John J. Flaherty

Flaherty was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Church, of Milford, a charter member of Early Ford V8 Club of America, an antique car enthusiast and served in the National Guard with the Fighting 69th Regiment, for 8 years. He was instrumental in the foundation of Birchwood Lakes Community Association in Dingmans Ferry. He served as president of the board of directors.

Survivors include his wife; son, Scott Flaherty of Dingmans Ferry; three daughters: Julie Flaherty of Dingmans Ferry, Lynda Murray and her husband, Kent of Dearborn, Mich., Karen DeVilliers and her husband, John of Dingmans Ferry; sister, Marilyn Kerrigan and her husband, George of Wading River, N.Y.; sister-in-law, Margo Ehlers and her husband, Tom of Lewisville, N.C.; seven grandchildren: Eric Simko and his wife, Alysha, Steven Solferino, Brett Solferino, Dustin DeVilliers, Alexandra DeVilliers, Christopher DeVilliers, Sean Murray and one great grandson, Xavier Simko.

Early Ford V8 Club of the Inland Empire

(Official Web site here)

CHARTER HISTORY

During the summer of 1969, Dick Colby (already a member of the National Ford V8 Club), Jim Poston, Speedy Gunsaulis, and Bob Mingo decided to pursue their interest in old Ford V8’s by forming a local group of fellow enthusiasts. Through word of mouth and with newspaper ads, they worked to let area people know about the new club. By the end of the year, officers had been elected, a chapter had been received, and the club had officially become the Inland Empire Regional Group of the Early Ford V8 Club of America.

THE FIRST OFFICERS: Historian: Frank Bevard

The early meetings were held in homes, in Dick Colby’s shop, and in the Washington Trust Bank on Trent Avenue. But family participation was encouraged and added to the size of meetings and activities. By November of 1970, Vera Power became the regular meeting place for the ever expanding group. A roster was put out in July of 1970 showing a total of twenty members.

THE FIRST MEMBERS: Joe Yates, Cecil Meyer, Glen Rusho, Frank Bevard, Dick Colby, Bob Mingo, Les Smith, Jim Poston, Speedy Gunsaulis, Chuck Whittaker, Lew Daniels, Don Bakken, Dick Grosch, Franke LaBare, Bob Somes, Scott Fink, Hugh Hyde, Bill Frazier, Jim Barnett, and James Kilmer.

The well known Spokane Swap Meet, held every July, got its start in 1971 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The following year it was moved to the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds. The Swap Meet has continued to grow, both in size and in popularity. It is considered one of the major events of the year for the Inland Empire old car fans.

Over the years, the Early Ford V8 Club members have participated in an untold number of activities. They have helped one another with restoration and have helped track down needed parts. The many tours, parades, and shows have allowed the proud members to show off their finished cars. Our club has been fortunate to present the opportunity to socialize with other friendly people while sharing a common interest.

Fooorrd V8 performance guide

This is the "best ever" low-bucks handbook to upgrade horsepower and durability of the best of the early Ford V8 engines.

'32 Ford Deuce, The Official 75th Anniversary Edition

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Early Ford V8 pictorial register, 1932-1940

How to Build Classic Hot Rod V-8 Engines

The 1937 Ford V8-60 engine block is unique, as 1937 was the only year that ... The 1938-1940 Ford V8-60 engine blocks are entirely cast iron and similar to ...

Complete book of collectible cars, 1930-1980

The early V8 years brought fairly swift change by Ford standards, ... competent national support from the Early Ford V8 Club • Plentiful parts original and ...