The Bulletin -- Aug 11, 2010 (#1052)

This 1915 Lozier Type 77 is currently on display at the Champlain Valley Transportation Museum. Club members received a guided tour by docent and exhibit manager, Dick Soper (left).

Program: Champlain Valley Transportation Museum

The club took a break from the customary meeting at the Elk’s Lodge, and after a lunch at Michelle’s, received a tour of the Champlain Valley Transportation Museum guided by Dick Soper, the Docent and Exhibit Manager at the museum.

The tour began in a building displaying some of the country’s most rare, vintage vehicles. Soper explained that the current theme focuses on the Loziers. The Lozier Car Type 77 on display at the museum was manufactured in 1915 in a facility that was located where Georgia Pacific currently stands. It was an elegant car made for the wealthy. In 1915, this car would have cost $2,775. With its classy interior and 24K gold pinstriping, it was worth every cent to those who could afford such luxury. The Type 77 is on loan to the museum from Jeff Lozier, the grandson of Harry Lozier.

Soper’s expertise in the rich history of all the vehicles on display made for an enlightening experience. When car production began in the early 1900’s, Henry Ford came up with 19 different model cars. Rather than produce some of each, Ford’s business plan called for selecting just one car for mass production. He decided to produce the Model T, which was affordable for most families hovering around $250 each.

Soper highlighted the features of each car as they changed over time. With the onset of World War II, brass was no longer used on the grill or for plating because it was needed for ammunition. The wood that was used in early models (wood taken from shipping crates that carried the parts of the vehicles) was no longer used because it needed to be varnished and took too much time. Aluminium became the material of choice, because it was abundant. Aluminium was used to make airplanes and was plentiful at the time.

Club members listen as Dick Soper describes the rich history of the automobiles on display at the Champlain Valley Transportation Museum.

The Lozier exhibit included not just vehicles, but vintage bicycles made by the H. A. Lozier Company. Club members got a close look at an 1878 ladies bicycle and one of the first tandem bicycles made. Unlike tandem bikes you see today, this particular version (a type 97, built in 1890), has two handlebars that both turned. Everyone questioned the logic in having handlebars that could potentially steer in opposite directions. Evidently time and experience sorted out that minor design flaw, and today’s tandems are steered via the front bars only.

The Lozier exhibit included a viewing of the boat display, and club members were able to peruse the campus at their leisure. Club members who were unable to attend should find an opportunity to visit the museum with family or friends. Dick Soper is available for guided tours upon request. Contact the museum at 566-7575 or visit www.cvtmuseum.com.

Guests: Joanne Nelson (Anne Hansen), Craig Cathers (Jody Carpenter), Nick Moore (Don Moore), Britney Mathieu (Lori Mathieu), Ashlea Keene (Bob Parks), John Jablonski (Honorary Member)

Announcements:

• Paul Harris nominations will be accepted until Wednesday Aug. 25. This has been moved up from the previous due date of Sept.11.
• Monday, Aug. 16 is the Board Meeting. President Colin asked that committee chairs please attend and present reports on their committees’ progress.
• President Colin attended a Bed Race committee meeting recently. He is excited and impressed with the new ideas and enthusiasm by the committee. Please find time to volunteer on Saturday, Sept. 11. There are many opportunities at all times of the day.
• Don’t forget the District Conference coming up on Oct. 29-30. Feel free to attend one or both days, as they should be exciting.

Another Candle Burning For: Ewa Jankowska (8/17).