VINTAGE TRIVIA:
Tommy Hill’s hydroplanes could arguably be called the very first successful
three-point, prop riding, limited inboard designs. Yet, very little seems
to have been recorded of Hill’s background and accomplishments. Hill’s
stunning, record breaking 1-Mile run of 80.178 mph aboard his 135 hydro
LY BEE, destroyed the old class record by 27 mph! This record run was established
in 1945 and was 3 mph faster than the bigger cubic inch 225 DIV I class
record. Hill went on to build some 225 DIV I and II hydros, including one
for Lon Graditti of Oakland, CA., that set a 225 class 1-Mile record. But,
by the dawn of the 1950’s Hill’s boats were too heavy to be competitive
and he turned his talents to photographing boat races, instead.
There are several mysteries’ that surround Tommy Hill, and it would
be great to solve them for the history of boat racing.
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1). Although he worked out of his shop in Alameda, California, and his
racing photos are stamped with an Alameda address, there’s some indication
that Tommy Hill was originally from the Detroit, Michigan area.
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2). How many hydroplanes did Hill build and how many records did they set?
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3). How many Tommy Hill built hydroplanes still exist? Don Sea of CA. has
one, EIGHT BEAT. Restored by Don as a 136 class hydro, she was at one time
raced by Hart Chan as the 135, DING HOW II. The original owner is still
unknown.
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4). What became of Tommy Hill Photography’s negatives and prints. He shot
with a 4x5 Speed Graphics and his excellent eye captured races from the
late 1940’s into the early 1960’s.
We would love to hear from our readers of any information that can help
solve some of these Tommy Hill mysteries’. If someone has another existing
Hill hydro, we would sure like to see a photo, as well.
CHALLENGES:
A Vintage question has been raised regarding the old Pacific One Design
Hydroplanes (The PODH class was discontinued in 1962). Rules specified
mahogany 3/8" planking on the hull but that the sponsons be skinned with
plywood.
Challenge: Was there any rule change to allow plywood to be used for
the whole hull? Also, was there any rule change allowing the use of aluminum
heads on the V8-60 Flathead?
Can our members help us answer these questions?
BILL JOHN III REPORT
The weather gods were with us for our 11th Annual Wolfeboro Car &
Boat Rendezvous, a gathering of vintage cars and boats on a warm, sunny,
beautiful, fall day at the Wolfeboro public docks. Many thanks to Rick
Kourian for managing the car parking and to Phil Spencer, our dock mister.
Bill John and Donnie McLean managed the front gate and Gerri Prusko did
a superb job with all the car and boat registrations. Congratulations to
event co-chairs Joe Williams and Bob Morrissey for another great Wolfeboro
Rendezvous! Here is the link to lots of photos: http://www.necacbs.org/Wolfeboro-2006.htm
And now that we are back in the shop after a summer of fun on our beloved
APBA Vintage Race Boat Circuit, please join us at the shop for our Saturday
Morning Gatherings. The coffee and donuts are usually ready by 9:00, and
you can checkout the two Jersey Speed Skiffs in front of the shop, and
participate in our first planning meeting for next summer’s NH Vintage
Race Boat Regatta. It takes over 100 volunteers and lots of sponsors to
put on this APBA sanctioned vintage event of this size, over 60 vintage
race boats, so it is time to start planning! Here is the link for details
– NH Vintage Race Boat Regatta 2007 http://www.vintageraceboatshop.com/NHVintageRegatta2007.htm
The past will come alive as some of the best known race boats of bygone
eras return to Wolfeboro, for our fifth NH Vintage Race Boat Regatta. Wolfeboro
is now a major stop on the APBA Vintage Race Boat Circuit, and next summer's
regatta expands to 2 1/2 days, and includes over 60 vintage race boats
running demonstration laps on a 1 mile oval course, on beautiful Wolfeboro
Bay. In addition to seeing and hearing these unique and beautiful boats
run, spectators are invited to view them close-up in the pit area, at the
Town Docks between 9 and 4, on both Friday and Saturday. Next year our
Wolfeboro vintage event is scheduled for the weekend after Buffalo, and
as many of you know, our Wolfeboro vintage regatta is held every other
year, alternating with Clayton and Lake George, and we are becoming well
known for our "flat water" and lots of water time. In fact, we run vintage
heats every half hour for two full days. So if you wanna see lots of vintage
race boats running at speed, you just gotta come to Wolfeboro in 2007.
That's all for now Gang, gotta haul our boats to winter storage! Bill (The
screaming riding mechanic) John
ON A SAD NOTE:
Virgil Elder passed away at the end of September, in Brooksville, FL.
Virgil campaigned a 280 and later a 150 hydro, racing under the names MISS
ST. PETERSBURG.
God Speed Virgil.
VINTAGE HOT BOAT OF THE MONTH
The CALIFORNIA KID, 50-N was a Tommy Hill built 225 Division II record
holding hydro during the late 1940’s, owned by Lon Graditti of Oakland
CA.
The drivers included George Mattucci and Joe Quintel (shown).
Many people note that Hill built limited inboard class hydroplanes
were the first successful 3-point prop riders, yet little has been recorded
on the designer’s history.
©2006 Bob Silva & Bill John III |
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