Our History

A Brief History

As provided by Dale Price January 2009

The history of the Northwest Regional Chapter of the WOKR had its beginning when a man in Oregon answered a newspaper ad and bought an Overland basket case.  The process of research that followed led him to the WOKR International organization.  He soon became acquainted with David Bell who was the president at that time.

In 1979, Dale Price, the basket case owner, was traveling from Georgia to the northwest and passed through a city in Ohio where the International WOKR Annual Meet was being held.

Dale stopped at the meet to greet Mr. Bell.  At the time, the annual business meeting was in process.  Dave Bell left the meeting to speak briefly with Dale.  He commented that they were about to elect a new member of the board of directors.

Having previously observed that participation in WOKR affairs was largely by owners who lived in central and eastern U.S., Dale remarked in departing that if ever the club would like representation in the west, he would be available.  Dale then proceeded with his trip to the west, and thought little about that conversation.

In a few days he got a phone call from Dave Bell, telling him that his name had been placed in nomination at the board meeting.  A vote was taken and the result was a tie vote with another nominee.  Then a second vote was taken and Dale was elected.

In retrospect, one might wonder if there would have been a Western Regional Chapter if the outcome of that second vote had been different, and since Dale was an outsider, almost completely unknown to the Board of Directors, how could a vote be cast in his favor?

IN 1980, several Willys-Overland owners were invited to a meeting in Kirkland, Washington and plans were made for a Willys-Overland Club.  The first car meet was held in Gig Harbor, Washington in 1981.  Annual meets with cars have been held once a year since then.

The meets have been hosted by members in locations ranging from British Columbia to California and Nevada in the south and Idaho, Montana, and South Dakota in the east.  There were also mini-meets where a few members would gather on an informal basis for old car related activities.

An annual banquet has been held nearly every year in Portland at the time of the Portland Antique Auto swap meet.  This is primarily a social event, providing an opportunity for members to get updated on club business, and to communicate on restoration progress and needs for parts.

The chapter has endeavored to be a family-oriented group and to reflect family values in public gatherings as well as individual decorum.

Some long-time member families brought small children to the meets in the early years of the club and it has been a joy to watch them mature.

The club has served a large number of people over the years.  While some are leaving because of health issues or age, new owners are joining.

The current effort to involve younger people has resulted in a new slate of officers who bring fresh imagination, energy and excitement that should revitalize the club, and strengthen it for many happy times in the future.

P.S. There was not much chapter activity in WOKR at the time the charter was issued for our chapter, however, partly because of our success, interest began to increase.

Dale Price continued to serve on the Board of the WOKR parent group for several terms.  He served as Chapter Chairman with responsibility for encouraging and assisting the formation of Chapters.

In 1985 he was awarded the Stedworthy trophy for his achievements in that program.