Oklahoma and Texas Cushman riders gathered at the Admore, Oklahoma, home of Mick and RJ Hudson on July 27 to park trailers and prepare for the July 28th and 29th area rides. Those who were able to arrive early met for dinner at Sunset Grill later that evening.

All Cushman riders know that the object of our meet is to ride, share camaraderie along with sharing knowledge on maintaining our vintage rides, and finding great eating establishments. Each day started with donuts and coffee as riders gathered to prepare for the first ride.  Those who didn’t ride met the riders at noon at the Ardmore Municipal Airport for a delicious lunch at Jake’s Joint, a busy airport restaurant. From there, the next stop was the Gene Autry Museum in Gene Autry, Oklahoma.  It is the largest museum in the world of cowboys in entertainment memorabilia from the 1920’s to the present. The museum visitors enjoyed discussing memories of singing and acting cowboys and cowgirls and made new memories as they toured the museum which is housed in the old Berwyn school.  Gene Autry, Oklahoma, was originally named Berwyn, Oklahoma.  

From the museum, everyone went to Pixie Dust Ice Cream and Gift Shop in Lone Grove. The cold ice cream and air conditioner were welcomed after riding from Gene Autry, and riders got special treatment because the shop owners are friends of the Hudson’s. The scooters were a hit with the younger people who worked there because they had never seen a Cushman. Dane Marable had a buddy seat and he enjoyed giving rides around the parking lot to some of the girls who worked at Pixie Dust. It was said that many of the guys were wishing they had had a buddy seat also so they could give rides! Thanks goes to Lori and Brandon Smith for the accommodating our group. Lori really would like to own her own Cushman Eagle…one day.

After a 70-mile Cushman day which was interspersed with many water stops to hydrate, many of the riders met for dinner at Two Frogs in downtown Ardmore. Two Frogs is known for its delicious choice of fresh meats and seafoods and for the many autographed guitars and pictures of musical giants and rock stars that decorate the walls.

More riders joined the group Saturday morning at the home of the Hudson’s and everyone headed for a ride around part ofLake Murry, a visit to Tucker Tower and Lake Murry Nature Center. From there the riders headed to Winstar Casino at Thackerville. Since there are so many different restaurant choices at the casino, riders broke into groups and headed for lunch at the various places. Everyone enjoyed seeing the huge casino which is not only the largest casino in America but also the largest casino in the world!

The 100 plus degree temperatures each day were high for riding, but the Hudson’s planned many water and airconditioned stops.  Everyone stayed hydrated and the heat didn’t seem to be too much of a factor with all the fun that people were having.  Marlean and Rickie Hudson provided the chase truck and plenty of water, soft drinks, and Gatorade.

Saturday riders finished an 80-mile ride, and some of the riders chose to head home Saturday evening instead of spending another night in Ardmore. A group of about 20 met for dinner Saturday evening at El Chico to celebrate RJ’s birthday and eat again! Joining the party were RJ’s son, daughter in law, and two grandchildren. The group sang “Happy Birthday” and enjoyed a dessert of their choice in honor of RJ.

Oklahoma and Texas riders who attended the ride were RJ and Mick Hudson, James and Jane Press, Richard Kesselus, Rickie and Marlean Hudson, Steve and Lynn Abbitt, Paul and Mary Kruska, Don and Ann Reed, Dane Marable, Gene Perry, Forest Blaylock, Rich Hill, Bob and Thelma Story, Martin Stafford, Kaile Hudson, and Don Henry. There was quite a variety of Cushman scooters which included Vanguards, cast irons, and a Honda Metropolitan ridden by Kaile Hudson.

Sunday morning a few of the riders who were still in town rode for another eating experience at Prairie Kitchen.  This “Breakfast Bunch” enjoyed reminiscing about the weekend fun, and the group discussed weekend awards.   There were many other award possibilities had breakfast not arrived so quickly!  

Smallest Scooter ~ Steve Abbitt (5 horse powered

Most Sunburned ~ Richard Kesselus Outdoor Adventurers ~ Gene Perry and Forest Blaylock (camped out at the lake)

Metropolitan Award ~ Kailie Hudson (rode Honda Metropolitan)

Farthest Distance ~ Martin Stafford of Loop, TX (This was a very close contest between several of the Texasriders who came from about 300 miles away)

Tail Gunner Award ~ Marlean and Rickie Hudson

Ice Cream and Buddy Award ~ Dane Marable

Cushman Guard Dog Award ~ Ted Bear Hudson

What a weekend of fun and friends! Everyone is looking forward to the next meet.

Don’t forget to join both the Oklahoma and Texas Clubs. We are a great team! Thank You to all who attended, and I hope I didn’t forget anyone.

Also, a big THANK YOU to MARY KRUSKA for helping write this article.

Plan to come to the annual state meet at Snyder, Tx

Please get busy and send in your state meet registration because

IF you want a 2023 T-shirt you must have it ordered by Sept. 4.

If you are not coming to the state meet, remember to renew your membership by Oct. 7.

Mail to Jane Press, PO Box 23, Carmine, Tx 78933

Don Henry has created another great ride in the Ruidoso area.

Debi Goode has sent these pictures with some comments for your pleasure. The complete story will be given by Don Henry in the Feb. Newsletter.

Saturday’s ride was another day in cooler weather. Lunch was at Oso Grill across the street from the Smokey the Bear museum.

“Ruidosa was cooler and a lovely respite from the 100+ degree weather. Thanks to Don for organizing and leading the rides.

Most of the time I had a death grip on the steering wheel of my truck as I drove chase through the wickedly scary mountain roads. Don should have the list of participants. Beautiful scenery, but really scary driving.” ~Debi Goode

Mick and RJ Hudson hosted a ride in Ardmore for their Cushman friends.

Richard Kesselus sent these photos. The complete write up will be in the Feb. newsletter.

Look forward to learning more when Mick and RJ report the complete ride in the newsletter.

For Sale. Doug and Sue are preparing to move to Washington state. Please call and make an offer!

1965 Cushman Eagle 

Highly Modified 20 HP Vanguard $450.00 Head Work Racing Cam  

2Baral Mukini Carb off a 35hp Vanguard making aprix 42hp

Compleat Restoration

Call Doug Moore   Member # 999       214-240-6657 214-240-5638

Terrell Texas

Price $8500.00 Over 10,000.00 invested

Former member #2033, Jim Montgomery has contacted me needing to sell his 2 Cushman scooters.

Jim Montgomery would like to sell his 1959 Eagle, candy apple red and 1952 Sears All State, red. The motors have both been “worked over” by Lloyd Mahon who lives in Florida. (Mahon worked for Carpenters and now does custom work from his home.)

Jim is asking $10,000 for both. Health issues are serious and he needs to move these ASAP.

You may contact Jim at his number 903-646-3128. He has trouble hearing on the phone so allow for that. You can also contact me at (806) 548-1823, Chrysti Love.

Located in Tatum, Tx. 75691 which is south of Marshall, Tx.

A Celebration Of Life Service for William Edward Gordon, Jr, 80, of Mabank, will be held at 11 am on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Payne Springs United Methodist Church in Payne Springs with Pastor Chris Bynum, Rev. David Lanicek, and Pastor Jody Jones officiating.

William (Bill) passed away on August 6, 2023, surrounded by his wife and children in his home after a year long battle with cancer.

He was born to William Edward Gordon Sr. and Edith Grace Phillips-Gordon on August 14,1942 in Gladewater, TX and attended Kilgore High School.

He married his sweetheart Patsy Lou Owens on August 4, 1959. They celebrated 64 years of marriage this year. 

He was employed at the United States Post Office from 1962-1999.

He was a very sociable person and really loved people. 

His was involved in many organizations including a Bass Fishing Club, Hella Square Dance Club, HAM Radio Club, The Shriners, The Malakoff Masonic Lodge, serving as Master and Secretary, and The Texas Cushman Club for 40 years, where he served as president.

William is survived by his wife Patsy, his daughters Debra Gordon Zanolini and husband Paul, Cheryl Gordon and son William Gordon III (Butch) and wife Charity.

Grandchildren; 

Tony Zanolini and wife Stephanie, Andy Zanolini and wife Kaci, Crystal Taylor, Chris Zanolini and wife Brooke, Justin Young and wife Ashley, Hayli Mitchell and husband Rick, Josiah Young and wife Nicki, Jeremy Young, Jacob Young, William Gordon IV and girlfriend Rachel Athas, Joshua Gordon, Rachel Gordon, Tiffany Gordon and John Gordon.

Great- grandchildren; 

Ryan Zanolini, MaKenna Bragg Brandon Taylor, Dylan Zanolini, Ethan Zanolini, MaKade Bragg, Emma Young, Kaleb Zanolini, Easton Zanolini, Maddix Zanolini, Elliot Young, Georgianna Young, Emersyn Mitchell, Kadence Zanolini, Henry Young, Major Zanolini, Kyler Mitchell and Masyn Mitchell

Sisters;

Diane Svacina and Carol Keno and husband Frank.

As well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

The family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.

Bill Gordon served the Texas Cushman Club as President for 1990-92. For several years, he was also on the Board of Directors.

Our condolences to his family and friends. He was a faithful and contributing member for 40 years.

He will be missed.

August 11-12, 2023 – Ruidoso, New Mexico- The West Texas Area invite all our Cushman friends to join us in Ruidoso for August fun, fellowship and cool rides.

We will again have our staging area at the Arrowhead Motel (575) 257-4241) which is a good central location. Rooms have been blocked off for August 10-12. Rates vary however my total including taxes for 3 nights was $354. They have no RV sites available but the Twin Spruce RV Park across the highway has plenty of spaces available. Their number is (575) 257-4310. There are lots of motels and camping facilities close by, should you want to stay at a different location.

I’m still working on the rides, but I think we’ll all have a great time. Hope to see you there. Don Henry

Gene and Mae Whitehead were among the charter members of the Texas Cushman Club. At # 22, they spent the years since 1983 as life-long members. Our condolences to the friends and family of Gene and Mae.

From the Alamogordo newspaper:

Walter Eugene (Gene) Whitehead passed away on March 1, 2023 in Gainesville, Texas. He was born on February 29, 1936 in Roswell, New Mexico to Al and Lolis Whitehead. Gene was a “leap year baby” He often joked that in his 87 years he had only celebrated 21 actual birthdays. Gene Whitehead attended Roswell public schools and following graduation from Roswell High in 1955 he went to work for Spitzer Electric Company. A few years later, Gene met the love of his life, Addie Mae Seeds, on a blind date and they were married on January 23, 1959 in Roswell, NM. In 1958, he began his career with Mountain States telephone company, climbing poles and working as a lineman and installer. Ultimately, he became an area manager for Mountain Bell telephone, first in Deming, NM and then Alamogordo, NM, where he retired in 1990. Never one to sit still, at the age of 58 Gene launched a brand-new career as a school bus driver for Alamogordo Public Schools, a job that enriched his life for nearly 20 years. As part of an overseas assignment for AT&T, Gene and Mae traveled to the country of Iran in 1977, and in 1979 they were part of an emergency evacuation during the fall of Tehran and the Iranian Revolution. While living in the Middle East they enjoyed visits to the Holy Land as well as leisure travel in many European countries. Gene and Mae were motorcycle enthusiasts and members of the Retreads International Motorcycle Club, traveling coast to coast and border to border on two wheels. Gene Whitehead believed one should serve their community and he led by example. He was a Boy Scout and Scout Explorer leader as well as Sunday School teacher and youth leader in the churches that he and Mae attended. At various times, he was a member of Toastmasters International, Lions Club International and Rotary International. Gene served in public office as city council member in Deming, NM from 1975-1976. He was a private pilot and produced several airshows in Deming in the 1970’s that raised money for local charities. While living in Alamogordo he made numerous trips to the interior of Mexico assisting the late Dr. Donald Ham with cataract surgeries in remote impoverished communities. During summer months when he wasn’t driving a school bus, Gene and Mae laid down tens of thousands of miles pulling their Airstream trailer from state to state, and even in to Mexico. They cherished the company and fellowship of good friends in the RV community. For fun, Gene enjoyed restoring his beloved Cushman scooters (he completed over 15 total restorations), square dancing with Mae, tending to their meticulously landscaped yard, being on the hot air balloon chase team and spending time at their cabin in Ruidoso. Gene loved exploring historic sites in Lincoln and Otero county in their 4×4 Jimmy and was active for many years in the Tularosa Basin Historical Society. His handiwork lives on in some of the displays at the museum in Alamogordo. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Addie Mae Whitehead, sons Allen Gene Whitehead and John Michael (Mike) Whitehead, sisters Betty Ann Elliott and Betty Lou Snyder, and granddaughter Samantha Stilger. He is survived by a son, Patrick (Julie) Whitehead of Cooke County, TX, brother Al (Lacy) Whitehead of Tulsa, OK, sister Peggy Sue Pick of Albuquerque, NM, daughter in law Donna Yates Whitehead of Roswell, NM and brother-in-law George (Lynn) Seeds of Alamogordo, NM. To cherish his memory as “Grampa”, Gene leaves behind 8 adoring granddaughters, 10 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren. Their lives were made richer with the time and love that he and Mae gave each of them. The family would like to thank the Alamogordo Sr. Center, the congregation of New Heart Cowboy Church and especially Carmen Sainz for all of the love, care and support that they extended to Gene and our family these past few years. No services are planned at this time, however at a later date in the year both Gene and Mae Whitehead will be memorialized at the Fort Stanton State Veterans Cemetery in Lincoln County, NM.

Link to Mae’s obituary https://www.gannett-cdn.com/community-hub/images/prod/images/f135ea23-fe65-4719-9b8c-bf6aa08742e2/obituary/4c2d6387-b0b3-4d61-97ef-3bb9d5ce7433.jpg?width=360&fit=bounds

Addie Mae Whitehead passed away on Christmas Day, December 25, 2022 at Eagle Ridge Memory Care in Denton, Texas. She was a follower of Jesus Christ and her family thought it most fitting that she pass through the gate and into the arms of our lord on the very day we celebrate his birth. Addie Mae was born on October 1, 1933 in Ada, Oklahoma to Harry Allen Seeds and Katy Estelene Seeds. She moved with her family to Roswell, New Mexico in 1949 and In January of 1959 she married Walter Eugene (Gene) Whitehead. In later years, she also resided in Deming, NM, Cloudcroft NM and Alamogordo NM. Mae and Gene lived in Tehran, Iran from 1977 – 1979 where Gene was employed by Bell Telephone. They were evacuated back to the United States during the height of the Iranian revolution. Throughout her life Addie Mae felt the call to serve others. As a young woman, she was a licensed vocational nurse, caring for patients at St. Mary’s Hospital in Roswell. While in Deming, she co-founded and managed the El Paisano Day Care, a non-profit facility for physically and mentally handicapped preschoolers. She freely gave of her time as a Sunday school teacher, a church youth leader, a Scout leader and a community fund raiser. Addie Mae served many years as a member of the Hospital Auxiliary at Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center in Alamogordo. Addie Mae was a skilled seamstress, an excellent cook, decorator and all-round homemaker. She managed to raise three active boys while working outside the home much of the time, yet still achieving balance between her professional life and her family life. In later years, she cherished time with her grandchildren, passing on to them her love for cooking, baking, sewing and outdoor activities. Mae and Gene did everything together and they always maintained a large and diverse circle of friends. Activities like square dancing, church socials, motorcycle riding, RV ownership and their interest in southwest history, always placed them in the presence of other interesting and like-minded people. She was proud of her family’s native American history and was a registered member of the Delaware Lenape Indian Tribe. Addie Mae Whitehead was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Dottie Lou Moore, Hattie Faye Webster and Martha June Langdon, her two oldest sons Allen Gene Whitehead and John Michael Whitehead, and one granddaughter, Samantha Stilger. She is survived by her husband Gene Whitehead presently of Denton, Texas, a brother George (Lynn) Seeds of Alamogordo, New Mexico, a sister Patrique Gryvnak of California, a son, Patrick (Julie) Whitehead of Cooke County, Texas and daughter-in-law Donna Whitehead of Roswell, New Mexico. Addie Mae also leaves behind her legacy of 8 beautiful granddaughters, 10 great grand-children and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

From Patrick Whitehead’s letter of July 10, 2023:

My father, Gene Whitehead, was a long-time member of the Texas Cushman club. I wanted to let you, and the membership, know that he passed away on March 1st of this year. He died on his 87th birthday. Dad lived in Alamogordo, New Mexico up until 2022 when health issues made it necessary to relocate him closer to us here in Cooke County, near Gainesville, TX.

Dad was active in the national organization as well, having appeared on the cover of the Cushman magazine years ago. He had done complete restorations on over 12 scooters and had been recognized many times with first place showings in competitions.

Gene Whitehead not only enjoyed the work of restoring the scooters, but he loved the fellowship that came with the annual meets. My wife and I attended the Texas meet in Abilene 7 or 8 years ago with Dad and my mom, Mae Whitehead.

A gift for the club was mailed to Jane Press on behalf of our family.

Thank you to the club for providing so many years of enjoyment for Gene and Mae Whitehead. Patrick Whitehead

RV parking on the Coliseum parking area will be $30.00 per night and Richard Kesselus will be the Wagon Master.

No need for reservations. There are plenty of sites with 30 amp or 50 amp electric and water connections. There is a dump site at the east side of the Coliseum.

Chrysti Love apologizes for missing getting this into the newsletter.