By Curt Peterson
The American Precision Museum in Windsor a real gem one has to be looking for to find, tucked almost under the Route 5 bridge over Mill Brook, just south of the Union Street light. But it’s worth the effort for people of all ages who like to see what American industrial innovation has accomplished over the past couple of centuries.
A special attraction for the month of August is a mini antique auto show in the museum’s lobby, sponsored by the Vermont Automobile Enthusiasts club (VAE).
Vehicles from the early 1900s are on display at the Precision Museum in Windsor.
A 1910 Sears Model H runabout is encountered as one enters the lobby. Belonging to William Erskine, past president of VAE, the open two-seater is steered with a tiller and was actually driven into the museum under its own power. Original purchasers ordered the car from Sears through the mail.
Gary Fiske, first vice-president and editor of VAE’s Wheel Tracks newsletter, owns the other vehicle, a 1913 International auto wagon, with a pickup-style bed designed to carry up to 800 pounds. Fiske told the Mountain Times he owns several of these rigs.
“They hold a special place in my collection,” he said. Formed in 1953, VAE claims its 450 “family members” make it the “largest antique and classic car club in Vermont.” They host 12 shows each year, notably at Stowe and the Vermont State Fairgrounds. Over the years, VAE has provided $160,000 in support of Vermont Technical College and other educational institutions.
If you have a favorite old car in the garage of your memory, visit vtauto.org and check the database of almost 2,000 member-owned classic vehicles – maybe your dream car
