In
March of 1925 I was born at home in Algona, Iowa. That is in the
center of the state and thirty miles south of Minnesota. My dad
constructed the first radios in Algona and my mom was a school
teacher. All my schooling was in Algona and I will be attending my 60th
high school reunion this October. Graduating in l943 was just in time
to be involved in World War II. In the winter of l943, I was in the
University of Cincinnati, but in the winter of l944 I was with a
machine gun squad for the 14th Armored Division where a
German mortar shell finally stopped me. I was discharged from the
Army in September just in time to start college at Drake University in
Des Moines, Iowa. After graduating with Biology major, I found a job
teaching junior high science in Merced, California.
I was married to this smart 2nd
grade teacher, Dorlyne J. Hochuli in June l953. For our 50th
anniversary we took our three sons and eight grandchildren on the
four-day Carnival cruise. Everyone survived with a smile.
After finishing my Masters degree
from Northern Arizona University, I got a job teaching junior high
science in Long Beach in 1954. While visiting my last roommate in
Santa Maria in 1964, he gave me a ride in his newly acquired '32
Packard roadster. If he could have on old car, I could have an old
car. Coming home from church one day we came past Jim and Ed's Model
T and A Garage. I parked and Jimmy Ross signed me up for the Long
Beach Model T Club. I didn't realize what a big turning point that
was going to be in my life. After riding in a couple touring cars I
could see that the only car for Dorlyne and my family would be a
Center Door. In l965 I acquired one and two years later finished the
restoration.
I was swap meet chairman the year
the Hamilton Bowl (Dust Bowl) was flooded. Through a fraternity
connection in the president's office, I was able to get the California
State University Long Beach parking lot. About that time my
11-year-old son mentioned that "we" should build a speedster for the
Hill Climb. So, my first of 3 terms as president was designated as
"Year of the Speedster" 1971/72. This was another turning point in my
life. The speedster has colored my persona as nothing else I have
been able to accomplish.
In 1992/93 I was again elected
to be president. Through church contacts we were able to acquire the
Veteran's Stadium for our swap meet. Harking back to President
Kennedy I designated this the "Year of The Club". "Think not of what
the club can do for you but what you can do for the club".
In l997/98 I was again needed as
president. There was no motto for this year of travail. We lost our
Veterans Stadium swap location among other problems. Mike DeAntonio
and his girlfriend, Alison Wolf were attending Cerritos College and
Alison knowing our severe problem was persistent enough to make the
necessary entrée opening the door for us to put on the first swap meet
on their campus!! Thank you Alison. This year gave rise to the M &
M awards. I called it "meritorious-machinations" meaning doing good
(merit) things for the club. I would award a bag of M & Ms to the
recipient. This award has caught on and has been continued.
My involvement with the Long
Beach Model T Club and the Model T Club of America has enriched my
life many fold. Having participated in most every national tour in
the past 3 decades and sponsoring a national tour (Catalina Island)
has been a great experience. Yes, all because of our enthusiasm for
the machine that put the world on wheels. What other "vehicle" can
bring so much pleasure and participation with one's fellow man than
our involvement with the Model T Ford?
Howard D. Genrich August 17,
2003
