Editor’s note: I wrote this piece last June and thought it was lost. I recently found it in my sent mail so I am posting it on here.
Pottstown Classics Car Club, Cruisin’ With A Cause
The Pottstown Classics Car Club motto is “Serving the community through our hobby”.
Most of us know about Nostaliga Nights on High Street, but after talking with Pottstown Classics President Jody Rhoads, I came away with an entirely different perspective on this organization.
The club was founded in 1980, primarily by Chevy enthusiasts who wanted to promote the ’55, ’56 & ’57 models. In 1984, the club was opened to all types of vehicles which helped increase membership. The clubs current membership averages between 60 – 70.
Over the years, the Nostalgia Night location has changed several times. The shows started out on the small side at the Tropical Treat in Stowe. After a time, the club moved to the North End Shopping Center and averaged several hundred cars. Changes at the North End Shopping Center forced a relocation to the Pottstown Municipal Airport for several years before arriving on High Street. Currently the club averages around 500 cars per show. High Street is closed between York and Franklin Streets to accommodate the vehicles and the crowd. The May and September shows usually draw the largest attendance.
Pottstown Classics President Jody Rhoads’ approach is “use vehicles as a vehicle”. These shows bring thousands of people into downtown Pottstown. This is a good thing for shop owners and restaurateurs who are encouraged to stay open and reap the economic benefits. Argento’s, Very Best Weiner and the Brick House are a few of the downtown merchants who stay open during the shows. You can stroll down High Street, listen to the oldies, look at classic cars and eat! What a great way to spend part of your Saturday while supporting downtown Pottstown businesses.
Everybody knows the club sells tee shirts, hats, pins, window stickers and does a 50/50. What you may not realize is where this money goes. Jody explained that the club donates money to a number of local organizations including: Berks County Special Olympics, Pottstown Library, Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities, the Vietnam Vets Memorial in Memorial Park, WWII Memorial, Relay for Life and Make A Wish Foundation. At Thanksgiving and Christmas the club sponsors a local family who could use a helping hand. They provide a holiday meal and money towards utilities, bills and groceries. The next time you buy something to support the club you are also supporting many worthy Tri-County area organizations.
Looking for something to do on the first Saturday of the month between May and September? Attend a Nostalgia Night, have fun and support your community at the same time.
Many thanks to Jody Rhoads for taking the time to speak with me. Jody is a long time member of Pottstown Classics Car Club and the proud owner of a ’56 Chevy.
The club’s website is http://www.pottstownclassics.com/
You can also contact Jay at 610-495-7166
Snail mail:
Pottstown Classics Car Club
P.O. Box 1144
Pottstown, PA 19464
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