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MOCSEM : Club History
Club History
1975 - 1980: The Early Years
The Mustang Owners Club was formed locally in the summer of 1975 by
James Egyed, at which time he collected the names of those interested in
the fledgling group. Jim saw an ad for the Mustang Owners Club in a
national restoration magazine and contacted Paul G. McLaughlin of Maldin,
Mass. about forming a local chapter. Jim told a few people and word spread
like wild fire. The first official meeting was held in November of 1975,
at which time Paul McLaughlin was to be a guest speaker. Pressing personal
problems prevented Paul from attending but the meeting was still held.
Affiliation with McLaughlin's Mustang Owners Club ended shortly
thereafter.
The summer of 1976 saw a Saturday morning meeting followed by a
softball game and picnic. In September of 1976, a meeting was held to
disuss dues and selection of officers. The first officers were President
Jim Egyed, Vice-President and Treasurer Jerry Ostalecki, and Jim's sister
Diane Egyed as Secretary. Also discussed was a club logo.
At that point Mr. Egyed was personally printing and mailing out 97
newsletters to those that expressed an interest in the Mustang Owners
Club. October 1976 saw the first dues assessed to members. At that time,
the membership roll reflected around 100 paid members with approximately
five to ten applications and information sent out monthly to prospective
members in the southeastern Michigan area. The membership of the Mustang
Owners Club was varied with members ranging from junior high students to
engineers and housewives.
The first year of operation was a period of growth and learning. Trying
to provide the membership with varied activities proved to be a full time
job for the board members. At the beginning of 1977, Sharon Stephenson
offered to help out as publicity director and Cher Ketelhut offered her
services as secretary. David Katona became editor of the monthly
newsletter, the Accelerator. 1977 was a busy year for the Mustang Owners
Club with a caravan to Frankenmuth, Mich., a town with a Bavarian
background and charm. A Michigan International Speedway caravan offered
the membership something for everyone. In the fall of the year, members
learned everything they wanted to know about brakes. The first
Constitution an By-laws of the Mustang Owners Club was approved at the
August board meeting and was distributed to the membership in September.
Nominations were taken in October of 1977 and the election held in
November to select the new officers for 1978. The election results were
Patrick Makowski, President; Mark Wadley, Vice-President; Donna Wadley,
Secretary; and Randy Stillings, Treasurer. The last social function of the
year was the Christmas dinner which was held at a local restaurant.
The new officers for 1978 planned the year's activities which included
a tech session on body work and car shows with the local Ford-oriented car
clubs. All interested club members worked up a club display for the car
shows. Club merchandise was offered which included license plate frames
and t-shirts with an official club logo designed by Diane Egyed. A vote
was taken at the January general meeting on becoming a regional club of
the Mustang Club of America, a national club formed in 1976. The motion
was passed 25 to 2. The board members began working on the mechanics of
the national club charter on January 17th. To geographically locate the
club and to avoid any confusion with Paul McLaughlin's Mustang Owners Club
the board decided that a slight name change was in order. They decided the
name should be the Mustang Owners Club of Southeastern Michigan (MOCSEM).
New board members were elected for 1979 which included John Haskin,
President; Greg Smith, Vice-President; Sharon Stephenson, Secretary and
Gini Scherer, Treasurer. The big event planned for 1979 was MOCSEM's "1st
Annual Mustang Show" to be held at Macomb Mall on June 7th-10th. The
minimum number of Mustangs to hold the show was 25. Unfortunately, due to
illness, the show was cancelled just prior to the 1st of June. Thanks to
Jerry Ostalecki, the Mustang Owners Club of SE Michigan became a regional
club of the Mustang Club of America, a national Mustang club formed in
1976.
John Haskin continued as President for 1980. Archie Cowan was elected
as Vice-President, Glenda Golip as Secretary, and Sharon Stephenson as
Tresurer and Membership. Members were urged to submit photos and stories
of their Mustangs for upcoming issues of the Accelerator. The February
issue was the first Accelerator to feature a Car of the Month. Glenda
Golip and her 1965 2+2 was selected as the first Car of the Month.
Membership renewal reminders were sent out for the first time in May of
1980 and the P.O Box for MOCSEM was established. In July, Jim Egyed and
Jerry Ostalecki were named as the first two Charter members of MOCSEM. Joe
and Lilly Errante's 1965 Mustang was featured in the Accelerator for the
first time in the August issue. The first event photos, from the SAAC show
at the Hyatt Regency, were printed in the August issue as well. By the end
of 1980, the membership director had signed up over 200 members.
1981 - 1987: Growing Pains
A new President, Don Gillespie, took over the "reins" of the Mustang
Club in 1981. In his "President's Corner" of the January Accelerator he
stated, " In thinking over the past year, or so, I have come to the
conclusion that it was a pretty good one for the club. Consider the
following; club membership has grown, we have money in the bank, an
excellent newsletter, and even made national TV. Not too shabby." He asked
for suggestion on what the club members would like to participate in. He
also organized the first guest speaker at a general meeting.
After a failed attempt in 1979, MOCSEM sucessfully put on it's first
car show in 1981. The show was called "81 Drive it to Dearborn". Here is
the report on the first car show as it appeared in the July 1981 issue of
the Accelerator:
MOCSEM's first car show, `81 Drive it to Dearborn, was a great success.
We had 149 cars entered, with 142 appearing for judging. There were also
may others in the display area only. The weather was beautiful, and those
of you who did not make it for one reason or another really missed a great
show.
Winners were:
`65-66 coupe and fastback
1st - Joe Errante, Dearborn, MI 2nd - George Schumaker, Dearborn, MI
`65-66 convertible
1st - Jerry Jablonski, W. Bloomfield, MI 2nd - John D. Hill,
Plymouth, MI
`67-68 coupe and fastback
1st - Joe St.Pierre, Westland, MI 2nd - Patt Sue Szyslowski, Grand
Rapids, MI
`67-68 convertible
1st - Ernie Ozanich, Northville, Ohio 2nd - Thomas S. Stevens,
Dearborn, MI
`69-70 coupe and fastback
1st - Gary Zukoff, Southfield, MI 2nd - Walt Beati, Southfield, MI
`69-70 convertible
1st - Terry Webb, Westland, MI 2nd - Carron Meldrum, Detroit, MI
`71-73 coupe and fastback
1st - Brent M. Dix, Dearborn, MI 2nd - Phil Jacobs, Berkley, MI
`71-73 convertible
1st - Bruce Baustert, Dearborn, MI 2nd - Ron Wahl, Grosse Ile, MI
Bosses
1st - Mark Cican, Howell, MI 2nd - Ted George, Rochester, MI
`65-66 Shelby Mustang
1st - Lee Swonder, Dearborn, MI 2nd - Gregg Burgy, Kent, Ohio
`67-68 Shelby Mustang
1st - Gary Brudna, Garden City, MI 2nd - Lowell D. Moyer, Bellevue,
Ohio
`69-70 Shelby Mustang
1st - Ken Mack, Ypsilanti, MI 2nd - Joe St.Pierre, Westland, MI
Once again, thanks to all who worked so hard to make this show a
success. Now we can look forward to the same again next year. Or maybe we
can make it even bigger and better next year. What do you think?
By the end of 1981, the 300th membership number had been handed out,
and a new president was elected.
1982 started out on a sad note. William L. Poly, a longtime member of
MOCSEM (member # 139), was killed in an automobile accident. A special
tribute to Bill and his 1965 Mustang, which had been at the Autorama, was
published in the January Issue of the Accelerator. MOCSEM's second car
show, `82 Drive it to Dearborn, was held at the Wayne County Fairgrounds
on July 10th. MOCSEM held it's first "Annual Hayride" in 1982 and had 30
members participate in this new event. The October Accelerator saw the
addition of the first "Service Center" section devoted to listing
businesses and individuals that had provided excellent service in
restoring or repairing Mustangs. Approximately 60 new members joined the
club in 1982.
Most of the same board of directors was back in 1983. MOCSEM continued
the tradition by holding it's 3rd annual car show at the same location and
it's 2nd annual swap meet in Belleville. Active membership numbers were
around 250 members, not counting families and spouses. General meetings
averaged 70 members in attendance throughout most of the year. The
Acceleralor had grown to 30 pages (1/2 sheets) of information, up from the
original 8 pages and for the first time included photos from MOCSEM's car
show. Tech articles, Car of the Month and classifieds continued to be
printed on a monthly basis. 1983 was also the start of another ongoing
event, the Redford Memorial Day parade.
As the Ford Mustang celebrated it's 20th Birthday, a new editor took
over the Accelerator in 1984 and the `83 Vice President became the
President of the club. A new section was added to the Accelerator; called
"Dr. Bob's Corner", it featured technical and how-to articles on the
Mustang and other Ford vehicles. The President's section of the
Accelerator was now called the "Glove Compartment". MOCSEM participated in
the many events held in 1984 for the 20th Anniversary of the Mustang. A
monthly cruise was added to MOCSEM's event list.
1985 was a big year of change for the Mustang Owners Club of SE
Michigan. Along with the changes came a few problems. It was decided in
1985 to open up the club to all years of Mustangs, originally the club was
formed for owners of 1965-1973 Mustangs. The Accelerator underwent large
changes with the addition of a new editor, Dean Ricci. The Accelerator was
expanded to its current size, 8 1/2 x 11 inches, versus the original
half-page size. The cover now included a photos of various Mustangs and
advertising. The photos and type was improved dramatically, but this did
not take place without problems. Advertising and printing costs almost
discontinued the Accelerator near the end of the year as was stated by the
then editor who wrote:
"As you may recall, I closed last month's
column by stating the Accelerator would have to go out of production due
to a fully depreciated treasury. A big part of this depletion was due to
the vast improvements made to the Accelerator over the last year.
Unfortunately, as the publication came into its own, no one cared to
listen to your editor's plea for help in getting advertising sold..... I
was happy that Mustangs Unlimited came through for us, but why other
vendors, right in our own backyard wouldn't say boo is beyond me."
Advertising eventually came through and some of the problems were
ironed out. Yearly dues remained at $15.00 and MOCSEM continued to put on
a swap meet but due to the financial problems, the car show was scaled
back and held at Westland Mall for the second year in a row.
Darla Matauch was elected as the President for 1986. She actually
stepped in as acting President when Grant Martin resigned in the summer of
1985. Darla brought enthusiasm to the club and Dean Ricci continued to
update and improve the Accelerator, the club's main source of information
for it's membership. The spring swap meet at Atchison Ford helped with the
low treasury and added new members to the roster. MOCSEM members were
encouraged to attend cars shows put on by the Shelby club and other clubs
but due to finances, the club did not put on a MOCSEM car show for the
second year in a row. The Accelerator again experienced problems when Dean
Ricci had to resign as editor for personal reasons. An editorial staff was
organized to continue to produce the publication. The car show was held
again at Westland Mall with an attendance of around 30 cars.
Most of the board of directors were the same in 1987 including
President Darla Matauch. The spring swap meet was held again at Jack
Demmer Ford and a new "event" was held at the March 1987 general meeting.
This new event was a model car contest in which the members brought their
model Mustangs and other cars to display in a mini car show. Membership
continued to grow and membership numbers handed out were nearing 700.
MOCSEM's car show continued to be held at Westland Mall and attendance at
the show grew slightly. MOCSEM members attended events in conjunction with
Michigan's 150th birthday party including a car show and track event at
Michigan International Speedway. As the club's financial status continued
to improve, an adult christmas party was scheduled as well as the annual
children's christmas party. The "car of the month" feature returned to the
December 1987 Accelerator for the first time in nearly a year. A national
show was mentioned, possibly for 1989, but the board decided to expand on
the regional car show before attempting anything on the national level.
Participation at the events and general meetings was lower than normal and
nominations for 1988 were difficult to obtain. Though the club was still
in it's infancy, only 12 years old, financial and participation problems
caused some members to think that the club would fold within a few years.
The board of directors would definitely have their hands full for 1988.
1988 - 1998: On the Right Track
Mike Bellaire presides as President of MOCSEM for
1988. The annual Spring Swap meet is again held at Atkinson Ford in
February. A suggestion for a "Rust is a Must" car show would be the first
car show to be held in a few years by the club. The show is held on August
14th at Greenmead Historical Park. 120 cars are in attendance at the show.
Other events held in 1988 included the club picnic, a skating party and a
fall swap meet. The additional events were to increase participation and
growth of the club. A new look is given to the Accelerator as the current
editor are owners of Speedy Printing. Plans were made to participate in
the American Pony Drive in 1989. Member # 724 was handed out in December.
No changes in Presidency for 1989 as Mike again takes
hold of the reins of the club. The car show, scheduled for August 13th at
Greenmead is changed to Clarenceville High School. This year, it is called
the "2nd Annual Mustang Memories show" although the show in 1988 was not
officially known as Mustang Memories. It is held on the second Sunday of
August for the 2nd year in a row. A "Mustang Birthday Party" was held at
the April general meeting and an important tradition was started at that
meeting as well. One of the raffle prizes given out at the meeting was the
"Brown Bag", which contained unknown items. This "Brown Bag" would
eventually become the "MOCSEM Bucket". A few MOCSEM members take part in
the lap parade prior to the Detroit Grand Prix in the summer of 1989.
1990 is the last year as President for Mike Bellaire.
The 3rd Annual Mustang Memories is held on August 12th at Clarenceville
with another good turnout. All of the same events are held this year as
well. The club continues to grow. A new editor "crew" takes over the
Accelerator responsibilities and prints an article regarding all of the
work involved in producing a quality newsletter. Member #878 is handed
out.
More traditions are started as Karen Winters takes
over as President for 1991. The 4th Annual Mustang Memories is moved to
the Wilson Barn in Livonia where it would stay for many years. A $2000
profit from the show is added to the MOCSEM treasury. The spring swap meet
also moves, this time to Adray Sports Arena. More content pages are added
to the Accelerator, bringing the total number of pages to 24. The
September issue is the first to contain a full page ad from National Parts
Depot. At the September general meeting, Carol Calemeti and Darrel Hughey,
the previous month's winners of the "Brown Bag" come to the meeting
without the bag. Instead, they carry in a large pickle bucket full of
goodies for raffle. Thus the first "MOCSEM Bucket" is won that night by
Steve Sutorka, a new member attending his first meeting.
It is business as usual for Karen and the club in
1992. The club continues to do good financially and holds the same events
as before including the 5th Annual Mustang Memories at the Barn. Member #
1063 is assigned.
Gary Peitraniec is elected President of MOCSEM for
1993. The spring swap meet is moved to Village Ford. Founding member Jerry
Ostalecki, begins to record MOCSEM's history in a series of articles for
the Accelerator. The original agreed upon items for the fledgling club in
1975 included:
· A stable
meeting date and time.
· A monthly
newsletter - "the life blood of the club"
· Meetings
every month
·
Everything open to all - no secret meetings
A model car contest is held at the April `93 general
meeting and Mustang Memories VI is held. The show grosses just over $8000
for the club. There are 290 cars in attendance, 50 swap spaces, and over
2500 spectators through the gate. Mustang Memories is fast becoming a
premier car show in the nation.
Karen is back as President for 1994 as MOCSEM plans
to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Mustang. The VP, Frank Lundgren,
fires up the membership with his monthly articles covering club activities
and general Mustang information. In April, the MOCSEM phone hotline is
established to help with communication.
A few MOCSEM members attend the 30th Anniversary
Mustang Celebration, a three day event held in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Shortly after the celebration, the MCA issues a letter demanding that all
MOCSEM members must be members of the MCA. MOCSEM decides to take a vote
and the affiliation with the MCA is disbanded. Mustang Memories has 270
cars in attendance with 2000 spectators.
For 1995, Frank Lundgren is elected to lead the board
and the club. MOCSEM attends the first Woodward Dream Cruise a week after
Mustang Memories. The entire August issue of the Accelerator is dedicated
to Mustang Memories and a new Service Center section is added to the
newsletter. MOCSEM is again affiliated with the MCA after an apology
letter is received by the club. A national Mustang show, in cooperation
with the MCA is discussed for a future date.
Frank is re-elected for 1996 and immediately starts
planning the events for the coming year. The spring swap meet attracts 400
patron and sells 36 swap spaces. Mustang Memories attracts almost 300 cars
but the spectator count is down to about 1500. A new editor is elected, a
young man named Scott Sutorka.
1997 will become a busy year as Frank Lundgren starts
his third year as President. While plans are being made for 1997's Mustang
Memories, a vote is taken and two shows are scheduled for 1998; a national
Mustang show and the normal Mustang Memories. As a sort of "teaser"
Mustang Memories for 1997 includes a tour of the Dearborn Assembly Plant
and a photo opportunity with Steve Saleen. Big changes take place for the
Accelerator and the club's communications. The printing of the Accelerator
moves to Insty-prints, a small, local company, to improve the look of the
newsletter and reduce the cost. Dues were also raised to $25 to cover the
Accelerator and the rising postal rates. 1997 was also the year that
MOCSEM went digital. Under the guidance of Scott, MOCSEM received its
first email address and later in the year its first website, both hosted
by AOL and maintained by the editor. After much discussion, a name was
assigned to the nation Mustang show to be held in 1998, the Stampede to
Dearborn.
MOCSEM's first national Mustang show, Stampede to
Dearborn, took place at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, June 12-14. It was
a huge success. Over 512 cars were on display the entire weekend. The show
started Friday with a special free, welcome reception. 400 participants
came to the reception and everyone had a great time seeing old friends,
meeting new ones, and discussing Mustangs. A dinner banquet was held on
Saturday and guest were treated to good food and information from the
speakers, which included Jim Egyed - founding President of MOCSEM, John
Coletti - Manager of Special Vehicle Engineering, Janine Bay - Chief
Program Director for Mustang, Thunderbird and Mark VIII, Charles Hampton -
President of MCA and a few more guest speakers. Trophy presentation was on
Sunday and numerous awards were given out. At the time, according to Ford
Brand Public Affairs, Stampede to Dearborn was the biggest national show
in MCA history. It took alot of work but MOCSEM pulled it off in style
thanks to chairpersons, Ron Movinski and Chris Bolla and all of the
workers of the show.
Right after the Stampede to Dearborn, MOCSEM also put
on its annual Mustang Memories show. MOCSEM held its first "worker's
appreciation" dinner which included the workers from both shows. MOCSEM
also parked at Witbeck Appliance in `98 for the Woodward Dream Cruise,
starting a traditional that would carry on for many years. The Dream
Cruise also received its first Accelerator cover in `98. As the elections
approached in November, many of the current Board members decided to step
down. Frank was nominated for President and accepted the nomination only
if all board positions could be filled. A member suggested adding three
new "members at large" positions to help the incoming board fill any
vacancies. It would take a strong Board of Directors to lead the club into
1999 and beyond.
1998 - Present
Coming Soon. |
