Discover The Southern Ohio Chapter's Rich History

HISTORY

The Southern Ohio Chapter was founded on October 3, 1954. Not only was the Southern Chapter the first chapter in the Ohio Region, but it was also the first in the Antique Automobile Club of America. In fact, the national club did not establish chapter regulations for several years after our chapter was formed. 

In 1953, through the efforts of Joe Antrim, a meeting was arranged for Glenn Perkins in Dearborn, Michigan, with Les Henry, A.A.C.A. President, and Tom Lester, Ohio Region President. Glenn’s idea was to create another Region in Southern Ohio. Tom Lester convinced Glenn and Joe that one Region was sufficient for the state of Ohio, and perhaps they should consider forming a Chapter instead. They would, of course, need enough interested individuals to qualify for a chapter. 

Glenn and Joe began reaching out to everyone who owned an old car or had an interest and set up a meeting on October 3, 1954, in Wilmington, Ohio, with Tom Lester. Tom was so impressed with the 80 members who turned out that he offered Chapter status, which was accepted on the spot!  Thus, "A New Baby was Born," and by January 1955, elected officers began their duties for the Chapter, known as the Cincinnati-Dayton Chapter. 

Early in 1956, the name of the Cincinnati-Dayton Chapter was changed to The Southern Ohio Chapter - also known as The Pioneer Chapter of the A.A.C.A. On May 11-13, 1956, the Southern Ohio Chapter hosted its first Regional Spring Tour from Cincinnati to Wilmington, Ohio. 

FIRST OFFICERS

The first officers were Albert Lederer - Director; Herbert Bahl - Assistant Director; Dr. Dutton Heweston - Activities Chairman; Don Henderson - Membership Chairman; Joseph Antrim - Assistant Activities Chairman; Cornelius Hauck - Secretary; and John Brush - Treasurer. 

ART/LOGO DESIGNERS

The Southern Ohio stationery was designed by Cornelius Hauck. Al Fish designed the chapter emblem, using the O-H-I-O arrangement and the colors of the first Ohio license plate, which was issued in 1908. (History taken from previous articles written for THE GAUGE)