CRANKIN A’S MODEL A RESTORERS CLUB, INC.MEETING MINUTES
April 25, 2026
The April meeting of the Crankin A’s Model A Restorers Club was opened by President, Bruce Hawley, at 10:07 AM on April 25, 2026, at the Pioneer Art Settlement, l76 Lightfoot Lane., Barberville, Fl., 32105. There were 30 members present, there were no new visitors, but we have had 1 new member in the last month.
We are celebrating the 3rdanniversary of the opening of Herman’s Garage on this date! Thanks to Kim for the articles and publicity, many other clubs have heard about us.
Sunshine Report: Karen Widajewski shared numerous birthday and anniversary dates. She also sent out cards Rocky Halter and Harvey Willis Birthdays this month included Dennis, Jeff M, Frank, Pat C, Marina, Gretchen, Becky, Paul J, Randy P, Vernon S, Barbara W. ,Nancy J. Anniversaries include Pat & Stephen, Dennis & Judy, Charles & Sue, Walter & Carol, David & Barbara.
Secretary Report: . It was requested that the minutes of the last meeting be accepted as reported on our website: crankinasfl.com. The motion was made and approved.
Treasurer Report: Ed reported that it has been a slow month. Some tool sales. We did present the Pioneer Settlement with our annual $1,000 donation. The Treasurer’s Report will be available upon request.
Question of the Day: In Cleo’s absence, Bruce shared the following question from Cleo…Henry Ford was 32 years old when he built his first automobile, the Quadricycle in a workshop behind his home. He worked on It at night because he was employed full time during the day at the Edison Illuminating Co. He used an angle iron for the frame, its two cylinders were made from a steam engines exhaust pipe. The seat came from a horse drawn carriage. The transmission was a simple affair with two forward gears and no reverse made from a leather belt and a metal chain. There was no steering wheel just a tiller. The wheels were from 4 bicycles tires. Henry had to remove part of a brick wall so his Quadricycle could roll out onto the street. On the early hours of morning on June 4, 1896 he drove past residents of Detroit, MI on its very first test drive!Question – What did Henry Ford sell the original Quadricycle for? ANSWER: $200 By the way he did buy it back in 1904 for about $65
Committee reports:
Project Car - Glenn Jewell reported that the fenders have been painted and it’s coming along, woodwork is next. Fred was not in attendance so there was no report on the Model T.
Web site report – The site is going well. There were several comments about the nice pictures being included.
Pioneer Settlement report - Bruce Hawley reported on Pioneer Art Settlement; they are looking to start a pottery guild. Also working on a cookbook (do you have any old recipes that could be included?) They will be receiving some help from a scout troop in September as they work on earning badges. Bruce mentioned that the Underhill House on the west side of Lemon St, is part of the Settlement. It is not open to the pubic as it needs restorations which have been started. There is a tour this Tuesday, April 28 for the Board if anyone is interested in joining. Bathrooms were discussed; to acquire grant monies they may need to include an Information/Welcome Center in the plans.
Old Business - The Pioneer Settlement appreciated our participation in the Spring Fling. We need to coordinate Gate coverage in the future so that volunteers have breaks during shifts. Several CrankinA Members have become expert volunteers as cooks and bakery help during the event, besides our manning of the “CrankinA Gate” This also led to a discussion about deciding to wait until the Fall Jamboree to present awards at our car show and a discussion about how judging is done. Dennis has previous experience with judging. There was discussion about only using a People’s Choice category. James and Dennis will create a proposal so that we can have a policy in place to be used by next show and in advertising.
Parts Stock in the Garage – there is a storage cabinet for small parts. Prices for used parts is half of fair market value. If you take a new part then you need to replace it with a like part.
New Business: The Fall Festival, November 7 & 8, will be the 50th anniversary of this fall event. We will begin working on the flyer for this event so that it can be mailed to other Florida Model A clubs. This led to a discussion about advertising it as a “antique” or “Blue Plate” car show to encourage older cars to attend. Parking volunteers are needed till at least noon, as another local car show ends then and several cars came to the Settlement then. This car show will be our Model A Day celebration. We should start collecting items for raffle and door prizes now. James suggested (and volunteered to man) a table to sell Crankin A merchandise.
Larry is our T-shirt and nametag point of contact.
Crankin A members were encouraged to become member of the Pioneer Settlement!There is a Crankin A Board of Director’s meeting Tuesday, May 5 at 10am at the Garage.Wednesday, May 13
There is a winery trip using Sunrail, leaving DeLand at 9:40am, pickups at DeBary at 10am and Sanford at 10:15. BE SURE TO HAVE A CREDIT CARD – the Sunrail ticket machines on take cards. Watch email for more details.Wednesday, May 20 Kevin will lead a day trip
Lunch tour to Flagler Beach. Watch emails for starting time.
Monday, May 25 is the Annual lake Helen Memorial Day Tribute Car Show. There is a signup sheet, notify Kevin if you are planning to attend. He has reserved 10 premium spots in the shade, by the food truck and restrooms for us!Thursday,
Dec 3 Kevin has reserved 2 boxes at the Athens Theater in DeLand for “The Christmas Story” This will accommodate 22 people and is a catered meal and show. More details closer to date.
TIDBIT – The boiling point of regular gas is 170degrees, while ethanol is 140degrees, hint for summer driving.Ham and waffle breakfast was enjoyed last Tuesday – Thanks Kim and Bruce! Also, Thanks to Karen for all the delicious baking she does for us!!
NOTE- the Garage is getting cluttered – Please be sure to put stuff away! Thanks to Janice for cleaning up the kitchen. If you take a cold drink/water from the refrigerator, please replace it with a warm one.
GARAGE SAFETY – If you are using the grinding wheel or press or other tools BE SURE TO WEAR SAFETY EQUIPMENT!!! Safety glasses, face shield and ear plugs will protect you. Signs will be added to the machines that protection is required to use. Even a quick job can be dangerous – Be SAFE!
Unfortunately, there have been a few parts missing from the Garage in the last month. If you find a part that you can use, always check with the Garage Manager or an Officer before removing. Security precautions were discussed and will be implemented if necessary.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Saturday, May 2, 9am, Jammin at the Settlement – Model As welcome!!
Tuesday, May 5, 9am Ladies Day at the Pioneer Settlement
Thursday, May 14, 5pm Crankin As monthly dinner TBD, selected by Don W.
Saturday, May 30, 10am Monthly Crankin A meeting at the Pioneer SettlementAll events are listed on the website.The meeting was adjourned at 11:04am. The 50/50 drawing was won by Don Widajewski who will pick the dinner location for May.BBQ Lunch from M&E’s at noon to follow.Respectfully
Submitted:Suzan Howes, substitute secretary