In the year of 1936, it was a cold January night in Sunburst, Montana when Al entered this world. Five years later, he and his family moved to Hayden Lake, Idaho. They lived on a farm, in what is called the Rimrock. There he attended a one room school with all eight grades in the same room. At age 16, he lived with his older brother in Los Angelels.

Al joined the US Coast Guard in 1953 and eventually was stationed aboard the Coast Guard Cutter McLane in Aberdeen, Washington. That is where he met John Nord. They were shipmates for two years. At that time, Al was driving a 1949 Ford Club Coupe. John was also driving a flathear Ford. Al & John were not only shipmates, but good friends.

Karen, on the other hand, was an East coast child being born on Long Island, New York. She and her family moved to CDA where she attended junior and senior high school. Don't tell anyone, but her first classic car was a 1955 Chevy. Karen is now a real flathead fan and we shouldn't hold the Chevy experience against her.

Al & Karen joined the V8 Club in the early 90's at the suggestion of Butch Glander. We are very happy that we made that decision. At that time, we were driving a 1948 F-1 pickup. Vic Falsetto bought that flathead and greatly improved it with more restoration.

The Early Ford V8 Club has, and still is, very special to both of us. It is similar to having another family. We have made friends, ahve seen some of those friends pass on, and shared some of their heartache and grief. The members of this club are our extended family. They are friends with enthusiasm, show care for one another, and together we gather to celebrate life as we know it. What a true treasure this club is to all that partake in being part of something that is rare indeed, in today society.

Thank you all! We are proud to be Ford V8er's

Al & Karen Holm