A small but enthusiastic group of LCOC members and friends converged on the Deer Park Winery and car Museum in Escondido, CA to celebrate three things we love most—great cars, good friends and delicious food—in our farewell to summer event. Winning the long distance commute award hands down were Joe and Dana Baca from Alameda, who trundled down from the Bay Area in their spacious Lincoln Town Car for the weeknd. Skip Humphrey made it from Canyon Lake, while Bryan Burns arrived from Yucca Valley. Others from throughout SoCal completed the guest list.
Mother Nature played a starring role with sizzling late August tropical heat, but the visitors were able to work up an appetite while enjoying the facility’s hospitality, attractions and grounds before settling down to a yummy picnic lunch.
Wine barrels and gorgeous vines provided a stunning backdrop as we trekked around the faculty to view the eclectic car and artifact collections.
Each building held its own wonders. There were several Lincolns for us to enjoy along with rarer Nashes, Packards and Oldsmobiles.
Three buildings nestled into the scenic winery grounds filled with outstanding convertibles and mid-20th century artifacts provided plenty of eye candy. Our day began in the parking lot with a brief meet-and-greet where we admired our late model Lincolns before we ventured down memory lane inside he museum.
Western Region LCOC Director Jim Ayres got the ball rolling hosting a welcome ice water break beneath a covered veranda as guests arrived. Then we began touring the exhibits which included everything from a vintage Franklin to a rare Nash Healey, plenty of automobilia and some unexpected surprises, which included an ancient gas station right on the winery grounds and a pair of vintage bars.
Member Skip Humphrey enjoyed the pause that refreshes at a classic Coco Cola bar where the only thing actually missing was some of the dark brown fizzy liquid.
Tony Mondini took a welcome break after more than an hour of touring.
Those of a certain age were quick to recognize the artifacts scatted around the museum including 1950-era appliances, TVs, typewriters and even older radios. What a collection!
Deer Park’s large terrace provided the perfect setting for our picnic lunch, which included gourmet sandwiches and salads, side dishes, snacks and cookies for dessert as well as water. What a great finale to a stellar day of touring.
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