ACBS was well represented by 11 boats and 1 car.

Kathryn (Norm and Kathy Kitching)

Quiver (Ralph and Bonnie Wallen)

Razzzmatazz (Jerry and Kate Turney)

America (Jim and Linda Gordon)

Orange Crate (Ted and Iran Jenny)

Apache (Bill and Mary Jo Shepherd)

Marine Vette (Ed and Susan Benes)

Barracuda Sportster (Dan and Kathleen Arena)

CC Rider (Jack and Linda Bingham)

Miss Lu Lu II (Jared Hein)

Hydro Leatherback (John Lawrence)

32 Ford – 5-window coupe (Jerry Turney)

This year, we could not have asked for a better location. We were located near the only food court and were located near one of the 2 entrances of the show. We probably had ninety-five percent of all atten-dees walk through and look at the boats. This kept our volunteers busy educating the general public on classic boats, restoration techniques, club membership and activities. Restoration techniques, costs involved, scheduled activities and uses were the most commonly asked questions during the show. The show’s organizers had several phone inquiries as to whether the “woodies” would be at the show. Even the rain didn’t deter people from coming out to see our boats. The show organizers re-affirmed our future participation and importance to future shows.

Page 9 Western Wood

Bonnie Wallen, Arlene Bush & Tim Bush

Pictures from the

Apache is owned by Mary Jo & Bill Shep-herd. She is a 1926, 26’ Hackercraft Dolphin. She has been awarded Best Hacker of Show and has taken 2nd and 3rd places in numerous TYC Concours over the years. She is originally from Detroit and spent many years as part of the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI. In the mid ‘80s Sierra Boat brought her to Lake Tahoe and restored her. She was then purchased by the Shepherd's.

32 Ford – 5-window coupe owned by Jerry Turney

This 1955, Dan Arena, Barracuda, Sportster, owned by Dan & Casey Arena, is the only known survivor of the 7 that were built to compete with the Chris Craft Cobra in a proposed Gentleman’s Racing Sport Run-about Class. The Barracuda was the first successful polyester fiberglass inboard run-about. It was designed and built by Dan Arena, one of America’s foremost race-boat drivers and builder of high speed racing craft. It made its debut in February 1955 at the Chicago Boat Show along with the Chris Craft Cobra.

CC Rider is owned by Jack and Linda Bing-ham. She is a 1954, 22’ Chris Craft Sedan. (CC Rider was next to the lunch tables at the show and I chose this picture because in the original picture you can see the re-flection of the table and chairs. It just goes to show how loved and cared for, these boats are.-Sandy Chase)

Miss Lu Lu II, owned by The Hein Family is a 1956, 21’ Chris Craft Capri. She was built in Michigan and shipped to the Tahoe Boat Co. on 2/1/56. Little is known about her past except she was rescued from a gas station in Santa Clara Ca. She was then acquired by the Hein family and her restoration was complete in 2005 and she took 1st place in her class and Best of Show under 23’ at the 2005 TYC Concours.

Razzmatazz, owned by Jerry and Kate Turney is a 1942, 17’ Chris Craft Barrelstern. She has a KB 131hp, triple Carb, 6cyl ”full race” flathead with an approximate. top speed of 38mph. She took a 1st place in class at the 2004 TYC Concours. Her original selling price was $1,600.

Orange Crate is owned by Ted and Iren Jenny. Only the second owners. She is a 1964, 21’ Besotes Racing Runabout. This boat has seven 1st places in as many TYC Concours over the years along with Best of Show under 23’, and the Dick Clarke Perpetual in 1993, the Overall Best of Show in 1996, and Best Original Tahoe Boat in 2004. This boat was specifically built for racing on Lake Tahoe by Besotes in Stockton, California.

Page 10 Western Wood

2006

The Gang at Malakoff Diggins State Park

Lee Chase’s 1962 Studebaker GT Hawk

Rich Fisher enjoying a Spring Picnic with his Sweetie.

Paul Borgwardt & Connie Ely—

That is their 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan cruisin’ in the snow.

Linda Bingham

Relief Hill 4 miles!!! Luckily they had upgraded and we didn’t have to walk that far.

Greg Joseph, Jared Hein, and Eric & Mary Drew

Page 11 Western Wood

Preston Smith & Tony brown

Brian Robinson & Steve Caplan

Barb and Betty Hall

Gail Robello & Katie Wolfman

The Jacks— Greenhalgh & Bingham

Jackie Mehus, Laura Robinson & Cheryl Caplan

King Crab— Chuck Kelley

Hanna & Dave Lyon

Gordon & Gail Davis

Carlos Rodriguez, Jared Hein, Herb Hall, & Dirk Reed

The Crab Crew

Todd Jeffery, Kelly Bane, Jim Koch

Paul Mehus & Jan Reed

Page 12 Western Wood

On Thursday afternoon, December 1st last year (2005), I got a call from Pat Bagan at Sierra Boat Company referring a call he had received to pro-

vide a wooden boat for a forthcoming commercial. By this time of year most, if not all, wooden boats are safely stored away and therefore in “boat prison” for the winter. Pat suggested that I give his caller a response as to whether one of our Gar Wood boats might be available. I returned that call and sent along e-mailed photos of both FREEDOM and AMERICA for review and interest. The “shoot” was scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, De-

cember 5th and 6th in Mojave on California State Highway 14 which connects to the 395, the scenic “back door” route to Tahoe.

I mentioned that AMERICA (after its SERENGETI sun-glasses shoot in Marina Del Rey was being taken back from its storage to Rio Vista the next day on Friday, and if interested, I would bring FREEDOM back down with me in time for the commercial call time of 8:00 AM Monday. But I would be on the road early and would need an answer be-fore my Saturday return. On my way to Jack and Linda Bingham’s Rio Vista “home away from home”, I did get a confirming call on the cell phone that FREEDOM had been approved for the commercial that would be featuring the 2007 Chevy Tahoe. With Jack’s help late that Friday eve-ning, just before the 7:00 PM closing, we put AMERICA to bed, after surviving long traffic tie ups on Rte 12 just past the B & W Resort on Brannan Island, and headed thereaf-ter to our favorite Chinese Restaurant, the Pineapple in Isleton.

Captain Jim Gordon allowing movie star Val Kilmer to drive his boat.

Camera truck towing the Suburban on a low-bed trailer, which, in turn, towed FREEDOM. The 2007 Suburban ads

are currently playing on TV.

Page 13 Western Wood

After a good night’s rest and fabulous breakfast, Jack helped me “saddle up” FREEDOM from its storage spot and I got a great start back down to LA land (LA LA Land to some). Although the trip proved to be uneventful, there was once again a terminal traffic tie up that delayed me until about 8:00 PM where Linda was very relieved to see the “heart patient” as I am sometimes referred to, return home safely.

Knowing that a straight shot drive on Monday morning from home through the (Interstate) 405 heart of traffic up to the Mojave location would be a huge challenge without any guarantee of success, I convinced my mentor, a won-derful coordinator named Bob Anderson, that we should make the 123 mile trip on Sunday which we did in tandem, staying overnight there at the local Motel 6, with enough time to get a late supper and good night’s rest.

Arriving on site about 14 miles up Route 14, and then right for a mile to the temporary “village” set up for this event, we joined with another 80 or so specialists for the produc-tion of the Tahoe commercial, or that’s what I thought. Al-most exactly at 8:00 AM, a beautiful, deep iridescent blue vehicle was backed up to connect to FREEDOM’s hitch. Strangely, the name didn’t say “Tahoe”, but “Suburban” instead. The 2007 Suburban, to debut in March 2006, ar-rived in an enclosed trailer driven out from Detroit by two factory experts assigned for this commercial. I think we were intentionally misled in order to maintain some degree of secrecy prior to March..

Although not (initially) allowed to take personal photo-graphs (typical of many of these commercial productions) of the 2007 Suburban, at the conclusion Tuesday after-noon of the final shots, I was allowed to take pictures, pos-sibly because the factory representatives knew of my rela-tionship with Courtesy Chevrolet in Phoenix (son-in-law Mark Gruwell), one of the top Chevy dealerships in the country. They also knew that FREEDOM had also been pictured in the elegant Chevy Suburban print ads featuring the introduction of the redesigned 2000 Suburban, and that this was in fact a kind of déjà vu performance.

The theme of the commercial was utility and versatility of the 2007 Suburban. It demonstrates that it easily carries its 8 passengers (plus Golden retriever dog) in great comfort and real roominess. This model was equipped with the latest “Displacement on Demand” V-8 Vortec engine that saves gas by switching to 4 cylinder mode when full power is not needed. The new 2007 Tahoe and Suburban have truly become “world class” with exceptional improvements and new features.

As is typical of these commercial productions, it does take a cast of thousands, or so, to accomplish the myriad of tasks necessary to make everything run smoothly and without a hitch.(no pun intended, we did have to change hitches). Bob Anderson is a versatile coordinator, a vet-eran of many water-related productions and commercials.

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This time his “job” was listed as “medic” and we rode in a separate van ahead of the camera truck during the numer-ous runs. I was listed as “boat wrangler”. Highway 14 was expertly shut down briefly in each direction as we rolled film, up and down the highway, with the Suburban and FREEDOM in tow.

Perhaps the strangest adaptation of all was the triple threat combo of the Camera truck towing the Suburban on a low-bed trailer, which, in turn, towed FREEDOM. (picture) This was quite a sight to see as we made the changeover from northbound to southbound lanes. The purpose of this configuration was to get interior shots of the driver and passengers as if they were actually driving. Special lighting and diffusers were mounted on the Subur-ban trailer. And they had to have FREEDOM hitched up because all the previous runs had been made with the boat in tow.

I hope that everyone, at least once in their lives, gets the opportunity to see a com-mercial, such as this, be-ing made. Unlike sau-sage or lawmaking, it is a wonderful experience and a lot of fun. - Jim Gordon

Spring Fling, or should I say Winter Fling, was a complete success in spite of the rain and yes, Snow! The weather did not deter 122 people, who braved the elements to come to Nevada City for this year’s event. Understandably, not every-one wanted to bring their old cars this time, but we did have a few including Lee and Sandy Chase in their 1962 Stude-baker GT Hawk, Paul Borgwart in his 1950 Lincoln Cosmo-politan, Ron Schultz in his stunning 1969 Mercedes 280SL and Bill and Mary Jo Hutchens in their 1953 M37 Dodge Power wagon, a relic from the Korean War and a serious 4 wheel drive. Apparently Bill knew something the rest of us didn’t; read on.

The Weekend started off with Chuck Kelly doing his famous crab feed at the historic Seamans Lodge. Assisting Chuck with crab cleaning and cooking were Gordon Davis and Pre-ston Smith. Many said it was the best crab they have ever had. Chuck says it’s always this good, but in my opinion the crab was better than previous years. Meanwhile, it was pour-ing rain outside, but I assured the crowd that the forecast promised partly cloudy skies for the next morning.

And just as predicted, Saturday arrived to … light rain. Well at least it wasn’t pouring. Now Barb and I had gone up to our destination, Malakoff Diggins State Park the day before and as of 3:00 Friday, the place was devoid of snow and pretty dry, perfect conditions for Saturday. So off we headed, 35 cars following a confident leader for the 45 minute trip to North Bloomfield, the town at the site of Malakoff Diggins. North Bloomfield sits at 3,200 ft but you have to climb a bit higher before you drop down into it. Well all that rain Friday night had come down at snow at those elevations. The roads were fine, but snow was covering the landscape, it was a winter wonderland. I was sure someone would turn back, but amazingly, no one did. We arrived in North Bloomfield around 11:00 to 3 inches of fresh snow on the ground.

I promptly walked up to the museum office which had hours posted of “winter hours 10:00 to 4:00 Saturdays and Sun-days”, to find a firmly pad locked door and no one home. That’s odd, I had met with the ranger a week earlier and he knew I was bringing a crowd. Meanwhile 98 cold soles were huddled under an awning of one of the historic buildings. I’m sure someone was looking for some rope for a lynching at this point. Where’s the guy that planned this event? We want his neck! OK, back in the car, drive up the rangers house. No one home! Yikes, the noose has surely been tied and rope is probably over a tree branch by now.

Page 14 Western Wood

Well finally at 11:35, Ranger Greg Sherr shows up and opens things up for us. He is amazed that we didn’t can-cel. Cancel?! Not this group, were boaters and know our share of hardship. A little snow and rain isn’t going to keep us from having a good time. Apologetic, Greg gets everyone settled in the museum and starts the video of the History of Malakoff Diggins. In addition he offers me the warm and dry museum for us to set up lunch. OK, I dodged that bullet, and the rope, now if lunch arrives I’ll have saved the day.

As if on cue, at 12:30 Tim Robinson shows up with lunch just as the video has ended. An assortment of delicious wraps from Uptown Burrito in Grass Valley put a smile on everyone’s faces and made them forget how I had trau-matized them earlier. After lunch, Greg gave the group a tour of some of the historic buildings and then it was off to the next leg of the drive, a visit to Bridgeport on the Yuba River, the site of a restored 1862 wooden covered bridge which happens to be the longest covered bridge in the country.

From there many went back to Nevada City or continued on to Roy Dryers home and studio for an afternoon recep-tion.

Saturday Dinner was at the Stone House restaurant, a former brewery from the gold rush days with great ambi-ance. We had an excellent dinner of tri-tip steak and salmon. It was a great end to a great weekend.

Thank you’s go to Dirk Reed for finding the dinner venues, Tim Robinson for transporting Saturdays lunch a full hour from Grass Valley to North Bloomfield and to Lew & Debra Dobbins for planning our after-noon drive. A special thanks to Roy Dryer for opening up his home on Saturday.

Spring Fling picture are on page 10 and 11.

Boat Handling And Safety Clinic Sunday, June 18th – 9:00A.M to Noon

Obexer’s Boat Company

West Shore, Lake Tahoe

Info: 916-717-3002 So you’ve finally got your dream woodie and she’s a real dream once you’re away from the dock, but does the task of bringing her back cause hear palpitations? Do close quarters marinas bring on the cold sweats? Fear not, help is on the way! We’ve assembled some of the most talented boat handlers around to give you a thorough education in the fine art of boat handling. Even if you have been driving a boat for years, a fundamental understanding of the dynamics of inboard handling idiosyncrasies will make you a better, more confident driver.

After a brief discussion on Handling fundamentals, you will be assigned an instruc-tor to personally give you pointers in your own boat

Dock space is limited, so bring an anchor. We will shuttle you to shore.

This event is free, but sign up and proof of insurance is MANDATORY.

For more information, contact Chuck Kelley at 916-717-3002 or Herb Hall at 530-546-2552

Page 15 Western Wood

Boat Storage 1400 Richards Blvd, Sacramento, CA

Sierra Boat Company has limited space available for boat storage in its’ warehouse in Sacramento. We offer year

round access and are only minutes from Hwy’s 80 & 50 and 5.

Rates start at $135.00 a month for 10’ x 29’ spaces.

Outdoor storage in a fenced, secure enclosure, is available for $75.00 a month. Call now to reserve your space

530/546-2551

It is party time and you are welcome to join us!

Where, when, what? - We will tell you the “what” now. The “where” and “when” will be disclosed at a later date.

As most of you know, during the ACBS Pre Events, one of the events planned is a cruise to Emerald Bay and a Lobster Feed. Since Emerald Bay is so special and the color so distinctive, we are planning to serve a special drink in it’s honor.

This is where you come in. You can help create a drink for that day. You bring the ingredients for your drink to the party and make your drink. The judges will vote on the winning drink. The winning drink will be served at the lunch at Emerald Bay or at the lobster feed that afternoon.

A couple of rules:

It has to be blue/green.

We must be able to make it in volume and serve it out of pitchers. he alcohol content must not be too high. The ingredients must be easy to buy and not cost a fortune. The judging is final. The judges will choose a name for the drink. The judges can be bought.

If interested, call or email us and we’ll put your name on the list for the party that will be scheduled sometime this summer in Tahoe.

home 925-254-8809, cell 925-899-9708, email jennysrus@worldnet.att.net

Iren and Ted Jenny

Page 16 Western Wood

WHEN : Saturday, June 17th at Obexer’s Marina, West Shore, Lake Tahoe

10:00 am to 12:00 Boat Show In The Harbor

12:00 to 2:00 Catered BBQ Lunch, Lakeside At Obexer’s

REMEMBER : Chris Craft ownership is NOT required ! ALL wood boats are welcome ! Fun for boaters of all ages with family-friendly events planned for all three days ! Please read the overview below and RETURN YOUR RESERVATION FORM NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, JUNE 10TH !

DOCKING : Approx 30 slips available – launch at no charge at Obexer’s, or arrive by boat from all points on Lake Ta-hoe ! SEND YOUR RESERVATIONS IN TODAY ! Slip space is limited. Sign up by completing the attached registra-tion form. If coming by boat, please include with payment your current PROOF OF INSURANCE & signed indemnity agreement.

ADMISSION : $49.00 adult, $12.00 children under 12. Kids under 6 are free ! Each adult reservation includes a deli-cious catered BBQ lunch plus this year’s very special “Crossing” gift , a beautiful embroidered Chris Craft BBQ apron !

QUESTIONS : Contact event chairs Dave & Tammi Lyon @ 831-596-4239 (cell), 831-659-3036 (home) or E-mail westboat1@sbcglobal.net for complete details and info. This is the only mailing you will receive for this fun-filled weekend. Sign up today !

FRIDAY EVENING JUNE 16TH

Woodie Whoopie – pot luck social event of the weekend ! Bring the kids, their friends, and your friends too. No reserva-tions required, just arrive at McKinney Shores Friday evening with your favorite Tex-Mex dish to share ! Questions : Tom O’Rourke 650-345-8163 or 530-546-5288

SATURDAY JUNE 17TH

Don’t miss the 9th annual “A Crossing Of Chris Crafts” boat show at Obexer’s Marina. Chris Craft ownership is NOT re-quired, ALL wood boats are welcome. Approx 30 slips available on a first-come, first-served basis. All boats must be docked by 10:00am. Don’t forget, all Chris Craft boats will be eligible for the highly prestigious Best Chris Craft Of Show Award. Previous winner : “Splinters” owned by Doug & Nancy Ball.

LUNCH & OTHER GOODIES

Bring your appetite because we have once again arranged for a catered lunch to be served lake-side in the Old Historic Barn at Obexer’s Marina ! Complementary morning snacks + orange juice & champagne will again be generously spon-sored by ACBS member Steve Lapkin and www.h2omark.com. Thank you, Steve ! Wine at Lunch is being donated by the Ironstone Vineyard. Thank you to the Kautz Family ACBS members and owners.

THE LAKE TAHOE MARITIME MUSEUM will be at the show and will have one of their beautiful wood boats from the Ride Boat Program in the water, and giving rides to current and potential Museum members ! This will be one of your best chances of the season to become a valued member of the Tahoe Maritime Museum . In addition, the Museum’s Homewood location will be open and receiving visitors that day following the luncheon!

BOAT HANDING AND SAFETY CLINIC. This year’s very popular clinic will be held on Sunday morning, June 18th at Obexer’s Marina. Use the enclosed sheet to sign up. The clinic is free of charge but registration and proof of insurance is mandatory ! For complete info, contact herb Hall at Sierra Boat Co. 530-546-2551

1954 33’ Chris Craft Capitan Cruiser – Twin LM-318 225 HP V-8’s. Sleeps 6, fridge, stove, microwave, A/C, Letrasan head, AM/FM/CD, VHF, 6.5 KW genset. Excellent condition- covered berth in CA Delta. $25,000 - A Real Bargain - OBO (209) 768-5988 or Leutz@Inreach.com

1936 Garwood Double Cockpit 18’, Hull # 5714, Chrysler R M7. Project/pattern boat with 95% hardware, new African mahogany for topsides & covering boards. $8,000. Stan (916) 424-5543; sa61rams@sbcglobal.net

For Sale. Very nice Post-War Hercules KBL model motor, 6 cyl triple carb. Very low hours on recent rebuild. Runs and sounds great. Complete with tranny and exhuast elbow. Just needs minor detailing! Asking $3,900.00 obo Call Dave (831)659-3036 or westboat1@sbcglobal.net.

1955 Philbrick, 19 Feet. Double Cockpit, Chrysler Hemi, V/8, Asking 18,500.00 Or Best Offer, Call Me At 415-860-0295, Odus Hayes 1952- 18’ Chris Craft “Riviera” Recent restoration, west system bottom, all new wood, chrome gauges & upholstery. New custom trailer. $23,500 Don (530)344-9316

1948 Christ Craft Custom Runabout 20’ – Hull# R-20-223. MBL Engine. Completely restored in 2002 with West System Bottom. Winner 2nd in Class at 2003 TYC Concourse d’ Elegance. Tandem-axel Trailer& Mooring Cover. A real Sweetheart of a boat! $45,000 Contact Steve Hubbard (760)345-8042 or kenwoodsjh@yahoo.com.

1963 Chris Craft Constellation Bristol condition $87,500. 1963 42' Chris Craft Constellation excellent $65,000 1967 38' Chris Craft Sea Skiff flybridge sport fisher, excellent $46,000 1965 37' Chris Craft Constellation great Tahoe boat. $29,000. Call Jim 530 613 3210 1936 19' Chris Craft Custom Runabout - "Sequoia" Double Cockpit - Hull #48132, Trophy Winner Tahoe Y.C. Concours d’ Elegance (multiple times) Newly remanufactured M engine by Densmore Engines/approx. 25 hrs. Beautiful leather inte-rior; West Systems bottom; recent varnish; tandem-axel trailer and mooring cover; Don Veihmyer initial keel-up restoration 1996;Todd Jeffery maintained 2003& 2005. Beautiful!!! $49,000 Contact: Duke Molter - (619)429-3335 or maddawg@san.rr.com 1986 Century 10’ custom fiberglass hull. Mahogany topsides and interior, best of both worlds. Mercruiser big block “v”drive”, tandem trailer - $12,000. Pictures avail (559)732-8140 Jay 1940 17’ Chris Craft Barrelback, epoxy bottom, restored gauges, new chrome and upholstery, Crusader V6 – very responsive. $34,000 with trailer (559)732-8140 Jay.

Page 17 Western Wood

COMPLETE BOAT REPAIR 35 Years Experience

Award Winning Classic Restorations West Cold/Mold Epoxy Bottoms

Wood Artisans Fiberglass & Gel Coat

Repairs On Modern Boats Insurance Work Accepted Building The Legendary

Keaton Performance Ski Runabout (916) 383-2150

8509 Folsom Boulevard Sacramento, CA 95826-3707

www.classic-boats.net/classiccraft

NOTE: Unless I hear from you, your add will be run for 2 issues, then be removed.

Page 18 Western Wood

John K. and Maryann Baird of Fresno, CA joins with a 1956, 16' Runabout Belmont named Little Fury II

David and Debbie Claus of Kelseyville, CA

Blake and Lauren Covert of Sacramento, CA

Glen Dennee' of Saratoga, CA joins with a 1948, 18' Higgins named Frolic

Rick and Judy Dyer of Menlo Park, CA

Dave and Marla Giddings of Escalon, CA joins with a 1974, 18' Flat Bottom Home Built named Paranoid II

Art and Barbara Haworth of Incline Village, NV joins with a 1941, 19' Deluxe Runabout Gar Wood and a 1958, 17' Sports-man Chris Craft named Gull Lady

Steve and Shelley Henley of Jamestown, CA joins with a 1965, 18' Sportster Arenacraft named Lets Rock

Glenn and Elana Hobson of Healdsburg, CA joins with a 1947, 17' Deluxe Runabout Chris Craft

Steve and Diane Kurgan of Twain Harte, CA joins with a 1949, 17' Sport Utility Higgins named Waterlogged

Rob and Andrew Lowry of Roseville, CA

Ronald Morgan of East Ryegate, VT joins with a 2002, 33' Aqua Riva, Riva named Stone Soup

Fred (Nick) and Shirley Nicholas of San Francisco, CA joins with a 2005, 20' Grand Sport Grand Craft named The Rubicon

Tom and Renee O'Callaghan of Auburn, CA joins with a 1960, 17' Utility Philbrick

Fred L.Taber of Danville, CA

Gary Vukich of Modesto, CA joins with a 1955, 19' Capri Chris Craft

Membership Chairpersons Ralph& Bonnie Wallen 707-433-4289

The Northern California/Lake Tahoe ACBS was granted permission to have there own Chapter Burgee. Now you can proudly display your colors. To order make checks payable to ACBS and send the following information:

Style and Quantity - Pre war (straight) $20.00 Post war (raked) $20.00 postage & handling $4.00 Grand Total ________ Mail order and payment to: ACBS c/o Jared Hein 25 Citrus Court Hillsborough CA 94010

THOMAS FABRICATION & BOATWORKS

BOX 45 CASTELLA, CA 96017 (530) 235-4420

CONCOURS WINNING WOODEN BOAT RESTORATION WWW: THOMASFABANDBOAT.COM EMAIL: STEVE@THOMASFABANDBOAT.COM CELL: 530-515-7543 FAX: 530-235-4420

STEVEN THOMAS OWNER

Page 19 Western Wood

The boating season is almost upon us. Hopefully for those of you whose boat floats (opposed to us who have a forever restoration project) you are getting things ready for the rain and snow to stop and boating to start. The usual chores of cleaning and varnishing, charging the battery,

checking the fuel system, making sure the drain plug hasn’t mysteriously disappeared and the ceremonious running of the motor for the first time of the season are all items that are easy to remember since they all have to do with the beautiful wooden object that we adore.

But let’s not forget the one thing that lets this all take place. No, it’s not the check book it is the trailer! This very important piece of our boating experience is sometimes overlooked and under maintained. Before the season starts it’s best to repack the wheel bearings with the proper grease for the ap-plication. The hitch and ball should be checked to make sure they are compatible and that all nuts and bolts are securely fastened. Wiring harnesses should be looked over to make sure they are not drooping off the frame where they can get snagged. Side marker lights and tail lights need to be tested for proper operation; sometimes it’s not the bulb that is the problem but a loose ground wire. Brake fluid levels need to be inspected and the operation of the brakes tested. Check the rope or strap on the winch for fraying or cuts. Look closely at the tires for cracks and checking from sun expo-sure. This is also a good time to make sure a spare tire is available and fully inflated.

I’m sure I have forgotten something on this check list but hopefully it has you thinking about what’s carrying your prized boat.

If you would like to see an article on a specific safety or maintenance issue, please drop me an email,

jmfletscher@sbcglobal.net.

Clothing To Promote International Annual Meeting

ACBS International is in charge of The Ships Store at the annual meeting, so our chapter will not be setting up a “store” at the Hotel or at Sierra Boat at the International Boat Show in September. But, in order to show our “Chapter Pride”, over the next few months we will be sell-ing a few items that contain our chapter burgee and iden-tify the grand event. When you see our table set up at Bass Lake, Clear Lake or other events please come by to see the new items. Dated items are very hard to sell after the event so we might not have your size or pre-ferred color in stock but will be taking orders and will have exactly what you want after the second production run. Our credit card system will not be set up at these events but cash, checks and IOU’s will be accepted.

August concourse store volunteer needed

Many hands make light work. Once again we thank all of those that have helped out with the operations of the Concourse Ships Store in the past. Our goal of all this effort is to enjoy each other’s company and share this enjoyment with others (hopefully new members) as we make a few dollars for the chapter. Without your support and camaraderie the “fun factor” would disappear. In ad-dition to selling the items mentioned above identifying the International Meeting, we have some new items and are looking for ideas. Feel free to contact me at any time. Over the next few months I will be signing up people to staff the store during set up, sale days and dismantling. We get a limited number of entry tickets to the show and are usually able to give tickets to volunteers that do not already have a pass.

Rich Fisher -925 945 8036

richard.fisher@excite.com

Page 20 Western Wood

Dear Fellow ACBS Members,

Thank you to Robert Griffin and Joel Castro for contributing some of the pictures I used in this is-sue. I really appreciate the photos. I won’t be at the Wood and Glory or the Crossing of the Chris, so some of you please take pictures and send me the good ones. .

At the last board meeting we decided to do a new chapter directory if we could get enough advertising dollars to pay for it. So this is what I need: I need 7 full pages of ads. Each page will hold 3 business card size, or 2 half page, or 1 full page. The price for the ads are:

$200 for Business Card size $400 for ½ page ads $600 for full page ad

The last one we did was in 2003 and I know that even though a lot of the data is out of date you are still using it. Since people hang on to this it will be a great opportunity for your ads. If you are inter-ested in placing an ad in the upcoming book, please e-mail me so I can put you on the list of po-tential advertisers. – sandy-chase@sbcglobal.net As soon as I a get enough advertising dollars I can get it published.

We have also been looking into permanent ACBS name plates. Both Herb and Greg Joseph have been investigating the possibilities. Greg found a place that will do a gold nameplate with our chapter burgee on it. He was wearing the prototype at the Spring Fling. The cost will be $10. We will have more information and order forms in the next issue. If you want to order now or want more info contact Greg at gfjoseph@sbcglobal.net or 831-688-6295.

Keep sending me those stories and pictures for the website and/or newsletter. I prefer digital, but can scan in photos too. Just a reminder that the newslet-ter is also available on the website. (www.acbs-tahoe.org)

Regards, Sandy Chase, Editor

WESTERN WOOD is the Quarterly newsletter of the Northern California/Lake Tahoe Chapter, of The Antique and Classic Boat Society, Inc. and is published for the benefit of Chapter members. Publication dates are... April-Spring July-Summer October-Fall January-Winter Deadline Date: 15th of preceding month of publication. The newsletter is also available on our chapter website: www.acbs-tahoe.org Questions, articles for publication, advertisements and letters to the editor, etc. should be sent to... WESTERN WOOD,

Sandy Chase

14800 Quito Road

Los Gatos, Ca 95032

sandy-chase@sbcglobal.net