ROCKET POWER NEWSLETTER!! GMO 20TH Anniversary ... 1984: With the reorganization of GM, Oldsmobile becomes a sales and marketing division in the
OLDSMOBILE CLUB OF AMERICA EASTERN MA. GMO CHAPTER ROCKET POWER NEWSLETTER!! GMO 20TH Anniversary Spring Dust-Off on May 4, 2008 Is your Oldsmobile out of winter storage yet? If not, you better get cracking - the GMO Spring Dust Off show will be held May 4, 2007 at Haskins Auto Sales in Wellesley under the Oldsmobile sign (one of the few left standing) whether you are ready or not.
Issue #34 Ma
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May 2008
A Perspective on Oldsmobile By Karl Sup Oldsmobile Club of Arizona Wind is an amazing event. It comes from a distance as a faint whisper, approaches unseen through the trees until it envelopes you with its will, departing into the distance. And it only lasts but a delicate moment. In it’s passing, there is a void. A void to us, like the last Oldsmobile rolling off the assembly line April 29th, 2004. We, the Oldsmobile Club of America, are left to write the epitaph and speak the eulogy of a great tradition, heritage and legacy; founded and forged with the heart and soul, the brains and brawn of innumerous inventors, engineers, marketers, office and assembly workers. Common folks. But uncommon to a man and woman. For what they have created in Oldsmobile has been masterful. And for that we are very grateful. We perused the online editions of the Lansing State Journal for historical facts. Typing 'OLDSMOBILE' into their website search engine returns a thousand results.
The theme this year is the twentieth anniversary of the founding of the GMO and above is the plaque we will be presenting to Haskins Auto Sales in appreciation for hosting the event. I spoke with Bob Haskins during a recent visit to their facility and he asked if the GMO might like to hold a “session” with several of the Haskins technicians who worked on the 442s and other Oldsmobiles of the 60’s and 70’s. If you are interested in an event of this type we will see what we can set up.
Far less than ten percent of these results were articles, with the remainder being over 800 obituary entries. Each obituary had a common thread... 'retired from Oldsmobile' or 'exOldsmobile employee'. We are captivated by their stories. Their accomplishments. Their individual Oldsmobile legacy painted within the small strokes of an obituary's canvas. To name them all here would be an honor. To omit a name would be a travesty. It was through their dedication to excellence that a tremendous base of loyal, satisfied customers were developed. Through the years, we have seen families, no, generations of Oldsmobile owners. Dedicated to a brand they had defined as unique to America, in
an ubiquitous landscape of innovative automotive history. The Oldsmobile was not the rich man, nor the poor man's car. It was the brand that defined the emerging middle class of America in postWorld War II. It was a statement of achievement, and once tasted, could never be forgotten. What better way to commute from the new suburbs than taking a rocket-ride in a Rocket 88? But where did Oldsmobile originate? 1864: Ransom E. Olds is born in Geneva, Ohio. His family moves to Lansing when he is 16. 1887: R.E. Olds develops a steam-powered car. 1893: Olds’ steam-powered car becomes the first American car sold abroad - but the ship sinks on the way to India and the car is lost. 1896: Olds builds a gas-powered car and starts motoring around Lansing. 1897: Olds and Lansing business people start the Olds Motor Vehicle Co. and build four cars. The Lansing-based manufacturer is the first company organized specifically to produce cars in quantity. 1899: Olds’ second company, Olds Motor Works, moves to Detroit. 1900: The Oldsmobile name is first used. 1901: Detroit plants are destroyed by fire and Olds returns to Lansing.
1942-45: Car production stops and Olds workers make 48 million rounds of ammunition, 140,000 aircraft machine guns and tank cannons. 1949: The Rocket V-8 engine is introduced. 1950: R.E. Olds dies. 1958: Olds becomes the nation’s 4th largest automaker. 1965: Employment tops 15,000 in Lansing. 1968: Hurst/Oldsmobiles roll off the assembly line and are shipped over to Demmer Tool and Die for conversion. 1978: With the dedication of a new Cutlass plant, Oldsmobile’s Lansing operations become North America’s largest passenger car assembly complex. 1979: Engine plant opens in Delta Township. GM employment tops 23,000. 1984: With the reorganization of GM, Oldsmobile becomes a sales and marketing division in the Buick-Oldsmobile-Cadillac Group. Oldsmobile sells more cars this year than any other year. 1992: Buick-Oldsmobile-Cadillac disappears as a GM name. Lansing’s factories become part of the Lansing Automotive Division, which made its home offices in the city.
1905: The Curved Dash Oldsmobile is immortalized by the song “In My Merry Oldsmobile.”
1996: GM announces Olds will move to Detroit.
1908: Oldsmobile joins the newly organized General Motors Co. as one of its first two operating divisions. The other is Buick.
1998: Olds moves from Lansing to Detroit. In mid-1998, Olds starts to build the Alero in Lansing.
1916: Oldsmobile uses the first V-8 engine.
1999: A GM vice president says the automaker could build two new assembly factories in the Lansing area.
1927-29: Olds employment skyrockets to 7,000 with 12 new buildings. 1935: One millionth Olds is built.
1997: Olds celebrates 100th anniversary.
2000: GM announces it will phase out its Oldsmobile division.
2001: Oldsmobile dealers begin receiving settlement payments from GM to avert lawsuits related to the Oldsmobile phase out. 2004: An amendment to a pending federal tax bill may give Oldsmobile dealers two years to spend their GM settlement checks before tax on the money is due. April 29, 2004: The last Oldsmobile to be built, an Alero, rolls off the line at Lansing Car Assembly. In the end, GM claimed that Oldsmobile was no longer a viable division, operating at a loss, while Saturn continues to operate at a loss since its inception. So answer this: where is the Saab, Saturn or Hummer loyal customer base today? Perhaps after these brands age another 50 years, GM corporate marketing will discover they have, by dumb luck, nurtured loyalties for these newer GM brands. But I know they will never create such brand recognition and loyalty as displayed by generations of Oldsmobile customers; loyalties that GM discarded callously on the roadside, like an old shoe. What a shame... what a travesty. Some say it's the end of an era. We believe that through the Oldsmobile Club of America, it's the start of an era. Close your eyes. Tilt your head to the sky... we feel another breeze coming. GMO Glimpse of the Month By David Consoli
Sam Murray on the move…
Ransom notes is a GMO member profile in honor of Ransom Eli Olds who founded the Olds Motor Vehicle Company on August 21, 1897. Ransom Notes is authored By GMO member David Consoli. The phase “To be or not to be that is the question” comes from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, prince of Denmark. You may be wondering why I am quoting Shakespeare for a Ransom Notes feature? Well that is simple. It was meant to be, so to speak when by accident Andrea and Nelson DesJardins stumbled on to the GMO. It was July 2003. Andrea had just purchased her 1971 Oldsmobile Delta 88, palm green 2 door coupe that she had found in an ad in Hemmings magazine. Innocently enough, Andrea and Nelson decided that they would like to attend the Endicott show to show off their original 24,000 mile gem with fellow car enthusiasts. Like many others they sat in the long line to get into the Endicott show. As they approached the registration table Andrea was directed to the GMO section of the show by chance. Andrea recalls, “At first, we did not know anyone and most people kept to themselves”. (Obviously I was not involved in the club back then because congressman Consoli would have been campaigning to get them to join.) Since then, we have met many wonderful people in the club. The DesJardins’ said that at first they were grateful for the members helping them find resources and giving them recommendations for their Oldsmobiles. Now they are grateful because they consider these people their friends. “That’s the best part of the club.” Andrea said. Nelson
then added “At first I saw names like Iantosca, Santucci & Consoli so I figured with all these Italians in the club at least the food will be good. Then I attended a meeting at this guy Berejik’s garage and all there is to eat is doughnuts and coffee so I said maybe this isn’t what I thought it would be.” All kidding aside Nelson had nothing but praise for his fellow GMO members. For example he told a tale of GMO member John Anderson. Nelson recalls how impressed he was when he met John with his knowledge of Oldsmobiles. In fact John Anderson showed Nelson how to Judge cars. “I was quite impressed how he always gave guys the credit for doing the restoration work.” Nelson said.
Andrea and Nelson shared a story with me that really exemplifies how fortunate we are to be GMO members. The attended the Ty-Rod Show this summer. It was a very dreary unpleasant day. The place was over crowded and a bit chaotic. To make matters worse the DesJardins were parked next to a sinkhole in the field. Their day seemed to be ruined. “That’s when I ran into Pete Agris. He always has a smile on his face.” Nelson said. Nelson describes Pete as someone who has such enthusiasm about the people and the cars. “Pete gives you a guided tour when showing of his Starfire. Not only does he do the work well he talks about it well. His eyes light up and it is very contagious”. That chance encounter turned their day around. Andrea’s history with Oldsmobile dates back to her childhood. In 1956 her parents Victoria and Leonard Puglisi purchased a brand new 88 Holiday green on white with the optional padded dashboard. Andrea was quick to point out that the padded dash was supposed to be a safety measure
of some sorts in case your head hit the dash. In 1962 Leonard bought a new Dynamic 88 coupe white with a red interior, for Victoria. Victoria always received the new Oldsmobile’s in the family and Leonard would assume the older Oldsmobile’s and “run them into the ground”. In 1968 the Puglisi’s purchased the “CURSED” Delmont 88. “We had a lot of problems with that one” Andrea said. “My father had an accident with it. My mother had an accident with it. I had an accident with it. The car even got sideswiped when it was legally parked on the street.” I was quick to point out that I recalled that the 1968 Delmont was a problem car. Heck, even Ted Kennedy had problems keeping his Delmont 88 afloat in the waters of Chappaquiddick in 1969.
Unlike the Kennedy’s curse, the Puglisi’s moved on. In 1972 they purchased a green Delta 88 from McNeely Oldsmobile in Chestnut Hill. It was around this time that Andrea was learning to drive in her grandfather’s 1962 Dodge Dart Station wagon. A Mopar!! Could this explain Nelson’s early attraction to his bride? The 1972 Delta 88 was given to Andrea soon there after. As they say the rest is history. “I loved that car.” Andrea Describes the full size Oldsmobile’s as Floating Living Rooms. In 1979 Andrea finally succumbed to Nelsons pursuit and they married. The marriage was meant to be. However Nelson’s Mopar was not meant to be. His 1976 Dodge Coronet was stolen a few weeks before they were married. After we shared a long laugh together I asked Nelson “Do you think this was a sign?” Nelson replied, “I should have”. He goes on to tell me a story about that same 1976 Dodge Coronet. The couple went out on a date in that car a year before and for no
apparent reason the right front wheel came off. At the time the Dodge was cheap transportation. “After the car was stolen I was vehicle-less”. Nelson joked. I think Nelson was safer as a pedestrian.
Letter From Your President By Paul Iantosca "Inspiration that could only have come from above." The all-new GMO Oldsmobile DUST OFF SHOW for 2008. Our show will bring pleasure and new heights due to all of the additional improvements that have been implemented for this year’s show. We will be featuring "Room for Everyone and everything” with the additional space Mr. Haskins and his great company and staff have been able to provide for us. With the use of advanced technology, David Consoli and Ted Loranz have formatted a completely new layout. It will be much more user friendly..... We listened to you!
In 1984 Andrea bought a 1973 Delta 88 4 door blue in color that she still owns today. “I love this car”. Andrea said. As the years have gone by and cars have changed and been scaled down Andrea appreciates more and more her big comfortable ride that her two Delta 88’s provide. In fact her 71 Delta was purchased as an insurance policy so to speak in case something happened to her 73 Delta. “I just don’t like the new cars today and I wanted to make sure I had a full sized Delta for my retirement years.” Andrea said. Andrea expressed to me that working at Harvard University sometimes comes with pressures and stress. Like the 1970’s Oldsmobile Escape Machine ads, the GMO is a venue where they can escape the stress of work and simply enjoy themselves. “It’s very enjoyable. It’s good for my soul” Andrea said.
You will experience first class comfort from the time you arrive until you leave. The food will be expanded this year. We have booked the best DJ in the business, Cruisin’ Bruce Palmer; we’ve been waiting 3 years to have him do our show. We will have many more Volunteers on Staff to assist with registration, parking, judging, trophy distribution, 50/50 ticket sales and friendly treatment of all of you, our members and attendees. Look for them in their new stylish GMO STAFF shirts that they will be wearing. Any questions, just ask them as they will all be there to assist you with any needs. Our very own “Boston Globe Photographer”, Mr. Shawn Monaghan, will be on board to catch more wonderful photos of all the beauties (cars) that will be in attendance.
I really enjoyed my time visiting with Andrea and Nelson. They are very intelligent, fun, and caring people. I am grateful they taught me just what Mopar means.
Ted has designed a special great new 20th anniversary logo that will be in use. You will see this on registration forms, plaques and awards of every type.
Most Oldsmobile People Are Remarkable
Judging, which is handled by our Vice President, Mr. Rich Santucci, will go smoother this year as he and Ted have designed a parking plan. All cars will be parked according to their class, and similar
classes will be near each other which will make the judging more accurate and timely. Volunteer Staffing is very gratifying this year. I want to personally thank those that, to date, have signed up officially to help out on Saturday and Sunday. Thank you to Chuck Schiel, David Pelletier, Chris Smith, Nelson DeJardins, Peter Agris, Shaun Monaghan and Jim Maffeo. They will be our meet and greet team. “Thank you." Remember, they will be wearing those new GMO STAFF SHIRTS. In preparation for the show, a "Board of Directors" dinner was held at Rich and Karen Santucci's home to decide on the Doug Stavros award, show awards, dash plaques, staff shirt layouts, 20th anniversary logo, parking design and many other details. I want to say thank you to the Santuccis for their hospitality and fabulous cooking. It was a great St. Patrick's Day surprise and the homemade corned beef was delicious. Thank you both! On another note: I want to congratulate Nelson and Andrea DesJardins for their great Feature Ransom Notes article this month. You two add so much fun to the GMO club. Thank you! Finally, "Thank You" to Sam Murray for his “Glimpse of the month” contribution and bring his tribute 1967 Brainbeau drag car to the show. With that said and knowing that we are having many members of the NEOC attending to speak about the Nationals in 2010, I am asking every member of GMO to attend this year’s 2008 DUST-OFF as a way of showing your support to all of us and every Oldsmobile lover out there. Be there or be square! Come and bring the whole family. I, and all the GMO Board of Directors and Welcoming Staff look forward to meeting you. Please introduce yourself and do attend. Happy Cruising in your Oldsmobile (or a friend’s).
GMO Officially Supported Events Following are the events that the GMO will officially support as a club. Note that many of them offer an award for Best Club Participation. We won two of these last year and hope to win more this year. •
June 22, 2008 – Elm Bank Show at Mass Horticultural facility in Wellesley, MA. They have an all Oldsmobile class this year as well as a best club participation award.
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July 13, 2008 – BSAAC Show at the Endicott Mansion in Dedham, MA – All Oldsmobile class with 9 awards.
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August 3, 2008 – All GM Show at Columbia Pontiac in Hanover, MA – All Oldsmobile class as well as a club participation award.
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August 17, 2008 – Mass Cruisers Show at VFW on Holliston St in Medway, MA – Club participation award
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August 23, 2008 – All Wheels Nationals at Barnstable Fairgrounds in Falmouth, MA – Top 5 Oldsmobile awards + Top Oldsmobile Super Wheels pick
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September 7, 2007 – Ty-Rods Show, Lancaster, MA
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September 14, 2007 – Milford Lions Show, Plains Park, Milford, MA – Club participation award.
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September 28, 2008 – NEOC all Oldsmobile show at Sturbridge Host Hotel in Sturbridge, MA – 17 Oldsmobile classes
Eastern Massachusetts GMO Chapter 114 West Street Medway, MA 02053-2226
First Class Mail
GMO Officers President Paul Iantosca – 617-543-0777
[email protected]
Events Coordinator David Consoli – 978-807-7350
[email protected]
Vice President Rich Santucci – 617-899-9109
[email protected]
New Member Recruiter Karen Santucci – 617-899-9109
[email protected]
Secretary / Treasurer Ted Loranz – 508-561-7613
[email protected]
Club Representative Everett Horton – 508-336-0440
[email protected]
GMO Chapter Website – http://clubs.hemmings.com/olds-gmo
