All of the photos in this post are from Ron Will.
Comment from Ron: If anyone has a guild model or old Guild photos, I would appreciate receiving a copy by mail or by email. We are building an archive of this historic Fisher Body model contest. A CD copy of our archive to date has been sent to the GM Heritage Center. Another copy will be sent to the Smithsonian where Guild models are already being collected and preserved for posterity. Please contact me at azwillfh@cox.net.
Arthur Russell’s national award winning entry from 1957.
Former Guildsmen who became GM Styling designers, taken in the mid ’70s. Left to right: Paul Tatseos, Jack Folden, Stan Parker, George Prentice, Robert Menking, Charlie Stewart, George Gadda, George Anderson, Stu Shuster, Roy Tiesler, John Wozena, Tom Semple, Chuck Jordan, Kirk Jones, Gordy Brown, Elia Russinoff, Chuck Torner, and Dennis Little. Other Guildsmen who were at GM Styling at the time but not in the photo are Tom Covert, Ron Will, Dave Holls, Galen Wickersham, Al Flowers, Geza Loczi, Ed Taylor, Ron Hill, Terry Henline, Gary Smith, and Bill Scott. Of course, not all the Guildsmen who became car designers ended up at GM. Many of the top designers at Ford, Chrysler, and foreign automakers also benefitted from their mentoring in the Craftsman’s Guild.
Adrian Bruno’s national award winning entry from 1955.
Gale Morris’ national award winning entry from 1949.
Milton Antonick’s national award winning entry from 1955.
Leonard Bellanca’s national award winning entry from 1951.
Ron Will’s 1961 national award winning entry.
George Prentice’s 1965 national award winning entry.
Joseph D’mura’s national award winning entry from 1966.
Stewart Reed’s national award winning entry from 1968.
Guild models on display at the Boston Museum Reunion in 2008.
Models on display in 1966 at Fisher Body during judging.
Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild 1947 publicity photo.
If anyone has a guild model or old Guild photos, I would appreciate receiving a copy by mail or by email. We are building an archive of this historic Fisher Body model contest. A CD copy of our archive to date has been sent to the GM Heritage Center. Another copy will be sent to the Smithsonian where Guild models are already being collected and preserved for posterity. Please contac me at azwillfh@cox.net.
Yes, the picture is John Wozena.
I find it amazing how forward thinking the winning designs are. Arthur Russell’s 1957 roadster is just beautiful!
Thanks for the memories! My brother and I, both submitted cars during the early 1950′s. Unfortunately, ours weren’t up to the standards of the finalists, but we did win the state awards each year we entered. I remember the wording in the ads for the contest, telling us that we’d receive a “Handsome certificate, suitable for framing.” Unfortunately, mine was never framed, and my rings were lost many years ago. It was a fun contest, and I truly enjoyed the project.
Mike Foley
Loveland, Colorado
This latest historical entry to your site has been most enjoyable and informative. It is astounding just how talented these men were at such young ages. I believe all of them to be top winners in my opinion and I could never judge any of them! I am so glad there is a keen interest in preserving these works of automotive art for us to enjoy for generations to come. I hope most , if not all models survive. Thank you for your site here. Most Enjoyable! From one car nut to another,
Mark W. Gregory
Valley Ranch DFW, Texas
I entered a model made of pine wood in 1958. Entry #4982 NY. It was a radical mid-engined design convertible with a double bubble windshield and retractable headlights. It never got to the national level, but I win a state award. It was 1972 before I built anything full size and launched a kit car company Talon Automotive Products.
I have the model of the Coronation Coach which my father built for the
1946 competition along with the original instruction book. His name
was Henry W. Fry. The would have been entered in the Region 5
division as he lived in Ohio at the time. Any information you could provide
would be appreciated. Henry Fry
A third Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild Reunion is now being planned for January 2013 in Scottsdale, Arizona. The model display & reunion will be held at the Scottsdale International Auto Museum, during the same week as the Barrett / Jackson Classic Car Auto Auction. Anyone interested should contact Ron Will or John L. Jacobus.
Ron, 4-26-12 I was glad to see the 2008 reunion pics posted and the announcement of the 2013 Guild reunion in Scottsdale AZ. John Jacobus, McFarland Guild Books Author and Editor.
Looking forward to the next reunion, and seeing some of our west coast friends and former associates. Having it centered around the International Auto Museum and the Barrett Jackson Auction is a bonus, as Scottsdale itself is a great venue. Ron, thanks for setting this up and John thank you for another informative book on the FBCG.
I am looking forward to another reunion, particularly in Scottsdale, Arizona and the Barrett Jackson Auction. Please count me in, I really enjoyed the last one in Boston. My thanks to Ron Will and to John Jacobus for another enjoyable book about the Guild.