Studebaker awards presented

Studebaker cars and trucks manufactured from 1915-66 provided a variety of models and styles for locals and visitors to see Sunday, Aug. 3, in downtown Custer.  Favorable weather also made the weekend pleasant for owners who drove to Custer from seven states. The free event was sponsored by members of the Dakotas Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club.  
All visitors to the show were invited to vote for their favorite car or truck.  Those who participated received a ballot which also urged them to state their home locations.  These slips revealed that visitors were from 35 states as well as South Dakota.  In addition, other people stated they were from nine foreign countries. Two large buses of observers were also welcomed during the afternoon.
Visitors could select a favorite Studebaker and cast a ballot. The highest number of votes was received for No. 23,  a yellow and green colored 1955 Speedster model owned by Steve and Pat Brown from Ft Pierre. 
The second greatest tally was for No. 24, a 1958 Transtar model truck shown by Rob and Janet Young of Rapid City.
A 1933 Rockne Model Coupe, No. 19, took third place and was exhibited by Tom and Sue Tillma of Milan, Minn.
The participants also voted on a separate ballot for their favorite. Their chosen car was a 1934 Commander Regal Coupe, No. 10, owned by Bruce Peterson of Belle Fouche.  
A banquet on Sunday  evening treated the show participants to dinner and other awards were also given out. 
Mayor Bob Brown presented Tony Urich from Garner, Iowa,  with the city’s award for No. 6, his 1963 Wagonaire. The Custer Area Chamber of Commerce director,  Dawn Murray,  selected No. 31,  a 1954 Henney Packard hearse for a plaque from local merchants. It had been restored by Mike Proios of Hermosa.
Leroy Kelly from Kalispell, Mont.,  received an award from the Dakotas Chapter for his outstanding 1947 convertible. Kristen and Daniel Wetovik of Fullerton, Neb., were honored for their upkeep and preservation of their 1966 Cruiser, No. 25.  
As well as Studebaker cars being cited, individual members were also highlighted at the banquet.   
Susan and Dick Dittman selected Ned and Betsy Stephenson from Hartselle, Ala., to receive the President’s Plaque for their dedication of driving to various shows throughout the United States from Alabama in their 1941 Champion Truck. Each year the Dakotas Chapter of SDC also remembers the members of the original Studebaker family who began producing automobiles in 1902. 
A special plaque is given in their honor to a couple who have provided outstanding service to the club as well as their own family and have restored or maintained their Studebaker cars. They have also promoted a high awareness of Studebaker vehicles at automobile shows when several brands are in competition. This year the award was presented to Steve and Pat Brown. Their 1955 Speedster was also a top entrant in this year’s Kool Deadwood Nites show.