Museum Mania in Auburn for 2023 IMOA car show

The location of the 2023 annual IMOA Car Show has been announced and it features not one, not two, but three car museum visits!

The dates are Sept. 6-9 and the host city is Auburn, Ind.

The museum visits include the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum and the National Automotive and Truck Museum.

The host hotel is the Comfort Inn Suites Auburn, 1137 W. 15th St., Auburn, phone, (260) 570-4529.

Registration forms are at: 2023 registration

The Cord museum has graciously allowed club members to park their trailers, if any, at their facility during the show dates. This was due to limited parking at the Comfort Inn.

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum (automobilemuseum.org) opened in 1974. The museum inhabits the auto builder’s original factory showroom building.

After the demise of the Auburn company in 1937, the factory showroom and headquarters served as a parts and restoration center for the obsolete Auburn, Cord and Duesenberg cars, which lasted through the 1940s and ’50s.

When the museum opened in 1974, visitors experienced the splendor of the 12,000-square-foot showroom in its original appearance. Accessible once again was a magnificent example of art deco architecture, glorifying America’s zenith of machine-age style.

Every characteristic of the main display room, designed by A.M. Strauss of Fort Wayne, had been revitalized: the elaborate, hand-painted ceiling friezes (breath-taking borders of ornamental plaster in colorful relief), ornate Italian three-tiered chandeliers, geometric terrazzo floor, 72 etched-glass side lights, gracefully curving central grand staircase, vertical wall panels, Philippine walnut woodwork, and soaring plate glass windows carrying “Auburn,” “Cord” and “Duesenberg” in blazing gold letters.

The entire environment enjoyed by visitors in the 1930s was recreated with successful authenticity.

The National Automotive and Truck Museum is also located in Auburn, which was home to many horseless carriage and motorcar manufacturing companies. As you stroll through the remaining production buildings of the Auburn Automobile Company, you can almost feel and hear the excitement of the designers and mechanics working to create some of the world’s finest automobiles.

The Service and New Parts Building and the L-29 Cord Building were declared a National Historic Landmark in 2005. The original factory buildings that house The National Automotive and Truck Museum of the U.S., Inc. represent more than 130 years of transportation manufacturing.

The Early Ford V-8 Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to 1932-53 Ford history. It consists of three major sections: an Early Ford Speed exhibit, Industrial Engine, Farming displays and a 1940’s Ford service garage. The Frank Corey Gallery houses many of our 1932-53 vehicles, and Floyd Motors depicts a 1936 Ford dealership.

There will be more detail on these museums in subsequent issues of Quicksilver.

Many thanks to Jerry and Kathy Orcutt for putting together this year’s show! They took most of the pictures in this story during a November 2022 visit to the museums.

Interest in this year’s show is already high, with members having already signed up due to e-mail blasts from the club.

We look forward to seeing you in Auburn!

Schedule of events

Thursday, Sept. 7
9 a.m., leave for the Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum, 2181 Rotunda Drive, Auburn, Ind., (260) 920-4377. Admission $6 per person.
Noon, leave to go eat TBD (stay approx. 1 1/2 hrs.), then leave for the Byler Lane Winery, 5858 Co. Rd. 35, Auburn. Admission is no charge.

Friday, Sept. 8
9 a.m., leave for the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum. Admission is $10.50 per person. (260) 925-1444. Web site, automobilemuseum.org.
Stay approx. 3 hours, lunch location TBD, (again approx. 1 1/2 hrs.) and then go to the National Auto and Truck Museum, 1000 Gordon M. Buehrig Pl., Auburn. Web site, natmus.org. Admission is $7 per person.
If you buy an admission ticket for both the Cord/Duesenberg and the National Auto/Truck Museum, the admission price is $15.50 per person for both museums; you save $2.

Saturday, Sept. 9
8 to 10 a.m. IMOA registration at the show site parking lot, Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum.
8 a.m., IMOA show field opens.
9:30 a.m., judge’s meeting on show field.
10 a.m., IMOA judging begins.
2 p.m., Presentation of IMOA awards.
After the show, join your IMOA family for a casual dinner at 5 p.m. at the Paradise Buffet, $15.95 per person.

Sunday, Sept. 10
Farewell until next year’s show!

The countdown has begun for the annual IMOA show, to be held Aug. 3-7 in the Kingsport area of Tennessee.

The highlight of the show is a Thursday, Aug. 4 visit to the Bristol Motor Speedway track, where members will be able to drive their cars on the racetrack, plus get a tour of the grounds.

Also planned is a visit to Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium on Friday.

The host hotel will be the Meadowview Marriott in Kingsport, Tenn., where the car show judging will be held Saturday, Aug. 6.

IMOA members are encouraged to register as soon as possible, since the club needs to have rooms reserved, a few weeks before the show.

The room registration deadline is July 13, with a car judging registration deadline of July 20.

2022 IMOA Show Schedule
We enourage IMOA members to be safe where possible. Where posted, please adhere to guidelines to wear masks.

Wednesday, Aug. 3
No scheduled activities. Meet and Greet your fellow Mercury enthusiasts at the Marriott hotel if you arrive this early.

Thursday, Aug. 4
7:30 to 9:30 a.m., car show registration located in the hotel lobby.
11:30 a.m., meet in lobby for those who paid the $100 for the Bristol Motor Speedway tour and laps (A few spaces still may be available, so check availability at the registration desk).

We will meet at the Bristol reception area/souvenir shop at 1 p.m. We will have to sign a race track waiver at the reception area that will allow us on the track.

There will be a buses to pick us up at the reception area. The buses will take us on a tour of the drag strip and other key areas.

We will return to the reception area via bus and then take our cars to the race track for our laps. The total time at Bristol will be approximately 3 to 3-1/2 hours.

Lunch will be available at a nominal charge at concession stands.

Bristol Motor Speedway, 151 Speedway Blvd, Bristol, Tenn. Phone: (866) 415-4158; Website, www.bristolmotorspeedway.com.
5.30 to 6 p.m., car show registration in the hotel lobby.

Bays Mountain State Park recreational activities

Friday, Aug. 5
7:30 to 9:30 a.m., car show registration located in the hotel lobby.
9:45 a.m., meet in lobby to caravan to Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium. 853 Bays Mountain Park Rd, Kingsport, Tenn. Website, www.baysmountain.com.
4 p.m., IMOA board meeting (board members only).
4 to 5 p.m., car show registration in the hotel lobby.

Saturday, Aug. 6
8 a.m., IMOA show field opens.
8 to 10 a.m., IMOA registration at show site, Marriott parking lot.
9.30 a.m., judges’ meeting on show field.
10 a.m., IMOA judging begins.
2 p.m., presentation of IMOA awards.
4 p.m., join your IMOA family for a casual dinner at the Marriott for a pasta buffet.
You must have pre-paid for the pasta dinner. The cost is $29 and a few spots may be available. Inquire at registration desk

Sunday, Aug. 7
Farewell till next year!

Alternate Things to do
Nightly gathering of the “Circle of Friends” in the Marriott parking lot. For more information, contact Wayne Miller at (763) 807-0540.
If the registration desk in lobby is not open to pick up packets and T-shirts, call Jerry Robbin at (847) 997-8624.

Things to do Kingsport
https://vacationidea.com/tn/kingsport-tennessee.html.
https://visitkingsport.com/regional-attractions.

Attractions
1. Gypsy Circus Cider Company.
2. Hook and Ladder Distillery.
3. Bays Mountain Brewery Company.
4. Allandale Mansion.
5. Fort Henry Mall.
6. Mountain Music Museum.
7. Abingdon Olive Oil Company.
8: Kingsport Carousel.
9. Friday Twilight Alive Summer Concerts, 7 to 9 p.m. Free. No coolers or pets.
10. Golf: Cattails of Meadow View. One of the top golf courses in Tennessee. Looks beautiful!

These are just a few and can be checked out on the internet, if you’re interested.

Restaurants in Kingsport area
1. Braedens BBQ, www.braedens .com.
2. Chef’s Pizzeria, chefspizzeria .com.
3. The Mustard Seed Cafe, www.themustardseedcafe.net.
4. Phil’s Dream Pit, www.philsdreampit.com.
5. The Chop House, www.thechophouse.com.
6. Riverfront Seafood Company, riverfrontseafood.com.

The IMOA has announced that next year’s annual car show will be held Aug. 3-7 in the Kingsport area of Tennessee.

One of the highlights is a Thursday, Aug. 4 visit to the Bristol Motor Speedway track, where members will be able to drive their cars on the racetrack, plus get a tour of the grounds.
The host hotel will be the Meadowview Marriott in Kingsport, Tenn., where the car show judging will be held Saturday, Aug. 6.

Registrations forms can be accessed here: IMOA Show Registration

Bristol hosts races in several NASCAR touring series, highlighted by two major NASCAR Cup Series weekends. The biggest names in NASCAR, including Dale Earnhardt, Darrell Waltrip, Cale Yarborough, Richard Petty, Jeff Gordon, Rusty Wallace, Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Bobby Allison have earned victories at the legendary track.

The short track is a 0.533-mile concrete oval with corner banking ranging from 24 to 28 degrees, and a pair of 650-feet straightaways. Also part of the complex, the adjacent quarter-mile dragstrip, Bristol Dragway, offers more than 50 events annually.

Work began on what was then called Bristol International Speedway in 1960, and it took approximately one year to finish. Many of the original ideas that facility founders Larry Carrier, Carl Moore and R.G. Pope came up with for the track were sketched on envelopes and brown paper bags.

Purchase of the land on which BMS now sits, as well as construction of the track, cost approximately $600,000. The entire layout for BMS covered a little more than 100 acres.

The very first NASCAR race at BMS, held on July 30, 1961, was won by Jack Smith with relief help from Johnny Allen.

The facility was held by several different owners in the early days, but eventually found its way back to Carrier ownership in 1985. On Jan. 22, 1996, Carrier sold the speedway to O. Bruton Smith and Speedway Motorsports, Inc., at a purchase price of $26 million.

Other things to do in the surrounding area include:
* Coker Tire is 209 miles from Kingsport. Some members may want to order tires for pick-up.
* Gray Fossil Site, 1212 Suncrest Drive.
* Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium, 853 Bays Mountain Park Road.
* Appalachian Ghost Walks Tours, 490 Hemlock Road.
* Allandale Mansion, Kingsport.
* Appalachian Caverns, 420 Cave Hill Road.
* Historic Jonesborough.
* Carter Family Fold, A.P. Carter Highway.
* Virginia Creeper Trail.
* Wahoo’s Whitewater Rafting Adventures.
* Kingsport Carousel, 350 Clinch-field St, Kingsport.

More information will be in upcoming issues of Quicksilver.

By Virgil Klein

With 66 Mercurys from all decades of production (except 1939), the 2021 IMOA show in Denver, Colo., was a great success. It was nice to see so many of our IMOA members in attendance.
The official show activites, organized by Chuck Clarke, began on Thursday morning, June 24, with a tour of the Forney Transportation Museum.

We divided into three groups of Mercury owners and were treated to guided tours of the facility. The Forney hosts did a wonderful job of leading these tours. As a special treat for our group, we were allowed to look around the storage area of future and past displays. This area is seldom opened to the public. Thank you, Forney, for a great experience.

Thursday evening saw the traditional “Circle of Friends” in the parking lot of the Marriott. Those who brought sweatshirts and jackets needed to use them, as the weather was quite cool.
Many thanks to Kathy Orcutt, the cookie lady, for the tasty treats.

Friday, June 25, saw IMOA visit the Colorado Railroad Museum. The museum made a special train available to us for a few laps around their loop track.

Afterwards, IMOA members were able to roam the grounds at their leisure. There was much interesting railroad equipment to view, at least to this rail fan.

Friday evening saw another “Circle of Friends.” IMOA members are the friendliest group of people, especially when free adult beverages are available. Did I mention it rained?

Saturday, June 26, was a bright, sunny morning with cars being parked for the show beginning around 7 a.m. I find it interesting how many ways car owners have devised to get their car ready for a show.

Judging began at 10 a.m. with a great judging crew. They finished their judging by 11:30. It was a good thing, as the skies darkened and lightning appeared with the always accompanying thunder. And, of course, it rained. Fortunately, no hail at IMOA’s location.

However, the rain only lasted a short time and IMOA was able to hand out awards at 1 p.m. The sun had returned and it was a very nice afternoon.

I would be remiss not to mention Judy Miller and all of her efforts selling hats, fender covers and 50/50 tickets. Judy has an endless supply of energy. In the end, all of the hats were sold and almost all of the fender covers. Thanks, Judy!

Many of IMOA’s members also attended the All Ford Show and Picnic at Arapahoe Park on Sunday, June 27, sponsored by the local Ford/Mercury/Lincoln car clubs. We all had a great time at this show, with several IMOA members winning awards. Once again, pending weather caused the trophies to be handed out early.

To summarize; this was a great show, with a great location at the Marriott in Westminster and great excursions. Thanks to everyone who participated.

I hope everyone had a safe and uneventful trip home. Look forward to seeing all of you next year.

www.mercuryclub.com

International Mercury Owners Association

P.O. Box 1245, Northbrook, Illinois 60065-1245

(847) 997-8624

Hello IMOA Show Registrant:

Below is the 2021 IMOA Show Schedule, which we need you to take time to review. Due to Covid 19, we have not scheduled any restaurant get togethers, but have listed many restaurants in the general area. We do encourage you, where possible, to enjoy the company of other IMOA members.

We need you to recommit to the Forney Museum of Transportation and the Colorado Railroad Museum. There is a charge for both attractions.

Please pre-pay at the Registration desk prior to departure from the hotel for these events.

For the Pasta Dinner Saturday following our car show, we need to know how many of you are going to attend. You will each pay for yourself and the price is $20 per person, + tax & tip.

We need to have a head count for the Forney Museum of Transportation, Colorado Railroad Museum and the Hotel Pasta Dinner so please e-mail, call or phone us with the total number of people attending each event.

There are no quarantine rules in place at this time. Masks are required in public space, unless actively eating or drinking. MASK MANDATE inside hotel.

Please be safe and wear masks and keep you and your fellow IMOA members safe where possible. Where posted please adhere to guidelines to wear masks.

WEDNESDAY, June 23: No scheduled activities.

THURSDAY, June 24

Car show registration located in the Hotel lobby. Open 7.30 to 9.30 a.m., and 4 to 5 p.m. Meet in Lobby at 9.45 a.m. to go to the Forney Museum of Transportation, 4303 Brighton Blvd., Denver, Colo., www.forneymuseum.org; (303) 297-1113.

Below is a link to the map to the museum from Marriott Westminster. Price: Adults $14; Senior Price $16. Please pre-pay at Registration desk prior to departure from hotel.

https://www.bing.com/maps?osid=608ceb06-fae5-43d9-8636-b4fa13051cdc&cp=39.836488~-105.122385&lvl=11&v=2&sV=2&form=S00027

FRIDAY, June 25

Car Show registration in the hotel lobby, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 4 to 5 p.m. Meet in lobby at 9:45 a.m. to caravan to Colorado Railroad Museum. Our scheduled time at the museum is 10:30 a.m. Adult price $14; senior price $12. Please pre-pay at Registration desk prior to departure from hotel.

Colorado Railroad Museum (MASK MANDATE). Everyone will pay their own entrance fee. Address: 17155 W. 44th Ave., Golden, Colo., (800) 365-6263, coloradorailroadmuseum.org. Basic rules to follow: Please wear closed toe shoes, bring water to stay hydrated, respect fences and barriers.

Board meeting, board members only, 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, June 26

8 to 10 a.m., IMOA Registration at show site, parking lot of Marriott.

8:00 a.m., IMOA show field opens.

9:30 a.m., judges’ meeting on show field.

10:00 a.m., judging begins.

2:00 p.m., presentation of IMOA awards.

4 p.m., join your IMOA family for a casual dinner at the Marriott Westminster for a pasta buffet. We need to know how many are going to attend. The cost is $20 plus tax and tip.

SUNDAY, June 27

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., All-Ford Show, Arapahoe Park, 44th and Indiana, Golden, Colo. Separate registration required.

Alternate Things to do

Nightly gathering, “Circle of Friends” in parking lot. Check with Wayne Miller for availability, (763) 807-0540.

If registration desk in lobby is not open to pick up packets and T-shirts, call Jerry Robbin (847) 997-8624.

Cruise to Lookout Mountain or Red Rocks Park. For more information, follow this link: www.visitgolden.com/places-to-go/lookout-mountain.

Denver Beer Trail

We invite you to explore Denver’s local beer culture and visit some of the other 100 brewpubs, breweries and tap rooms in the metro area. As always, please drink safely and responsibly with a designated driver. Get a taste of our local flavors by exploring our Denver Beer Trail! Find a list of our breweries below along with an interactive map to help you navigate your Denver brewery experience. #DenverBeerTrail, www.denver.org/restaurants/denver-bars-clubs/denver-beer-trail.

Since COVID-19 may have limitations on getting together for meals, we are listing some restaurants. Please check before going to any of them that they are open.

Rockabillies Bar, Ralston Plaza, 63 W. 64th Ave., Arvada, Colo., (303) 421-1799, rockabilliesbar.com.

Davies Chuck Wagon Diner, 9495 W. Colfax Ave. Lakewood, Colo., (303) 237-5252, www.davieschuckwagon.com.

Lazy Dog, 14618 Delaware St., Westminster, Colo., https://www.lazydogrestaurants.com/locations/orchard-town-center-westminster-co, (720) 459-5613.

Early Bird Restaurant, 11940 Bradburn Blvd., Suite 400, Westminster, Colo., (303) 469-9641, earlybirdrestaurant.com.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, 10446 Town Center Dr., Westminster, Colo., (303) 389-6444, www.bjsrestaurants.com/locations/co/westminster.

5280 Burger Bar, Westminster, 4301 Main Street, Westminster, Colo., (720) 887-5970, www.5280burgerbar.com.

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, (303) 481-9925, www.snoozeeatery.com.

Blue Moon Brewing Co., 3750 Chestnut Place, Denver, Colo., (303) 728-2337, www.bluemoonrino.com.

Butcher Block Cafe, several locations, www.butcherblockcafe.com.

Denver Steak Yard Saloon, 4710 National Western Drive, Denver, Col., (303) 298-0525, www.denverstockyardsaloon.com.

The Rocky Mountains and the Denver area welcome the IMOA for its annual 2021 show, to be held June 23-27.

The dates include visits to the Clive Cussler Auto Museum, Coors Brewery and Colorado Railroad Museum. Attendees can also take part in the All-Ford Car Show and Picnic on Sunday, June 27, in Golden, Colo.

Of course, there is also the beautiful mountain scenery in the area.

The host hotel is the Denver Marriott Hotel in Westminster, Colo., which will also be the site of the actual IMOA car show on Saturday, June 26.

The Marriott is located at 7000 Church Ranch Blvd, Westminster, CO. 80021; phone (720) 887-1177.

The IMOA is keeping track of the Covid-19 situation and will do what is best to keep its members safe. It is hoped that a vaccine will be available in the coming months and that venues will be opening up.

Registration pages for the IMOA are here; 2021 IMOA NATIONAL SHOW Registration Form; the registration page for the All-Ford show is here: 2021 FOMOCO PicnicApp

The Rocky Mountains and the Denver area welcome the IMOA for its annual 2021 show, to be held June 23-27.

Of course, there is also the beautiful mountain scenery in the area.

The host hotel is the Denver Marriott Hotel in Westminster, Colo., which will also be the site of the actual IMOA car show on Saturday, June 26.

The Marriott is located at 7000 Church Ranch Blvd, Westminster, CO. 80021; phone (720) 887-1177 .

Our web pages have registration forms for the IMOA show and the All-Ford Show, that can be accessed here: 2021 IMOA NATIONAL SHOW Registration Form

And the All-Ford Show: 2021 FOMOCO PicnicApp

The Rocky Mountains and the Denver area welcome the IMOA for its annual 2021 show, to be held June 23-27.

This year’s show was cancelled due to the Covid-19 crisis and it was decided to keep the Denver area as the show site.

Of course, there is also the beautiful mountain scenery in the area.

The host hotel is the Denver Marriott Hotel in Westminster, Colo., which will also be the site of the actual IMOA car show on Saturday, June 26.

The Marriott is located at 7000 Church Ranch Blvd, Westminster, CO. 80021; phone (720) 887-1177 .

Registration forms for the IMOA and All-Ford shows follow this article.

Colorado Railroad Musuem
The Colorado Railroad Museum (coloradorailroadmuseum.org) has its origins in the late 1940s when Colorado’s narrow-gauge railroad companies started going out of business.

Robert W. Richardson began collecting rolling stock, railway records and other pieces of equipment in an effort to preserve Colorado history.

Bob’s collection quickly outgrew the available space at his museum in Alamosa and in 1958, with the help of his friend Cornelius Hauck, moved the museum to Golden.

Many Colorado railroad companies closed down in the late 1940s and ’50s, when falling ore prices and increasing operating expenses made business unprofitable.

The Uintah Railway Company closed in 1939, the Silverton Northern in 1942, the Rio Grande Junction in 1941, the Midland Terminal in 1949 and the Rio Grande Southern in 1951.

Once in Golden, Richardson built a replica narrow-gauge railroad station to serve as the main museum building.

With the help of volunteers, he started laying track for 50 pieces of equipment and built a motel to help fund the museum. The Iron Horse Motel was originally located where the roundhouse now sits.

Clive Cussler Auto Museum
The Clive Cussler Auto Museum in Arvada, Colo., features the vintage car collection of the late Cussler, the multi-million selling author of a series of books, with the most famous featuring Dirk Pitt, marine engineer, government agent and adventurer.

Cussler was also an underwater explorer, discovering more than 60 shipwrecks and founder of the National Underwater and Marine Agency.

Cussler was born in Aurora, Ill. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, achieving the rank of sergeant and working as an aircraft mechanic and flight engineer for the Military Air Transport Service.

After his discharge from the military, Cussler went to work in the advertising industry, first as a copywriter and later as a creative director for two of the nation’s most successful advertising agencies.

He began writing in 1965, with the Pitt novels catching on with a format of sunken ships, lost treasures, exotic locations, dastardly villains and vintage cars.
Cussler established his car museum to preserve rare and vintage automobiles from 1906 to 1965.

Coors Brewery
In 1873, German immigrants Adolph Coors and Jacob Schueler emigrated to the United States and established a brewery in Golden, Colo.

Coors was a penniless brewer’s apprentice who stowed away on a ship from Germany and arrived in the U.S. in 1868 before making his way to Golden.

In 1880, Coors bought out his partner and became sole owner of the brewery.

Coors was one of the few breweries to survive Prohibition. The brewery itself was converted into a malted milk and near beer production facility. Coors sold much of the malted milk to the Mars candy company.

However, the company relied heavily on its porcelain, cement and real estate companies to keep the brewery operating.

The company sold it beer mainly in the western U.S., but reached nationwide distribution in the mid 1980s.

It introduced Coors Light in 1978, known as the “Silver Bullet,” and it remains one of the most popular beers in America. Other Coors brands include Blue Moon, Icehouse, Keystone Light, Molson’s, Hamm’s Henry’s Hard Soda and Crispin ciders.