Rochester NY historical pic and question

All this talk about Rochester is starting to make me hungry.....boy could I go for a garbage plate at Nick's right about now.

 

Wow LZ thanks for posting those pics. I have to admit the huge void where Walker's stood is a gut punch for me. My dad's gone now and the emptiness of that cold parking lot pretty well illustrates how I feel deep down inside after losing him. Life ain't for sissy's is it? One day I'm gonna pop in up there and would love to meet you all face to face, deal?

 

Maybe the Western/Central NY HAMB'rs need to to a little get together this spring......wadya-all think?

-Bigchief.

 

Good idea,now who's gonna do the work to make it happen?

 

Hey Chief, I can't wait to see that Rambler. I loved that car scince the first time I saw it. These pics are out of the 1972 Niagara program.-MIKE




I love this shot, check out the driver position in the rear window!




Some more local heroes.

 

I've been gone since the mid 70's but come back for my yearly visits and stop in at Bill Gray's.

Whatever happened to Auto Finishers that were located on Seneca and Ridge Road? The place isn't what it used to be.

 

Its still there,and yes they do still deal with some speed parts,but about the only speed shop around here I can think of if Wild Bill's place on Buffalo Rd.Auto Finishers seems to cater more to the tuner world now IMO.

 

I'll look into some things and let you guys know.

 

Hey all:
Hey a meeting would be cool. I can help ya Rodnocker.
Have to make this fast so in quick response to above.
I am doing a 331 Hemi Fiat. Trying to help my Son race as much as I can afford before he gets wrapped up in college. So this kind of drains work on my car.
Also John did you know about Steves We site...
http://www.ss3raceteam.com/
Nice to see everyone on here especially the lost souls yearning for a garbage plate But hey..look at that usual grey sky.....

Heres a shot of were Miller Ford once stood..

 

Rodknocker, if you need ANY help whatsoever, count me in!

Sure do know Steve, he is one of my best friends - the type of friend that everyone should have, but, I'm afraid, few do! Steve is also the best mechanic that I have ever seen. I've never seen him stumped any any machanical problem. Simply the best in every aspect.

Never really did understand the "Garbage Plate" thing and one of my friends from Bob and Carl's garage worked there so I could get them free. Just didn't like them. However, my daughter who lives down here in Florida can't wait to get to Schaller's for her cheeseburger or Zweigle's hot dogs. Don't get that either, but it is her memory of home and I love that. Rochester is still home for her, even though she has been gone over 20 years.


And last, my name is John Norton and I'll be finishing my '63 Dodge 440 hdtp. this year powered by a 440", 4-speed. A fun car. Also, should be finissing the rear end install on my '48 Cadillac convert. That one's been dead in the water for two years while I monkeyed around with other "stuff." I live off Kirk Rd., which is just off Latta - right across from Apple Annie's!

 

Rodknocker, I'll be glad to help, too. I'm also in the Town of Greece, only a few miles from Mr. Norton.

 

I have been out here in CA since 1993 and "LOVE" the warm weather,
I still have fond memories of Rochester as I was born there and lived there for 40 years, I lived off Latta rd in Greece. from 83-93
I try to get back for a visit as much as I can, but I could not make it the last 2 years. I was into streetrodding and some drag racing.
we allways went to York for the nats east and Columbus and of course all the local shows and cruise nites. one of these years I hope to make it back for the summer and hit all the hot spots
I know John and Steve well as we were member of the Rochester street rods. lots of good people back there.

If anyone else has past pics please post them....... Ron...

 

Count me in too. I 'll do whatever I can to help. Having sold my 57 Fairlane a couple months back, I an now down to only one car. Thats my 1960 Falcon 2dr. wagon w/ a 351C, 4spd., straight axle, 9"rear , etc. Its been on the street for a couple years but will also see some strip time this year , for additional fun. I also live in Greece, around the Dewey / Latta intersection area. I've known Tony, Old & Crusty, Tagman, Jim Zag, Big Chief, and Dat Dirty Rat for years, and I am looking forward to meeting the rest of you Roch. area guys on here.

Bernie Scheuerman

 

Rodknocker,I live in Ontario,I'll try to help also,let me know. Tony P

 

The "Knocker of Rod", let me know if'n ya need help as well...
seem's there's a bit more Upstate HAMBer's than i thought..It would be pretty cool to have a meet.

Tony

 

Cant believe how many of us there are from upstate NY

 

Geez Ron: My wife was a Dewey-Latta - Chick..... Maybe you knew them, Her Brother raced.
Reading your post made me pause to think as I lived In Cal for work for a couple years......We finally got a respectable Mexican place in Irondequoit. I can actually get Cal style Mexican without having to fly out west. MMMMMMmmm In fact going to meet the Wife there in a 1/2 hour ..
And you Florida Guys.. There is supposed to be a big get together down there somewhere ,where they get together and have Genesee Zweigels, Dons, etc... There was a web site shown to me about it. Supposedly draws many people.
You can also mail order from Calabrasalas..
http://www.nystyledeli.com/cgi-bin/deli/index.html
Anyway back to your regularly scheduled program.

 

OK time to start a list....Just did this quickly so sorry if I missed anyone.. Also I know some of these guys are moved out but they are still family...
Please Add to it as you see fit. Now off to get some Mexican food.......

1. Henry Floored
2. Ford Freak
3. tjm73
4. rodknocker
5. oldandkrusty
6. TagMan
7. jim zag
8. Truckedup
9. frontenginedragsters
10. Stevie G
11. InPrimer
12. buford36
13. greyone
14. moparron426
15. Tony
16. Dat Dirty Rat
17. BigChief
18. Big_John
19. mramc1
20. LOST ANGEL
21. 51ChevPU
22. independentcustoms
23. LZ

 

Tony,and others, I talked to my brother today and he would love to have a gathering at his place in Williamson, if thats not too far out for everyone. He's got 5 acres to play with, a 20' bonfire pit, you'd be welcome to camp overnite if needed.Its pretty flat, but if you have a super low ride you may have an issue.If this sounds like a possibility let me know and I'll keep hammering out the details.How does Saturday,June 21 sound?

 

Alittle off topic but not far:
NYIRP [empire dragway] has been sold as of 2-22-08
Lets hope the new owner will welcome Nostalgia racing.
Matt

 

Yes, lets hope so! I understand he's going to have g***ers one Sat. per month. Hopefully, there will be enough interest to have FED's, early 60's type super stocks, and altereds running on those nites as well. I think there is enough cars around to support such a show once a month.
The new website for Lancaster is www.dunntireracewaypark.com
It is online but still under construction.

Bernie Scheuerman

 

24. Spanish Fly

 

Also its on for the June 21st Meet and greet,in Williamson NY.I spoke with Tony, and some of you guys are already in.More to Follow.I'll probably be starting another post to get a rough head count to see how many are coming so I can try to arrange food,drinks and ammenities.

 

Hey yall'- Here are the dates for the Nosalgia races at New York International that I mentioned in a previous post. All are on Saterday's.
May 17
July 19
Aug.16
Sept. 21
Oct. 5 (raindate 12)

Also, Dunn Tire Raceway Park ( Lancaster) will be having "Old Time Drags" once a month , starting in May. Rules are the same as the Sunday Niagara program. Street or race vehicles 1975 or older only. NO electronics allowed. Dial-in type bracket racing. To simulate a flag man start, it wll be a pro-tree . The dates are all Sunday's.
May 18
June 15
July 6
Aug 1-3 (Sunday Niagara Weekend)
Sept. and Oct. schedules are not finished yet.

This should be fun! Its also a great way for the Roch. and Buffalo area's HAMBer's to get together occasionally.
I view this all as very positive, and I think we are very fortunate to have TWO tracks willing to give it a try! Let's hope these events are supported properly to ensure prosperity and success.

Bernie Scheuerman

 

Looking forward to them, Bernie. Thanks for posting the dates - let's hope a LOT of guys that claim they're traditional rodders, will get out and support them.

 

Bernie:
Do you know if I can run my FED at a G***er Gang show?
I know a dragster is hardly a g***er but is it a nostalgia show or a g***er show?
Matt

 

Now that it is official, I can say this and feel comfortable saying it. I am friend's with a guy that is VERY good friends with Vito. I am sure they will welcome the MOM's (Mustang racing group) guys and a Nostalgia group. The guy that bought the place is race car fabricator and a real race car guy. I doubt he would turn away a group of enthusiasts.

I know for a fact that this purchase has been cooking for 2 or 3 years and the new owner has plans. I won't say what I know, as it's not my place to announce such things. But they are exciting plans that will enhance and grow the venue.

Having grown up in Leicester (lived there for 28 years) I am very happy to hear the track has a new owner and I am excited by that breathing new life into the track and hopefully bringing back a major race like the Nationals we had just a few years ago. The past two years Bob seemed to have gotten "crochity" for lack of a better term. I like Bob. He saved a great track. It just seemed like he was starting to not care so much. Treating loyal, regular fans and customers like ****. Not having to deal with the day to day management, maybe he can be his old easy going , having fun running the place guy.

 

Matt- Thats a good question. I would call Jeff at (716) 626 9337. He's in the GG, I met him a few weeks ago at a swap meet in Hamburg. I asked him about fed's, and early super stock type cars, and he said it depends on the interest. Let him know your interested. I know there are some FED's in the Bufallo area. Do you know of any others? Strength in numbers....
Im sure your ok at the Dunn. shows. Let us know how you make out. If you want, give me a ring at 585-663-4015 . I will be up untill 11 tonite.

Bernie

 

Thats all good news. Please keep us posted & updated.

Bernie

 

Bernie:
Thanks for the call today.
Lets keep information rolling about Nostalgia drag racing.
Did you see on the NYIRP site about the metting on 3-07-08?
I will be out of town that weekend. My out of town drag racing gets in the way of local racing.
Please go and take notes / make suggestions. I think if they embrace the drag racers that are not bracket racers they will be surprised how many people bring out their cars.
All it has to be is organized.

Matt