By Tom Oncken
The next time that you see Louis Rothermel, be sure to congratulate him for accomplishing something that no other Texas Chapter member has ever done before. He successfully hosted his 27th consecutive outboard motor swap meet in Houston last November, and he intends to do it again later this year if at all possible. Considering all of the problems associated with the year 2020, it is amazing that we were able to have a meet last November; however, Louis put it on and quite a few members came and enjoyed it
Robert Macaluso arrived on Friday and brought a trailer loaded with motors, parts, and pieces of other motors. His goal was to sell all of the stuff and donate the proceeds to the Texas Chapter treasury. Sales were good and the trailer went back home nearly empty. According to Adam Finn, a sizable deposit was made to the chapter bank account due to Robert’s efforts. We cannot thank him enough for his generosity.
We had limited individuals arrive on Friday this year due to the 2020 health concerns. We had 15 members come to Louis’ shop on Friday to start things off. So, lunch was accomplished by a collection of funds from anyone who wanted some seafood from a local business down the street from Louis’ place. Everyone who decided to participate was very happy with the food that was picked up. At the end of the day when many of our people usually go to Jack’s Grill, they all decided to go back home or to their hotel rooms instead due to the pandemic.
Fortunately, Saturday was attended by many more of our members with the final count for the day at 44. You could tell that everyone was very pleased to be outside to run old motors and to visit with old friends. The usual Saturday lunch was picked up at the nearby Pappas Bar-B-Q and was served at 1:00PM. The usual $10 fee was collected up front from all participants and everyone was welcome to go back for seconds. I actually believe I saw a few guys go back for thirds, but I will not tell on them. Unlike past years, there was no brisket left when everyone was finished. There was only some sausage and sides leftover for Sunday.
Although she did not spend very much personal time at the meet, I want to thank Cornelia Kuffner for her special service to our event. She provided some very delicious desserts on each day and I do not think any dessert was leftover after any of the meals as the guys gobbled it all up. Thanks so much Cornelia! The meet would not have been the same without your special contribution.
I would like to mention that we had some long distance visitors from out of state again this year. Damon and Gloria Johns drove in from Hot Springs, Arkansas. Damon and Gloria, we were really happy to see you in attendance. One other long time member who used to represent the state of New Mexico is Dave DeMoia who now lives in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. Dave has been affiliated with the Texas Chapter much longer than I have been and it was great to visit with him once more. Hey Dave, be sure to tell Harriet that we missed her!
Sunday was somewhat lighter in attendance with only 10 individuals showing up to work on their old outboard treasures. Lunch was the leftover sausage and sides from Saturday’s feast. This is probably the first time in history that Louis and I had no leftover meat to take home after the meet. We had a few sides left and some peppers, but the meat was gone as were the desserts and most of the donuts that had been served each morning. I did have a few soft drinks to take home, but little else this year. I guess I should chalk it up to good planning.
Overall, the 27th meet was incredibly successful in spite of the coronavirus pandemic. I bet you did not know that old outboards are a vaccine that actually works against this disease. Well, that’s all for now. Thanks to everyone who took the time to travel to Houston. Louis invites you all to attend his 28th Annual Houston Swap Meet.
Please follow this link for all the pictures submitted covering this event: https://www.texaschapteraomci.com/bws-gallery/27th-annual-houston-swap-meet/
