A Brief History Of the 'Cams
The Overheard Cams (and, please note, that is not a typo, it really is the "Overheard Cams") is the official journal of the Alfa Romeo Association of California. It is one of the oldest continuously published club magazines in the country, which is all the more amazing when you consider it is produced by an all-volunteer, constantly evolving staff.
Like all club publications, its origins are a bit vague. ARA was founded in 1958, and for the first few years a phone tree kept the small membership informed of all the events. By the early '60s, though, increasing membership made this awkward, so member Haig Ajamian took it upon himself to start mailing out announcements to everyone. During 1963 and 1964 he sent out event fliers, some of which had "NEWSLETTER!!!" emblazoned on the top, but were undated and inconsistent. By 1965, the need for a regular publication was finally recognized, and the first dated newsletter came out in February 1965.
Haig continued as editor for three more years, a record that still stands for editor tenure (of course, it's a bit easier putting out a single-sheet newsletter than today's 20-page slick covered magazine). The publication continued to be called simply "Newsletter" until 1969 when editor Dave Burns held a contest to name it. The winning entry, "Overheard Cams," of course, was submitted by Larry Rhodes. The first true Overheard Cams was published in August 1969
The 'Cams continued to be a newsletter (i.e. folded in half and stapled before mailing) until 1987 when editor Kitty Kvinge, a professional graphics designer, redesigned it as a magazine with a slick cover. Today it is an enviable standout among club publications, a tribute to the dozens of editors and support staff who have worked on it the past four decades.
The images below chronicle the different generations of the 'Cams. Click on the image for a larger view and a little more detail on the issues involved. When you can't contain your excitement any longer, click here, or on the order button below to be taken to an easy-to-use matrix of the more than 450 issues published. Except for three of Haig's early efforts, every single one is still available. Of course, before 1990 the issue may be "pre-owned" and before 1980 it might be a photocopy, but, hey, they're cheap!