Idaho's first officially recognized corvette club, located in Idaho Falls, was formed during the summer of 1987. It was incorporated with the state as a non-profit organization on February 3, 1988. The original name of the club was "Eagle Rock Corvette Club, Inc." The club was formed for the purpose of promoting pleasurable use of, and appreciation for the Corvette through planned automobile events and activities. Rich Mehs, proud owner of a big-block '72 coupe, was elected President for 1988 and 1989. Rich was instrumental in forming the club and attaining incorporation. Those first two years the club enjoyed local activities which included poker runs and informal day shows. Membership fluctuated from 15 to 25 cars.
During 1990 and 1991, Ben Sanchez held the presidency. It was under his direction the club informally changed its name to "Corvettes of Southeast Idaho, Inc." The name was officially registered with the state on February 14, 1992. During this time the club expanded its activities with a myriad of spontaneous events, ranging from river rafting to an evening at Pierre's Playhouse in Victor, Idaho. The club presented "Corvette Fun Run" at Lava Hot Springs, Idaho in 1991. This was the first major show presented by the club. Membership remained steadily around 25 cars.
In 1992, Louie Bumb was elected president. Under Louie's direction the club began to flourish and attract new members. During this year the club sponsored two major Corvette Shows: 1) Corvette Fun Run at Lava Hot Springs; and Wildberry Festival at Alpine, Wyoming. Membership was around 30 cars.
In 1993, Ken Peterson was elected president. Ken had been the previous vice-president with Louie. There were plenty events for everyone to enjoy during Ken's administration. The club sponsored the Wildberry Festival at Alpine, Wyoming as its only major Corvette Show for the year. Membership increased to 35 cars.
In 1994, Trish Bargman was elected president. Trish had also served as Ken's vice-president. The club put on the "Grand Targhee Vette Fest" at Grand Targhee Resort. The club went to many major events. In September of 1994, several cars went to Bowling Green for the Grand Opening of the National Corvette Museum. Many also participated in the Vettes on the Rockies in Frisco Colorado.
In 1995, Brian Novak was elected as president. Planned events includes a trip to Spearfish, South Dakota. The club put on the "Wild West Vette Fest" in West Yellowstone, MT. It was our best turn out for our show. Membership was about 50 cars.
In 1996, Connie Lamprecht was elected president. This is the first time the officers have all been women. The club again hosted the "Wild West Vette Fest" in West Yellowstone, MT. We also went on a cruise down historic Route 66.
In 1997, Linda Moore was elected president. We hosted the "Wild West Vette Fest" in West Yellowstone again. It was great show. Our trip for the year was up to Glacier Park/ Waterton Park area. What a beautiful place. We had fourteen corvettes on this trip. Next year we plan to go to Frisco Colorado for the Corvette show there.
In 1998, Richard Morris was elected president. The "Wild West Vette Fest'" was in West Yellowstone again. It looks like we have found a good home for the show. The trips for the year was down to the four corners area after the Frisco Show. It was a great trip. We went on the Train to Silverton. It was a great year for Corvettes of Southeast Idaho
In 1999, Brain Novak was elected president. This was the first year for buying the president a leather coat. I think that is why Brian ran for the presidency. The trip this year was the big Caravan to Bowling green. We had six cars actually go to Bowling green. Two headed back home. We lost the bubblebee vette on this trip, so the Armstrongs came back with a beautiful 2000 putter vett. I bet they don't forget this trip. The show was held in West for the fifth year. We had a band to celebrate.
In 2000, Kelley Armstrong was elected President. He had a ruff year with his family this year. Hopefully things will get better for the Armstrongs. The trips for the Year was planned by Linda Moore. We went up to Vancover and Seattle for the First Corvette show in Seattle. The show was a big success. Brian and Bev Novak were the chairs with Debbie and Richard Morris stepping forward to the the Co chairs.
In 2001, Lynn Mckinlay was elected President. Farrell Davidson planned some great weekend trips for the club. We met at Scotties during the summer months. Randy Wagner arranged to drive Dare Kids to school, which was a thrill for all the children involved.We had a great show at West Yellowstone this year. Richard and Debbie Morris were the Chairs, and Linda and Richard Moore were the Co Chairs. The years trip was down to Albuquerque for the boloon races with stops in Gallop, Santa Fe, and Taus. Mary Kay and Marvin did a great job planning the trip. We adopted 8 families from St Anthony, Rexburg, and Idaho Falls. We also adopted senors for Christmas.
In 2002, Randy Wagner was elected President. He involved the club in the Dare program again this year. Club members give rides to 6th graders to their schools. We had a great show at West. Linda and Richard Moore were the Chairs and Wayne and Pam Valentine were the CO chairs. The Thursday meetings during the summer months were held at Sonic's Drive in in Idaho Falls and Rexburg. There was not a big trips this year, but we will be heading to California in 2003. The club adopted 11 families from around South East Idaho and 8 Seniors for Christmas this year. Shopping was done at Shopko and Fred Meyers. The Club donated a prize for the Shiners raffle they hold every year.
In 2003, Bill Waters was elected President. Thor Miller was Vice president. The meetings were held at sponsors establishments as much as possible. The Wild West Vette fest was held at the Yellowstone conference hotel this year. Wayne and Pam Valintine were the Chairs and Bruce and Connie Barton were the Co Chairs. The club participated in the dare program again this year. We adopted families for christmas again. We nolonger clean up the Highway. Hopefully we can pick that up again.
In 2004 Ron Bone was elected president. Tommy Talyor was Vice President. The Wild West Vette Fest was held in West Yellowstone agian this eyar. Bruce and Connie Barton were the Chairs and Bill and Dana Madsen were the Co Chairs. It was a good show this year. The club donated money from the Corvette Plates to diferent chairities and adopted families for Christmas
Int 2005 Ron Bone stayed on as president. Tommy Taylor was vice president. The Wild West vette Fest was agian in West Yellowstone. Bill and Dana Madsen were the Chairs and Tim and Lisa Hobley were the Co Chairs. It was decided this year to only hold the Wild West Vette Fest every other year. The club donated money from the Corvette Plates to diferent chairities and adopted families for Christmas. They made a trip up to Glacier Park this year
In 2006 Brian Novak was elected president. Bill Madsen was vice president. We did not have a show this year. A trip down the west coast was made after the September in Seatle show. We adopted many families and seniors for Christmas. We elected to donate the money contributed by the corvette plates to three diferent charities: Bingham Crisis Center, the Haven in Idaho Falls, and the Family Crisis Center in Rexburg. This money was given to the charities in 2007
The club has always enjoyed a deep camaraderie and informal atmosphere where many lasting friendships have developed. Members represent all walks of life.
The cars range from solid-axle to late models. We even boast membership of a '92 "King of the Hill," ZR-1 Our club has been favorably represented at major corvette shows, taking home trophies from Park City, Utah; Sun Valley, Idaho; and Frisco, Colorado. While several of our members have been deeply involved in restoration of their cars; all have enjoyed the attention and admiration expressed by on-lookers.
It has always been the charter of the club to sponsor events for everyone to enjoy. We realize that not everyone wants to show their cars, so we have a "spontaneous" event coordinator to plan for those times when we just want to get together for a nice Sunday drive or head to our favorite ice cream parlor. There is always ample opportunity for us to get together for a scenic drive, after all we live in some of the most beautiful country around.
The following will give you an idea of the kinds of activities we have enjoyed:
We hope to see you at Wild West Vette Fest, Spontaneous get togethers and cruises Monthly club meetings Our news letters is sent out monthly. We will give you one complementary news letter. And finally our club dues are $25/per year for your family. They are due the first of the year. We hope this information is helpful to you and we hope to see you soon.
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