In, Over, Under and Top - Spring Drive, April 27th, 2019
By Dave Smittle
Recent Additions to the Spring Drive, “IN, OVER, UNDER and TOP” on Saturday, April 27!
Many are eagerly awaiting the spring drive named, “In, Over, Under and Top,” where we will see the INdoor car collection of Jeff Brashares, travel OVER the many covered bridges of Union County, go UNDERground at the famous Ohio Caverns, and, now, the day will conclude with us being, truly, on the highest point in the State, Campbell Hill – the absolute TOP of Ohio!
To end the day’s drive, the Smittle’s have recently added a couple of new exclusive events.
We have the distinct privilege of being able to access the site of the former Bellefontaine Air Force Station—the true Top of Ohio—as well as, having some volunteer Veterans open the nearby Welcome Center of the 664th AC&W/Radar Squadron for a private tour for our group! For those wishing to see more about the history of these two sites in advance, simply search Bellefontaine Air Force Station at Wikipedia.org or view a 3-minute video provided at https://www.nadrm.org/ChamberVideo-2.5.mp4
As a reminder, the day begins at Der Dutchman Restaurant and Bakery, 445 South Jefferson Street (U.S. Route 42) in Plain City. Please arrive prior to 9:00 a.m. and park by the large trees at the side of the lot. Feel free to have breakfast or treat yourself to something from the bakery before our driver’s meeting at 9:10; cars will depart on the drive starting at 9:15 a.m.
Dave noted the 27th is the first Saturday after Easter. Ohio Caverns will be opening their “summer” route through the cave, just for us—a route which can offer no steps, for those with mobility issues.
Because of the Holiday, please RSVP by Good Friday, April 19th. Please e-mail Dave at d-smittle@onu.edu or by calling or texting his cell phone at 419-230-8147. Please indicate your name, how many will be attending and leave your e-mail address or cell phone number. You’ll pay on your own at each of the venues. Lunch has most entrees priced at $8 and admission to Ohio Caverns is $12 for adults and seniors ($8 children ages 5-12). You may also wish to give a personal donation while at the Air Force Station to help with their museum building campaign.
In order for the sites being visited to properly plan, please be on time with your RSVP. The drive will end late afternoon near U.S. 33 in Bellefontaine, where you can easily take the highway back to Columbus, or, plan your own back-roads route home.
The Smittle’s have had fun planning this event and hope you’ll attend. In case of serious inclement weather, an announcement will be sent out on Friday (using the club’s e-mail list) and the event will held the next Saturday, May 4th, with all details remaining the same.
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, April 27th!