French Lick, Indiana

[Don H.]

The current episode of My Classic Car covers the "Porsche Parade" (over 800 cars). It shows some shots of French Lick, Indiana, our 2023 Convention site. It looks like a very nice facility.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana

It really is a neat place. Hotel is restored. Lived in Indiana for 60 years. It is a long drive from any airport though.

[Terry M.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana

Well, it's been two months since the National Convention in French Lick. It was my first national and, fortunately, the culmination of "My Duntov Journey". When I began restoration of my 1965 fuelie coupe in 2019, I acquired the necessary NCRS judging manuals and other related books and guides. The car had been patiently resting in my garage(s) since its purchase in 1990. My original goal was to complete the restoration by my 40th birthday (1993). Life got in the way for a few years (ok, 26 years) before things got underway. Concurrent with the start of restoration was research to determine judging that might apply to a restored car. After determining that Duntov Certification was the highest level that I might achieve, I quickly learned what was needed prior. Required certifications included a Top Flight and PV prior to Duntov judging at a National Convention.

Since I wanted to limit my travel distance to a National, the French Lick location appeared to fit the bill perfectly. That said, it was fortunate that the covid epidemic postponed the French Lick event for a year. That allowed me to complete my restoration and pursue the prerequisite judging prior to Duntov judging. I was able to receive a Top Flight at the 2021 Cedar Rapids Regional. In 2022 I traveled to Texas for the Lone Star Regional for PV judging. The Frisco event was great but, unfortunately, resulted in failure. My winter/spring duties included fixing my failed PV components and registering for the 2023 North Central Regional (another PV try) and the rescheduled French Lick National. The North Central Regional was only 90 miles from my home which was a huge plus. Not without much stress and worry, I successfully passed PV judging which paved the way for Duntov judging at French Lick. More success followed in French Lick and my Duntov Journey was complete albeit with even more stress and worry.

The National Convention was amazing! I didn't know what to expect but I was blown away. The location was unbelievable, especially considering the combined population of French Lick and West Baden is less than 2700. Perhaps even better than the location was the people. I was able to reconnect with many of my NCRS acquaintances as well as meet many new ones. What a great experience! The event was well run and obviously included the help of many member volunteers. As has been said many times, "we come for the cars and stay for the people". I highly recommend a return to French Lick in the future, such a wonderful venue.

I am grateful for the many great people that helped me along the way including Mike McCagh, John DeGregory, KC Strawmyre, Don Heckenberg, Bill Yohn, Gary and Randy Hayungs (my restorers) and many others including vendors and component restorers. Thanks too, to the many NCRS members that post on the TDB which is greatly helpful in all of our restoration projects. I can't say enough about the NCRS judges that have judged my car. Always thorough and fair. Some have judged my car so many times (NCRS, Bloomington, MCACN) that they may know my car better than I do.

Finally, I learned of a little known NCRS requirement (to me anyway) from Dr. Mike. That is "Duntov owners are expected to buy another old Vette". We'll have to see about that. In the meantime, I'll be satisfied to continue with regional events and to smile every time I go out to the shed and see my award winning '65 Corvette.

[Leif A.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana

Terry,
Tremendous accomplishment...to the patient go the spoils. And, with an incredible car. Much congratulations to you (and your car)!!
Now, how about some pictures of that beauty?

[Tim G.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana

Terry, that's a wonderful post. My wife and I enjoyed the French Lick NCRS Nationals, also. We were at the West Baden Hotel and loved it there.
The entire event was great.

[Michael G.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana

IMG_0209.jpg
I found a perfect candidate for your next restoration, Terry:

[Terry M.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana

Hmmmm....I do have some left over parts. So kind of you to be on the lookout for me Mike. You are the best

[Michael G.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana

Hope you’ve got a lot of them….I know I’ve got a slightly used coupe air vent you can have for a pittance.

[Michael J.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana

20230803_143851.jpgWow, that looks like the same special order color that the '73 was on the French Lick shirt......

[Michael G.]

[Terry M.]

Re: French Lick, Indiana

Not quite unfathomable in the days of Wikipedia:

"French Lick was originally a French trading post built near a spring and salt lick. A fortified ranger post was established near the springs in 1811. On Johnson's 1837 map of Indiana, the community was known as Salt Spring. The town was founded in 1857.[4] French Lick's post office has been in operation since 1847.[5]

The sulfur springs were commercially exploited for medical benefits starting in 1840. By the later half of the 19th century, French Lick was famous in the United States as a spa town. In the early 20th century it also featured casinos attracting celebrities such as boxer Joe Louis, composer Irving Berlin and gangster Al Capone.."

I confess I was drawn to look it up for the same reason the name intrigued y'all. I got several versions when I inquired of the locals while I was there, Since Wicopeda is on the Internet, we should probably take this explanation with a dose of salt (pun intended).