SOUTHERN ALBERTA NEWSPAPERS PHOTOS SUBMITTED


Clubs preserve a love for cars of all years, shapes and sizes


By Stan Ashbee Southern Alberta Newspapers


their cars, according to the Gear Lords offi- cial online profile. The group also held rallies and helped each other find parts — and attend southern Alberta drag races. It has been reported, the club started out with 12 members — and at its peak, numbered 50. “Our first meeting was held in the base-


T


ment of Derick Stimpson’s home. At that time, we elected a complete governing body and drew up a complete constitu- tion,” it was stated in car club lore. Until a club house was found, meetings were held weekly at a local establishment. “Our members built the club house them-


selves. Each person brought their knowl- edge of building, and with helping hands — we took an old double garage, completely insulated it, and installed gas and electricity.


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aber has been home to the Gear Lords car club since 1969, when a plethora of local car enthu- siasts got together to work on


“


Our members built the club house themselves. Each person brought their knowl- edge of building, and with helping hands — we took an old double garage, completely insulat- ed it, and installed gas and electricity.


- Statement in car club lore


The garage was divided in two halves, one side hosting our meetings, and the other as a workshop to work on the members’ cars,” it was also stated. Drag races, were a favourite activity of


the Gear Lords. “These would take place on sanctioned tracks, as well as ‘unofficial’ tracks.” Every authorized drag strip, according to club lore, had safety rules and if a driver


and their car couldn’t meet said safety rules — they were not allowed to race. “All drag strips had fire extinguishers on hand and often had an ambulance on standby just in case.” Unfortunately, after approximately three


”


years, the club fizzled out — while the love of beautiful cars never died. “However, when the predecessor to Corn- fest began in Taber, a few former Gear Lords


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