NECCM unveils new building, exhibits!

On May 15, 2009, over 300 members, exhibitors, and invited guests attended the Grand Opening of the Northeast Classic Car Museum's (NECCM) new building. Local vendors graciously provided samples of their food specialties in the Museum's newly expanded event space.

The new exhibit space currently boasts a limited-time display of "Antique Tractors" – 16 restored workhorses dating from the turn of the century through 1967. The Museum's collection of Franklins, the largest in the world, found a new home in the building as well. Joining the air-cooled beauties already on exhibit are a 1909 Touring model, and a 1934 Airman Sedan – one of the last known Franklins ever built.

The new building, which adjoins the previous Museum buildings, was donated to NECCM by Harold Ray. Formerly the site of the Bennett-Ireland company, the building was renovated thanks to generous contributions from local corporate, foundation, and individual donors. In collaboration with the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS), a section of the restored building has been dedicated to "A Tribute to Bennett-Ireland", which features the products and history of one of Norwich's largest manufacturers. Also provided by the CCHS is an exhibit of vintage clothing, beautifully displayed throughout the Museum.

NECCM unveiled a new "Post-War Era" exhibit, which features over 30 examples of vehicles from 1946-1967. The Museum's other exhibits also got a fresh look, thanks to the additional 30,000 square feet of exhibit space. In all, nearly 150 vehicles are displayed at the Museum, along with vintage airplane engines, informative videos, and much more!

Located in Norwich, NY, the Museum is open 9am-5pm daily, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Contact NECCM at 607-334-AUTO (2886) or at info@classiccarmuseum.org for more information.

Have you seen the new building and exhibits? Let others know what you think!

NECCM Announces Grand Opening

The Northeast Classic Car Museum announces the Grand Opening of its new building on Friday, May 15, 2009. This special invitation-only celebration will begin at 4pm, and will feature refreshments and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Grand Opening celebrates the addition of 30,000 additional square feet of exhibit space. This expansion was made possible when, approximately two years ago, the Museum acquired a facility that adjoins the existing Museum. The renovations to the building were funded by generous donations from the community, members, and volunteers.

The building is at least 70 years old. It once housed Bennett-Ireland, a manufacturer of fire place equipment and other metal products. The building's clerestory windows and elevated center space have been restored to replicate their original beauty. The new building will be home to the Museum’s extensive Franklin collection, as well as a special limited-time exhibit of vintage tractors. Appropriately, the Museum will feature a small exhibit of Bennett-Ireland memorabilia and historical information in the new building. Other new exhibits include a collection of post-WWII vehicles. Of course, the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg, Made In New York State and other exhibits will still have a prominent place in the Museum.

The new building and exhibits will open to the public on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 9am. The Museum is open 9am-5pm daily, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission will remain $9 for adults; $4 for students ages 6-18; under 6 are free. Please contact the Museum for more information at 607-334-2886 or info@classiccarmuseum.org.

Great Feedback!

A professional group recently visited the Northeast Classic Car Museum for a tour and luncheon. The group had the following feedback:

"I just wanted to reiterate to you how enjoyable our time was at the museum last week. Our boss said, “It was absolutely superb. I had never been at the museum before and enjoyed it immensely. The food and entertainment were right on the money as well.”

Now that it’s on my mind, I came back in on Friday and purchased a couple of tickets for a birthday gift for my brother-in-law who is into cars. He has actually been there before, but I was able to inform him of your new room you plan to open in the Spring, so he’ll have something new to look forward to. He also has a gorgeous MG he has been restoring; maybe he’d share his little treasure at your place when he’s completed his project.

Thanks so much for you efforts in making it a fun and relaxing time for all of us; including the committee, since all we had to do is tell you what we wanted, and you delivered. Thanks!"

-C. W., Organizing Committee Chair

Waverley Electric Car at Northeast Classic Car Museum

In 1910, many things were happening. Haley’s Comet was visible, the Boy Scouts were created, King Edward II passed away, and Ford sold almost 10,000 gasoline-powered motor vehicles. In comparison to the gasoline standard, electric cars were gaining attention, due to their lack of a hand crank and gear shifter. The design of the electric car made things much easier for the average woman of the time, making them an ideal target for advertisement.

One model of electric car that was popular in 1910 was the Waverley Coupe. The 1910 Waverley Coupe was a luxury car that combined quality, value, efficiency, and convenience, making it one of the premier electric cars of the early 1900’s. It seated 4, and was quite easy to customize, allowing for different colors, tops, batteries, and even tires. On top of this, it was relatively affordable, selling at $2,250 - almost $300 less than the popular Detroit Electric.



The Waverley Company, formed from a merger of the American Electric and Indiana Bicycle Companies, boasted quality and convenience in comparison to its price. For example, the silence of the Coupe was one of the company’s main points for advertisement, along with its appearance. The Waverley Company prided itself on using premium materials and brilliant designs to make a ride that rode as smooth as it looked.

The manufacturers of the Coupe showed a great attention to detail, not only by employing multiple inspectors, but by taking each vehicle through a twelve week, twenty-eight step operation for the paint job which used sixteen coats of paint. That’s detail!

In addition to its look, the Waverley Coupe was known for the quality of the ride. The ride of the vehicle was lower,and added drop sills enabled easier access to the vehicle. The vehicle’s body was made primarily from aluminum, providing a weight that would put less wear on the tires than conventional bodies. Dust-proof casings were used to ensure the longevity of parts, while broad windows allowed for complete visibility while driving. On top of this, the Waverley had a patented controller, for the purpose of driver safety. Thanks to this, the vehicle could only be started if it was not moving. For convenience, the reverse speed lever was placed behind the forward lever, and prohibited from being used until the forward speed lever was off.

Despite sales to wealthy individuals such as Thomas Edison, Emile Berliner (inventor of the disk gramophone), and William E. Horlick (creator of malted milk), the company soon went out of business, competing with newer, greater technologies, and the lack of facilities to charge batteries. The Waverley Company closed in 1916.

The Coupe contained a battery that held a charge that could last 50 miles. Today, car companies are researching ways to extend that range, and increase the speed of the electric car. Currently, the Tesla Roadster boasts a range of 220 miles per charge and a top speed of 125 miles per hour. Chevrolet plans to introduce the Volt in 2010, designed for drivers who travel fewer than 40 miles per day. Numerous other automakers are using new technology to jump on the electric car bandwagon. They owe it all to one of the first – the Waverley Electric Coupe.

The 1910 Waverley Electric Coupe shown above can currently be seen at the Northeast Classic Car Museum, Norwich, NY. www.classiccarmuseum.org

Article by Adam Munio

Valentine's Day Special at the Northeast Classic Car Museum

On February 14 & 15, 2009, bring your Valentine to the Museum and receive a carnation.

Experience the romance of a bygone era for the first time or relive special memories with your special someone.

Carnation offer limited to one per adult admission.

Flat Stanley Visits the Northeast Classic Car Museum

Flat Stanley, a character in a book by Jeff Brown, was recently sent to visit the Northeast Classic Car Museum by Ms. Bushey's second grade class at Van Corlaer Elementary School in Schenectady, NY.



Flat Stanley enjoyed looking at the large collection of classic automobiles on display, and was very excited to see a 1924 Stanley Steamer in the exhibit!








Stanley also sat in our 1965 Mustang Convertible Raffle Car, and met one of our terrific volunteers.


Flat Stanley is now on his way to other exciting locations. We are so glad he came to see us, and thank Ms. Bushey's class for letting him visit the Northeast Classic Car Museum.

Northeast Classic Car Museum featured in Norwich Evening Sun

The Northeast Classic Car Museum was featured in the Norwich Evening Sun's annual Progress Chenango 2009. Written by staff writer Tyler Murphy, this article takes a concise look at the Museum's past, present, and future:

"One of the country's premier exhibition spaces for antique automobiles is parked in the heart of Chenango County, on Rexford Street in Norwich. For the past 11 years, the Northeast Classic Car Museum has continued to grow year after year and now boasts one of the largest collections along the east coast..."

Read the full article on The Evening Sun's website, http://www.evesun.com/.