Spirit of '76 Transcontinental Tour - Seattle, Washington to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
/Written by Howard J. Henry. Originally published in The Bulb Horn, 1976, Volume XXXVII No 5.
Bill harrah leaving washington plaza hotel in seattle on June 7th headed for philadelphia, 3,518 miles away.
The Spirit of ’76 Transcontinental Tour was conceived in 1972 after 22 stalwart drivers and their families had completed the marathon run from Montreal to Tijuana. Millard W. Newman was the Tour Director of the ’72 Tour, the original ’68 Tour, and the great and successful 1976 Tour.
The participants converged on the Washington Plaza Hotel, Seattle, Washington, from 25 states. Some had their cars shipped out by motor transport, some by car carrier, some by trailer. A few came in rental trucks, at least one by air, while others drove their antiques – all 62 years or older.
The Hubert Moineaus left Bolton, Mass. On April 13th, went to Florida, Texas, California and had logged 6,600 miles in their 1913 Pierce Arrow before the tour even started. Jim Thomas and Doug Baumgarten left Miami in mid-May and reached Seattle via California, camping out as they went. It seemed incongruous to fly to Seattle by jet and inch home by antique car. The entries were probably the greatest assemblage of touring automobiles in history.
Scenic Seattle was spectacular; the weather was sunny and warm and the snow-capped mountains were at their best in the distance. The tour cars were inspected by the Technical Committee on Sunday, and after several additions of safety equipment and brake adjustments, all the cars were approved.
Jerry and floy Durham motoring through their home state washington.
The first week eastbound witnessed incredible breakdowns, major repairs, and cooperation among fellow tourists. The tenor of sharing parts and knowledge had been set, and lasted throughout the tour. Perhaps the most newsworthy happening was when one tourist was referred to a machine shop and found, much to his surprise, that the chief mechanic was a topless female! Other disasters the first day included John Grundy’s four flat tires, Manny Souza’s three broken axles, Bud Josey’s broken axles, broken wheel and disintegrated clutch, Glen Koets’ water in crankcase, Joel Pettingill’s rod damage and lock rim problems and the demise of Howard Henry’s starter and generator.
Bud Josey kneeling on wheel and working on a recalcitrant axle - Val johnson facing the camera and Mrs. johnson supervising.
The first day we shared mountain passes, high winds, ever changing beautiful landscapes and a pretty park in Leavenworth, Wash., where coffee and doughnuts were waiting for us. Our friendly impression of Idaho came from a stop in tiny Kellog, home of the United States silver mining industry, where coffee and doughnuts were served and souvenirs of Idaho were given to all the cars. The next day several tourists were sharing a picnic on top of Lookout Pass (elev. 4,725 ft.) on the Idaho-Montana line, when Bud Josey’s Cutting snapped its axle only a hundred yards from the top of the pass. Bud got out his spare axle, installed it and carried on from there, only to have it slip out later and roll down a mountain valley along with the wheel.
Our first rest day was at Yellowstone Park on Saturday, June 12th. There wasn’t much rest as most of the tourists worked on their cars. The Quaker State representative was there to hand out oil, and much greasing and changing of oil took place. The day started with cold mist and ended with sleet, hail and snow.
wind and white caps in lake yellowstone - howard henry’s 1913 packard in the foreground.
Sunday morning broke cold, windy and hailing. The airport at West Yellowstone had been closed and Millard called a special meeting after breakfast to advise on travel conditions over the surrounding mountain passes. The Yellowstone Park Ranger reported that all the passes out of the park are closed, with the exception of the East Entrance. This was 65 miles away from the Old Faithful Inn and involved crossing the Continental Divide twice- once at 8262 feet and further east a few feet higher. We decided to go and saw bull elk, buffalo and moose along the way. Later in the day the cars were battered with gale force winds off 15-mile-wide Yellowstone Lake. The high winds picked up sand from the beaches and deposited it on the car sills. The temperature was 40 degrees, and the chill factor was nearly unbearable in the open cars. We had to keep reminding ourselves that this was a pleasure trip and touring under winter conditions with spring clothing was fun. Near Avalanche Peak the road snaked over Sylvan Pass (8530 ft.) where it got colder and windier, and the now was heavier. Each of us had a windshield wiper, but hand wipers aren’t terribly convenient when the snow is freezing on the windshield and the operator is steering and shifting gears.
Exhausted and frozen, we eventually made it to Cody, Wyoming, where the day’s high registered 45 degrees. That evening the temperature fell and the area was greeted with thunder and lightning – and a brand-new blizzard that left four inches of snow on the car tops. It impressed this writer that lawn irrigators were trying to pump water through the snow. It was also difficult to understand why irrigation systems were in full flow during the periods of drenching rain we passed through.
The disturbance was headlined, according to the Casper, Wyo., Star-Tribune: “Storm bursts across State,” and referring to the antiques: “Cars battle drifts”. The word storm was really an understatement, freezing temperatures, reported 50mph winds, and snow up to 14” covered the two available passes over the Big Horn Mountains. Our planned course was to take Route 14 through Graybull, Shell, and over Granite Pass (8950 ft.) from Cody and then proceed to Sheridan for a parade at 5:00pm. Some travelers had made good time and just beat the snowstorm over Granite Pass. Others had met in the Graybull bowling alley, phoned the Wyoming Highway Patrol and been advised that Granite Pass was dangerous and might become impassable. The Highway Patrol recommended the route 16 passage over Powder River Pass (9666 ft.) which was reported snowy, foggy, freezing at the top, but still passable. It was 80 miles further, but a group of us elected to try it. Although rough, steep, windy and snowing the four hours we were in second gear climbing to the top, with care it was fairly safe.
The karl summers’ 1913 overland and 1908 E.M.F. after overnight snow in cody, wyoming june, 14th.
The snow took its toll among the group attempting Granite Pass, as heavy drifts, snow plow equipment and modern cars blocked the antiques. An abridged account, as reported in the Tattler, the Tour newspaper, says:
“Shell Version: There was live entertainment in Shell (put on by Scoutmaster John Grundy) featuring water jokes and skits – more people got hooked than fish, although Grant Ross caught a fish with rod owned by bartender who had lived there eight years without catching one. B-Bar-R dining room was closed on Monday, but a new cook was recruited to serve the stranded travelers. No waitresses available, however, so group served themselves and cleared their own tables. Eldon Eby was caught in two cattle drives. Virginia Ross didn’t care too much for the branding.
Shell Falls (elev. 6,000 ft.) Version: Pinky Randall set up camp about 2:00pm at a rest stop. At 4:00pm the Randalls plus all later arrivals decided to defy the elements; however, four miles up they were turned back by a road block and returned to the original campsite. Randalones Kitchen served spaghetti to McKinley’s clan and John Drew, who had abandoned his to the mercy of snowplows. The Sprinchorn’s mobile home provided Barbeque from a hibachi, followed by a bridge party. In the late afternoon, a westbound snow plow brought a message from “Mother Hen” Newman to stay where they were and not to try to make it Sheridan, along with a telephone number to be called. Who could find a telephone?
Sheridan Version: The stouthearted souls who had made it to Sheridan were so concerned about their friends stranded in the mountains, that a full report was made during cocktail hour. Each car and occupants were accounted for.”
The morning of Tuesday, June 1st broke bright and clear on the western side of Granite Pass and made it look like midwinter in the Rockies. The snowbound group made it over the pass and caught up with the bulk of the tourists of Newcastle, Wyo. near the South Dakota line. We had spent five days and nights in wonderful Wyoming.
South Dakota brought us scenic views of the Black Hills, beautiful trees, and a memorable visit to Mt. Rushmore with the busts of our famous presidents carved in the rock. The weather continued cold, windy and rainy, and the evening found some of us spending the night in Wall, S.D., home of the world-famous Wall Drug Store that attracts 10,000 visitors a day. The following day brought us to Pierre (pronounced Peer), a welcome from Governor Knipe and friendly help from Phil Redden of the Prairie Rattlers Antique Car Club. When asked to greet the group, his speech was short and concise. He said “Hello”, and then went off to help tourists make needed repairs.
Eastern South Dakota was an important milestone for all of us because it marked the halfway point across the United States. At Mitchell, home of the Corn Palace, the Tattler reported: “Ailing Autos:
Moineau’s 1913 Pierce – electricity.
Peterson’s 1913 American Underslung – Valves.
Farguhar’s 1912 Cadillac – rods.
Cross’s 1913 Pierce – water problems.
Gooding’s 1914 Peerless – transmission, no reverse (body was removed to make repairs).
Strong’s 1914 Pierce – 5 flats in 60 miles.
Souza’s 1912 Rambler – third axle replaced.
Martin’s 1914 Ford – drove 80 miles on 3 cylinders.
Gish’s 1914 Cadillac – no 1st or reverse (Jerry Rolph exhibited broken gear with proper ceremony).
Josey’s 1910 Cutting – ailments too numerous to detail.
Koet’s 1908 Glide – missing (probably on stilts somewhere)
Haller 1912 Hupmobile was reported in the obituary column, but was later reincarnated.
Newcomer’s 1910 Buick broke it’s crankshaft somewhere in Iowa, had it welded and sent a message that they would catch up in Natural Bridge. They did. This was the same crankshaft which broke in Ontario, Canada, in 1972. It was welded then and furnished them with transportation to Tijuana, Mexico with a few Glidden Tours in between.
As the states got smaller, time seemed to go faster and our transcontinental Tour was rushing to an end – an end that nobody wanted to have happen. Iowa was warm, level, friendly, and for the first time, over-heating became a problem to a select few. On our arrival in Sioux City, we were treated to an evening’s hospitality by the Irving Jensens. The Jensens had arranged for buses to pick us up at the Holiday Inn, take us to their private museum where some unique and rare brass age trucks and beautiful cars were restored and tastefully presented. Hors d’oeuvres were served and a bar was there for the pleasure of the tourers. The buses then took us to a dinning area where all were treated to delicious steaks, broiled on a huge outdoor grill. It was a gracious insight into Midwest generosity.
The following day the Chamber of Commerce provided a coffee stop in Carroll, Iowa, and a few miles further along, Don Jensen invited everyone for a luncheon at the Dusseyburger Lunch near Jefferson, Iowa. Narrow Illinois was the home of fellow-tourists Glen and Betty Koets, who entertained us royally. (What a collection of gasoline pump glass tops!) A generous lunch stop was hosted by the Dana Stewarts in Princeville, Ill. Where the town declared a holiday for our arrival.
Indiana provided us with rain and more friends. At Lebanon, Jerry Rolph had a watermelon party for the younger set and the following day, thanks to Jack Cohen of the local VMCCA Chapter, the cars made the circuit of the famed Indianapolis Speedway, one of the highlights of the tour.
The route continued southeast and passed through the picturesque Ohio River valley with a luncheon stop hosted by the Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce. Another welcome pause come at Ironton, where our touring veteran, Jess Brammer and his wife, Zura, served the group light refreshments. A checkpoint at Charleston, West Virginia, was one of the few places where all of us were together in one parking area. From six stories up in the motel the spectacle was impressive.
bob schill driving his 1913 cadillac and proudly displaying his license tag - n.h. 1776A
The mountains of West Virginia were nearly as steep as the Rockies and lacked only snow to complete the similarity. The switchbacks were steep and curves sharp. It was hard on tired and worn out brakes, but caution was the name of the game, and all made it through the “Mountain State” safely. West Virginia has the highest average elevation of any state east of the Mississippi. The scenery was more than rewarding, and our stay in Natural Bridge was a happy selection.
The next leg of the trip was to Colonial Williamsburg where we enjoyed another “rest” day, and a chance to work on our cars while the gals did another batch of laundry. Many of us took the opportunity to visit the American Road Museum where we were shown a documentary film on the Henry Ford Story, an attractive collection of old cars, and interesting early Americana. It was well worthwhile and personally presented by the owner, Mr. Levinson.
Curt blake checking out his 1910 peerless
The following day, July 1st, was sunny and warm, and most of us left early in order to make the most of our stay in picturesque Annapolis. Here the streets are narrow, the building historic and the restaurants offer Maryland seafood at its best For a short time, Annapolis was the Capital of the United States.
On July 2nd, the group left Annapolis shortly after daylight and most arrived at Buena Vista, the former home of Statesman John M. Clayton, by 10:00am. Tour Chairman Millard Newman handed out the tour completion plaques to those drivers who had successfully completed the prescribed route. Refreshments were served by the Brandywine Region of the AACA on the beautiful grounds. A police escort took us into Philadelphia in grand style, but once into the city, the red lights, traffic fighters and stalled cars took their toll. Eventually all found their way to the Holiday Inn Independence Mall for the last mile of the trip, the celebration of the 200th birthday and the sharing of experiences and friendship during the final days of the tour.
The first night in Philadelphia was naturally one of celebration, and most went to bed late. At 1:30 am the fire alarm in the Holiday Inn went off, and those that were wakeable staggered down to the lobby. The Tattler billed it as a “Midnight Fashion Show”, but there was really little humor in being waked up. Fires had been set in the shrubbery outside the hotel and in the second story; and since a member of our tour had his room ransacked and robbed, the conclusion was that fires were decoys.
A trio of pierce arrows. curtland cross’ 1913, hubert moineau’s 1913 and whitney snyder’s 1910
On the positive side, we were in Philadelphia, the cradle of liberty, on our Country’s 200th birthday. This was the final destination of the Spirit of ’76 Transcontinental Tour and most of us had made the 3,500-mile trek more or less successfully. Seattle, the Rockies, the Great Plains, the Midwest, the Historic South, and finally the traffic in Philadelphia had all ben a challenge. Yet we had arrived. Philadelphia with all its fireworks, tours, exhibits and museums was friendly, ready and willing to share its heritage with us.
The Tattler summarized the trip concisely and we quote: “News of the Month in Review – Ailing axles, blowing blizzards, burning brakes, cantankerous cars, dedicated drivers, energetic engines, fractured fenders, fortunate friendships, gone gears, horrible hail, ingenious initiative, joyous jocosity, kranky krankers, loyal leader, masterful mechanics, nurtured nuts, odiferous oil, quality Quaker State, ruined rims, splendid spirit, spectacular scenery, tired tires, undulating unders, viscous valves, wild wind, xtraordinary xpertise, yummy youngsters, zany zealots.”
veteran tourists, paul and les newcomer, before the 1910 Buick broke it’s crankshaft in half.
The grueling and harrowing days of snow, sleet, hail, rain and winds were over when our tour chariman, Millard Newman handed out the awards for the antique car drivers and suitable diplomas for the more than fifty young people who had participated in the tour. The valued prizes were all there, and thirty-two of the motorists had completed the tour without losing a single point for arriving late at a checkpoint, being trailered, pushed or towed more than 50 feet. First prize for reliability ended in a tie. The awards went to Tom Lester with his powerful and exotic 1908 Mercedes Benz and to Karl Summer Sr., driving the sturdy and reliable 1908 E.M.F. that had made two of the three transcontinental trips. (The Summers have made all three.) All who completed in the marathon trek received a generous trophy and at the end of the evening there were three special awards. The undisputed winner of the Hard Luck Trophy was Bud Josey who broke axles, wheels, gears, bearings and all the other things that comprise a 1910 Cutting. It was ironic that genial Josey had donated the hard luck trophy in 1972 that was won by John Grundy, who shattered records among other things, in winning it.
The second special award went to the man who had unselfishly devoted his time, energy and expertise to seeing that his fellow tourists would successfully finish the tour route. The award went to three-time transcontinental driver, Ernest W. Gill. The third award went to Judy Henry who edited the seven issues of the Tattler. The Tattler staff included Maggie Fye, Nancy Westermyer, Diane Grundy and Dorcas Farquhar. It provided us with news which was more or less accurate and kept us all up to date on the comings and goings of guest tourists, the storm in Wyoming and breakdowns along the route.
The festivities ended with Curt Blake presenting our Tour Director with a silver tray inscribed with a map of the United States and our route engraved on it. It was a gift from all the tourers and was but a small token to our leader who spent several years, made hundreds of phone calls and written uncountable letters to motels, town dignitaries, antique car groups and others from coast to coast. It was our thank you to Millard Newman.
Jim Thomas’ 1914 Knox in front of the buffalo Bill historical center
These old articles are just fantastic and we’d love to know more about the 1976 Spirit of ‘76 Transcontinental Tour. If you have any stories, photographs or know the model numbers of the vehicles pictured, be sure to leave a comment below.