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Club History
In 1973 a small
group of antique car enthusiasts got together and organized
a car club in Paris. The original
group of eight consisted of four couples, including the club's first
president, David Schleppi and his wife, John & Bonnie Powers, Steve
& Kay Gray, and Dr. & Mrs. James Clifford. The Grays are the only original members left
in the Club. The group called itself the Red River Valley Honkers
and was organized as a chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of
America.
The AACA is headquartered in
Hershey, Pennsylvania. The AACA (www.aaca.org ) is the country's
oldest and largest automotive historical society. Founded in
Philadelphia in 1935, its membership has grown to over 70,000
members from all parts of the country. Automobiles that are 25 years
or older qualify as an
antique/classic car.
The local club
converted to an AACA Region in the 90's, hosting a national
AACA meet in Paris in 1998.
Like
today's members, these first Honkers
enjoyed getting together to talk
about cars, share restoration tips, and
just drive.
In the beginning, the
club met in the members homes, but over the years the meeting places have
changed many times to accommodate the club's growth, meeting at various
community rooms and restaurants over the club's years of existence.
Today there are
62 Honkers meeting at the First Christian Church fellowship hall
the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 pm.
In most gatherings you will see the
guys under someone's hood while the ladies enjoy the social time with their
peers.
The Red River Valley Honkers
Car Club is one of those groups
dedicated to preserving old cars for their
enjoyment as well as the public's.
Most appreciate and remember that America's love affair with the automobile dates
back to the early part of the last century, the time when life was simpler and
so were the cars.
Most of the early day cars did not have the luxuries we
now take for granted such as power steering and brakes, air conditioning, high
powered sound systems and gps navigation systems.
Many strive to keep the cars as original as possible
but will add the necessary safety equipment and colorful paint jobs.
Most of
these classic cars were very distinctive and could be recognized
as they cruised by, unlike cars of today.
Mission Statement
Red River Valley Honkers Region of
the
Antique Automobile Club of America
The purpose of the Red River
Valley Honkers Region of the Antique Automobile Club of
America is to further interest in the preservation of antique and classic motor vehicles and their history, to offer activities that provides service and
support to the community and its needs, and to support the mutual interests of our club members and supplement the activities of the Antique Automobile Club of America.
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