Don and Yeska Dibble of South New Berlin have been members since 1976. They recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary under lockdown in July and the Rolling Antiquers club presented them with a parade. (Submitted photo)

CHENANGO – Longevity and membership in organizations across the country has diminished in recent years. Many groups however manage to hold onto long time members.

The Rolling Antiquers Old Car Club of Norwich would have held its 55th annual car show this year, had it not been cancelled due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

In July they were asked to have a parade in Afton, to help celebrate a 50th wedding anniversary for a local couple. Five different antique and classic autos from the club were present.

It was noted shortly after that other club members had not been out of their homes literally in many months, with little contact except for immediate family and a few neighbors.

A Senior Members Tribute Parade was planned for one couple in particular, with other members invited.

Don and Yeska Dibble of South New Berlin have been members since 1976. Yeska remembers having first worked at the car show in 1977. The annual car show has been the main event of the club and continues only to the diligent efforts of the entire group, holding special memories for everyone. The Dibbles had celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on June 27th, with Don turning 91 later this month. They had not been out with the club since December last year.

On September 20, a sunny and bright Sunday afternoon, a procession of 12 Rolling Antiquers paraded past the Dibble’s home. Some, but not all, were driving antique/classic cars. Turning around at a nearby farm allowed a return pass-by. Along with the Dibble’s were their daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Al Zogg and numerous neighbors enjoying the entourage. Afterward the group rendezvoused at Boname Park in Oxford for the monthly club meeting.

Being a part of the Rolling Antiquers does not require owning an antique or classic auto, only a love of automobiles.

There’s always room for new persons with new ideas. Meetings are held most months on the third Sunday at 1p.m. in the North East Classic Car Museum in Norwich. Additional information can be found at raocc.org online.

Responsible social distancing is adhered to.

– Submitted by Allan Strong, President Rolling Antiquers Old Car Club