Friends of Merrit Marks

We offer our deepest sympathy to Elma, Roy and the rest of the family. We first met Merritt and Elma in the summer of 1960 at a meet in Chicago. Merritt was working hard to make the club succeed at that time. He and I had significant correspondence in the early years. From my interactions with him I know he devoted a lot of time to the club. For that we are eternally grateful. Our friendship went beyond our mutual interest in Hudson's to include stamps and the Lincoln Highway. In the early years of the club when Merritt worked for the Post Office there were a number of stamps for our collections that went back and forth. Every letter I received from him would have a picture of someone's Hudson included.

I can remember when I was trying to prove that Hudson produced a station wagon after the war and was having trouble, Merritt came to the rescue with a photo of one on a used car lot. I could always depend upon Merritt.

Rest in Peace Meritt, we will never forget you.

Dick and Edith Burgdorf

We were saddened by the passing of Meritt Marks. Jack and I feel we have lost a dear friend, as will as a beloved relative. Our lives have been enriched by him and his family.

Jack and Dee Hoole

I was privileged to meet Meritt Marks at my first National Meet in Madison earlier this year. The great Club we have is a wonderful legacy from an exceptional man.

A year or so ago my wife and I stopped by to visit with Meritt at his home. Over our 13 years of marriage my wife had listened to the stories of this person I knew over in St. Pete who had a Red Terraplane Roadster, loved the 41 and 48 Hudsons I had then, and who talked me into joining the Hudson Club back in the early 60's. Although I had lost contact with Meritt and dropped in and out of the Club, I always remembered his enthusiasm and friendly smile. I thank Roy for reconnecting me with Merrit and allowing my wife to meet him and enjoy some of his stories as I had. I can still see him in his Roadster and I'm sure he is up there still signing up members. Merrit, you will remain in my thoughts and also my prayers. Be seeing you.

Bob Hunt,
Dixie Chapter

What a wonderful legacy Meritt has left us! I hope that we all will strive to live up to his standards of devotion and genuine friendship; his ways of making everyone in the Hudson-Essex-Terraplane club feel truly valued, whatever their particular Hudsonly interests.

The early '60s Motor Trend article on Special Interest Auto clubs changed the character of the club. I kept the copy and when my Viet Nam era military life permitted a semi-permanent address wrote and received a sample copy from Meritt. He supported my interchangeable parts project which drowned in my own ineptitude. I've slept on his couch. He was a magnificent leader with a gentle touch. We are a better world because of his participation.

D. J. Kava

HELLO TO The Marks family. Our deepest sympathy and condolence in your time of need and thanks for starting the Hudson Car Club that we all enjoy to day .

Yours Truly,
Chuck Gugino and all of the members of the WNY/ONT Chapter .

Sorry to hear of Meritt's death - My letter probably got there today. I trust he is aware of the love that surrounded him as evidenced by your communications and so many others. We can rest easily knowing that God's hands are ready to hold each of us as we need it.

Thanks for letting me know about him.

First off I would like to say to the Marks Family how sorry Stefi and I are at the passing of Meritt. To all of them we wish to pay our deepest sympathy and to remind them that he is in a better place.

We will all miss the Founder of our GREAT CLUB a family of Hudson owners He had foresight enough to HAVE FRIENDS not some one you were competing against. Not having judging. is the one thing that makes The HUDSON CLUB heads and shoulders above the rest. This is why I think OUR club has had the long life it has. I have a few memories, One is the first time I met Meritt, it was in Front Royal Va. at Doc's meet. Doc was having a little get together In His back yard before the Saturday night Banquet, I thought afterwards what a GREAT bunch of People. They didn't hardly know me, a young snot nosed Kid ( I was 21) ''HASH'' owner with Stefi and our 2 small kids. They opened up their little gathering to us like we were old friends. On our way home after the meet, we knew we had met new friends. Little did we know how much that day would changed our lives.

I can remember a few years after when some Members wanted to change the NO JUDGE RULE the old timers MERITT, Doc, Tommy Childs, Fred Long, Lylse Devault, Bill Sturm, Leroy Anderson Didn't say much most of the time about running the club BUT ON THIS ONE POINT They all spoke up NO JUDGING!!!. The words 'THANKS MERITT' are just not big enough but will have to do

Stefi and Paul Schuster

I never met Meritt personally, but corresponded with him over the years, and he came across as a gracious and caring gentleman. When I started writing for the W.T.N. he sent me a personal note of thanks, handwritten. This illustrates the caring attitude he had for encouraging people, and his love for every aspect of the H.E.T. Club, which is his legacy. May God bless his memory, and his family.

Geoff Clark,
New Zealand.

Meritt was a big fan and supporter of the WTN no matter who was Editor. He was genuinely pleased, and I think a bit surprised, that the publication he started as a mimeographed newsletter has become an award-winning international magazine. He often commented on an issue or an article with a hand-written note, and went out of his way to forward material of interest from his Hudson files. Meritt understood and often mentioned that the magazine is the main tool we have to keep our extended Hudson family communicating and interested. He loved Hudson family stories and old photos, and was especially appreciative of the expanded National Meet coverage in recent years.

One of my great memories of Meritt is from the Orlando National in 2000. He and Elma donned orange safety vests and volunteered to park cars in the parking structure. He could have sat around in the hotel lobby and basked in the attention that always came his way, or he could have taken a figurehead role on the organizing committee. That wasn't Meritt...he was out where the action was, working hard.

We were among the many lucky members who spent time with Meritt at the National Meet in Middleton (Madison), Wisconsin, last summer. We will always treasure those conversations and the photographs we took.

Sam & Mary Ann Jackson

When I think of the HET club and what Meritt has given all of us, many things come to mind. First of all are the wonderful, true, friends we've made and the extended family we have out there. People are willing to help in anyway they can and it doesn't always mean with the cars. Our daughter had two spinal surgeries and so many sent her cards, e mails, little gifts. They even rented a golf cart for her so we could attend our first National meet in Nashville. Our son use to ask lots of questions and talk about his dreams for his Terraplane. He was always treated as someone who was serious, even though some of his ideas were crazy, and encouraged to ask more questions. Never was he treated like some young kid, just barely a teenager. The club has given us some wonderful family time memories. The kids have helped to sand, clean and find parts, and help with meets.

Then comes the cars that bring us all together to build on the friendships even more. Thank you Meritt and thanks to his family too. May we pass on to many more generations what you so lovingly started.

Not only did Meritt give us a "car club" he gave us many lifetime friends. He (and his family) have touched more life's than anyone will ever know. He could not have done this without the love and support of his wife and family. A special thanks to the family and know that our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Pat and Terry Meier

I am very sorry to hear of his passing.

Regretfully, I'd not made his acquaintance but wished to thank him for his vision in ensuring that the products of an uniquely American car company would stay on the road.

He has left us an enduring legacy.


	A tribute to Merrit Marks, HET club founder
	Selected comments from HET members
	Click here to read Merrit's "Doc" Daugherty Award Bio

Dear Friends, It is with a great deal of regret that I perform the unpleasant task of informing you of the death of Meritt Marks, our wonderful HET Club founder. Meritt passed from this earth a little before 7 am this morning, Sunday, November 23, 2003. As many of you know, Meritt had been hospitalized for some weeks with hip problems, pneumonia and various assorted maladies. He had returned home several days ago. It is my understanding that Meritt's remains will be cremated and that there will be no public funeral service. A memorial service is being scheduled at a time, place and date to be determined soon. Please make every effort to let other non e-mail HET members know so that our recent request for Get Well cards and messages can be cancelled. Appropriate messages of sympathy and condolence to Elma and the rest of the Marks family are now requested. Larry Romig, hudsonfan@juno.com
I talked with Roy Marks today and have the following information to pass along To Het'ers on the net. If you know of friends who do not receive these OBOL messages, please pass this information along. Meritt's Memorial Service is scheduled for 2:00 pm on the afternoon of December 6, 2003. The Memorial Service will be conducted at Good Samaritan Church located at 6085 Park Blvd in Pinellas Park Florida. If you can make it, please plan to attend this service to honor the founder of our HET Club. If you have additional questions please call me and I will attempt to be more specific. Larry Romig, hudsonfan@juno.com
Lew, Thanks for starting this page on my dad. Please advise everyone to spell his name exactly as spelled in the roster and the White Triangle News: Meritt Marks. He never cared if it was spelled differently, but maybe we'll get it right for posterity. Thanks, Roy
We offer our deepest sympathy to Elma, Roy and the rest of the family. We first met Merritt and Elma in the summer of 1960 at a meet in Chicago. Merritt was working hard to make the club succeed at that time. He and I had significant correspondence in the early years. From my interactions with him I know he devoted a lot of time to the club. For that we are eternally grateful. Our friendship went beyond our mutual interest in Hudson's to include stamps and the Lincoln Highway. In the early years of the club when Merritt worked for the Post Office there were a number of stamps for our collections that went back and forth. Every letter I received from him would have a picture of someone's Hudson included. I can remember when I was trying to prove that Hudson produced a station wagon after the war and was having trouble, Merritt came to the rescue with a photo of one on a used car lot. I could always depend upon Merritt. Rest in Peace Meritt, we will never forget you. Dick and Edith Burgdorf rpburgdorf@sprintmail.com
We were saddened by the passing of Meritt Marks. Jack and I feel we have lost a dear friend, as will as a beloved relative. Our lives have been enriched by him and his family. We will miss him. Love Jack and Dee Hoole Cheswick Pa 15024
I was privileged to meet Meritt Marks at my first National Meet in Madison earlier this year. The great Club we have is a wonderful legacy from an exceptional man. Richard Low
A year or so ago my wife and I stopped by to visit with Meritt at his home. Over our 13 years of marriage my wife had listened to the stories of this person I knew over in St. Pete who had a Red Terraplane Roadster, loved the 41 and 48 Hudsons I had then, and who talked me into joining the Hudson Club back in the early 60's. Although I had lost contact with Meritt and dropped in and out of the Club, I always remembered his enthusiasm and friendly smile. I thank Roy for reconnecting me with Merrit and allowing my wife to meet him and enjoy some of his stories as I had. I can still see him in his Roadster and I'm sure he is up there still signing up members. Merrit, you will remain in my thoughts and also my prayers. Be seeing you. Bob Hunt, Dixie Chapter
We are so sorry to learn of the passing of Meritt Marks. I was vaguely aware that a Meritt Marks was the founder of the Hudson, Essex, Terraplane Club when, at my first (1970) National Meet in Towson, MD. a red 1929 Essex Roadster parked next to my newly acquired ugly purple 1947 pickup truck. This roadster car was said to be owned previously by Meritt Marks, the club founder. I was impressed by the quality of its restoration and wondered why anyone would sell it once restored. We got to actually meet and talk to Meritt and Elma later at Doc's meets at the HY-WY restaurant in Front Royal, VA. I liked his style and decided to stay on with the HET Club because of the friendly help for my cars, the family orientation, and the lack of trophy judging of the cars. This made me feel comfortable. I could see for myself the care and love that the more talented members put into their cars. I didn't need a trophy to tell me this. Surely these principles of HET Club functioning were greatly influenced by Meritt Marks at the beginning of the club. This year at the Madison National Meet it felt good to see Meritt and his son, Roy, thoroughly enjoy themselves at the Baraboo, Wisconsin, Circus Museum trip and at the banquet Saturday night. We will remember Meritt as long as we live. Glenn and Gwen Hartong Columbia, MD.
Year ago I ran across a note from an unknown author, it went something like, One hundred years from now it will not matter the size of my bank account, or the car I drove, or the type of house that I lived in. What will be important is if I was important in the life of a child. Meritt was an inspiration to all of us. He has left behind a legacy of bringing people and families together and he did his part in making this a better a world to live in. Meritt's dream of a HET club is one of the ways in which he provided me with an opportunity to spend some quality time with my children and friends. While visiting Florida about ten years ago I had the opportunity to visit with Meritt and Elma Marks. Ten years earlier I had tried to get my father active in the HET club; a club that I knew nothing about. After my father passed away I came across his copies of the WTN and I joined the HET club myself. During my memorable evening with the Marks I was amazed at Merritt's memory. He knew about my my Father and the story behind him getting my Grandfather's 1933 Essex Terraplane. As far as I know my father never attended a local chapter meet, nor a national meet, so needless to say I was left in awe that Meritt had taken an opportunity to contact my father. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Meritt we'll miss you. David Putman
Dear Hudsonites, What a wonderful legacy Meritt has left us! I hope that we all will strive to live up to his standards of devotion and genuine friendship; his ways of making everyone in the Hudson-Essex-Terraplane club feel truly valued, whatever their particular Hudsonly interests. Richard Polese
The early '60s Motor Trend article on Special Interest Auto clubs changed the character of the club. I kept the copy and when my Viet Nam era military life permitted a semi-permanent address wrote and received a sample copy from Meritt. He supported my interchangeable parts project which drowned in my own ineptitude. I've slept on his couch. He was a magnificent leader with a gentle touch. We are a better world because of his participation. D. J. Kava
We’ll all miss Meritt's presence among us. I think a fitting tribute to his memory would be for all of us to work even harder at caring and sharing with one another, and by always trying to emulate his generosity of spirit, his kindness of heart, and his unflagging dedication to doing the right thing for the people of this great club. If we do that, Meritt will always be with us and we would deserve to be his legacy. Let’s all pray for the entire Marks family as they come to grips with their loss. It's a funny thing. My personal and professional life has led to encounters with lots of "VIPs", including CEOs, authors, congressmen, senators, two U.S. Vice-Presidents and even one President. While I was mindful of who they were and of their achievements, I was never really awed. I guess I was raised to believe that everyone puts their pants on the same way. But the first time I met Meritt I was shaking like a second-grader in front to the principal! Fortunately for me, Meritt was such a kind and personable man, that only lasted a few seconds. His kindness and support sustained me throughout my club presidency, as I'm sure it did for many others. While we didn't spend a lot of time together, I will treasure those moments that we did have. The pictures I have of Meritt, Elma and I together will remain among my most treasured possessions. Hudsonly, John Clement
HELLO TO The Marks family. Our deepest sympathy and condolence in your time of need and thanks for starting the Hudson Car Club that we all enjoy to day . Yours Truly, Chuck Gugino and all of the members of the WNY/ONT Chapter .
Sorry to hear of Meritt's death - My letter probably got there today. I trust he is aware of the love that surrounded him as evidenced by your communications and so many others. We can rest easily knowing that God's hands are ready to hold each of us as we need it. Thanks for letting me know about him. Lyle Buck
Ken and I would like to thank Meritt for starting the Hudson club. We have met some great friends through the club. He will surly be missed by many. Our sympathy goes out to his family. Ken and Kay Amman
For much of my life, I had the ambition to own and drive another Hudson, but with raising a family and all that stuff, I didn't find out about the HET Club until I retired 12 years ago. And guess what, I found that the founder of the club lived right here in Florida, close to me. and that I had wasted all those years with this wonderful guy so available. And when we did meet, I also found out that he spent some time in my home town in Pennsylvania and knew many of the folks that my family knew back up there. Indeed Meritt was kind and gentlemanly enough to spend time with my elderly mother and to talk about those wonderful days back in Selinsgrove, PA. Meritt will be missed as any true gentleman and gentle man will be missed. I am happy that Meritt is with his Lord. Larry Romig
I want to express my gratitude for the life of a wonderful man like Meritt. His visions and goals were an inspiration to all of us who were fortunate to meet him. The Hudson club has given me 32 years of friendship and pleasure that has kept me going. God bless Meritt and his family. I wish them the best in the years to come. BILL ALBRIGHT
I wish to offer my condolences to the family of Meritt, he will be missed by all who knew him, His foresight shaped the Club and made us all proud to be a part of it. Galen L. Moon
First off I would like to say to the Marks Family how sorry Stefi and I are at the passing of Meritt. To all of them we wish to pay our deepest sympathy and to remind them that he is in a better place. We will all miss the Founder of our GREAT CLUB a family of Hudson owners He had foresight enough to HAVE FRIENDS not some one you were competing against. Not having judging. is the one thing that makes The HUDSON CLUB heads and shoulders above the rest. This is why I think OUR club has had the long life it has. I have a few memories, One is the first time I met Meritt, it was in Front Royal Va. at Doc's meet. Doc was having a little get together In His back yard before the Saturday night Banquet, I thought afterwards what a GREAT bunch of People. They didn't hardly know me, a young snot nosed Kid ( I was 21) ''HASH'' owner with Stefi and our 2 small kids. They opened up their little gathering to us like we were old friends. On our way home after the meet, we knew we had met new friends. Little did we know how much that day would changed our lives. I can remember a few years after when some Members wanted to change the NO JUDGE RULE the old timers MERITT, Doc, Tommy Childs, Fred Long, Lylse Devault, Bill Sturm, Leroy Anderson Didn't say much most of the time about running the club BUT ON THIS ONE POINT They all spoke up NO JUDGING!!!. The words 'THANKS MERITT' are just not big enough but will have to do Hudsonly Stefi and Paul Schuster
Meritt was a dear friend & I will miss him .He came by to see me in Tenn. when I first started collecting Hudsons & seen him many time since at meets .He was always friendly & breath of fresh air. Looking forward to seeing him in the next world & talking Hudsons. We love you too Elma & Roy. Frances & Eugene Ramsey Oxford Fla..
I first met Meritt & Elma at their home in Pinellas Park, Fla. in 1963 while on a "Hudson trip". They were gracious & warm hosts to someone they'd never met & who had only belonged to the Club a short time. At each National I could attend I always looked forward to seeing this kindly man & exchanging "Hudsonese" with him. All those who enjoy, drive, restore the cars today have the Club to thank probably, which means him, as he founded and kept it going during the formative years. Pete Booz
I never met Meritt personally, but corresponded with him over the years, and he came across as a gracious and caring gentleman. When I started writing for the W.T.N. he sent me a personal note of thanks, handwritten. This illustrates the caring attitude he had for encouraging people, and his love for every aspect of the H.E.T. Club, which is his legacy. May God bless his memory, and his family. Geoff Clark, New Zealand.
We, my nephew Alex Burr, and I first met Meritt in 1974 - Alex had taken his family to Disney World and since there was a meet in the area, so why not. We met Meritt again at the 1990 Wichita meet and for the final time at Seattle in 2001. Meritt left us a legacy that we must continue - but more than just leaving us a legacy, he left us with a family of 3600 + family members. Meritt was a true southern gentleman. We are proud to have known him. Safe journey home, my friend. Aunt Hester Alex Burr
Those of in the Hudson club know we owe a debt of gratitude to Meritt, Elma and their children for the many years of hard work and friendship they gave us while organizing and getting this organization going. It appeared to me that Meritt never lost any of his enthusiasm for Hudson automobiles and somehow I feel that GOD has stepped down out of HIS chariot and is now riding in a HUDSON. Bryan Wold
Meritt was a big fan and supporter of the WTN no matter who was Editor. He was genuinely pleased, and I think a bit surprised, that the publication he started as a mimeographed newsletter has become an award-winning international magazine. He often commented on an issue or an article with a hand-written note, and went out of his way to forward material of interest from his Hudson files. Meritt understood and often mentioned that the magazine is the main tool we have to keep our extended Hudson family communicating and interested. He loved Hudson family stories and old photos, and was especially appreciative of the expanded National Meet coverage in recent years. One of my great memories of Meritt is from the Orlando National in 2000. He and Elma donned orange safety vests and volunteered to park cars in the parking structure. He could have sat around in the hotel lobby and basked in the attention that always came his way, or he could have taken a figurehead role on the organizing committee. That wasn't Meritt...he was out where the action was, working hard. We were among the many lucky members who spent time with Meritt at the National Meet in Middleton (Madison), Wisconsin, last summer. We will always treasure those conversations and the photographs we took. Sam & Mary Ann Jackson
When I think of the HET club and what Meritt has given all of us, many things come to mind. First of all are the wonderful, true, friends we've made and the extended family we have out there. People are willing to help in anyway they can and it doesn't always mean with the cars. Our daughter had two spinal surgeries and so many sent her cards, e mails, little gifts. They even rented a golf cart for her so we could attend our first National meet in Nashville. Our son use to ask lots of questions and talk about his dreams for his Terraplane. He was always treated as someone who was serious, even though some of his ideas were crazy, and encouraged to ask more questions. Never was he treated like some young kid, just barely a teenager. The club has given us some wonderful family time memories. The kids have helped to sand, clean and find parts, and help with meets. Then comes the cars that bring us all together to build on the friendships even more. Thank you Meritt and thanks to his family too. May we pass on to many more generations what you so lovingly started. Not only did Meritt give us a "car club" he gave us many lifetime friends. He (and his family) have touched more life's than anyone will ever know. He could not have done this without the love and support of his wife and family. A special thanks to the family and know that our prayers and thoughts are with you. Hudsonly Pat and Terry Meier Decatur, IL
...the news of Meritts' passing hit like a ton of bricks. We saw him in Middleton, he just looked real happy. Content. Like I just told Burt Schwartz, if I have even 1% of the friends that Meritt cultivated, when I pull into the pits after the final checkered flag is dropped, man, I'll be happy. We're going to try to make the service. John O'Halloran
How ironic that we would lose the founder of our club just a few days before Thanksgiving as it causes me to reflect on how much we in the Hudson club and myself personally have to be thankful for in having had Meritt touch our lives. The Hudson Motor Car Company never had a better friend than they did in Meritt Marks. As a loyal customer of the company's products, he wasn't content to leave the past behind when his beloved Hudsons were discontinued in 1957. I suppose it was due to an admirable characteristic called loyalty. He was determined not to allow the name to go quietly into oblivion by creating a club that still thrives more than four decades later. I love Hudsons and much of my world and many of my friendships revolve around them and the club that Meritt began when I was a little kid. I cannot even begin to imagine how much poorer my life would have been if not for Meritt having the vision to start the Hudson-Essex-Terraplane Club, guide it through its early years, and mentor successive leaders of the club into the 21st century. It was always a treat to see him at a National meet and especially so at Madison, Wisconsin this past July. This meet was one of the best of the 30 Nationals I have attended and seeing Meritt there was icing on the cake. It was perfect timing that the Doc and Thelma Daugherty Award tribute book was available at the meet. Like a groupie at a rock concert, I went around to have the different Award recipients who were there sign my copy. I was in awe when Meritt autographed his page with a warm personal message. It is something that I will always treasure. I will miss Meritt but I would like to think that besides meeting our Lord, as well as family and friends when he arrived in heaven, that Roy Chapin and others who were associated the Hudson Motor Car Company were also there to greet him and say "Thank you." Charlie Woodruff
I am very sorry to hear of his passing. Regretfully, I'd not made his acquaintance but wished to thank him for his vision in ensuring that the products of an uniquely American car company would stay on the road. He has left us an enduring legacy. Walt Hodges
It is truly sad to loose our founding father of the HET Club. But when his time came to an end and he had to answer the master's call. Which we all must do someday. Meritt did teach us to continue on as he gave us many great ideas and put us on the correct path to make this a GREAT CLUB. Family, faith, friends and the joy of what our God gave us to enjoy. We must not be sad, but be joyful to know that Meritt is up there watching what is going on. We will not forget Meritt as we will see him in every meet that takes place. Just knowing him and to be thankful that he made a commit to all HET members from all walks of life and all parts of the globe. He was our catalyst and the glue to hold us together. And now we will never go back because of his love for the HET automobiles... We Love You and We Will Miss You MERITT..... Rich Smithen Central Ca.
If you would like your comments posted here. (photo's are welcome) please email Meritt Tribute Upon completion of this project, the comments will be forwarded to the Marks family
Updated: 12/15/03