Mary Jane Harding

July 15, 1938—February 17, 2025

Sadly another part of the Early Ford V-8 Club history has passed away.  Mary Jane Harding of Gardnerville Nevada passed away on February 17, 2025 at the age of 86.  She was an ambassador for the Early Ford V-8 Club from the beginning of her and husband Peter’s membership.  She served for 11 years on the National Board and was Secretary/Treasurer for 1991-1993 term.

Many don’t know of Mary Jane’s involvement and dedication to the Club.  Mary Jane was the 2nd elected woman to the National Board of Directors from California.  She and her husband Peter originally resided in Concord California and eventually moved to Gardnerville.  There she and Peter continued their involvement with old vehicles.  She even worked for a Nevada U.S. Congressmen and also a Nevada Governor.

Mary Jane was a knowledgeable member since she spent time growing up alongside her father, working on cars.  She was a proud owner of a 1939 Mercury.  Over the years she and Peter worked on it to make it a great touring vehicle along with the 1953 Mercury that Peter owned.

Probably the greatest thing that she did for the Club was to take it upon herself to track down all of the early editions of the V-8 TIMES.  She and the Board published a small booklet with those early first two years, that was then sold to the membership.

When the Early Ford V8 Foundation was created from the Board of the Early Ford V-8 Club, Mary Jane volunteered to serve on the first Board of Trustees.  She was membership #1 until a Life Membership was purchased by Peter.

She was the ultimate supporter for the Early Ford V-8 Club.  To say that she made an impact would be hard to ignore.  She was one of the members that helped the Club grow in the 1990’s.

Summary of February 1, 2025 National Board Meeting

Early Ford V-8 Club of America

The First Quarter 2025 Meeting was called to order by President Dave Gunnarson on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 1:04 pm EST . The meeting was held remotely over Zoom.  A quorum of Directors was present at the meeting.  Minutes of meetings held during the fourth quarter of 2024 were approved.

Treasurer's Report:. Treasurer's Report: Micheal Stichter, who assumed his role as National Club Treasurer in January of this year presented his written financial reports. He reported that the club had made a $29,000 profit in 2024, however this does not include some 2024 expenses such as $5,000 for the V-8 TIMES editor.  Once these other expenses are incorporated, the 2024 profit will be significantly less. He further reported that the income from books and accessories were down because of  the closure of the online store due to moving the materials to their new location in Tennessee. Advertising income in the V-8 Times was reported as down. It was noted that advertisers are turning more to online advertisement.  The largest item on the budget continues to be producing and distributing the V-8 Times. The Treasurer’s Report was accepted by the Board.

Membership Trends: Both President Gunnarson and past President Connie Hall reported on membership. Connie Hall explained the policy she followed for labeling Regional Groups that have stopped meeting regularly as “Inactive” rather than closing them permanently. She found that at times members may come forward to reinvigorate an inactive regional group and resume meetings and activities. Dave Gunnarson explained the downward trend of membership he observed through examining V-8 Times circulation over several years.  The Board agreed that attracting new members is an important goal for the club at large.

Central National Meet Update: Ken Bounds, Chairman of the 2025 Central National Meet gave a report on the upcoming event scheduled for June 22-26 in Springfield, Illinois.  He urged that sitting directors and staff make attendance at the meet a priority and that they should encourage their regional group members to attend. He further reported that while registrations are on track with what was experienced in 2024 he would like to see them pick up.  Ken closed by expressing the importance to the club of National Meets being held regularly.  President Dave Gunnarson also solicited ideas and suggested locations for the upcoming Grand National Meet  planned for 2028

2025 Scheduled National Meet

Central National Meet, Springfield, Illinois June 22-26, 2025 “A V-8 Family Reunion” sponsored by the Northern Illinois Regional Group #8. For Early Registration forms check the EFV8CA Website www.earlyfordv8.org or go to https://2025cnm.con

2025 Scheduled  National Tour

Hidden Treasures Driving Tour, August 5-9, 2025  Drivers will cruise through back roads and two lane throughfares of rural southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. For information write to Hidden treasurers Tour, 2887 W. Owasso Blvd., Roseville, MN 55113

Website Report: The report prepared by Web Administrator Bruce Nelson was presented by President Dave Gunnarson. The report explained announcements recently added to the website.  Changes in shipping options were explained with USPS Ground Advantage to be used for domestic orders and USPS First Class to be utilized for foreign shipments. The top selling items in the online store were listed in the report.  The Website report was accepted by the Board.

Accessory Sales Report:  Michael Driskell, Manager of Accessory Sales submitted a product/service summary covering August-December 2024. He suggested that an inventory of club books be completed every five years. Michael further reported that sales for the 2025 Early Ford V-8 pictorial calendar offered by the online store were low.   Michael Driskell also suggested that the club conduct a member demographics survey as a follow-up to the last survey completed seven years ago.

V-8 Times /Roster Report: Editor Shannon Olson mentioned in her written report that she has not been receiving adequate story submissions from the membership. She asked that the Board encourage members to send in stories and photos to the V-8 Times about their Early Ford V-8 cars or other subjects related to Early Ford V-8s so that these can be enjoyed by the membership. Shannon is continuing to prepare a new Membership Roster for 2025 which will be available for purchase on the club’s online store.  It was stressed that the collection of Regional Group Officers and Directors forms will be important in order to present accurate information in the new roster.  Also it was announced that a Membership Card will be included in the March/April issue of the V-8 Times.

Business Continuity Plan:  Connie Hall, past President presented information on the Business Continuity Plan she and others have developed for the National Club. The plan, after approval, will be put in place to assist our organization in the event of natural disasters, cyber attacks, pandemics or other disruptions.  It will include all the information on important vendor communications in case one or more of our directors or staff become unavailable through an emergency.

Audit Committee Report: President Dave Gunnarson presented the audit report that was submitted by Audit Committee Chairman Joe Valentino.  The audit firm of Bonk, Cushman, Eagle, and Garcia is preparing the 2024 audit of the club’s financials, which will provide input to the club's 2024 tax filing by CPA James and Associates.  In December the club made a $100 donation to Cornerstone Community Church  of Aurora Colorado in memory of Lou Mraz.

President’s Updates: National President Dave Gunnarson brought up several items that he has been involved with.  He reported on the continued work of John Caldwell and the By-Laws Committee on the revision of  the By-Laws and mentioned  that the final revisions of the Policy Manuel will be made  after the revisions of  the By-Laws are approved.  President Dave Gunnarson further introduced a new form he had submitted for use by directors and staff for reimbursement of expenses they may incur performing club business. Also Dave announced that he had developed a fillable form  to serve as a template for Regional Groups business cards.

Respectfully Submitted by:

John Emmering, National Secretary

CONGRATULATIONS “2025” R.G. CHARTER ANNIVERSARIES !!!

 55 Years:

•  RG # 27, Redwood Empire  (February 08, 2025)
• RG # 28, Hi-Country  (February 08, 2025),
• RG # 29, Central San Joaquin  (March 22, 2025)
• RG # 31, Diablo Valley  (September 13, 2025)
• RG # 32, Mission Trail  (November 22, 2025)
• RG # 35, Badger State  (November 22, 2025)
• RG # 36, National Capital  (November 22, 2025)

 50 Years:

• RG # 72, Central Kentucky Thoroughbred  (February 09, 2025)
• RG # 77, Cedar Valley  (February 09, 2025)
• RG # 79, Tumbleweed  (April 20, 2025)
• RG # 82, Umpqua Flatheads  (April 20, 2025)
• RG # 85, Beaver State  (December 14, 2025)

 45 Years:

• RG # 109, Vancouver Island  (September 05, 2025)
• RG # 110, Natural State V-8s  (October 23, 2025)

 40 Years:

• RG # 123, Heart of Texas  (July 24, 2025)
• RG # 124, St. Louis  (November 03, 2025)

 30 Years:

• RG # 141, Ohio  (January 13, 2025)
• RG # 143, New South Wales  (October 21, 2025)
• RG # 144, East Texas Lazy 8s  (October 21, 2025)

 25 Years:

• RG # 157, Queensland  (July 29, 2025)

 20 Years:

•  RG # 164, V-8 Club of Argentina  (January 21, 2025)