Earlier this year, in Joyce Chase’s honor, the HCCA established the Joyce Chase Award to celebrate a woman who brings the same spirit and energy that Joyce brought to every tour. This individual would exemplify HCCA’s values of preserving or restoring original brass era automobiles, preserving the early automobile driving experience and touring, and promoting the historical importance of these vehicles and related stories. Joyce did this every day on every tour for over two decades.” Christine Brewer is the deserving recipient of the inaugural Joyce Chase Award. The honor was bestowed on Chris during the closing banquet at the 2025 HCCA Convention and Tour in Orange, Virginia.
Christine actually met her husband Keene talking about cars! They both worked at the San Diego Post Office in the evening and attended San Diego State University during the day. Chris drove a 1966 Mustang GT with a stick shift, and Keene drove a Corvette. He couldn’t believe a young woman had ordered and purchased a car like that, on her own.
As Keene and Chris dated, she began to realize he was possessed by cars! As time went by, Keene began racing a Quasar in SCCA races. Chris was his pit crew.
In 1995, they attended the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. A certain car caught Keene’s attention, which they eventually bought—a 1911 Chalmers Touring. They joined Yakima HCCA and the National HCCA in 1996. They were hooked! Chris and Keene have been HCCA members for 29 wonderful, amazing years!
Chris is passionate about informing people of all ages about the history behind early automobiles—be it the car, fashion, or events that took place during that time period. (She did teach school for 41 years after all!) People, especially teenagers, are amazed there were electric cars in the early 1900s and charging stations too. Chris serves on the National HCCA Education Committee and hopes to expand the knowledge of our club’s time period. In addition, Chris recognizes the hard work our HCCA regions have done to educate the public. Working together and connecting the regions as to what they are doing to raise awareness is one of her primary goals! You’ll be hearing from her. Chris and Keene belong to six regional groups. Chris has served as newsletter person for Yakima HCCA and secretary for the Horseless Carriage Education Institute. They complete approximately ten tours a year on both East and West coasts. Chris intends to do more middle America regional tours looking ahead.
Christine says, “I received this award in honor of all HCCA women. We women are a part of HCCA whether we are navigators, drivers, or in the back seat. We support each other by participating and adding to the spirit of HCCA!”
In addition to Chris receiving a small crystal pendant etched with an 1893 Duryea, a donation from the National HCCA was made to Joyce’s charity of choice, the Klingberg Family Center in Connecticut.
(Photo courtesy of Chris Brewer)