The 9th annual Antique Autos in History Park event that occurred
on September 13 exceeded all expectations. With 182 antique vehicles,
History Park again was transformed into a showcase of historic
vehicles of all kinds. Lining the streets of this beautiful park
were 180 antique autos from 1905 to 1945, two antique fire trucks
and three antique highwheel bikes. The Early Day Gas Engine and
Tractor Association was well represented by many varied exhibits.
A member even brought an antique John Bean Sprayer.
Visitors to the park, estimated to be over 3000, enjoyed many
of the activities planned for the day. Those activities included
music by JP and the Rhythm Chasers, displays of early day crafts,
and antique collectibles including Dave Stoner who showed his
fantastic collection of post Civil War cap guns and his wife
Donnis who showed her wonderful collection of antique buttons.
For movies this year, there was a Laurel and Hardy Film Fest
that managed to bring smiles and chuckles to many people, especially
the children. Several activities for children included A Schmahl
Science Workshop where kids built model cars and took apart gas
engines. Kids wrote stories about the early car days at the Markham
House, and the San Jose Fire Explorers helped kids put out simulated
fires.
There were too many fine antique autos to mention all of them.
The oldest autos were the 1905 Fire Chief's Cadillac and 1906
Krotz Motor Buggy. There were some rare autos such as a 1910
Stanley Steamer, 1912 Michigan, 1913 Cole, Larry Johnson's 1920
Biddle, 1934 BMW and a 1941 Continental.
One of the highlights of the day was the assembly of a Model
T again this year. The team of mechanics set out to beat their
time last year of 10 minutes. This year, the team performed much
faster with a time of 8 minutes and 6 seconds.
Another fun activity was the recognition of participants and
visitors for several categories of period clothing. This year
two members of the Model T Club earned recognition; Sara Jorgensen
for best women's outfit and Peder Jorgensen for best men's outfit.
We would like to thank all of you for participating in the event
this year and especially to thank all of you who helped on Saturday
and Sunday.
Allan and Lucy Greenberg
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