International Drive Your Studebaker Day - One Day Late But Still Fun!


The official IDYSD was September 12th


Sunday, September 13, 2015 was a beautiful day weather-wise and an excellent day to gather at the boyhood home of one of Wisconsin Region Studebaker Drivers Club's charter members, friend and benefactor, "Buzz" Beckman. The site, near Racine, Wisconsin is home to the Beckman Mill, once operated by Buzz's father and family, The former Beckman home, the cooperage and other structures and machinery from past years in Wisconsin.Food eas also available. An automobile tour of the site in a World War I era Willys-Overland automobile was available, along with many other demonstrations including grinding of corn in the actual mill powered by the original water turbine. (The experience of the actual power and the floor vibrating is something not to be missed. The corn meal, with recipes on the bag, is sold at the nearby store in the old cooperage.) Our visit, along with that of a Buick Club and other autos of various marques was held in conjunction with Beckman Mill Heritage Days. The Friends of Beckman Mill, along with Buzz nd Fran Beckman did an excellent job of making us welcome for our get-together. Our thanks to them! Twenty Studebakers were in attendance including those from Wisconsin Region Chapter, Black Hawk Chapter, and Rock River Valley Chapter. A few of the Studebakers did not park in the group set aside for Studebakers, but they were also noted and appreciated by us and the people attending the event. To the best of this writer's knowledge for WRSDC members, the furthest distance driven by a Studebaker must have been by Doug Powers and Beth Weier who drove Doug's '63 GT Hawk from De Pere, Wisconsin. There may have been SDC members who drove Studes from the Chicago area that may have traveled farther and if this is the case, this writer was not aware of the distances they drove. The only "Hard Luck" happening was a brake that locked up on Fred and Sue Bonacker's '49 Champion. No worries mate! With a little help from fellow WRSDC members, the brakes were unlocked and the Bonackers drove the 50 or so miles home with no mishaps. SDC is a great organization and members help each other out in situations such as this. A posting on the Upper Mississippi Valley Zone section of the Studebaker Forum Zone Talk gave a very favorable review of this get-together and this writer would agree with that posting. Due to the area included in WRSDC, we try to change locations of IDYSD every year or two. Next year's location hasn't been determined as of yet, but any and all Studebaker Drivers and anyone with an interest in Studebaker vehicles and related history is welcome to be there and have a good time with us.! Wisconsin Region Studebaker Drivers Club will be hosting the 2017 Upper Mississippi Valley Zone Meet. See Turning Wheels for more information as plans are finalized. Please keep this in mind when planning your future Studebaker activities.

Rick Rechek