785 Jefferson Avenue
Livermore, CA 94550
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ARA Press
785 Jefferson Avenue Livermore, CA 94550 |
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 for editor tenure that stood for three decades. The publication continued to be called simply "Newsletter" until 1969 when editor Dave Burns held a contest to name it. The winner was "Overheard Cams," suggested by Larry Rhodes. The first true Overheard Cams was published in August 1969.
The ’Cams continued to be a newsletter (i.e. folded in the center before mailing) until 1987 when editor Kitty Kvinge, a professional graphics designer, redesigned it as a magazine with a slick cover. The current editor, George Graves, is the one that finally eclipsed Haig Ajamian’s tenure as editor. He is currently at seven years (and counting). To give you some idea of the magnitude of his achievement, Haig was putting out a one or two page newsletter, while George is assembling a 20 page magazine every month!
The ‘Cams today is an enviable standout among club publications, a tribute to the dozens of editors and support staff who have worked on it the past five 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 just be a photocopy, but, hey, they’re cheap!
 1963 to 1968 Editor Haig Ajamian |  1968 to 1969 Editor Rick Chafian |  1969 Editor Dave Burns |  1970 to 1971 Editor Norm Snart |  1971 to 1974 Editors Fran and Jim Stephens |
 1974 to 1975 Editor Charlie Hood |  1975 Editor Ken Allen |  1976 Editor Naomi Rush |  1977 Editor Elaine Hoyt |  1978 to 1979 Editor Hugh Bialecki |
 1979 to 1982 Editors Boyer Kalugdan, Denis Vaughn, Gary Pfeiffer |  1982 to 1983 Editor George Zaft |  1984 to 1986 Editors Jack Hagerty and Jim Rogers |  1987 to 1990 Editor Kitty Kvinge (Kitty Haller after 11/88) |  1991 to 1992 Editors Jeff Smith and Peter Inshaw |
 1992 to 1993 Editor Nizam Zambri |  1994 Editor Thomas Washburn |  1994 to 1996 Editors Don Clukey and Dani Lamb |  1996 to 1998 Editor Dan Przybylski |  1998 Editor None |
 1998 to 2000 Editor Scott Callan |  2001 to 2004 Editor George Graves |  2005 to Present Editor George Graves | ||