Joe Block Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 I work in the Middle East. This was my first Hershey in 6 years. Boy did I have a good time. I bought a few hard to find Packard Parts for my 42 limo too. It was brilliant for two days then it rained. So we boxed everyytning and shipped home everything out on Friday, and Saturday i made my first visit to AACA Museum. The Museum was unbelievable. i must of shot a 100 pictures. I really like the Atlanic Oil Filling Station it exactly what i want when i final get to do a showroom for myself.I was supprized at the price of signs, they went up while car are flat on prices.As I say, the Museum is a perfect way to spend a rainy day.Thanks to all my old friend for taking me in and feeding during the meet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R W Burgess Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 42, Glad you enjoyed the museum. I was there Thursday afternoon myself. The special thing about the museum is that it continually changes. They have so many cars in storage and also promised to them every year, that you should be able to see new exhibits each and every year. Was there a shipping company on premises or how did you arrange shipping?Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BruceW Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 For anyone that homeschools their child and lives within driving distance of the area, the AACA Museum is having a Homeschool Day on Wednesday, 26 October. This is part of the Museum's educational program headed by Tamsin Wolff, Director of Education. A portion of the press release describing the event is as follows:"The Antique Auto Museum at Hershey has a very special and exciting day planned for area home school students. Age-appropriate activities and "learning labs" supported by Pennsylvania State Standards in history, math, economics, English, science, and technology will occur throughout the exhibits. The Museum opens at 9:00; the self guided activities run from 10:00am to 2:00pm.""Familes will be able to handle historic auto-related artifacts or make various take home projects. No other school tours will be conducted that day, " continues Ms. Wolff, "we want to make this experience very special for the home schoolers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bluesmobile Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 I really like the diner on the first floor (basement?). Is it a new one or a restoration? If anybody knows the details on it I would love to hear them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter J.Heizmann Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 Bluesmobile...Welcome to the AACA Forum.Definitely real with an interesting history, not to mention the hours of restoration performed by many volunteers.On the AACA Main Page, click on AACA Museum. Scroll down briefly and you will see the Diner dedication.Peter J. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bluesmobile Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 Are there any before and during photos of the restoration of the diner? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronbarn Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 On this thread there is mention of the AACA Museum. However, I noticed that the various ads for the museum, for example the one in front of Hershey World, call it the "Antique Auto Museum of Hershey". Nowhere on the small billboard type display does it say anything about any relationship with AACA. Is this an indication that although the museum people continue to hit us up for donations that they would prefer not to be associated with AACA? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BruceW Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 Blues,A few photos of the diner while still being used in Kansas and a brief background on the diner is contained at this URL:http://www.kshs.org/diners/kansas/southcentral/wichita/floinn.htmHope it helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Moskowitz Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 Ron, In the absence of the museum answering this I will take a stab at a reply. The marketing of the museum locally is for the "Antique Auto Museum of Hershey". It is far easier to "explain" to Joe Q public while they are visiting Hersheypark since 99.9% of them may not now what a AACA is!! The idea is to drive them to visit the museum where then they can be immersed in AACA. From a marketing standpoint, I completely agree. Think about it. The sign on Rte. 39 says AACA Museum but if you do not know what AACA stands for you will have no idea it is an automobile museum. The whole ide is to drive traffic into the business. Sorry to disagree with you...that hardly ever happens! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D Binger Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 Steve,I agree with Ron. The museum is advertised as belonging to Hershey. I had to explain to the members of a region in this part of the country about the ownership of the museum. The question was "Why do we need to send money to a museum owned by the Hershey Region?" The members here thought it was Hershey Region's own Museum. That is how it comes off to a good number of members I am sure. DRB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Moskowitz Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 I can understand that Dan but simply marketing it <span style="font-weight: bold">only</span> as the AACA museum severely hurts the Museum's chances in driving local tourist traffic. The Museum is NOT advertised as BELONGING to Hershey but being LOCATED in Hershey. The museum could not survive by just getting AACA members to visit. It is all about driving traffic and marketing. All literature, the website, the front sign etc. indicates it is the AACA Museum. IMHO! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amphicar BUYER Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It is far easier to "explain" to Joe Q public while they are visiting Hersheypark since 99.9% of them may not now what a AACA is!! The idea is to drive them to visit the museum where then they can be immersed in AACA. From a marketing standpoint, I completely agree. Think about it. The sign on Rte. 39 says AACA Museum but if you do not know what AACA stands for you will have no idea it is an automobile museum. The whole ide is to drive traffic into the business. Sorry to disagree with you...that hardly ever happens! </div></div>Steve, I think they should call it the "Antique Automobile Club of America Museum at Hershey." That would tell John Q. Public that it is an antique auto museum and who runs it. It will educate folks on what the AACA is too. Put a big sign saying "OPEN TO THE PUBLIC" too. Seems simple enuf 2 me. Call it what it is! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Moskowitz Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 Ok, I see you guys from Colorado are trying to gang up on me! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I am just a little guy so take it easy. Your suggested name is a mouthful and difficult to do on billboards. The more concise you can be in advertising the better. The real education is not with the name but to get people at your business. Hopefully, by the time they leave the museum they have a better understanding and appreciation for AACA. Anyway, just my thoughts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R W Burgess Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 The best advertizing in the world, pictures...Here's your favorite station Packard42. Wasn't it also called Atlantic Richfield in those days? PS, those are not dumbies in front of the station door...umm, I don't think they are!! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R W Burgess Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 The reason I stopped by the Museum this year. The last chance to see the Corvette collection. I'd never seen a concept car in the flesh. This one is a 1968 Chevrolet Astro-Vette with a V8(unknown power) and an automatic transmission. Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Block Posted October 13, 2005 Author Share Posted October 13, 2005 Wayne Here how we did shipping this yearWe talked to the manager at Sam's club and he was nice enough to give us used 52 inch TV box, cardboard and loose packageing at Sam's Club. We found a corner under Sam's awning away from the entrance and boxed right there in the rain. Then we drop everything at UPS station in Hershey, it across the street from McDonalds up on the hill just after you under the bridge. There were other there package parts up atUPS too. They have a dolly you can use to bring your boxes in too.I did have a last minute responce to my ad in the AACA forum from hauler going back to Washington State, but I did NOT (my Fault) go online the entire week at Hershey so I missed that connection,. It turned out, I drove right my his space on the way to mine in the Red field everyday and walk by it at least a dozen times. The AC trunk unit was 105 pounds after packaging. We ship 6 boxes between Virgil and me. We stay in Carlise and here is another shipping option as there a huge trucking company on the Highway near there. I also saw a lot of JB Hunt trucks, they deliver to the west coast. I am pretty sure I could easily ship motor freight too, should I bought an engine, just strap it to a platte. One friend of mine in the Packard Club shipps by AM Track train, as they will strap it to a pillets for you too.Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R W Burgess Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 Another Reason, a 1968 Astro II XP 880, a mid engined concept with a thundering 427 of unknown horsepower with another automatic. We're talking concept in body and drivetrain here. They're weren't too concerning about horsepower or delivery. The entire rear half of the body tilts up. I took a closeup of the nose of this car as I noticed the fiberglass "fabric" showing through the paint. Have not edited it yet, but it shows that even show cars weren't perfect when you're on a time schedule. You'll notice two racers on the "boards" in the background. Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R W Burgess Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 Joe, I brought up an idea to the powers that be, to check into onsite shipping in future events, Large rodding shows do this all the time. UPS, and maybe others, have scales, shipping boxes, and anything needed to get your newfound goodies home. Looks like you enjoyed the show....one more picture to go.Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Block Posted October 13, 2005 Author Share Posted October 13, 2005 Wayne,Yes, that is the Gasoline station I want to put in my shop/show room one day. Those are great Wayne 60 pumps and the vintage is perfect for my 1942 cars.Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R W Burgess Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 Ok, last one, for now. The picture below is of Chip Miller's favorite Corvette, the Purple People Eater. Chip was the Corvette Guru that keep Corvettes at Carlyle, PA popular for so many years. He died in March of 2004 of complications related to the disease Amyloidosis. www.chipmiller.org His family had more than 1 Vette on display along with a lot of family memorilia. I'm sorry I never had the chance to meet him. Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Green Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 The story on this car is that it was in one of Chips buildings with a piece of plywood on top for years. It was used for a bar. Finally one day they uncovered it and checked its history only to find out it was a race car. This as told from the man himself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 Well put, John.Ron, Steve and Dan all make valid points regarding the AACA Museum. We all know what AACA is, but how about the rest of the country and especially those who might be visiting the Hershey area.A quick online check reveals that AACA stands for the Asian American Cultural Association, the Army Air Corps Association, the Army Airlift Clearance Authority, the American Alliance of Creditor attorneys, the Authentic Artifact Collectors Association, and a host of other organizations. So some could assume that an AACA museum is a collection of Japanese and Korean cars or a repository for Authentic artifacts. Not likely but possible.So, to those outside of our small world of old car nuts, AACA, pronounced by many as ?Acka?, as in what on earth is an Acka, really doesn?t mean much. So that offers a lot of validity to Steve?s point of name recognition.Steve points out correctly that AACA members cannot possibly provide all of the financial support needed by the AACA Museum. HOWEVER, you would think it could by the amount of soliciting for money our members receive from the Museum. We are solicited at every awards banquet, tour banquet, and every other club function we attend. The begging and pleading never stops and many of our members are tired of it. We may not be able to provide the sole support needed, but you would think we are expected to by the sheer volume of solicitations. A few weeks ago I received a letter requesting I match my initial contribution of $1000, made at the very beginning of the Museum campaign, with another $1000 to help reduce the ?small? debt of $1.8 million.Dan points out that out here in the hinterlands there isn?t much interest in or willingness to contribute to the ?Acka? Museum. That being the case, should we care if it is thought of as the Hershey Old Car Museum.I guess what I am trying to say is that the Museum can be called anything anyone wants to call it, so long as they get off of our backs in begging and pleading for money. A modest number of solicitations per year for financial support are reasonable, but the incessant hammering on our members for money is becoming overbearing. Let it cease. A final question. What benefit does the AACA as a Club receive from this museum? A library provides much benefit to our membership, but what does a museum really provide?Just one man?s opinion.hvs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amphicar BUYER Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Your suggested name is a mouthful and difficult to do on billboards. The more concise you can be in advertising the better.</div></div> Sorry Steve! I can go beat up Dan if ya like! Your reply is somewhat contradicting. My point is exactly that, calling the museum what it really is (concise). If people see the name, they will be educated that the AACA exists and tie in the AACA to the museum instead of seperating it. It is a perfect situation to let the museum's name and reputation contribute to the education of the public. The name will eventually become our best adverising because of the quality of the museum backing it.John "Colorado Gansta" Bevins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novaman Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> What benefit does the AACA as a Club receive from this museum?</div></div>Well being an AACA member get you and your spouse in for the price of a Senior (over age 60). oh yeah, forgot, you already can get in for the price of a senoir. Guess it only benefits a minority of us.Steve, question for you if you can find out. What percentage of AACA members are under 60? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BruceW Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 Novaman,Reduced admission would be a personal benefit as a member. In regards to Howard's comment as to a benefit that the "AACA receives as a club", I would assume the main benefit... and maybe only... would be better public relations and a tool in getting the AACA organization introduced more to the public. But I'm not a businessman.. so I may be wrong. Just a thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novaman Posted October 14, 2005 Share Posted October 14, 2005 Bruce, I realized that. I know what Howard's point is.What gets me though is there is the reduced admission fee for AACA members. My point is the reduced rate is the same as the senior rate, which is the rate a lot of AACA members would be paying anyways as non-member seniors. A membership benefit, that doesn't benefit the majority of members.If your region was to go, how many of your members would be paying the reduced senior rate anyways? In my local region of about 70, I think there are 10 or less of us (a couple I'm not positive on age but they are pushing the 60. I'm youngest at 39) that would be getting a discounted rate from the regular rate by being AACA Members.And if you really want to get picky, their posted rates, on the website reads:Admission Pricing Adults $7.00 Seniors (over age 60) $6.00 Children (under age 12) $5.00 AACA Members $6.00 Spouses of AACA Members $6.00 Children (3 & Under) FREE Last I knew, AACA did away with the single & joint memberships and made it one where if you are married your spouse is automatically a member (which means the single guy is paying for two memberships and using one). (I'm a life member so I don't really keep on top of this info.) If that is the case, why do they advertise for "Spouses of AACA Members" since they are already members? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Hoover Posted October 14, 2005 Share Posted October 14, 2005 David, Maybe it's possible those in charge over there are still learning about the AACA themselves? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BruceW Posted October 14, 2005 Share Posted October 14, 2005 Novman,I know what you mean. It would seem that AACA members should get the best admission price... one that is less than John.Q Public, no matter the age.I never noticed the "Spouses" part before in the admission price. Makes the Spouse sound less than a member. According to the AACA web site, membership INCLUDES the spouse .. so both people in the couple should be considered members. In our region, we consider both halves of the couple as equally important members. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novaman Posted October 14, 2005 Share Posted October 14, 2005 Considering their rates I'd say members $5, member's children $4 would be appropriate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted October 14, 2005 Share Posted October 14, 2005 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A final question. What benefit does the AACA as a Club receive from this museum? A library provides much benefit to our membership, but what does a museum really provide?</div></div>Hopefully the Museum people will ask Boyd Coddington to explain this at his next fund raising talk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ex98thdrill Posted October 14, 2005 Share Posted October 14, 2005 Steve, after giving your post and some of the other posts some serious thought, I've gotten a few thoughts of my own:1. Should we consider changing the name where it doesn't say "AACA Museum"? At least in terms of the sign out in front of the building and the advertising that is done for it?2. As what has been said by others, the term AACA means nothing to the general public. Change the name of the museum to something simple, and something common and incorporate the AACA Logo in the design. 3. For those of us who are AACA members, we all know that the Duryea is our logo, and it is a registered trademark. If the name is a simple name, it may bring awareness to the general public that the museum is an automotive museum. As to the membership of AACA, the Duryea identifies the museum to the club members. It serves to illustrate both sides to both the public and the membership.....just a thought. Not a complaint either way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BruceW Posted October 14, 2005 Share Posted October 14, 2005 Its a pretty good consensus here that the name "AACA Museum" tells an person outside of the organization absolutely nothing about what is in the museum if they read the name on a brochure or sign.How about a simple combination of the names?..such as: "AACA Automotive Museum"Outsiders may not know who or what AACA is.. but most probably do not know who "Peterson" is in the Peterson Automotive Museum either... or what "Towe" is of the Towe Auto Museum.. and they probably don't care. They are more concerned with that its an automobile museum.In regards to the "Antique Automobile Museum of Hershey" name... when they hear the word "Hershey", most (non antique automobile) people think of chocolate and Hershey Foods and would probably relate the museum to another part of the Hershey conglomerate. This subliminally steals the identy from the club that formed and paid for the museum.However, "AACA Automotive Museum"...or something similar would retain its identity as part of AACA for the members and at the same time tell outsiders what type of museum it is.Just another thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Moskowitz Posted October 14, 2005 Share Posted October 14, 2005 Ok, I do not want to beat this issue to death but the marketing issue here keeps getting cloudy. The emotion of being a member of AACA seems to get in the way of Marketing 101. The terms found at <span style="font-weight: bold">Chocolate World</span> and on a few scattered billboards in the <span style="font-weight: bold">Hershey area</span> are designed to drive traffic to the museum. They are not meant to explain the museum, nor give the Museum any identity other than to let the public know there is an <span style="font-weight: bold">antique automobile museum in the area!</span> . The target audience is either locals or tourists coming to visit the area. Once inside the Museum it will be very evident that the museum is not a Hershey property and the story of AACA can be told. There is a video to start out with and signs everywhere that say AACA Museum and not the Antique Automobile Museum of Hershey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BruceW Posted October 14, 2005 Share Posted October 14, 2005 Steve,I agree that we dont need to explain in detail about the AACA on every road sign or placard. I also agree once the visitor is in the museum he can be totaly immersed in the AACA experience. The Museum does a great job of that. However, my concern (and maybe I explained it badly before) was about a potential disconnect before the visitor gets to the museum. Take this example...I am John Q from out of town visiting Hershey, Pa and I see a sign for the "Antique Auto Museum of Hershey" I decide.. "gee sounds like a nice place to visit". So I follow the directions on the sign and drive down Rt. 39 to go to the "Antique Auto Museum of Hershey".I pass a sign that says AACA Museum and think..."Hmm.. I don't know what the heck an AACA is .... but I'm looking for the "Antique Auto Museum of Hershey" anyway... so I guess I have to go further on down the road". But.. no matter how far he drives, John Q. will not find a place called the "Antique Auto Museum of Hershey" And as a tourist on vacation with limited time, I doubt John Q. will be spending too much time looking for a building he won't ever find but likely go on to another attraction. It just seems to me that there has to be a tie in between a name used to advertise a place and the actual name of the place.I admit I've never taken Marketing 101.. but it seems to me that if a store wants customers to find them, then it wouldn't be a good idea to advertise using an fake name that the customer won't see on your store front as they drive by.If an advertisement entices me to go to the place advertised as "the City Bistro".. I won't be looking for a place called "Frank's Enterprise" when I get in the area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Moskowitz Posted October 14, 2005 Share Posted October 14, 2005 Bruce, quit trying to use common sense and logic with this one! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> You might make me look bad! Actually, if I would be a decision maker the sign would not be be predominately AACA Museum either as drive by traffic does not know what an "ACKA" Museum is! I believe though, that there is a tie-in on the local advertising but you are right, if not, there should be. Now that they have an antique car by the road, I think most people will "get it". Anyway, this is not my battle so I will fade away.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 14, 2005 Share Posted October 14, 2005 Perhaps we should offer the museum to any organization in Hershey who would be willing to take it over for it's debt. Then they could name it anything they wish, and it would cease to be a source of concern to our members, and the incessent solicitations could end. But then it would cease to be a playplace and home for the egos of a select group of people. hvs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted October 14, 2005 Share Posted October 14, 2005 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Its a pretty good consensus here that the name "AACA Museum" tells an person outside of the organization absolutely nothing about what is in the museum if they read the name on a brochure or sign.How about a simple combination of the names?..such as: "AACA Automotive Museum"Outsiders may not know who or what AACA is.. but most probably do not know who "Peterson" is in the Peterson Automotive Museum either... </div></div>Bob PeterSEN was the founder of PETERSEN Publishing Inc., Hot Rod and Motor Trend to name a few magazines that over the past 50+ years funded the building and maintence of the collection. One guy with a passion for the cars, who has set the benchmark to judge all automotive museums & collections. IMHO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronbarn Posted October 15, 2005 Share Posted October 15, 2005 I am almost (read "almost. but not quite") sorry that I started this. Steve, thank you for your explanation of Marketing 101. The signs says museum "of" Hershey. "Of" is possessive, i.e. owned by! There is no reason why there could not be some small AACA logo someplace.I am dismayed that there is no museum board or employee response to this thread. Apparently they don't give a damn about what AACA members think. They should rest well assured that as far as this boy from Alabama is concerned that if they are not willing to admit a relationship to AACA (even in small type) they will not get my dollars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ex98thdrill Posted October 15, 2005 Share Posted October 15, 2005 Bruce, that's why I suggested the name change on the sign. The inside of the museum can stay exactly the same way, but the sign and the advertising on the outside can indicate that it is a car museum. Once they're in the door, you can explain the story of AACA.....This is only a thought on my part. I know what the museum is, and will still visit the place regardless of what the sign says. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amphicar BUYER Posted October 15, 2005 Share Posted October 15, 2005 Ron - I too am VERY dissapointed that no museum board or employee response has been offered. They should be more active. Gee, if the museum board won't speak up, who will? You should be happy this is started, it may end up changing the name so the Museum says what it is to get more people into it. I think it's very important and a no brain-er.Early in the insurance industry there was a policy available that was called "Death Insurance." It was never very popular until one day someone decided to call it "Life Insurance" and now it is one of the most popular policies. Why? It's all in the name!The name of the museum should absolutley describe what it is. The idea that it will confuse the public is absurd. Something like "AACA Automotive Museum at Hershey" will describe it perfectly. Anyone unfamiliar with the AACA will then be promted to ask "What is AACA? anyway?" This offers an opportunity for them to discover the AACA which they may never have had any knowledge of previously. Then they will learn of us and maybe even join! Simple concept that has worked time and time again.This is another marketing tool. "Curiosity" I believe it's called. Get people to ask the question "What is AACA? anyway" and you will have them. Don't hide the relationship based on what people may think is too long a name or an unknown club. How will it become known if the identity is hidden? We have a club museum without anything to say it belongs to the club. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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