The inaugural
meeting of the Chapter was held at Bob Shapton's shop facilities along the
Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 2, 2002.
Despite a raging snowstorm, 40+ members and a number of guests were on
hand to kick things off. Bob's spacious facilities allowed ample
room inside for the members to display motors and swap/buy/sell parts and
motors. Bob hosted an impromptu seminar on the art of decal
application which was of great interest to many.
After a great lunch of brats prepared by Bob's father
(Chef) Jim, a short business meeting was held where we selected a name for
the Chapter from about 10 or so entries. The winning entry was
submitted by our youngest member, 7 year old Charlie Carrigan, son of
Scott Carrigan, from Hickory Corners, MI. In appreciation, Jim
Shapton donated a small motor (we won't disclose the brand) to add to
Charlie's growing collection, and Dick Gorz presented him with a genuine
imitation Oliver patch.
Considerable discussion was held concerning future
meets; their nature and location. A meet committee was
established and future plans will be announced here just as soon as they
are available. The previously scheduled meet in conjunction with the
Saugatuck Venetian Festival on July 27th will probably take form as a
"river cruise" where we will run together with our old iron and meet on
the river somewhere to have a group picnic. Sounds like great fun
and should attract a lot of attention. Saugatuck is always packed
with tourists that weekend. More on this one later
too.
Your intrepid webmaster had his new digital camera
along that has a lot more gizmos than his old one. Unfortunately, he
left his glasses at home and didn't have much success this time.
Better results are promised next time. The couple that came out
halfway decently are displayed here, along with some great shots of some
of Bob Shapton's stuff that were shot by Chris Scratch of Cottam, Ontario
(who by the way is one of our Charter Members - thanks
Chris).
Keep checking back. We'll have more as time
progresses.
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