HOLLIDAYSBURG – The Blair County Genealogical Society will meet at 7:00 pm Thursday, April 17th, 2025 at the Roller Hojeth Memorial Library, 431 Scotch Valley Rd Hollidaysburg, PA.
Our April Speaker is Ray Wotkowski . He will be speaking on his book entitled “Fred Duesenberg’s Final Journey.”
Fred Duesenberg was a German-born American automobile and engine designer and manufacturer. He was internationally known as a designer of racecars and racing engines. He is credited with introducing an eight-cylinder engine, also known as the Duesenberg Straight -8 engine and four-wheel hydraulic brakes, in additional to other mechanical innovations.
On July 2nd, 1932 enroute from Philadelphia to Indianapolis, Duesenberg had an accident on Route 30 (The Lincoln Highway) about 2 miles west of Jennerstown. He later passed away at a Johnstown Hospital.
3 years of research have gone in to Ray’s book to preserve and correct history and it is based on those who touched, owned, and drove the supercharged 1932 Duesenberg Fred was driving when he had his accident.
Point of Contact: Mary Russell, publicity@bcgslibrary.org
Ray Wotkowski, correction: The book title is, “Fred Duesenberg’s Final Journey” “Fred Duesenberg’s Accident : The Real Story” is an ad. I am self-published, have sold 450 copies to date. My main focus is correcting and preserving history. Books are available by calling 814-244-0496, or oldcarz@comcast.net. $20 in person, $25 by mail (plus $5 postage) and available at several locations for $25-$30 depending on their policies: AACA Museum, Lincoln Highway Museum, Bit of time, Eastern Museum Race Car Museum, Jennerstown Antiques, to mention a few. I visited BCGS yesterday, met Carol Adams, learned more about the facility and am excited to address the group.