THUNDER IN THE FORT

The Hoosier Vintage Thunderbird Club would like to invite you to join us at The VTCI North Central Regional Convention, "THUNDER IN THE FORT" in Fort Wayne, indiana on June 23, 24, 25th, 2011.

Welcome to Indiana's second largest city, where "Hoosier Hospitality" is no accident.

Established at the confluence of three rivers, Fort Wayne was named for General "Mad" Anthony Wayne who built a fort here in 1794.  Our city is filled with history where Johnny Appleseed is actually buried and honored with a fall festival.  A city who's inventions include the washing machine, baking powder, calculator, juke box, television, breathalyzer, and refrigerator.  Where stereo sound, the garbage disposal, magnetic wire, streetlights, and the gasoline pump were created and manufactured.

Welcome to the city where the first night baseball game was played under lights.  Home of the Fort Wayne Daisies, the professional women's baseball team featured in the movie, "A League of Their Own," and now home to The Fort Wayne "TINCAPS" a minor league franchise of The San Diego Padres.

Named "All American City" three times, Fort Wayne is the perfect destination for all types of visitors.  It is home to Fort Wayne's Children's Zoo, one of the top ten in the U.S.  We are home to world-renowned Vera Bradley Bags, and DeBrand Fine Chocolates.  We are also home to Indiana's largest shopping destination, Glenbrook Square.  We have the second largest public genealogical collection in America and world-class arts and theatre.  Fort Wayne's many attractions offer non-stop adventure and family fun.

Arrive on Thursday, June 23.  Check in at Fort Wayne's full service hotel, Don Hall's Guesthouse.  With easy access from the Interstates, this hotel offers complimentary WI-FI in each room, HDTV's, inside and outside room entrances, secured parking, and complimentary shuttle service to FWA International Airport.  It features a fitness center, a full service restaurant, The Guesthouse Grill, and The Guesthouse Lounge.  Included are both indoor and outdoor swimming pools.  This independent, locally owned hotel's friendly service is sure to please the most discriminating guest.

This is the day to explore all this Mid-Western city has to offer.  You may even decide to take a short drive to St. Joe, Indiana to visit Sechler's Pickles for a tour or to pick up some cherry or peach salsa, or sweet midgets.

On Friday morning we will line up our Thunderbirds to caravan to the 1930's Art Deco showrooms of the legendary Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in the automotive historic town of Auburn.  We will enjoy a catered lunch right at the museum.  After lunch, we will then explore The Kruse Automobile and Carriage Museum featuring Duesenbergs, vintage cars of the 50's and 60's and a variety of historical carriages.  Also housed in the same complex is The National Military History Center displaying 147 vehicles, and over 279 uniforms representing every nation that fought on the front of Western Europe and North Africa.  You will also be able to tour The Early Ford V-8 Museum, at the same location.

Friday night, after enjoying The Cook's Ranch Hand Buffet Dinner, there will be a dance in the hotel's Grand Ballroom.

Saturday we will be up early for VTCI Concourse Judging.  Saturday evening will be a cocktail, social hour, followed by the Awards Banquet.

Room rates are, Thursday, $79.00/Single, $89.00/double, and $99.00/King, which includes a full breakfast and dinner!  Friday and Saturday night rates are $75.00/double, $85.00/King, with two breakfast vouchers per morning.  Room rates remain in effect for early arrivals and late departures.  As with all conventions, please register early.

This will be the first time ever that The Hoosier Vintage Thunderbird Club is hosting a Regional Convention.  Please be gentle with us!

We look forward to enjoying your company.  For more information on what is available to see and do in Fort Wayne, Indiana, please visit:  www.visitfortwayne.com

Hotel website:  www.donhallsguesthouse.com  For reservations call 1 800 348 1999.  Mention rate # 6231 by May 12, 2011.

Best regards,

Roger Noll, President, HVTC

Darrell Will, Vice-President and Event Coordinatior

Ric Echler, Treasurer

Amy Minnich, Secretary

INDIANA'S MOST ACTIVE THUNDERBIRD CLUB

Thank you for your interest in the Hoosier Vintage Thunderbird Club. We are located mostly in Northern Indiana, but we also have members from all over the state and also Northwest Ohio. We are a chapter of Vintage Thunderbird Club International, which covers all of the U.S. and we even have chapters in Australia and England. http://www.vintagethunderbirdclub.org We are in the North Central Region. While it isn’t mandatory, I would encourage all of our members to join the National Club. Many of our members enjoy attending Regional and International VTCI Conventions. Our members' cars range from “beautifully restored” to “fun drivers” to “under construction.”  So don't think you have to have a perfect car to join our club. We welcome all. We have Thunderbirds ranging from 1955 to the new 2002-2005 models. In fact, you aren’t even required to own a Thunderbird to join our club. Our focus will always be on T-Birds, but we do have members with multiple collector cars.

Generally we meet in the early spring to plan our events for the car show season. We usually include some car shows, a Spring and Fall Cruise, a summer picnic, tours of auto-related museums, etc. We also include joint events with other Thunderbird Clubs, plus we have an annual joint event with The Cadillac and LaSalle Club of Indiana called "Tail Fins and Tail Feathers."  We have an "After The Holidays" Party in January so we can stay in contact over the harsh winter. Everyone gets a say in what we plan to do for the season. Some of our members' cars have been judged number-one “Senior” cars that have taken first place in an International show. Others are in it more for the camaraderie. We try not to take ourselves too seriously, with our main goal being to have FUN!

I hope that our club can meet your needs. Our dues are a very reasonable $20.00 per year, and membership includes your spouse. Click on "Membership" at the top of this page to download and print a club application.  If you decide to become a member, please send your application to our club treasurer listed on the application. I will put you on our mailing list. Thanks for your consideration, and I look forward to meeting you.

Best Regards,
Roger Noll, President