YMCA Goes Back to the Past

The Shenango Valley YMCA hosted its 2nd Annual Classic Car Show in memory of Paul S. Ghirardi, Sunday, July 15th 2007 at the YMCA, 925 N. Hermitage Rd Hermitage, noon to 4:00 PM. The event sponsors were the Ghirardi family, Whispering Oaks Retirement Community, Golden Corral and Greenwood’s Hubbard Chevrolet.

The local YMCA sponsored their first vintage car show 50 years ago, May 19th 1957. The show was organized and promoted by chairmen James Kilgore, Gordon McFarland, Van Hoagland, Charles Woge and Henry Johnson.

This event attracted more than 1000 spectators, and many unique vehicles were displayed including a 1919 Stoddard Dayton, a 1909 EMF, and a 1913 Rauch and Lang which was electric. This car ran on 2 large batteries that cost $1200 each, and was the first car to have a dome light. The driver sat in the back seat, and passengers faced the driver from the front. This same make and model was the honeymoon car of President & Mrs. Eisenhower.

The current event is organized by Jay Ghirardi and his wife Kimberly (Kilgore) Ghirardi, YMCA Youth Director and granddaughter of the first Shenango Valley Y’s Men’s Club President, and car show chairman, James Kilgore. The car show is held in the memory of Paul S. Ghirardi, Jay’s father, who passed away from cancer 5 years ago. Jay and his father shared a passion for cars which sprung from Paul’s lifelong admiration of the automobile, including his first 57 Chevy. Volunteers assisting with the car show are friends and family of Paul who cherished him and wish to continue his spirit by raising money to help others in the community. Last year their efforts made it possible for over 25 youth and seniors to save up to $100 each on YMCA programs and memberships.

Admission is free for spectators and for your entertainment D.J. Mike Hammond will be spinning the oldies. Food, refreshments, T-shirts, and raffle tickets will be sold and door prizes will be available. Plus special Shenango Valley YMCA membership rates will be sold the day of the show.

Contestants can pre-register for $8.00 at the YMCA before July 15th, or for $10.00 the day of the show. Registration will be held from 9AM to noon Sunday, July 15th. There will be 18 different car classes with prizes for the top 3 cars in each class. Dash plaques and goody bags will be given to the first 100 cars.

Although the makes and models of the cars have changed since 1957, the concepts and mission of the Y have not. Just like 50 years ago, the proceeds will benefit YMCA programs and activities that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.