Corvette Owners Pin.
Originals made of 10k gold unlike todays cheap reproduction many try to  pass off as authentic. Issued by G.M. Chevrolet Corvette division. 1956 - 1967.

SOMETHING TO SERIOUSLY CONSIDER

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Soon after CTCC officially opened its doors, Paul Wadle, the club’s official graphic designer, generously created a large oil painting on canvas inspired by the cover of Corvette News 1967, Vol. 10, No. 5. Measuring approximately four feet by four feet, the painting was presented as a gift to CTCC and intended to always be displayed at the club's meeting place. For many years, it was on permanent display at Poppa Rollos, serving as a symbol of the club’s history and spirit.

The painting mysteriously vanished sometime around 1976, 1977, or 1978 and remained missing for several years. Its last known sighting was at a local Waco flea market at the Waco Circle. The club’s property was sold for someone’s personal gain. A truly despicable act of greed!! Despite its significance and club's value this artifact’s disappearance was never fully explained, and no one accepted responsibility for the loss. Many older members of the club remember the painting, but to this day, it is rarely discussed and remains a source of speculation regarding who had access to it and who might have profited from its disappearance.

The question arises: how could such a significant piece of club history vanish so easily without anyone noticing? This points to either negligence protecting club property and/or a total lack of proper oversight. Today there exists strong speculation about who the responsible party was and such still remains a member to this day.  As time has passed, the loss has faded from collective memory, leaving a large and important artifact unrecorded, forgotten and a total disrespect to the late Paul Wadle. This absence underscores the need for better practices in safeguarding club assets and history.

To address these concerns, it is proposed that the club present an annual list of assets and historical items to all members, not just officers. This would provide transparency, Heaven to Betsy,  regarding the club’s holdings and their approximate value accumulated over the decades. Regular inventory and appraisal would help safeguard these assets and promote accountability. Furthermore, making the club’s financial ledger accessible for review by all members would ensure greater oversight and help prevent similar losses in the future.

Another suggestion is to appoint a tech-savvy member to digitize all club documents and photos. This substantial undertaking might even warrant establishing a new club office, especially since club historians have not fulfilled these duties. Digitization would serve as a simple and effective insurance policy, protecting the club’s property and history for future generations. The question is raised: if you insure your Corvette, why not insure your club history, especially if it can be done at no cost? Make your officers do their jobs and give them something to do rather than sit around complaining of others web sites.

Some may argue these proposals are unnecessary, but the question remains: why not take these steps? Had such policies been in place earlier, the club’s painting and other artifacts would still be accounted for. Over the years, items such as outdated equipment, original photos, and newsletters may have disappeared without the knowledge or consent of club members. When property is removed without consent, it is theft. If it happened once, it could happen again and who would know?

Big problem today’s club is operated in a very lax manner almost as if it was owned by but a few after so many years believe it just because of their tenure.

Ultimately, the club is encouraged to become more proactive in protecting its history and assets. By implementing regular asset management program and digitization efforts, CTCC can ensure that its legacy is preserved for the future if that is wished. Perhaps it does not and prefers to allow further club assets to mysteriously vanish and allow someone to profit from such..