About Dick Furniss

Dick Furniss (1918-1997) was one of the founders of the Eastern Shore Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America.  Twenty people attended the initial meeting of the club in his home on May 24, 1963.

Mr. Furniss was a native of Somerset County, a graduate of Washington High School, and a veteran of World War II.  He was the first machine shop apprentice when Martin and Schwartz (later Dresser Industries) came to Salisbury in the late 1930’s.  Upon his return from the war he began a 39 year career at Edgewood Pipe & Block in Salisbury, He retired as Supervisor of Operations.

Dick’s accomplishments in the Eastern Shore Region include service as the club’s first and then second Director (President), twice as a Vice- President, five times as Secretary / Treasurer and seven terms as a member of the Board of Directors. He also was the designer of our club’s logo and has had every other kind of job in our club. He continued to serve, starting in 1986 along with his wife Del, as part of the club’s historian’s team.

Mr. Furniss loved wood carving.  Using a single piece of cherry he fashioned a plaque carving of the Locomobile roadster that he had restored. After his death it was donated to the AACA Library.

The Furniss Award keeps alive the memory of a talented leader and visionary who loved antique cars and the people they attracted.

The Dick Furniss Award

The Eastern Shore Region of the AACA Club provides an annual special award to a member who has, during that year, excelled in some manner above and beyond that which is so graciously contributed by the general membership. It is within this setting that the annual “Dick Furniss Award”, selected by the club’s Board of Directors, is given to a club member, individual, couple or group that most closely parallels the interest, dedication, and devotion to the intent and purpose of the Eastern Shore Region of the AACA as displayed by its namesake.

Selection of this award is based upon, but not limited to, those club members that have an interest in the preservation of antique vehicles and related items. Those who:

• Support and attend, to the best of their ability, club functions
• Promote sportsmanship and fellowship among the membership locally and/ or at the National level
• Extend a special welcome and hospitality to others, especially guests and potential new members
• Have displayed within the past year the spirit and rewards of sharing the old car hobby

as exemplified by its namesake, Dick Furniss, are considered for the award.

Owning an antique vehicle is not required to be a recipient of this award. The annual honor may be bestowed upon the same recipient in another year. The granting of this award will be in a fair equitable manner whereby each club member is equally considered a potential candidate for this coveted honor.

Furniss Award Recipients