Published: June 29, 2009 06:50 am      

Social is stroll through the past

TRAVERSE CITY -- -- Strawberry shortcake, strumming banjos and classic cars brought back memories of summers past for those who attended the old fashioned Strawberry Social and Classic Car Show held Sunday on the lawn of the Grand Traverse Pavilions.

For the second year, hundreds of bowls of shortcake, strawberries and whipped cream were served to residents of the multi-generational care facility along with the general public.

"We will be up to our elbows in strawberries and cream," said Gwen Rauch, environment/food services director for the Pavilions, who along with a group of dedicated volunteers cleaned 30 flats of strawberries on Friday.

This year, a classic car show was added to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Grand Traverse Medical Care.

"The car show is a great addition this year. The car owners especially wanted to do this for the residents," said Patti DeAgostino, seniors activity coordinator at the Pavilions.

Classic car show buff Don Rettelle, of Traverse City, coordinated the car show entries while Bob DeKorne, of Hagerty Insurance Agency, helped get the word out to auto owners around the region.

"Combining a classic car show, delicious strawberry shortcake, great entertainment and beautiful grounds is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon in the summer," said Rettelle, noting that participants were able to vote for their favorite car.

More than 30 classic vehicles, including a 1909 Maxwell Roadster and a 1929 American LaFrance pumper fire engine lined the walkway, while the Happy Time Banjos musical group provided entertainment.

"I remember when we used to see these cars on the street. It brings back shades of my youth," said the Pavilions' oldest volunteer, 99-year-old Peg Simmons, who spent the afternoon selling raffle tickets.

Susan Lamb, whose mother is a resident of the Pavilions, thoroughly enjoyed spending the afternoon with her mother, daughter and young grandson, 8-month-old Ashton Lamb, who seemed to delight in his first taste of strawberry shortcake.

"We are having a great time. My mother just moved into the Pavilions and we are just starting to see all of the great things they do here," Susan Lamb said.