After attending our Christmas Club function in a beautiful setting at the new Legion Center, thanks to the Rigby's for selecting the place, I couldn't help but think this is the end of another year and it happens to be the club's 45th anniversary, which coincidentally also happens to be exactly half the age of the first Model A off the assembly line in October 1927. I then thought perhaps we are not giving enough credit to those who had the vision of forming the Club all those many years ago. It was in 1970 Dave Basaraba had the idea there may be some interest in the Calgary area among Model A Ford enthusiasts to form a club with the intention of promoting the restoration of such vehicles. He teamed up with a friend, Mel Schauerman, to find owners and with the help of MAFCA and after a couple of years had contacted enough individuals with whom they inaugurated the Stampede City Model A Ford Club in September of 1972.
At the first club meeting where six members attended at Dave and Merlyn's home an executive group was chosen comprising Bill Davidson, President, Al Shannon, Treasurer and Joan Kuyltjes as Secretary. In addition to the appointed executive present were Dave and Merlyn Basaraba, Joe and Rita Ellan, Ken and Terry Campbell, Al and Helen Shannon and John Kuyltjes. Club colours were chosen at this meeting as well as the decision to apply for membership as a chapter of MAFCA. Monthly meetings were then decided and a yearly fee for joining the club set at $6.50.
The remarkable feature of the SCMAFC is that early on terms of reference were established that stood the times for 45 years and those were to provide technical assistance for the advancement of vehicle restoration as well as providing an opportunity for social activities. Both are still evident today. Our club has continued to benefit from strong leadership throughout and has grown in knowledge and size to where we can now boast of approximately 100 members owning well over 125 vehicles collectively and having accomplished many objectives not the least of which include a respectful international reputation among many countries throughout the numerous continents, building a first class club house, restoration of award winning vehicles, publishing an award winning newsletter, sponsoring student programs in the automotive industry and many other activities. Our subject matter expects are well grounded in their fields. Our founding members, some of whom were present at the dinner, were honoured and were presented with their well deserved 45 year pins. They can stand proud of their achievement.
Although the main objective of car clubs such as ours is the pursuit of happiness of achieving perfection of a restored vehicle some 90 years old and proving it's performance on today’s highways we must not forget the spouse factor which we so often ignore. They are an important component in such enterprises as they go about doing the work most of us males either never think of doing or do not care to get involved with. They are responsible for keeping records, arranging social programs, keeping the library relevant and generally cleaning up after the “party”. I wish to honour all the ladies in our club and thank them for their support and assistance.
Speaking of the library, for those of you not familiar with it, you may visit the collection of books, photo albums, minutes of meetings and much numerous memorabilia which is located in the club house. As for photos we now collect them electronically but there are many examples of past events on prints in those photo albums which deserve to be preserved on electronic media. I'm hoping the new executive will take the initiative to record that information. This could be an interesting club project to undertake.
To all participants, please keep up the good work and Anne Marie and I wish everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Yvon Picot
SCMAFC First Meeting - September 15, 1972
L to R: Standing: Ken Campbell, Bill Davidson, John Kuyltjes, Wilf Schauerman, Joe Ellan, Dave Basaraba, Al Shannon, Helen Shannon
Seated: Terry Campbell, Joanne Kuyltjes, Linda Schauerman, Merlyn Basaraba
Missing from photo shoot: Shirley & Gord Watt, Wayne Brown
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First SCMAFC Tour to Carseland for a picnic in the spring of 1973
