About us - in the beginning
In 1991 a small group of people sharing the same interest of old cars were meeting in the Winky’s parking lot on Jefferson Avenue in Washington, Pa. This location rapidly became too small to hold the number of cars that were attending. As the numbers grew, it became apparent that enough people were interested in starting a club to share this interest and to have organized events. The first official meeting was held on January 14,1992 at one of the group member's house where the club was established. Volunteering as the first informal board members were: Diz Dean, Ed Kotwica, Les Yanavich, Bill and Nancy Reiger, Ray Lawton, Bob Bentz, Ernie Rappe, Earl Wilson, and Al Leonard,
After the club was formed, we obtained permission to use the upper parking lot of the McDonalds Restaurant on Racetrack Road in Meadowlands, Pa. The only stipulation was that the club make a donation to their Charity, The Ronald McDonald House, after each cruise. We used DJ Ray for our oldies and sold 50/50 tickets to offset the cost.
T-shirts and sweatshirts soon became available to the members, followed by other items such as hats, stickers, and magnets.
Our second annual meeting was held on October 18,1992 at our picnic at Prosperity Park. At this meeting it was decided that a membership fee of $20 would be collected each February for each family membership. This money would be used for needed items such as stamps, stationary, and other necessary expenses to operate the club. The next order of business was to form a committee (a board of directors) to lay the framework for the club. The following people volunteered: Dennis and Debbie Martin, Bill and Nancy Reiger, Bob and Candy Bentz, Tim and Chris Foster, Diz and Mary Ann Dean, Tom and Darlene Javornicky, Ed Koneski, Cheryl Lux, and Ed Kotwica. It was decided to have a meeting at the McDonalds Restaurant, to organize The Washington Cruisers Car Club on Thursday November 11, 1992. At this meeting Diz Dean was appointed the treasurer and Cheryl Luz the assistant treasurer. A checking account was established to replace the shoebox that previously held the funds.
The First Christmas Party was held on Friday, December 11, 1992 at the Red Fox Lounge.
On Friday, February 5, 1993 an organizational meeting was held at the County Office Building for the purpose of adopting the BI-Laws and electing an executive Board. At this meeting the club officially became known as The Washington Cruisers Car Club. A general meeting was held on Thursday, February 18, 1993 at Citizens Library where everyone in attendance received a copy of the BI-Laws. Elections were held and the following officers were elected: Ron Gardner, president, Tim Lemley, vice president, Cheryl Lux secretary, Diz Dean, treasurer and membership. Kevin Crothers, Ed Kotwica, and Bill Reiger, directors. Debbie Marton, Chris Foster, and Diane Javornicky, staff. Nancy Reiger merchandise. Our board members currently hold 2 year terms that are up for re-election every other February.
Our first indoor Mall show was at the Franklin Mall on Fathers Day weekend June 1993. Our next indoor Car Show was in the Washington Mall in April 1994. This event marked the start of our cruise season for many years In 2007, we went back to the Washington Crown Center…the old Franklin Mall. Presently, the Indoor car show has been on hiatus, until a new location can be obtained.
Our first Super Cruise was July 25, 1993, with over 500 cars in attendance. Our Super Cruise has become a very popular event that draws hundreds of cars to the Washington area every August.
At this time such events as our Saturday Night Cruises and Super Cruise have become annual events that are going on strong for nearly 20 years. We have since added an annual Attention to Details Car Show that is going on it’s 16th year.
Due to all of the club member participation and support, we are able to donate between $1500 and $2000 dollars to our favorite charity, The Ronald McDonald House, each and every year!
Our Club has come a long way in 20 years, continues going strong, and we are looking forward to our next 20 years; please come join us!
You're Born..... You Die........ In Between You Work On Cars!!