Thank you for your interest in the Hoosier Vintage Thunderbird Club. We are located mostly in Northern Indiana, but we also have members in Northwest Ohio. We are a chapter of Vintage Thunderbird Club International, which covers all of the U.S. and even have chapters in Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, England, and France.  http://www.vintagethunderbirdclub.org  We are in the North Central Region. While it isn’t mandatory, I would encourage all of our members to join the National Club.

Indiana's Most Active Thunderbird Club

November, 2008

Hello Club Members,

With an abundance of sunshine, blue skies, and crisp temperatures, we had seven gleaming Thunderbirds winging their way North to the Gene Stratton-Porter Historical site on Sylvan Lake near Rome City.  Joining us were Darrell and Sue Will in their 1963 Hardtop, Bob and Kay Geimer in their 1973 Coupe, Gene and Beth Kline in their 1962 Convertible, Dick and Gerry Gervais in their 1960 Hardtop, Doug and Karen McConnell in their 1962 Sports Roadster Convertible, Jeff and Cindy Evans in their 1967 Coupe, and myself driving my 02 Retro Bird.

Our rolling car show gained a lot of attention as we enjoyed the fall colors, and of course the light hearted bantor on our two way radio's kept us entertained. 

The Gene Stratton-Porter Historical Site was very interesting and the setting with the acres of native woodland, formal flower gardens, and Sylvan Lake in the background was just spectacular.

Our tour guide, Terri, was very knowledgeable about the personal life of Ms. Stratton-Porter and she shared with us many interesting things about her.  The log cabin was designed by Ms. Stratton-Porter and included 7 bedrooms, two bathrooms, and several porches, both upstairs and down.  It contained three fireplaces, one of which was made of 'Puddin Stone.'  Another was made from rocks that she herself had gathered from all of the then, 48 states. 

After the tour we headed for Clay's Family Dining in Freemont for lunch.  I think everyone was well satisfied with the meal and most of us left room for desert.  At lunch I heard several comments about what a great day it was, and plans were being discussed about what fun things we could do next year.

Then we were off to the Satek Winery for our tour and wine tasting.  We were allowed to taste up to 15 different types of wine.  I think that most of us found a few bottles to our liking and purchased them for later consumption. 

We ended up again taking the back roads home, going through Spencerville.  We stopped at the Covered Bridge and took advantage of the photo opportunity there as Darrell took a shot of each of our cars as we exited the bridge.

By now it was late afternoon when we made it back home, but it was just a perfect ending to another great year of Thunderbirding.  Our thanks to Club Member Darrell Will, as he planned and made all of the arrangements for the day.  Also thanks to Gene Kline for the great photo's.

It is with a little sadness that we shut down for the long cold Indiana winter.  It has been a great year, and I can't wait to get started in the Spring.  Please be thinking about what exciting things we can explore next year.

Our 'After The Holiday's Party'  hosted by Doug and Karen McConnell is on the list of things to do this winter.  The date is yet to be determined.  Watch for announcements on our website.

Best regards,

Roger Noll, President

HVTC