The "Horseless Carriage Show In Lancaster, Pennsylvania" Story

It was an ordinary day.   Told my wife I'd be back in a bit and headed down the street to view the automobile show that was sponsored by Thorn Hill Vineyards store in the Foxshire Plaza along the Fruitville Pike in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  The show featured a collection of classic beauties from members of the Horseless Carriage Club.  The owners of the cars traveled from 13 states to the event which is sponsored by the Susquehanna Valley Club.  States represented in the show today were Washington, Oregon, California, Maine and Pennsylvania.  The owners of the Thorn Hill Vineyard had a 1923 Hupmobile and offered complimentary rides in the grand touring convertible.  To be a member of the Horseless Carriage Club, your automobile must be a gas, steam or electric motor vehicle built or manufactured prior to January 1, 1916.

The logo of the Horseless Carriage Club of America.

 So, all the cars in the show today are over 100 years old.  There were more than 30 cars that lined the parking lot of the Plaza and everyone was remark- able!  I did have my favorite, only because I knew the gentleman who owned it and it was the only truck in the display which had a Lancaster connection.  I walked to the Plaza about 1:00 PM and was disappointed that there were no cars on the parking lot, but as I turned to head home I heard the horn of the first car.  Heading north on Fruitville Pike, after a show in the morning hours at Landis Valley Farm Museum, was the line of cars that drew many looks and honking horns from passing motorists.  

A few of the over 30 cars in the Horseless Carriage show.

One by one they lined the parking lot until the last one arrived; a 1915 Ford panel truck owned by Tom Schell who lived about a block from me in Grandview Heights when we both lived in the area.  Tom has owned the truck for about 10 years and was responsible for the paint job that read "Gunzenhauser's Bread & Cakes" on the rear compartment with "Prince & Clay Sts., Lancaster, Pa." on the cab's doors.  The white tires were spotless and contrasted beautifully with the black wooden spokes and small center cap that read "Ford Made in USA".  The interior of the truck featured a black leather seat and oak paneling throughout the cab.  The interior was spotless and the lanterns on the cab contrasted nicely with the brass trim on the radiator.  Got to talk to Tom and he told me that most of the restoration of the truck was done before he purchased it, but he had the final painting of the truck done.  A few photographs of Tom's truck and a few cars follow.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. 

The 1923 Hupmobile taking a visitor on a ride around the parking lot.

The rear push-down window of the 1915 Ford truck and a
side lantern show the special touches Tom made to his truck. 

Sitting at the end on one of the rows of automobiles.

The white rubber tire with black spokes and brass hubcap.  Did you know that the main
ingredients in tires keep the tires white, not black.  Carbon black is almost always added to improve
 tire wear.  These tires were made with the carbon black added, thus they are a natural white.

Interior of the truck shows wooden panels with black leather seat.  Foot pedals have
a clutch and brake on the left and right with the gas pedal in the middle.

Rear view of the truck with the gold lettering, rear tail light on the left and wood trim.

Tom as he pulls into the parking lot of the Plaza.

Gil in his 1912 Buick. 

Head lights have an extra band of brass on them.  The wooden body shows in this photograph.

The metal gear on the wooden wheel is what makes the speedometer work.

The rear of a 1910 Chalmers Detroit sports a basket where a trunk would be in today' cars/

Beautiful interior on the Chalmers Detroit horseless carriage.

The grill tells the model of the automobile.  Pin-stripping on the fenders adds class.

A 1908 Ford Model "T" with exposed rear seat.  Perhaps the precursor to the rumble seat.

Better view of the rear seat and single lamp on the rear of the automobile.

The happy owners of the Model "T".

One of my favorites was this 1911 Locomobile.

The rear of the Locomobile.  The paint with pinstripping was remarkable.
You can see the single rear brass lantern inside the two spare tires.

The upholstery of the Locomobile was luxurious.

Side view of the Locomobile.  One of the largest cars in the show.

Another favorite was the 1909 Pierce Arrow.

The wheels had an extra layer of brass along the edge of the spoked wheel.

Rear view of the Pierce Arrow. 

Closer look at the interior of the Pierce Arrow.  Notice the name on the entrance to the
seating compartment.  Brass lantern on the side is very interesting. 

The logo and radiator of the 1916 Willys Overland made in Toledo, Ohio.
This automobile just made it under the date of being eligible for the club.

Front of the Willys Overland.