Car Club Plaques

Cruisin' event takes Frostburg's Main Street back in time

CUMBERLAND — Creative writing fans may be interested in a trio of events at Allegany College of Maryland this fall. Two are continuing education courses designed to help fledgling writers; the third represents a chance to hear the award-winning author of this year’s “One Maryland One Book” selection.

Celebrate the Fabulous '50s at Busch's 60th anniversary reunion ...

For teenagers during the 1950’s, the highlight of almost every weekend – with or without a date – was a cruise to Busch’s Drive-In restaurant to savor the delightful taste of a hamburger, large order of fries and a large Coke. After devouring such a fine meal, socializing with friends until closing time made the night complete.

This was a weekly activity for thousands of teenagers during those wonder years – when pegged pants, the “D.A.,” tight skirts, white bucks, saddle shoes, rock ‘n roll and the Bop were all the rage, and students at Lincoln High School enjoyed their carefree youth making Busch’s their home away from home.

With the largest public parking space of any drive-in north of San Francisco, Busch’s attracted all ages of cruising enthusiasts starting in the spring of 1951. Tacoma became a cruising capital of the West Coast, a fact that sometimes goes unnoticed in the annals of T-Town. However, on Aug. 28 those bygone days of car hops and jukebox memories will get the recognition they deserve during Busch’s 60th anniversary reunion party to be held at Griot’s Garage (3333 S. 38th St.), 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Open to the public, everyone is invited to come out, join in the festivities and maybe even learn a thing or two about Tacoma’s storied cruising past. Open to all special interest vehicles, the first 150 registrants will receive a Busch’s Drive-In desk clock, an 8x10 glossy black and white photo of Busch’s in its heyday, an 8x10 photo of local car club plaques of that era, and a CD of the greatest songs from the ‘50s that once played at Busch’s. Registration is $15; call Griot’s Garage at (253) 922-2400 or reunion organizer Walt Kaplin at (253) 858-8739.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

From 1951 to 1959, Busch’s was a way of life for thousands of teenagers, their parents and perhaps their grandparents.

Kaplin, a lifelong motor sports enthusiast who has many wonderful memories of Busch’s in the ‘50s, said there are all kinds of stories and myths about how cruising at Busch’s began, but only he was told the real story by owners Bill and Thelma Busch, one of Tacoma’s most wealthy and respected couples. Hard working, industrious and very successful but private people, the Busch family rarely allowed even the media an interview.

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