NOTE:  We encourage you to arrange to arrive on Thursday April, 23 due to the planned events for Friday.  See agenda for details.

 

 

-  6:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.  Gather in lobby of hotel

 

-  7:00 p.m. - Dinner at Grindstone Charley's

 

Grindstone Charley's is a local area Restaurant/Bar serving moderately priced American cusine such as soup,salads, steak/ribs, sandwiches (excellent pork tenderloin and burgers), appetizers, etc. 

 

 

Friday, April 24, 2009  

 

-  ???   a.m. - 8:45 a.m.  Breakfast at hotel

 

-  8:45  a.m. - 9:00 a.m.  Gather in Lobby of hotel

 

-  9:00 a.m. SHARP!!!  Leave hotel and travel  to Kokomo Opalescent Glass Co., Inc for tour. 

 

This company is the oldest manufacturer of hand cast, rolled cathedral and opalescent glass in America.  The factory has been at this location since 1888 and has documented sales to Louis C. Tiffany.  No open-toed shoes, clogs, or sandals are allowed on the tour.  There is a $1 per person tour fee.  After the tour of the plant and glass making techniques, we will have time to visit the Op Shop which is located on the premises and is the retail division of Kokomo Opalescent Glass Co., Inc. The Op Shop has finished products made of Kokomo glass that are of superior workmanship and custom original design.  The Op Shop offers finished items such as suncatcheres, window panels, paperweights, and lamp shades.  I believe both the guys and ladies will enjoy this tour.

 

We must leave the hotel promptly at 9:00 a.m. to arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. since glass production work begins at 4:00 a.m. and the tour must fit around the lunch schedule, which is mid-morning.  The tour is only avaiable in the morning on weekdays.

 

-  9:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.   Opalescent Glass Co. tour

 

- 11:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.  Travel to lunch 

 

 

PASTArrific offers appetizes, salads and soups, 9" pizza, sandwiches, pasta dishes and Italian specialties on the lunch menu in the $3.95 to 7.95 price range.  Food and service were good.

 

 

 

There are approximately 100 automobiles from the 1890's to the 1970's under one roof.  In addition you will learn about products invented and manufactured in Kokomo such as the Kingston's carburetors, Delco's Wonderbar Radio and Chrysler's one millionth transmission. Also see an authenic 50's diner.  There is a group rate of $3 per person for entrance to the museum.

 

-   1:30 p.m. - ??????? -  Alternative Activity

 

In the unlikely event there are some who would prefer not to visit the automotive museum, there are two shopping malls; the Markland Mall and the Kokomo Mall located on US 31 a short distance north of the hotel.  In addition, the Main and Markland Antique District is just West of the Markland Mall (on Markland Rd.) at Main St.

 

After the Automotive Heritage Museum and the Alternative Activity on Friday afternoon, the rest of the day is free time until we meet in the lobby to go to dinner.

 

-  6:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. - Gather in Lobby of hotel

 

-  6:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Travel to Dinner

 

-  7:00 p.m.  -  Dinner at Backyard BAR-B-Q

 

This BBQ restaurant came highly recommended by locals.  They specialize in Southern Hickory Smoked meat.  They serve their meats straight up from the smoker without sauce, however a wide selection of tasty sauces are available.  Sauces include Tennesse HOT or Tennessee MILD on pulled pork, Texas HOT and Texas MILD on ribs and beef brisket.  In addition, Carolina Mustard and Alabama White Sauce are two other sauces offered.  Prices are moderate.  This restaurant alone should entice Stingray Jim and crew to attend.  Hope to see you guys (and Angel) in Kokomo.

 

There are no formal plans for after dinner Friday night, however, we can go back to the hotel and gather in the parking lot (weather permitting) or maybe the pool area and socialize.  Anybody want to organize a pajama party?  Tux in a "Tux" ?  Remember, this is a family event.

 

NOTE:   Make arrangements to have your gas tank full before the Saturday morning road trip at 9:00 a.m.

 

 

-  ??? - 9:00 a.m. - Breakfast at hotel

 

-  9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Gather in Lobby of hotel. Prepare for short road trip to Sharpsville, Indiana/Line up/Hand out maps/Driver's meeting, etc. 

 

 

We are tentatively planning, weather permitting, on a short scenic cruise on our way to Sharpsville, Indiana.  I was thinking of maybe 70 to 80 miles, at legal highway speed, with a rest stop during the drive.  The key word here is scenic.  Folks, this is not Colorado or the coast of California or northern Michigan.  There are scenic corn fields on your left and scenic soy bean fields on your right.  Up ahead there is a scenic hayfield.  This area is why people used to think the world was flat.  You get my drift.  However, Kokomo and the surrounding area is great and has lots to offer so I am confident we will come up with some kind of road trip that will allow us to excercise our Corvettes a little bit.

 

 

"A Summer Place" is a real working 1950's town situated on 3 acres of ground.  The owner and creator, Mr. Jim Richardson is a history buff and loved the 1950's era in which he grew up in Indiana.  He re-created a period correct fictional town of the 1950's and filled it with automobiles, artifacts, signs, and other appropriate period memorabilia  There is plenty to see and enjoy with a Standard Oil service station, working movie theater with marquee, police and fire station, barber shop, a train station and a working stainless steel Angel's diner.  We have heard many excellent comments and reviews of this attraction. 

 

We are visiting "A Summer Place" as a private group and it will not be open to the public during our visit.  The cost is $15 per person and this includes your lunch.  The admission charge is donated to "A Home For Every Child Foundation", a charity that assists in finding adoptive homes for orphan children.

 

There are no other planned events for Saturday afternoon.  After we arrive at "A Summer Place" you are on your own to eat lunch, tour the facility and spend the rest of the afternoon as you choose.  Sharpsville is only about 15 - 20 minutes from our hotel.  We will provide maps to direct you from "A Summer Place" back to the hotel so you may return at your leisure or we can return as a group.  We can play this by ear on Saturday.

 

-  6:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. - Gather in Lobby of hotel

 

-  6:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Travel to Dinner

 

-  6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. - Dinner at Martino's Restaurant

 

Martino's is a local restaurant that has been serving Kokomo for the past 35 years so they must be doing something right.  The Italian recipes they feature are their own original recipes.  The prices are moderate ranging from $9.95 to $11.95 for pasta dishes and up to $15.95 for the t-Bone steak.  The Hamildain's can attest to good food and a pleasant and enjoyable dining experience.

 

-  8:30 p.m. - ??????  -  Informal group meeting of all attendees in the hotel meeting room.

 

Note:   If you see Terry Moore with a limbo stick, be forewarned.  The hosts will not be providing Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or any other pain relief medication.  However, there will be some mind stimulating activities (games), etc.

 

 

 

-  8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - Check Out/Gather in Lobby

 

-  9:00 a..m. - 9:15 a.m. - Travel to Highland Park for group photo w/cars

 

-  9:15 a.m. -  10:00 a.m. - Photo Shoot

 

- 10:00 a.m. - ??????? - C3VR Midwest Region Spring get-together officially over.  Socialize/Say goodby's/leave for home as necessary.

 

The agenda for Sunday morning is not set in stone for obvious reasons.  If the group feels it needs to be re-arranged to accommodate travel plans then we can and will do that.  This is an item that can be discussed at the group meeting.

 

Again, let us know when you are arriving and if you plan to attend dinner on Thursday night.  Mike will set up a post to keep you informed of who is coming and when.

 

If you have any questions regarding the agenda or any of the planned activities please contact Mike or myself or leave a post on this thread and we will respond. Also, you may call me at 314-623-1260.

 

Bob H.