MEMBER THOUGHTS,  AUGUST 2026

Hagerty Road of the year 2026;     Pennsylvania State Route 144        https://tinyurl.com/Road-of-the-Year-2026

Packing hundreds of curves along its 109-mile length, Pennsylvania Route 144 runs north-south and almost perfectly bisects the mountainous northern half of the Keystone State. Paved nearly a century ago to provide an automobile-friendly connector to lumber and railroad towns, the road now delivers a recreational paradise. Outdoor pursuits on or near PA 144 include hunting, fishing, river rafting, hiking, off-roading, and of course, fantastic driving.       From the southern terminus, the road begins just off I-80 in the mountaintop borough of Snow Shoe, population less than 700, where the Alleghenies start to rise. Within the first dozen miles, the route climbs to the Allegheny Plateau and enters the Pennsylvania Wilds, an area larger than the state of Connecticut. 

The Wilds encompass some 25 percent of the state yet house only 4% of the people. Pennsylvania Route 144 passes by farms and runs through a dense forest of aromatic white pines and hardwoods before cresting on the high plateau region. The large-radius sweeping curves carved with generally excellent pavement cut through a less dense, sun-drenched area of pitch pine and scrub oak. During two recent excursions, we saw abundant wildlife but not another human for miles. Pennsylvania Route 144 is the eastern arm of the state’s Elk Scenic Drive loop, so you might encounter a member of the largest elk herd in the Northeast. Or you might spot a bald eagle, as we did—they have made a healthy comeback.       About 30 miles from Snow Shoe, the road plunges down a canyon that follows Hall Run Creek. The curves are tight here, with tons of quick left-right transitions. This is where PA 144 is most like an amusement ride, hugging steep hillsides edged by steel guardrails. The descent lasts 6 glorious miles until the road deposits you on the southern bank of the West Branch Susquehanna River.       Stretching about 300 feet across, the mighty West Branch was once a superhighway for the harvested lumber that built East Coast cities in the early 19th century. Not long after the first steam locomotive arrived in the U.S. in 1829, the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad built a line that traversed the state along the northern bank of the West Branch. Driving over the bridge that crosses the Susquehanna brings us to Renovo, the largest town on Pennsylvania Route 144. 

Dramatically ringed by mountains, Renovo was incorporated by the railroad in 1866 to service a massive central locomotive service yard that once included a roundhouse. This classic boom town’s population swelled to some 4000 in the early 20th century. It was about this time that the new automobile sparked the state to build Pennsylvania Route 144 and link the various towns and villages along the route. When less maintenance-intensive diesel locomotives replaced the steamies and the railroads consolidated maintenance yards, the town started a long decline. A mere 1000 people call it home today, and sadly, even a Family Dollar sits abandoned. The hamlet is still a good breather stop and an interesting location for history buffs. Grab lunch at Socky’s Restaurant, which retains its vintage counter-type seating. Next door is the old Keystone Hotel, which wears a faded sign advertising “Rooms, Food, and Dancing” but is now mostly a popular cocktail bar. Peruse the grand churches and the lone standing brick workshop of the rail yard. But don’t hesitate long—there’s plenty of Pennsylvania Route 144 yet to explore.       The road ascends out of Renovo via switchbacks lined with northern hardwoods and wild rhododendrons. The air has a fresh, fecund feel. In “The River,” Bruce Springsteen sang about a struggling blue-collar couple who would “drive out of the valley/down to where the fields are green.” It’s a great soundtrack when you’re leaving Renovo, swinging through miles of curves and occasional farms yet seeing few other people. 

Thirty-seven exhilarating miles and about an hour after Renovo, Pennsylvania Route 144 enters Germania. This small hamlet was settled by, you guessed it, German immigrants who were promised an area like their native Black Forest. The cluster of about a dozen buildings includes two well-kept churches and a cute general store with homemade chocolate whoopie pies. The old-growth hardwoods were logged out a century ago and now the town relies on tourists, many of whom explore the miles of former logging roads with ATVs. If you’re in the area this August, a raffle to benefit the Kettle Creek Music Festival and veterans offers a grand prize of “a canoe full of booze.    A quick 7 miles north, Pennsylvania Route 144 ends at U.S. Route 6 in Galeton, where sawmills powered by Pine Creek processed the logs. History is never far away, as evidenced by the local Ace Hardware in an old tannery building, but Galeton’s tourism caters to stargazers, who come for the nearby Cherry Springs State Park. A designated Dark Sky park, Cherry Springs has so little light pollution that it’s one of the best places to view the solar system. Fitting, as Pennsylvania Route 144 is one of the best roads we’ve discovered east of the Mississippi  , and proof there are still plenty of places to get lost right in our backyards.

On the Road        Pittsburgh, about 200 miles from Snow Shoe, is the closest major airport, but there are nonstop flights to State College, home to Penn State University, from Washington, Philadelphia, and Chicago. State College is only about a half-hour’s drive south of Snow Shoe and offers numerous hotels and inns.      For an authentic forest experience, book a room at the Gateway Lodge, a cozy log cabin built in 1934 and nestled in the heart of lush Cook Forest State Park. The Gateway includes a terrific restaurant and is roughly a two-hour drive from either State College or Pittsburgh. 

Driving Pennsylvania Route 144 can take a few hours or an entire day, depending on stops. A fine day could start with a short stroll through the “Forest Cathedral,” a stand of old-growth hardwoods a few miles from Gateway Lodge. Or, if you start in Snow Shoe, at Galeton head 100 miles west on U.S. Route 6, itself a scenic byway, for a must-see visit to Drake Well.       In 1859, Edwin Drake sank a well along the bank of Oil Creek and discovered the first oil deposit. The ensuing oil rush spawned the modern petroleum industry. The museum has a reproduction of the original well. For us gearheads, it’s a mandatory visit. A full weekend would include exploring other rural roads. There are dozens. One thing is for sure: You will not be bored. 

                                                                                                                                                   Submitted by Linda and Brent, thank you!

DIRECTOR’S THOUGHTS, AUGUST, 2026      Hope you enjoyed the article.  Pennsylvania IS a beautiful state, and it is in our backyards!  Many of us think that we have to take a ride and or travel outside Pennsylvania to see beautiful countryside and things, but no, we do not!  My thoughts for everyone is to get out and enjoy life and enjoy what our great state of Pennsylvania offers to us.  Linda and Brent, many thanks for sharing!          Next month, September, monthly chapter meeting reconvene at the Starlite Diner & Lounge, Rt 100, Allentown, Pa.  Then, we are only 1 month away from hosting the 50^th Annual Old Car Show & Outdoor Flea Market, Lehighton, Pa!  This year, we will be celebrating our 50^th year!!!  Sally is conjuring up something special to help celebrate this anniversary!  Boy how the time is going by quickly!  Sally Getz 

“FREE SPIRIT” Chapter Meeting Minutes, JULY,  2026              No meeting held.    

DAF Volunteers, Sunday, August 2, 2026              Das Awkcht Fescht (DAF) is now just days away!   Those who volunteered their time, “THANK YOU. “ Please be there by 7 AM to begin to park the BUICK section.  Bring your chair(s), drinks, snacks, and sunscreen for those who have fair skin.  I will see you all then!      Sally Getz

Rev. Howard L. Kriebel    (1934 – 2026)

Rev. Howard L. Kriebel, 91, husband of Rev. Dr. Martha J. (Bean) Kriebel, died Monday, July 13, 2026, at his Collegeville, PA home.  Rev. Kriebel was born on September 24, 1934, in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Howard W. and Dorothy M. (Lewis) Kriebel. He was raised in Norristown, PA and was a graduate of Norristown High School.    He earned bachelor’s degrees in industrial arts from Millersville University and guidance counseling from Kutztown University, a master’s degree in education from Temple University, and a master’s degree in divinity from Lancaster Theological Seminary.    He was ordained in the United Church Of Christ and served as a co-pastor with his wife at Palm Schwenkfelder Church, Palm, PA before going into teaching full time.    Before retiring, he was a longtime industrial arts teacher and guidance counselor for Southern Lehigh High School, Center Valley, PA. He previously taught industrial arts at Upper Perkiomen Jr. High School, Pennsburg, PA.  He was a member of Augustus Lutheran Church where he led the Adult Bible Study Class. Rev. Kriebel was an avid auto restorer of antique and classic cars and was a member of the Lehigh Valley Model A Ford Club and the North Penn Model A Ford Club.  In addition to his wife of 69 years, Rev. Kriebel is survived by his sons, Jonathan Kriebel, husband of Uta Canzler-Kriebel, Kurten, Germany, and David Kriebel, husband of Anne (McCrea) Kriebel, Green Lane, six grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.  Services were held on Friday, July 17^th, 2026.  This information was supplied to me on Saturday, July 18^th.  Please remember Rev. Martha Kriebel and her family by keeping her in your prayers as they navigate together through this most difficult time;        Rev. Martha Kriebel & family, 90 Sixth Avenue, Collegeville, Pa 19426-2506.    610-489-1253

“FREE SPIRIT” Chapter,   Membership Renewal Form

For those members who have not submitted your chapter renewal dues to, William Hallman, this is your last reminder to do so.  If I do not hear back from you, you will be removed from the membership.                                Thank you,  William Hallman

Please fill in the following information and include a check for $15.00, made payable to “FREE SPIRIT” Chapter.  Submit with your renewal of $15.00 to:    William Hallman, 23 Prospect Ave., Norristown, PA 19403-3239, 610-329-7375    wfh23@comcast.net      NOTE:    Are you a member of the National Buick Club:  ______ Yes______  No   Your BCA number________

MEMBER NAME________________________________________SPOUSE’S NAME  __________________________________________

STREET ADDRESS  __________________________________TOWN, STATE, ZIP CODE  ______________________________________

CELL PHONE  (OPTIONAL)  ___________________________EMAIL ADDRESS  (OPTIONAL)  _________________________________

BUICK(s) OWNED    Year/Make/Model__________________________________________________________________________________    

                                                                                           CALENDAR OF EVENTS

AUGUST 2026                                                       HAPPY DOG DAYS OF SUMMER!

• 1 – 2 – Das Awkcht Fescht, Macungie Memorial Park, Macungie, Pa
• 8 – 11^th Annual Wheels for Meals Car, Gilbert Fair grounds, Gilbert Pa
• 19 – 22 – National Buick Club Meet, Albany, NY

SEPTEMBER 2026                                             HAPPY LABOR DAY!

• 1 – Monthly chapter dinner meeting, Starlight Diner n Lounge, Allentown, Pa.  Dinner @ 6 pm, meeting @ 7:30 pm.
• 12 – Chariots of Fire, Classic Auto Mall, Morgantown, Pa
• 25 – 27 – Rally on the Rocks Vintage Camper Rally, Blue Rocks Campground, Lenhartsville, Pa
• 30 – October 4 – Fall Carlisle

OCTOBER 2026                                                    HAPPY FALL!

• 3 – 13^th Annual Show, Cars For Kacie, Morgantown, Pa
• 6 – 9 – Hershey Region AACA Meet, Hershey, Pa
• 10 – Show at ChalkPalooza, Kutztown, Pa
• 13 – Monthly dinner/business meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Rt 100, Allentown, Pa, dinner @ 6 pm, meeting @ 7:30 pm.
• 25 – 50^th Annual Old Car Show w/ Flea Market, Phiffer’s Ice dams, Lehighton, Pa.  CELEBRATING OUR 50^th YEAR!!!!

ISO/CARS & PARTS FOR SALE

I have recently purchased 1942 Buick Special Eight.  I am reaching out for help sourcing some parts.  The wiper motor was missing and I bought an electric motor kit from Bobs Automobilia. When I received the motor, I realized I am missing the wiper motor transmission rods. The wiper spindle / wiper arms are intact on the windshield.  I also need the following parts … if possible;Heater Control Unit (my one is leaking);    Dashboard Gauges (mine are in poor condition);    Rear Wing Panels ??? (I think there is a panel missing on both sides at the rear of the rear wheels).    I would be most grateful if someone could help me sourced these parts.  Please contact:  Gary Keville of Ireland, gary.keville@gkt.ie, Telephone: +353 1 6674322;   Mobile: +353 86 2484503.

DISTRIBUTORS        (Sally Getz, 484-464-3418)

• #13        1970 Delco Remy 455 Distributor, #1112027, Buick Skylark GS, GSX, WC, Electra, Riviera
• #14        1964-65 Delco Remy Distributor 401/425 Nailhead, #1111055, Skylark WC, Electra, Riviera
• #15        1967 Buick Distributor #1112110

PAIRED FENDERS                  3.     1968 Electra (BLUE 4 holes)    

•      4.     ? 1965?  1966 Electra (BLACK, Very Nice)
•    43.     1953 Special fenders w/ headlights (bluish-gray)
•    44.     1968 Skylark (GREEN/GOLD), (FITS A 2/4 DR, CONV.) Passenger w/ 2 small dents front, small hole back bottom;   drivers w/ hole back bottom
•    47.     1958 Special (BROWN NEEDS WORK)
•    51.     1965 Skylark (RED, 1965 GS (BLUE), $500.00/PAIR OR $300.00/1 fender
•  106.     1980 LeSabre Diesel front fenders
•  178.     1966 Electra fenders (nice)
•  187.     1950 Buick Super pr fenders, 57 1/2” long, 26 ½” tall, 2’ front w/light  hole                   

SINGLE FENDERS           #2   1965 WC (WHITE) w/ rust out behind wheel, DRIVERS SIDE ONLY

• #5     1965 Riviera drivers fender (gray)
• #6     1965 Riviera drivers fender (black)
• #8     1965 Riviera  (BLUE)  drivers side 
• #9     1964 Wildcat  (WHITE)  passenger side
• #12   1972 Riviera  (RED w/ dent)  drivers side
• #14   1962 Electra  (TURQUIOSE w/ 4 holes)  drivers side, round light
• 17        1970   Riviera  (GREEN)  passenger side
• 18        1979 – newer?? Regal  (RED w. pin stripe)  drivers side
• 19        1978 Estate Wagon  (BLUE w/ Wood Grain)  drivers side,  $100.00 w/ passenger Inner fender part
•   #39    1966 Electra (BLUE) passenger
•   #40    1971-73   Boat Tail Riviera (GREEN w/ dent) passenger side 
•   #42     1966 Skylark (BROWN), passenger side only
•   #46    1958 Special (RED) drivers’ side
•   #49    1963- 64 Riviera 1 (WHITE) & 1 (black) passenger fender  
•   #53    1965 Skylark (RED) drivers’ side
•   #55    1967 LeSabre (BLUE, front damage near light), passenger side RAPP SALVAGE, 1920-70 BUICKS, Starlite, Pa 18461 570-798-0390 (CALL FIRST)