2023 Chapter President: Steve Halstensgaard
Club News for September-October 2023
“But the days grow short when you reach September; When the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame; One hasn’t got time for the waiting game”
As the lyrics from the popular 1938 tune “September Song” written by Maxwell Anderson imply, a certain sense of urgency is felt when autumn arrives. For many of us, that means that our fleeting driving season is on the wane. However, for the 412 Lakes Chapter, I think that this sense has been lessened by an action packed 2023 spring/ summer!
In our earlier correspondence, Steve Glunberg nicely recapped a busy spring which started well ahead of Memorial Day weekend. More recently, on a lovely July 10th summer’s eve, Steve and Cathy Halstensgaard led 16 vintage vehicles through the Vergas, MN area countryside. Our first stop was the homestead of John and Jolene Bruhn. Over the years, John has methodically constructed a vintage “gas station” that is remarkably detailed both inside and out. It was fun to tour the grounds and see what he had compiled for the inside of the station building. The setting provided a great backdrop for lots of photos. Chapter member Fred Floan took multiple pictures of the autos, their owners and a great group picture – one for the memories. And yes, as you might have noted in one of the included photos, gas was a mere 14 cents per gallon! Many thanks to our gracious hosts John and Jolene. The tour then culminated in a stop for dinner at the “Dugout” Restaurant in nearby Dent, MN.
Not to be outdone by their effort two weeks earlier, Steve and Cathy again led the group on an enjoyable July 24th tour. This coincided with the Chapter’s usual 4th Monday of the month meeting night. This particular “Pizza Tour” found the group heading east to Little Pine Lake near Perham, MN. The destination for the group of “hungry drivers” was the well known establishment Zorbas on Little Pine.
To continue the theme of summertime tours, Steve Glunberg led a group of 8 vehicles on August 14th through the hilly countryside of Detroit Lakes. This area is hallmarked by small farms, woodlots, ponds and pastoral scenery. The trek culminated in a congenial dinner at the “Pit 6/11”. Lively conversation and good camaraderie ensued.
On August 17th, the chapter had the privilege of presenting their vehicles and interacting with the residents and staff at our local Ecumen Nursing Home. On a sunny afternoon, there were many smiles and much reminiscing of times past sparked by the presence of vehicles from bygone times. We hope that this will become an annual affair.
The chapter also displayed vehicles at the Becker County Fair in late July and has participated in the monthly Detroit Lakes Cruise Nights on the beach of Little Detroit Lake. Reportedly, there were 300 vintage vehicles present for the August outing.
So, with maybe a little sense of urgency but an even greater sense of adventure, please enjoy the glory of driving adventures in the splendor of a Minnesota autumn!