As my dear friend, founder, and past-Prez Jay Friedman takes a well-deserved respite from his sundry duties, I’d like to thank him, on behalf of the Chapter, for his tireless work and dedication to our “cause”. Jay’s journalistic expertise and contributions over the past 10 years have produced an outstanding newsletter, the ’49 Times. I sure have some big shoes to fill and hope that I can live up to the task! From its humble beginnings in 2001 with a mere 10 members, our Chapter has blossomed into an organization with over 240 members from across the US and abroad, all due to Jay’s tireless efforts. Kudos also go out to Frank Lindauer and Art Gardner for their hard work and contributions over the years!
When Jay divulged his intent to retire, and proposed I take over as Prez, I found it impossible to decline. I couldn’t, in good conscience, face the prospect of all his hard work withering on the vine and the possibility of our Chapter fading into oblivion. When I accepted, Jay suggested an Inauguration. However, upon my insisting that Harley Earl be procured as guest speaker, he quickly abandoned the plan! I guess that I eat, breathe and sleep 1949 Cadillacs, and that 1949 was the year of my birth also helped clinch the deal.
A bit about myself. I’ve been addicted to old cars since I was a 17-year old high school Senior in 1967, and since then have owned and restored numerous makes and models, ranging from a Model T Speedster to a 1952 Crosley Roadster. In 1987, while searching for a 1949 Cadillac Club Coupe like my late Dad owned when I was a kid, I acquired a nice, solid, original ’48 Coupe instead, and became hooked on ’48-’49 Cadillacs forever. In the interim I’ve restored a ’48 and ’49 convertible, two ’49 Club Coupes and, most recently, finished a ’49 sedan. In the process, I’ve become quite familiar with the beasts. Though I don’t consider myself an expert, I currently serve as a ’48-’49 Technician, along with Jay, and always enjoy meeting, talking with, and fielding questions from other owners of these magnificent automobiles.
With that said, I welcome, and urge all of you to submit tech tips, stories and photos of your Pride and Joy, and anything else relevant to ’48 and ’49 Cadillacs (and ‘50s, too. –Ed.) Don’t let concerns over lack of literary ability, punctuation, spelling, etc. prevent you from submitting material. Art, Jay and I will be happy to “polish” your contributions prior to publication. You may submit items for consideration to me at: 102 Monroe Street, Douglas, Massachusetts 01516 USA or email me at: 49caddyman@gmail.com. I may also be reached by phone at 508-476-3490. If you submit photos, please indicate if you wish them to be returned to you.
I look forward to serving you as the new Prez, and meeting you in person at the CLC Grand National this August in Ohio. I plan to conduct a Chapter meeting late in the afternoon on the day of the show. If you would like to volunteer to give a brief presentation, “show and tell”, tech session, etc. at the meeting, please contact me. Details will be forthcoming in the June issue of the ’49 Times. “Keep ‘Em Rolling”.