Antique Franklin Cars to Visit Schoharie Village

SCHOHARIE – On Wednesday, July 31, Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association will be hosting the Franklin Car Club. They will be traveling with over thirty vintage Franklin automobiles, and will be visiting historic sites in the Village of Schoharie, and beyond. Make plans to stop and view these antique cars. They will be located on Depot Lane and Main Street, Schoharie, from about 10:30am till 3:00 pm. They will also be driving to the Old Stone Fort, the 1743 Palatine House Museum, the Schoharie valley Railroad museum, and the Doctor Best House in Middleburgh.

The HH Franklin Automobile Company was founded in Syracuse NY in 1902 and produced cars until 1934. Franklin cars are unique in the fact that they are all air-cooled. All Franklins until 1928 had wooden frames. Wood was used instead of steel due to its light weight and flexibility. All Franklins also used full elliptic springs such as was used by buggies in the horse drawn carriage days. This produced a very smooth ride. Franklins were mid-priced cars competing with Buicks and the lower priced Packards. They were favored by doctors because in the colder climates, they did not have to worry about a radiator freezing because there was no radiator!

The HH Franklin Club was founded in the 1950’s by a group of Franklin owners who wanted to keep the spirit alive and to share stories and parts as well as have a good time. The Franklin Club is a “driving” club in that they would rather drive their cars than judge their cars at a show.

Each year the Club has an annual meet called a Trek. For over 50 years it was held at Cazenovia College, which is located just south of Syracuse. Unfortunately, the College closed. The Trek is now headquartered at Union College in Schenectady. Most days of the week that the Trek is held, the members drive the Franklins to different local sites. They are looking forward to learning more about the Schoharie Valley’s rich history and the scenic drive to get there!

Members of the HH Franklin Club are located throughout the US, Canada and overseas as well. This year they expect folks from as far as Florida, Minnesota, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, New England, New York, Virginia, Maryland, California, and many more plus Canada. The oldest car coming to visit the Trek this year is a 1906 Franklin, and the newest will be a 1933. They expect about 30 Franklins to come to visit Schoharie. The Trek starts on July 27th and runs through August 3rd. Most Franklins will be trailered here, but some local NY folks will be driving them. At least one family will be driving from Long Island in their Franklin.

Mark your calendars. Make a visit to Schoharie Village. This will be a unique opportunity to view these magnificent antique Franklin automobiles.