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No. 15 Vol. 8
www.themorristownnews.com
August 2017
The Party Goes On At Lead East
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By Elsie Walker t’s rare that someone can say they’ve hosted a party that’s been going on for 35 years. However, Terry Cook of Appleton Productions in Long Valley can say just that. A former automotive journalist and hot rodder, who began manufacturing his own car designs in the late 1990s, Cook’s event started as a car show; but it has transformed into a celebration of the 1950’s. It’s called Lead East and it is known as the world’s biggest ‘50s party. For a few days each year, people can leave the woes of the current days behind
them and visit a more carefree time. From classic cars- not only from the ‘50s- to the sounds, sights, and dance of the 50’s, Lead East has it all. Also, this year, joining in on the time travel fun is Barry Weiss of TV’s “Storage Wars.” Lead East is held at the Parsippany Hilton. This year’s event will opened to spectators Thursday – Sunday, Aug. 31 – Sept. 3. About 1,400 classic car, 1974 and earlier, from around the country are expected at this year’s event. However, on Sunday, “will be one big parking lot full of corvettes,” noted Cook.
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Usually only cars up to the 1970’s would be allowed that day, but this year corvettes of any year, 19532017, will be welcomed. For car enthusiasts, “Big Daddy” Don Garlits will be on hand. He’ll cackle his Swamp Rat 12. Cook explained that means Garlits will rev up the engine and, since there’s no muffler, car enthusiasts will get the smell and sound they enjoy. Cook will be quick to point out that Lead East is about more than cars and that is what has made it endure. “[It’s the] atmosphere of the 1950’s; the atmosphere is everywhere,” he said. That atmosphere includes music, movies and dances of the era. Some highlights include a pool party with two rockabilly bands plus music on the outdoor and indoor stages on Friday night of the event. On the weekend, there are four stages with live music. On Saturday, that includes Afternoon A
Capella with eight great Doo Wap groups. On Sunday, there will be tribute bands to Dion and Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons. “They are really good,” noted Cook. The opportunities to dance abound including a sock hop and dance party. As it has for 34 of its years, Lead East will include a drive-in theater set-up. Among this year’s offerings are “The Thing from Another World,” a 1951 monster flick with James Arness of “Gunsmoke fame” as the monster, “Them,” a 1954 science fiction bug classic, and a more recent movie (1971), the Steven Spielberg classic, “Duel” with Dennis Weaver. Giving is also part of Lead East. There will be a 50-50 for Make-A-Wish and, as they have for years, the local Toys for Tots will be on hand to collect toys to give needy children at Christmas. Given the event’s theme,
some people may wonder what special guest Barry Weiss has to do with the ‘50s, how he came to be part of this year’s party. “I’ve known Barry for years,” said Cook. Weiss bought the most famous car that Cook ever built: the Scrape 1930 Lincoln Zephyr. “People recognize Barry all the time. He’ll be
floating around Lead East Friday and Saturday and sitting down inside for autographs on Sunday from noon – 3 p.m., where people can stand on line to meet him,” said Cook. For Lead East admission cost, daily schedule, and other information, visit its website at leadeast.net or the Lead East Facebook page.
Student Explores History With Museum Collection
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orristown National Historical Park has announced the completion of two cultural resources summer intern projects on World War I and Alexander Hamilton that bring rarely seen manuscripts and collection items
into the public eye. Inspired by the park’s collection, interns Claire Du Laney and Meghan Kolbusch have created the collections. The manuscripts featured in the small exhibit cases have never been displayed before, and are a
continuation of the park’s efforts to bring some of its lesser-known treasures to public notice. The World War I and Alexander Hamilton exhibits are on display through Oct. 1 in Morristown NHP’s Washington’s Headquar-
ters Museum. The museum currently is open daily, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. After Labor Day, it is open Wednesday through Sunday, and is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Du Laney is a Montclair continued on page 2