Formed in 1966 by seven employees of the Sharonville Ford Plant in Cincinnati Ohio, the Ohio Valley Region Model “A” Ford Club has grown to over 200 members with more than 400 cars.
This photograph from the March-April 1968 issue of Model “A” News, the official publication of the Model “A” Restorers Club of America (MARC), shows early members. (left to right) Larry Cradler, Tom Sisson, Floyd Mason, Len Koebbe, and seated is Ralph Hicks.
The diverse membership includes; men, women and children, from singles to families and young to old. You don’t have to own an “A” to be a member, just have an interest in the restoration and preservation of these wonderful, old cars. The club’s emphasis is on driving cars, but we do have a few “show” cars owned by some members. Members are encouraged to drive their cars to the monthly meeting and to participate in the club-sponsored monthly events. These events are usually family-oriented driving tours with lots of fun along the way. Even the occasional breakdown is looked at as being part of the fun! There is an abundance of spare parts and technical “know-how” that gets the unfortunate person’s care on its way. Breaking down is a great way to get to know your fellow club members as they huddle over, around, and under your car looking for the solution to your problem. The women members take advantage of these times to socialize at the side of the road, or even share an opinion or two.
The Ohio Valley Club has always been active in the national organizations which include two national clubs, the Model A Restorer’s Club and the Model A Ford Club of America. Our club also supports the Model A Ford Foundation, Inc. located in Hickory Corners Michigan. We encourage all of our members to belong to at least one of these organizations so they may benefit from their excellent bi-monthly publications, technical information and free liability insurance when participating in club events. Some of our members have been active in serving on the governing boards of these organizations. We have hosted both national and regional meets in 1980,1984,1988,1994 and most recently 2001. Participating in these national and regional meets expands your circle of Model “A” friends. For many of our members, it has resulted in lifelong friendships with people all over the nation and even in foreign countries! These meets are family oriented with programs designed for any one in attendance. Subjects addressed focus on the Model “A” from technical seminars, judging of cars, era fashion competitions and programs and activities with children in mind. Over the years members have won many national awards for the quality of their cars, such as The Henry Award, MAFCA Award of Excellence, MARC Masters Award, MARC Award of Excellence, and for era fashions, the Clara Award and the Fashion Award of Excellence. Our monthly newsletter AAAOOOGAH, has also won national awards.
Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of the month at a centralized location at 7:30pm.
The exception is during the summer when individual members take turns hosting the meetings at their homes. We do not have a meeting in the month of December. The Aaaaooogah newsletter will always show the time and place of the next meeting.