History

Submitted by Marian Wrightington

Back in 1977, Lou LeBlanc, a Corvette lover, had a Shell gas station in Attleboro. His friend, Carl Kazen, another Corvette owner, was a Goodyear tire salesman. The station was sort of a hang-out for “car guys,” who loved to share stories and their Corvette camaraderie. Eventually, Louis and Carl decided to make it official and start a club. They met with the Mandeville Chevrolet dealership, who became our sponsor. The first meeting was held at Mandeville with Louie, Carl, Don Wrightington, and Dave Whalen in attendance. For their second meeting, they invited the girls and we were off and running. It was named Tri-Boro, since we were from Attleboro, North Attleborough, and South Attleboro. A small article in the newspaper invited interested others and we held out meetings right on the show room floor! We always went to a restaurant following the meetings – one thing that has not changed. Food, friends, and fun became our theme.

We had a lot of functions, such as pot-luck suppers, pizza parties, July fireworks, Halloween costume parties and Lake George weekends. We used to elect our officers for the next year at our New Year’s Eve Parties. We attended Show ‘n Shines of other clubs: No. Shore, So. Shore, Gate City, Spindle City, Whaling City, Silver City, For Corvettes Only, C.C.R.I., Seacoast Vettes, and Corvette Club of CT. We took home best club participation many times and, sometimes, half of the trophies that were awarded! We even did their rallies and scavenger hunts. Each year, our family cookout started with our own rally.

In 1979, we decided to try our own show and, for 10 years, it was held at Mandeville. Selling hot dogs and baked goods, we always had a great turn-out and everyone always loved Tri-Boro’s show and trophies. In 1989, we decided to move our show to the Balloon Festival at U.R.I. and call it an informal Corvette display. After a few years, we were back to a full show again and it continued at that location through 2008.

We also had our fund raisers. The girls would have home parties (like Tupperware), and take the hostess gift in a percentage. We had a yard sale every year including baked goods and we even held a fifties dance. We began donating to the Santa Fund and have continued to do so ever since. Other charities have been included through the years, and this is something that makes us feel good.

The membership has varied, always maintaining between 14 and 35 couples. Currently, 22 couples are enrolled.

Over the years, our club has been known as a very friendly group. The club is what it is because of the people in it. Everyone appreciates, supports, and enjoys each other. We’ve made so many friends in our own club and other clubs. We have caravanned off together to new places and new adventures. There truly is something about Corvette camaraderie and Tri-Boro is the perfect example! We love to share OUR FUN!