The mission of the Northeast Classic Car Museum consists of educating the public on different aspects of the automobile and its history throughout the years. This is the 3rd in a series of 5, originally published in the Norwich Evening Sun in 2006.
Automobiles have ended the isolation of rural communities and set an example of industrial efficiency for the world to copy. They have also spoiled the cities and small towns as neighborhoods are obliterated by highways smashing through; They have polluted the environment, and have caused shortages in natural resources. Yet the car itself is still the object of endless fascination. Some economists state that one worker in every five (others say six or seven) workers in the U.S. labor force is employed by some activity related to automobiles.
One of the first social changes brought about was in mating habits. Motorized courtship had been established even before the Model T offered a love nest within everyone’s price range. And it wasn’t just in America. The automobile manufacturers had no qualms about using sex appeal to sell their product and some car companies turned out models with seats that folded down to become a double bed.
Automobiles opened up the possibility of farm children going to town schools, where they were provided with better facilities and greater educational choices. They also gave farm communities the ability to shop at will, rather than once or twice a year. Town was the shopping range and there were also clubs, theaters, and numerous other activities that the average farm family had previously been denied access to.
The feminist movement, which had been dragging its feet ever since the 1820’s, had a rapid growth from the automobile. In 1898, Genevra Delphine Mudge drove a Waverley Electric in New York to become the nation’s first known female motorist. It was also in 1898 that Chicago began requiring licenses in order to drive, and one of the first licensed was a woman. Women were not a real part of the automotive scene, however, until Henry Leland produced a self-starter in a 1912 Cadillac.
The automobile gave America a new look and something new to look at as well. Escaping railroad schedules and the fixed routes of public transportation, Americans could go wherever and whenever they wanted. Overcrowded hotels and stage stops developed into road-side cabins and then courts and finally, into motels for the convenience of the motorist. Historically, most people never traveled more than a few dozen kilometers from their birthplace in their entire lives; the advent of the automobile began the transformation of society in such a way that those who had never traveled that distance were only a tiny minority.
Business looked around and saw the multitude of cars on the road and followed after them. Every junction of the road had a gas station. The speed of the vehicles picked up sharply and station owners were soon watching them fly to the next stop, so they started building eye-catching structures, and then came diners, cabins and other assorted roadside businesses, which now provide everything from swimming pools and paper, to disposable swim suits and breath sprays!
The car did alter the pattern of movement. People began to leave the beaten path, which had previously been unknown. The car introduced a country to its people, enabling travelers to discover and to understand regional differences and common values. The creation of good roads and dependable cars changed recreation and vacations. Resorts appeared in scenic places, far away from the hectic life of the cities. In the United States, national parks became popular tourist attractions and developed designs with auto travelers in mind.
Huge industries devoted only to the automobile were created. Others were expanded from once trivial insignificance to eminent importance. Before the internal-combustion engine was developed, gasoline was a waste product, often discarded. Once the automobile became commonplace, the production of gasoline blossomed into a matter of such importance that the governments took action to secure a steady flow of oil. The steel industry was already established, but the auto created huge amounts of business for it. The chemical, rubber, and petroleum industries were remade to suit the needs of the automobile and industries sprang up that were completely reliant upon the auto for their livelihood.
Article written by Audrey Robinson and Richard Ellinwood of the NECCM Education Committee. Reprinted courtesy of The Evening Sun, Norwich, NY.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Thursday, September 17, 2009
NECCM Announces Annual Classic Casino Night
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Northeast Classic Car Museum is holding its Classic Casino Night 2009 on Friday, October 9, 2009 from 6-10pm.
With $30,000 in "classic cash", attendees can play blackjack, Texas Hold 'Em, roulette, craps and other games of chance. Any "classic cash" won can be used for the exciting auction of local products and gifts which rounds out this evening of casual fun. Tickets for this annual fundraiser are now available for purchase at $60 per person and also include hors d'oerves, dinner, and drinks. Reservations are required by October 2, 2009 and can be made by contacting the Museum at 607-334-2886.
This evening is made possible by generous sponsorships and donations from local businesses. To become a sponsor, please contact Executive Director Doreen Bates.
The Northeast Classic Car Museum is holding its Classic Casino Night 2009 on Friday, October 9, 2009 from 6-10pm.
With $30,000 in "classic cash", attendees can play blackjack, Texas Hold 'Em, roulette, craps and other games of chance. Any "classic cash" won can be used for the exciting auction of local products and gifts which rounds out this evening of casual fun. Tickets for this annual fundraiser are now available for purchase at $60 per person and also include hors d'oerves, dinner, and drinks. Reservations are required by October 2, 2009 and can be made by contacting the Museum at 607-334-2886.
This evening is made possible by generous sponsorships and donations from local businesses. To become a sponsor, please contact Executive Director Doreen Bates.
Monday, August 31, 2009
History of the Automobile, Part II
The mission of the Northeast Classic Car Museum consists of educating the public on different aspects of the automobile and its history throughout the years. This is the 2nd in a series of 5, originally published in the Norwich Evening Sun in 2006.
In 1919, Sinclair Lewis wrote whimsically of his adventures in a Model T. One of the most famous books, which is now a standard text in high school and university courses on American literature in countries around the world, was F. Scott Fitzgerald’s, ‘The Great Gatsby,” which portrayed the cynicism of post-World War I by the use of Gatsby’s cream-colored Rolls-Royce. In 1962, William Faulkner wrote about human frailties against the backdrop of an early Winton Flyer automobile in his classic, “The Reivers.” Other books such as “Christine,” by Stephen King, were also centered on automobiles.
Even more than writers, composers of popular music were attracted to cars. Between 1905 and 1908, more than 120 songs were written in which the automobile was the subject. The automotive themes of these songs reflected the general culture of the automotive industry: sexual adventure, liberation from social control, and masculine power. Titles include “In My Merry Oldsmobile,” “Tumble in a Rumble Seat,” “On the Back Seat of A Henry Ford,” up to the contemporary songs such as “Mustang Sally,” “Little Deuce Coupe,” “Little Red Corvette,” and “Pink Cadillac.” Trucking songs, such as “King of the Road,” “On the Road Again,” and others too numerous to name are immensely popular. In 1929, American Paul Galvin, the head of Galvin Manufacturing Corporation, invented the first car radio. The first car radios were not available from car makers. Consumers had to purchase the radios separately. Galvin coined the name “Motorola” for the company’s new products, combining the idea of motion and radio.
The Los Angeles Music Center and Museum of Contemporary Art commissioned several playwrights to create original ten-minute scripts to be acted out in automobiles and the film industry has relied heavily on the automobile, ranging from “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World,” “Bonnie and Clyde,” the “Dukes of Hazzard,” “Starsky and Hutch” and hundreds of other movies with chase scenes. Television made the automobile the star of the show in “My Mother the Car,” and “Knight Rider,” in which KITT was smarter than any of the rest of the cast. The Northeast Classic Car Museum has a 1981 DeLorean that visitors remember as “the Back to the Future Car.”
Artists followed Toulouse-Lautrec’s lead from his 1896 lithograph, “The Motorist,” to take up brushes and portray the essence of the automobile. Some used their brushes in cartoon fashion to show it as a toy for the idle rich. Andy Warhol saw art in a Campbell soup can and also painted a series devoted to gruesome car wrecks. Other artists see the automobile as a graceful, flowing form of man-made beauty, an art in itself.
Cars have been named after animals, stars, heroes and mythology and ownership came to be associated with independence, freedom, and increased status. The culture in the 1950s and 1960s often catered to the automobile with motels and drive-in restaurants. Americans tend to view obtaining a driver’s license as a rite of passage and most Americans of all ages and genders expect to own and drive cars.
Article written by Audrey Robinson and Richard Ellinwood of the NECCM Education Committee. Reprinted courtesy of The Evening Sun, Norwich, NY.
In 1919, Sinclair Lewis wrote whimsically of his adventures in a Model T. One of the most famous books, which is now a standard text in high school and university courses on American literature in countries around the world, was F. Scott Fitzgerald’s, ‘The Great Gatsby,” which portrayed the cynicism of post-World War I by the use of Gatsby’s cream-colored Rolls-Royce. In 1962, William Faulkner wrote about human frailties against the backdrop of an early Winton Flyer automobile in his classic, “The Reivers.” Other books such as “Christine,” by Stephen King, were also centered on automobiles.
Even more than writers, composers of popular music were attracted to cars. Between 1905 and 1908, more than 120 songs were written in which the automobile was the subject. The automotive themes of these songs reflected the general culture of the automotive industry: sexual adventure, liberation from social control, and masculine power. Titles include “In My Merry Oldsmobile,” “Tumble in a Rumble Seat,” “On the Back Seat of A Henry Ford,” up to the contemporary songs such as “Mustang Sally,” “Little Deuce Coupe,” “Little Red Corvette,” and “Pink Cadillac.” Trucking songs, such as “King of the Road,” “On the Road Again,” and others too numerous to name are immensely popular. In 1929, American Paul Galvin, the head of Galvin Manufacturing Corporation, invented the first car radio. The first car radios were not available from car makers. Consumers had to purchase the radios separately. Galvin coined the name “Motorola” for the company’s new products, combining the idea of motion and radio.
The Los Angeles Music Center and Museum of Contemporary Art commissioned several playwrights to create original ten-minute scripts to be acted out in automobiles and the film industry has relied heavily on the automobile, ranging from “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World,” “Bonnie and Clyde,” the “Dukes of Hazzard,” “Starsky and Hutch” and hundreds of other movies with chase scenes. Television made the automobile the star of the show in “My Mother the Car,” and “Knight Rider,” in which KITT was smarter than any of the rest of the cast. The Northeast Classic Car Museum has a 1981 DeLorean that visitors remember as “the Back to the Future Car.”
Artists followed Toulouse-Lautrec’s lead from his 1896 lithograph, “The Motorist,” to take up brushes and portray the essence of the automobile. Some used their brushes in cartoon fashion to show it as a toy for the idle rich. Andy Warhol saw art in a Campbell soup can and also painted a series devoted to gruesome car wrecks. Other artists see the automobile as a graceful, flowing form of man-made beauty, an art in itself.
Cars have been named after animals, stars, heroes and mythology and ownership came to be associated with independence, freedom, and increased status. The culture in the 1950s and 1960s often catered to the automobile with motels and drive-in restaurants. Americans tend to view obtaining a driver’s license as a rite of passage and most Americans of all ages and genders expect to own and drive cars.
Article written by Audrey Robinson and Richard Ellinwood of the NECCM Education Committee. Reprinted courtesy of The Evening Sun, Norwich, NY.
Friday, July 24, 2009
History of the Automobile, Part I
The mission of the Northeast Classic Car Museum consists of educating the public on different aspects of the automobile and its history throughout the years. Much of what the Museum offers intertwines with the criteria that can be assimilated with the New York State Learning Standards. This is the first article in a series of 5 that was published in The Evening Sun in November 2006to celebrate National Education Week.
The automobile flashed onto the scene like a meteor, changing the entire economy and the national way-of-life. No one was prepared for it. Generations of horse-drawn road transportation had created a complex system of industries on which the automobile had a damaging effect. The continuing changes and reasons for them were not so obvious to automotive pioneers. It was, after all, a learn-as-you-go process with no precedents.
Automotive history is generally divided into a number of eras based on the major design and technology shifts. Although the exact boundaries of each era can be hazy, they can be defined as follows: Veteran era (1800-1900), Brass era (1903-1920), Vintage (1919-1929), Pre-War (1930-1948), Post-War (1949-1970) and Modern (1970-on). Corresponding historical periods were: The Development of Modern America (1865-1920); Modern American and the World Wars (1914-1945) and Contemporary America (1945 to the present).
By 1900 mass production of automobiles had begun in France and the United States. Throughout the veteran car era automobiles were seen as more of a novelty than a genuinely useful device. Breakdowns were frequent, fuel was difficult to obtain, and rapid innovation meant that a year-old car was nearly worthless. New York became the first state in the US to require automobile license plates in April of 1901. Automobile owners were charged a fee of $1.
Named for the widespread use of brass in the United States, the Brass or Edwardian era lasted from roughly 1905 through the beginning of World War I in 1914. 1905 was a signal year in the development of the automobile, marking the point when the majority of sales shifted from the hobbyist and enthusiast to the average user. Cars of the period include the Ford Model T, the most widely produced and available car of the era. There were, however, scores of other small, start-up manufacturers (often businesses that made buggies and carriages) that started making automobiles.
The vintage era lasted from the end of World War I (1919) through the stock market crash at the end of 1929. During this period, the front-engine car came to dominate, with closed bodies and standardized controls.
The pre-war part of the classic era began with the Great Depression in 1930 and ended with the recovery after World War II, commonly placed at 1948. By the 1930’s, most of the technology used in automobiles had been invented. After 1930, the number of auto manufacturers declined sharply as the industry consolidated and matured.
Throughout the 1950’s post-war era, engine power and vehicle speeds rose, designs became more integrated and artful, and cars spread across the world. The market changed somewhat in the 1960’s, as Detroit began to experience foreign competition, the European makers adopted ever-higher technology, and Japan appeared as a serious car-producing nation. In America, performance was the hot sell of the 1960’s, with pony cars and muscle cars propping up the domestic industry. Everything changed in the 1970’s as the oil crisis, automobile emissions control rules, Japanese and European imports, and stagnant innovation wreaked havoc on the American industry. Throughout the decade, small imported cars gained in customer favor and the sale of the larger, American-made automobiles began to decline.
The modern era is normally defined as the 25 years preceding the current year. However, there are some technical and design aspects that differentiate modern cars from antiques. Without considering the future of the car, the modern era has been one of increasing standardization, platform sharing, and computer-aided design. Three types of body styles have changed in the modern era. The hatchback, minivan, and sport utility vehicle, dominate today’s market yet are relatively recent concepts. Modern cars include the Ford Taurus, which dominated the American market in the late 1980s and the SUVs and Vans so popular today.
Change is in the air, and once again we’re faced with choices. We’ve become a nation dependent on a method of individual transportation, yet we’ve discovered the choices of the past haven’t always led to the clear, bright future we imagined. The early car makers were powered by a need to develop a safe, economical and drivable automobile. Early inventors could not have imagined the population – of people and cars – in the world today. Still, as uncomfortable as it can be, change is often good. New ideas are generated and explored. New technologies and fuels may prove more fantastic than we had ever dreamed. But, by being willing to imagine and change, we can drive into the future in style.
Article written by Audrey Robinson and Richard Ellinwood of the NECCM Education Committee. Reprinted courtesy of The Evening Sun, Norwich, NY.
The automobile flashed onto the scene like a meteor, changing the entire economy and the national way-of-life. No one was prepared for it. Generations of horse-drawn road transportation had created a complex system of industries on which the automobile had a damaging effect. The continuing changes and reasons for them were not so obvious to automotive pioneers. It was, after all, a learn-as-you-go process with no precedents.
Automotive history is generally divided into a number of eras based on the major design and technology shifts. Although the exact boundaries of each era can be hazy, they can be defined as follows: Veteran era (1800-1900), Brass era (1903-1920), Vintage (1919-1929), Pre-War (1930-1948), Post-War (1949-1970) and Modern (1970-on). Corresponding historical periods were: The Development of Modern America (1865-1920); Modern American and the World Wars (1914-1945) and Contemporary America (1945 to the present).
By 1900 mass production of automobiles had begun in France and the United States. Throughout the veteran car era automobiles were seen as more of a novelty than a genuinely useful device. Breakdowns were frequent, fuel was difficult to obtain, and rapid innovation meant that a year-old car was nearly worthless. New York became the first state in the US to require automobile license plates in April of 1901. Automobile owners were charged a fee of $1.
Named for the widespread use of brass in the United States, the Brass or Edwardian era lasted from roughly 1905 through the beginning of World War I in 1914. 1905 was a signal year in the development of the automobile, marking the point when the majority of sales shifted from the hobbyist and enthusiast to the average user. Cars of the period include the Ford Model T, the most widely produced and available car of the era. There were, however, scores of other small, start-up manufacturers (often businesses that made buggies and carriages) that started making automobiles.
The vintage era lasted from the end of World War I (1919) through the stock market crash at the end of 1929. During this period, the front-engine car came to dominate, with closed bodies and standardized controls.
The pre-war part of the classic era began with the Great Depression in 1930 and ended with the recovery after World War II, commonly placed at 1948. By the 1930’s, most of the technology used in automobiles had been invented. After 1930, the number of auto manufacturers declined sharply as the industry consolidated and matured.
Throughout the 1950’s post-war era, engine power and vehicle speeds rose, designs became more integrated and artful, and cars spread across the world. The market changed somewhat in the 1960’s, as Detroit began to experience foreign competition, the European makers adopted ever-higher technology, and Japan appeared as a serious car-producing nation. In America, performance was the hot sell of the 1960’s, with pony cars and muscle cars propping up the domestic industry. Everything changed in the 1970’s as the oil crisis, automobile emissions control rules, Japanese and European imports, and stagnant innovation wreaked havoc on the American industry. Throughout the decade, small imported cars gained in customer favor and the sale of the larger, American-made automobiles began to decline.
The modern era is normally defined as the 25 years preceding the current year. However, there are some technical and design aspects that differentiate modern cars from antiques. Without considering the future of the car, the modern era has been one of increasing standardization, platform sharing, and computer-aided design. Three types of body styles have changed in the modern era. The hatchback, minivan, and sport utility vehicle, dominate today’s market yet are relatively recent concepts. Modern cars include the Ford Taurus, which dominated the American market in the late 1980s and the SUVs and Vans so popular today.
Change is in the air, and once again we’re faced with choices. We’ve become a nation dependent on a method of individual transportation, yet we’ve discovered the choices of the past haven’t always led to the clear, bright future we imagined. The early car makers were powered by a need to develop a safe, economical and drivable automobile. Early inventors could not have imagined the population – of people and cars – in the world today. Still, as uncomfortable as it can be, change is often good. New ideas are generated and explored. New technologies and fuels may prove more fantastic than we had ever dreamed. But, by being willing to imagine and change, we can drive into the future in style.
Article written by Audrey Robinson and Richard Ellinwood of the NECCM Education Committee. Reprinted courtesy of The Evening Sun, Norwich, NY.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
NECCM unveils new building, exhibits!
On May 15, 2009, over 300 members, exhibitors, and invited guests attended the Grand Opening of the
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
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
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
Have you seen the new building and exhibits? Let others know what you think!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
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.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
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
"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
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