Club History

The St. Cloud Antique Auto Club, nicknamed "The Pantowners", is a family oriented organization dedicated to the enjoyment and preservation of all automobiles. We are a non-profit organization open to anyone with the same interests.  There are currently 362 members.

From the Beginning - by Elmer Dahl. As published in the St Cloud TImes on August 13, 2006

Like the mighty oak tree that begins from an acorn, so it was with the St Cloud Antique Auto Club, it had a humble beginning. It was a thought, a dream, a desire and finally a commitment by the two 'founding fathers', Vic Theisen and Jerry Plachecki. As the legend goes, the two used to meet each Friday night for a cool one at the Sportsmen's Bar and discuss the week's happenings and what's old in the car world. On one of those nights, the idea of a club for all the 'Car Nuts' in the area, was discussed. The idea was kicked around at a few more sessions and finally Jerry said - Let's do it!

An article was placed in the St. Cloud TImes to inform all interested parties of an upcoming information gathering to be held in the basement of the Sportsmen's Bar. The meeting was conducted by Jerry Plachecki and the turnout was beyond expectation. The standing room only crowd was all in favor of the proposed venture. A date was set for a second meeting and a guest speaker from the Twin Cities region of the AACA was there. Those in attendance were asked to join AACA and if they as a club wanted to be a chapter it would be mandatory to belong to AACA. Those that did sign up received their first issue of "Antique Automobile" coincidentally featuring the Pan Automobile. 

At this point there were enough people showing an interest in forming a club so Jerry became the unofficial steering wheel of the Club, secretary, treasurer and editor of the first newsletter.

The first newsletter volume one, number one, was sent along with a list of 26 members on January 5, 1972. Members were asked to bring along seven self addressed, stamped envelopes to defray the cost of mailing the newsletter. 

On January 12, 1972, the first regular meeting of the St Cloud Antique Auto Club was held in the basement of the old Zapp Bank building. A few more organizational meetings were held and it was decided to have an election of officers to head the group. The first election of officers was held in November 1972 at Roy Bernick's home, at a regular meeting. 

The first club officers were:

Roy Bernick, President; Dick Schmid, Vice President; Jerry Plachecki, Secretary/Treasurer; Vic Theisen, Director - 1 Year; Vic Spears, Director - 2 Years and Elmer Dahl, Director - 3 years.

The nickname "Pantowners" was coined by Roy Bernick who also furnished plenty of refreshments for the meetings, which firmly bonded the group together. Our first outdoor meeting was held on May 10, 1972 at the old Germain Hotel Garage across the street from the Paramount theatre. A good turn out of vintage iron was on hand to be viewed and admired by the members. 

Another milestone was achieved on August 22, 1976 with the Pantowners' first annual Car Show and Swap Meet, held at the Benton County Fairgrounds. The event has always been held on the 3rd Sunday in August and each one has gotten bigger and better. The proceeds from the show go back to the members and the community. Over the years, many organizations have benefitted from the Pantowners' donations, scholarships and projects. 

So began the first of many events, outings, picnics, tours and gatherings. Many of the cars have changed ownership, but the fellowship and the good times of the Pantowners will never change!