C L U T C H C H A T T E R REPORT
RIDEAU VALLEY REGION
HISTORICAL AUTOMOBILE SOCIETY OF CANADA JULY/AUGUST 2008

Last Meeting - The H.A.S.C. Family Picnic
On the weekend of July 11th to 13th, 2008, the H.A.S.C. Family picnic was held in Morrisburg, Ontario, hosted by the Rideau Valley Region. There were twenty-three registrations, including approximately 45 adults and two children. Approximately 15 antique vehicles arrived - the oldest being a Model T Ford!

On Friday, the participants arrived from various points in the province. Marilyn Henderson greeted everyone and registered them for the various activities taking place during the event. Participants either camped at Upper Canada Campground or stayed at the McIntosh Country Inn. On Friday evening, some of us spent time visiting friends in the area while others enjoyed a leisurely evening with friends at the campground.

Saturday was the most active day of the weekend. We were blessed with a bright, sunny, warm summer day! We all met in the parking lot of Upper Canada Village where we were given our entry tickets. Then we were on our own to explore the many intriguing places and experience how life was in the 1960's. Some of the many activities one could experience were: attending a class at school, watching a printer set up a document, enjoying the skill of a quilter and seeing cheese in the making. As this was the 195th anniversary of the Battle of Crysler's Farm, there were also many special events taking place during this weekend. Certainly everyone could enjoy the time spent here and learn how our forefathers had to experience life!

After a lunch break, we all gathered at the Lost Villages Museum site. Six Rideau Valley members joined us here. On this site, there is an interesting collection of buildings representing those of the six villages and three hamlets which were flooded, beginning July 1, 1958, as part of the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway, which was officially opened in 1959. Everyone attended church that day! Jane Craig of the Lost Villages Historical Society gave us a very informative talk about the history and of the effects this operation had on the inhabitants of these towns and hamlets. Having lived in one of the towns, she had experienced the consequences first hand. Jane also explained how the Historical Society began and how the various buildings came to the Lost Villages site.

For the next couple of hours, we were free to visit the many interesting buildings - each containing much memorabilia. Some of us ventured to the river to search for the roadway to Jane's village, which had been flooded. Later, while we were relaxing and chatting in the shade of the wonderful trees, Marilyn presented gifts, which she had gathered for each registration. It was like Christmas in July! Also it was Andrew Haslam's sixth birthday so we all sang "Happy Birthday" to him. Fred Elliott thanked the Hendersons, on behalf of those present, for a very interesting event. Marilyn acknowledged his gratitude, saying she hoped everyone was enjoying the weekend. To round out the afternoon, members of the Historical Society prepared a barbeque for us, a superb ending to our visit.

In the evening, some people returned to Upper Canada Village for the battle of 1812 reenactment and the fireworks display. Others returned to enjoy time together around a campfire. A most enjoyable day was had by all!

On Sunday morning, we all joined together for a buffet breakfast at the McIntosh Inn. After we all had a tasty meal, Hilary Faris thanked the Hendersons on behalf of Rideau Valley Region for a most enjoyable event. Everyone bade farewell to each other and headed off. For some, this was the beginning of a holiday while for others, it was a weekend away. However for one and all, it was a very enjoyable weekend.

May I take the opportunity to thank Marilyn and Bill Henderson for their hard work in the organizing and the overseeing of this successful event!
(Hilary Faris)

August 24th: Traditional Corn Boil and visit to Woodland's Ramble, hosted by Bill and Marilyn Henderson. See Next Meeting below.

September 14th: Discovery Tour at North Gower, hosted by Ted & Isabella Fiander. See below.

September 13th: National Executive meeting hosted by Radar Circle Region.

Activities - Non-HASC:
August 24th: Car Show - Rideau-Carleton Raceway (Slots). For information, call Graham at 613-830-5207.

August 30th to 31st : Perth Fair Car Show on Saturday (30th), Truck Show on Sunday (31st). Call Dave Muir at 613-264-0750 for information.

September 1st: Richmond Auto Classic, Richmond Plaza. Call John Egan at 613-298-2324.

September 4th to 7th: 38th Annual Fall Barrie Automotive Flea Market, Burl's Creek Family Event Park. For further information, call (705) 487-3663.

September 14th: Mike Bowes Memorial Car Show, sponsored by 3M Company of Canada, Highway 43 at the 3M Plant, 10:00 to 16:00hrs. For further info., call 613-264-0563.

September 28th: Cruzin into Fall - Monkey Joe's, Westgate Shopping Centre. For info call Larry at 613-446-4717.

October 8th to 11th: 2008 AACA Fall Meet and Flea Market at Hershey PA. For information, call (717) 938-4022.

Here's something else to think about:
Ford has spent the last thirty years moving all its factories out of the US, claiming they can't make money paying American wages. Toyota has spent the last thirty years building more than a dozen plants inside the US. The last quarter's results: Toyota made 4 billion in profits while Ford racked up 9 billion in losses. Ford folks are still scratching their heads.

If this weren't true, it might be funny.
-------- Bruce Pettinger

Discovery Tour
On Sunday, September 14th, we will take part in the annual Discovery Tour of artists' studios, artisans' workshops and nurseries of North Gower and Kars. Plan to meet at Brunstad Christian Church Ottawa, 1981 Century Road West, North Gower, at 1:00 PM. This is the first stop on the tour and can be reached from old highway 16 to Century Road West or just off highway 416, exit #57. Watch for the signs. At this point there will be refreshments and a hot lunch available, plus Bake Sale and information. Pamphlets with directions to each site will be distributed and you will be on your own to peruse each display (or not) at your leisure. We will gather in the parking lot of The Swan on the Rideau for supper at 5:00 PM. A head count will be conducted beforehand and further details, if any will be transmitted at that time and at the Corn Boil.

Wanted
A proper locking 1950 - 1952 trunk handle for 1951 Plymouth Cranbrook. I have 2 non-locking handles at present. Call Bruce Pettinger (home) 613-234-4266 and (work) 613-998-4182.

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