by Gary Magner, MSRA Lifetime member #193
Where were you in 1967? Some of us were at the first gatherings of St. Paul and Minneapolis car clubs. Were you at the Leaning Tower of Pizza where the first meetings were held, or were you parked at the Midway Shopping Center, Montgomery Ward’s parking lot or Porky’s on University Avenue? We gathered to discuss an idea that MSRA #1 Jerry Johnson came up with: Why not bring the best of street rodding in Minnesota together under one umbrella? And thus the Minnesota Street Rod Association was born.
In 1967 the Dow was 905, gas cost 33 cents, a new car cost $2,750 and a new home cost $14,250. The minimum wage was $1.40 and Ronald Reagan was sworn in as Governor of California. Hot rods and customs had been on the street from coast to coast since WWII and there were few, if any shops to build your street rod for you. Certainly, the only way you found the parts you needed for your build was to go to every Sunday swap meet and old junk yards.
In these past 50 years we have gone from a couple hundred members to 14,000 active (25,000 listed in yearbook) members with focus on ‘Friends + Food + Fun + Fellowship.’ Soon, the association clearly became a family oriented membership with children of all ages joining in on the fun. In 1970, MSRA (working with Rod & Custom magazine) played a large role in holding the truly first nationwide Street Rod Nationals. Soon the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) was born and carried on similar traditions.
By 1974, NSRA chose St. Paul, Minnesota to host the 5th ‘annual Nationals.’ MSRA was as little nervous hosting such a large event at the MN State Fairgrounds, so the MSRA Board of Directors suggested having a test run, so to speak, the month before the National event. In June of 1974 the Back to the 50’s Show was born. This June 23rd, 24th and 25th will be the 44th annual 'Back to the 50’s,' now considered by all to be the largest car show of its kind in the world, and staffed entirely by volunteers. The average number of pre-1965 cars attending is 12,000 vehicles, taking up every available space of the fairgrounds. This is truly a family event that crosses four generations and draws spectators from all states as well as foreign countries.
MSRA has a commitment to safety, with technical inspections of your car available to all members. You do not have to be a member to attend BTT50’s, but do not try to sneak a 1965 or newer model year car in. Why, we simply have maxed out the entire fairgrounds. MSRA supports its own scholarship foundation with dozens of members qualifying for financial help for advanced schooling.
MSRA has an award winning monthly publication, “The LineChaser.” This publication is filled with information on upcoming events, cars and parts for sale, minutes from the monthly board and general membership meetings, many great articles from what local car clubs are doing and rodder profiles.
Members can participate in the various events held throughout the year, including camp-outs, picnics, friendship racing and many other social gatherings.
MSRA welcomes all to join their association, as you do not have to own a pre-1965 car to be a member, but dreams qualify you to join. All years of cars are welcome to MSRA events except for the 1964 and older rule that applies to 'Back to the 50’s.' We invite you to one of the most spectacular car clubs/associations in the world.
Remember, 50 years is not a big deal; it is a REALLY BIG DEAL.
