For 2010, the Northern California Dodge Brothers and Sisters Region was blessed with perfect weather as we reached the Tallac Historical Site adjacent to Camp Richardson in South Lake Tahoe at about 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 12. After unloading the car from the trailer we proceeded to check in at the Lazy S Lodge which is 3 miles from the Tallac Historical Site. For those who are new to this Great Gatsby Festival, the Northern California Dodge Brothers and Sisters have been using the Lazy S for accommodations while participating in this event. There are only 20 units in this Lodge and it is convenient for all of us. After checking in we were greeted by those participating in the 2010 Great Gatsby Festival. This year we had Barbara and Herman Boone from Farmington, Donn Marinovich and Sherrin Grout from Columbia, Knute and Maryjoan Kleinin from Columbia, Roger and Lynne Gong with daughter Leah along with Tyson Riedberger from the San Jose area, Deke Sonnichsen with Katherine Thiery from Atherton and Chuck and Kathy Price from the Sunset District of San Francisco. It was a heart warming welcome after a few hours of trailering a car to an event. Most of the group had eaten a very late lunch so the Boone's and Gong's went out to an enjoyable dinner.

For the second year in a row, the group decided to take a voluntary cruise on the day preceding the actual Great Gatsby Festival. This year it was again with the Woodwind Tours and we were touring the West Side of the Lake.

The West Shore Cruise of Lake Tahoe was conducted upon the classic 80 foot motor yacht, the Safari Rose. The northern most destination was at Fluer-du-Lac, the famed estate of Henry J. Kaiser, where the movie "Godfather II" was filmed.

Most of the time on board is spent in leisurely cruising Lake Tahoe at a speed of about 10 knots. It takes about an hour to reach the fartherest destination.

Here you see Herman Boone relaxing on the bow of the Safari Rose.

Once arriving off of Fleur-du-Lac the ship was allowed to drift with the prevailing wind. There was plenty of time to take pictures and enjoy the scenery. Then it on southward and once more drifting again while lunch (shish-ka-bob's) were served. Once lunch was completed it was motoring through McKinney Bay, passing the old brothel at Homewood, historic Chambers Landing and Sugar Pine State Park, site of the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion built in 1903. The cruise continued on past the beaches at Meeks and Rubicon Bay, past Lester Beach Cove at Bliss State Park and the Rubicon Cliffs. Then it was onto Emerald Bay itself going around Fannette Island with a view of Eagle Falls and the Vikingsholm Mansion.

Emerald Bay holds the only island in all of Lake Tahoe.

Finally, the motor yacht passed by Baldwin Beach and the Tallac Historic Site where the Great Gatsby Festival is held each year as it cruised on back to home port of Tahoe Keys.

This is a view from the cruise ship towards the Tallac Historical Site.

After the cruise the entire NCDBS group headed back to the "headquarters" motel for a bit of rest and then off to a relaxing dinner.

In retrospect, the vehicles on display in 2010 could be considered the "Sporting Class" of the Dodge Brothers automobiles. With the exception of the beautiful Blue over Black 1923 Screenside, the remainder of the cars shown were of the early 1930s vintage. Vehicle color was provided by all manufacturers after the "basic black" color scheme that was prevalent of cars being manufactured by the Dodge Brothers and others. In the past, the NCDBS group has shown what could be known as "Working Class" vehicles and these were mostly earlier 1920 models. But no matter what class of cars we bring, the NCDBS appreciates the opportunity to display any of our vehicles during this event!. The NCDBS understands that it is the hard work and preparation the USFS that makes the Great Gatsby Festival a success and make the NCDBS welcome. A special thanks goes out to Jackie Dumin - Assistant Site Director Tallac Historical Site.

The NCDBS host for this years Great Gatsby Festival was once again Donn Marinovich and Sherrin Grout. These two have been the contact with the Forest Service for a number of years. All of us who have attended many times or are newbies certainly appreciate the effort to make this as easy for us as possible.

Sherrin Grout in her period era costume hosting the NCDBS attendees.

Here you see Donn Marinovich standing in front of his Sonora Screenside on the first day of the event.

This year Lynne and Roger Gong brought the 1930 Straight 8 Rumble Seat Coupe to Tallac. This beautifully restored vehicle is owned by Tom and Elaine Gong of Richmond who were unable to make the event since they were just returning from the National Fly Casting championship in Lexington, Kentucky. The weather in Kentucky was a bit different from South Lake Tahoe, with temperatures in the 90's and humidity of 90%. Anyway, this 8 cylinder coupe is one of 2,999 built in 1930 - the first year of 8 cylinder production. At the end of the 8 cylinder production in 1933, Dodge would not build another 8 cylinder car until the 1950's.

1930 Rumble Seat Coupe

Herman and Barbara Boone brought up their "just completed" 1933 cabriolet. Herman finished the paint in a light and dark green contrasting color scheme. The interior was a material based dark ribbed green while the top was a natural tan color.

Here is the 1933 Cabriolet resting among the pine trees of the Pope Estate.

Donn Marinovich and Sherrin Grout displayed their award winning 1923 Screenside. This vehicle has been awarded both Junior and Senior AACA awards, although very seldom does any NCDBS vehicle stands for judging in any category. This Screenside is an exception and it is itself an exceptional vehicle!

The Screenside with a vendors display selling vegetables from the rear of the truck circa 1923.

Knute and Maryjoan Kleinen brought this 1931 roadster from Columbia. This is a 4-cylinder car and represents the style in vogue during the early 1930's. The car itself was just completed its restoration and is very low mileage on the engine. Knute and Maryjoan have displayed vehicles at the Great Gatsby Festival before and previously have shown a 1923 Columbia. All of the NCDBS expect Knute to eventually get a Dodge Brothers car.

This 1931 Plymouth is shown to display all of the options one could get from Chrysler Corporation in 1931.

Many people who are not members of the NCDBS (and a few who are members) have asked those that have attended the Great Gatsby Festival to describe the function. Most have responded that it is a chance for the NCBDS to "show and shine" their cars while attired in "era specific costumes" right on the shores of Lake Tahoe celebrating the Great Gatsby. There are a few digipix's that follow which might give anyone a hint and flavor of the event.

The pictures above illustrate the group from Columbia, California; Herman Boone discussing restoration with Knute Kleinen; and the group from Mountain View, California in front of the 1930 Rumble Seat Coupe.

On the second day of the festival the NCDBS continued with its "show and shine" duties and interfaced with many of the guest coming through the area. At 2:00 p.m. we all retire to the Great Lawn in front of Vahalla Lodge and sit down to a formal Tea. There is a hostess for each table and Sherrin Grout has been the NCDBS hostess for the past few years. Sherrin provides the entire porcelin tea set, napkins, etc for the table. The rest of us simply "show up" for the action!

However, just as we were about to leave for the Tea and Fashion Show, Jackie Dumin came by the area where the NCDBS has parked their cars to present Herman Boone the Peoples Choice Award. Congratulations to Herman and Barbara Boone!

Jackie Dumin Assistant Site Director Tallac Historic Site presents Herman Boone (1933 Cabriolet) with the Peoples Choice Award.

At the Tea, we were served a delectable array of finger food sandwiches and desserts with copious amounts of champagne flowing! The NCDBS is known to always have a good time and we made the most of what was available. The Tea is set so that friends and family can come together and have a good time reminiscing and reuniting with friends whom have not seen each other for a long time. All proceeds of the Tea go towards the Tahoe Heritage Foundation. Lesie De Tarr is the Chairperson of this wonerful event.

After the Tea all in attendance are treated to the Debra Rush Fashion Show. This years show concentrated on the beaded dress. Barbara had dresses from the Victorian era (1900's) through the 1970's. It was quite a delight to see these exquisite pieces of history. Below are a few pictures from the Tea.

This is a representation of those gathered for the 2010 Great Gatsby Tea and Fashion Show

This is a group picture of the models for the Fashion Show. If you look carefully, you might be able to make out Maryjoan Klienen, Barbara Boone, Sherrin Grout and Lynne Gong. If you can't there are more photo's in other cameras yet to be downloaded.

Once the Tea was over the NCDBS members wandered back to where the cars were on display and began to pack up from the weekend of festivities. The weekend was a complete success and everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. Again, if you are a NCDBS member and missed this years adventure, you should plan on attending next year. It was an easy event to attend due to the efforts of the Tahoe Heritage Foundation, the Tallac Historic Site personnel, the US Forestry personnel and the many, many volunteers who made this all possible. So until next year when we will report anew - thanks to all for an enjoyable time at the Great Gatsby Festival.