Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum News Release - First Annual
Connecting Rods Brunch Brings Connections of Past and Present
Together
AUBURN CORD DUESENBERG MUSEUM
NEWS RELEASE - 9/13/2006
CONTACT: Gran Roberts,
For Immediate Release
Marketing Director
September 2006
(260) 925-1444 ext. 30
First Annual Connecting Rods Brunch Brings Connections of Past and Present
Together
(AUBURN) - In only its first year, the Auburn Automobile Company Connecting
Rods Brunch got off to a great start with more than 50 Connecting Rods
attending the event. The brunch replaced the former employee luncheon held
annually at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum over Labor Day weekend. Due to
the declining numbers of former Auburn Automobile Company and
Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Company employees, the museum felt the need to create
a new event that honors those employees that are still alive as well as the
stories of those that are no longer living. "One way we were able to
accomplish this was by putting the word out that the museum was looking for
people who are connected to Auburn Automobile Company or Dallas Winslow's
Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Company," according to museum marketing director Gran
Roberts. "This event helps keep the memories and the stories alive of the
great men and women who helped shape automotive history with their work and
superior craftsmanship at the Auburn Automobile Company and
Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Company. Many times the employees are overshadowed by
the breath-taking cars they are connected to and we want to keep their
stories alive for many generations to come," stated Roberts.
The museum received more than 65 Connecting Rod forms throughout the year
ranging from sons and daughters of former employees, to a gentleman who
worked at E.L. Cord's Circle L Ranch in Nevada. Among the many photographs
and information that were brought to the brunch by Connecting Rods was the
first racing cup ever won by an Auburn automobile in a race. "The Loving
Cup" was won in 1910 by Melvin Leasure at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds.
Melvin's grandson, Stanford Thompson, was present to talk about how his
grandfather won the cup and its history. The Loving Cup is now on loan to
the museum and will be on display.
The brunch included a meal followed by a presentation about Auburn
Automobile Company. Former employees John McQuown, Marie Wappes, George
Capen and Lynn Dunn shared their stories and experiences with all Connecting
Rods on hand. Connecting Rods then shared their stories about their
connections to Auburn Automobile Company. For many it was a chance to share
their memories of loved ones and for others it was a chance to hear stories
about the loved ones they never knew. "There were stories about the
employees working all day to put food on their tables and trying to raise a
family on 27 cents an hour. With the exception of the wages, things are not
that different today," said Roberts.
The Second Annual Auburn Automobile Company Connecting Rods Brunch will be
Saturday, September 1, 2007. If you would like to attend this event and
would like to become a Connecting Rod, no matter how distant the relative
is, you may pick up a form at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum, or call
museum marketing director Gran Roberts at (260) 925-1444 ext. 30.
The not-for-profit Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum is located in the restored
1930 art deco administrative building of the former Auburn Automobile
Company. The museum displays 120 classic, antique, vintage and special
interest cars in eight galleries. The museum, accredited by the American
Association of Museums since 1997, is a National Historic Landmark. The
museum is open to visitors daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
(PHOTO CAPTION - Pictured are former Auburn Automobile Company and
Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Company employees. From left to right are John
McQuown, Marie Wappes, George Capen and Lynn Dunn.)
Gran Roberts is available for follow up information, photo requests or
comment between the hours of 8am-5pm Mon-Fri and by appointment. You can
reach Gran at (260) 925-1444 ext. 30
Gran Roberts
Marketing Director
--------------------------------
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum
1600 South Wayne Street
PO Box 271
Auburn, IN 46706
260-925-1444 x30 Office
260-925-6266 Fax
260-894-1209 Mobile
granr@acdmuseum.org
www.acdmuseum.org
