Chrysler 300 Club International
Spring Meet in St. Louis, Missouri
May 11 - 15, 1994







































Photos by Bill Elder
24th Annual Spring Meet, St. Louis, Missouri
Hosted by Len & Betty Astroth and Jim & Karen Birr

May 11 – 15, 1994 spring meet of the Chrysler 300 Club International was well attended with around forty registrations and over seventy people present. Attendees came from as far as Colorado, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Florida and New York. Best of all there was a representation of approximately 30 classic 300s and Hursts that graced the parking lot. I believe that we had Letter Cars from every year except ’56 and ’59!

Wednesday morning found the hosts making last minute preparations in anticipation of the next 5 days. First arrival to the hospitality room was Bob Merritt from New York, despite the problem that his Imperial had broken down in Arkansas while attending Don Rook’s auction. Bob pitched in and helped with some of the final preparation. Other early arrivals started trickling in by the afternoon, with a respectable group present by evening’s end. A curious F was pulled up on a trailer late in the afternoon and spent the rest of the meet parked at the back of the lot. At least no one can say that I never brought my car to a meet! Everyone spent the rest of the day getting acquainted with new faces, re-acquainted with old friends and relaxing from their journey.

Thursday morning found the group caravanning in their cars for a short drive just across the river to the Missouri riverfront town of St. Charles, first capital of Missouri. The morning and afternoon were spent exploring the historic district with its brick streets, gas lights and various shops and restaurants. That evening a dozen cars traveled to a popular local 50s style drive-in called “Chuck- a-Burger”, while others journeyed to “Ted Drews” (a famous custard stand) on old Route 66. Worry crept in, when we noticed the lights were out a few blocks, just prior to the drive-in. Fortunately, “Chuck-a-Burger’s” lights were on and the parking lot fairly vacant, with car hops ready to serve. Seeing all of those cars pull in and take over the place was fantastic. Did anyone (Bubba?) buy anything from the curious local who pulled up in an old Fury and was trying to sell some of his Chrysler possessions? And who is that mysterious woman whose face appeared in the left-hand corner of one of my pictures? Could it be someone from say … Quincy, Michigan?

Friday brought another beautiful day and found the group traveling a short distance down the highway to catch St. Louis’ new rapid transit (Metro-Link) to the downtown area. Metro-Link officials (Bi-State) were very helpful, having a roped off area waiting for the cars and security watching over them throughout the day. The Metro-Link operator was kind enough to specifically point out to the “Chrysler 300 Club Members” some of the famous sites along the way (namely a local junkyard). Everyone was offered the opportunity to visit and travel to the top of the famous “Arch”, view the St. Louis waterfront and wander around the rustic” Laclede’s Landing”. Then all were encouraged to hop back on the Metro-Link and stop off at the recently restored “Union Station” with its many shops and restaurants for an afternoon of shopping or browsing. Friday evening’s business meeting offered the typical lively discussion with a video presentation of what promises to be a very enjoyable meet in Tallahassee, Florida next spring. A drawing was also made for Chrysler Turbine car rides being offered at the National Museum of Transport the next day. After the meeting, many reconvened in the hospitality room for refreshments and more conversation.

Saturday everyone travelled to the National Museum of Transport to display the cars and see what the museum had to offer. I didn’t realize that the club had so many closet railroad fans! Free Turbine car rides were given in the only operational Chrysler Turbine car! Everyone seemed excited as they congregated around the Chrysler Turbine car, in anticipation of a ride and to view this wonderful historic vehicle. It was like watching a bunch of children in a candy store! The car’s operator, Mike Eberhardt, graciously offered additional rides, above the originally promised number, allowing most everyone to ride in this amazing car. Can you say, power by Hoover? Although it rained intermittently, spirits remained high and everyone had an enjoyable time. The awards banquet was held that evening with a sit-down dinner, awards presentation and a number of door prizes given out. A big storm threatening hail whipped up during dinner, but fortunately only delivered heavy rain. Curiously, it seemed like an awful lot of people had a birthday that evening. Did they think that they were at Denny’s or something? People must have enjoyed themselves as no one wanted to leave the banquet facility. Afterwards, many adjourned to the hospitality room to visit with some chewing the fat until the wee hours of the morning (4:00 am). Hey Andy, should we bring Mary to the fall meet?

Sunday morning, everyone awoke to another beautiful day, perfect for the journeys home. Some jumped across the river for an impromptu breakfast while others slept in. Members leisurely made their way to the parking lot for final goodbyes and eventual departure. The parking lot was clear by mid-afternoon with the previous four days destined to become memories for everyone to look back on. On behalf of my wife and co-hosts, we thank all who attended, hope everyone had a nice time and hope to see you in Michigan this fall.

The host with the “F” on the trailer: Jim Birr.

People’s Choice Award Winners

Group 1: 1955 C300 – 1958 300D
1st Place: 300D owned by Jim Golden, Topeka, Kansas
2nd Place: C300 owned by Lavonne Linnenburger, Topeka, Kansas

Group 2: 1959 300E – 1962 300H
1st Place: 300F owned by Dave Schwandt, Earlville, Iowa
2nd Place: 300F owned by Len Astroth, St. Louis, Missouri

Group 3: 1963 300 J – 1970 300 Hurst
1st Place: 300 Hurst owned by Roman Robaszewski, Chicago, Illinois
2nd Place: 300 Hurst owned by Howard Stoll, Chelsea, Michigan

Long Distance: Bob Crawford, 650 miles from Kintore, Ontario, Canada
Hard Luck: Bob Cornett – fuel line and power steering problems

300s At St. Louis
C300: Lavonne Linnenburger
300C: Bill Elder, John Hannon, Ed Lanfer, Spencer Siracusano
300D: Jim Golden, Bob Hays
300F: Len Astroth, Jim Birr, Mike Burke, Dave Schwandt
300G: Andy Mikonis
300H: Bob Crawford, Ed Phillips (convert)
300J: George Riehl
300K: Bob Cornet (convert)
300L: Marlin Thyer (convert)
Hurst: Roman Robaszewski, Howard Stoll
1962: William Berry, Don Smallwood
1963: Mark Rayner
1966: William Berry
1967: Ton Hartmeier (convert), Ken Smeicer
1968: Galen Wollbrink (convert)
1979: Terry Hoeman


Thanks to Bill Elder for typing this article for the web