The Furnitureland’s spring tour arrived at Dennis Carpenter Museum in Concord at 9:00 AM on May 20th. Most of us have purchased Ford reproduction parts from Dennis for model A’s through early Ford flat head V-8 engines and body parts 1932-1953. It was a beautiful morning and we were eager to visit the museum. Upon entering, we met Rev. Hugh Cooper, who gave us a warm welcome.

My first stop was a beautiful bright yellow 1952 Mercury convertible with high performance, plenty of comfort, fantastic looking and elegant with class. In the background are antique model trains on shelves behind glass.

A 1940 Ford Deluxe Business Coupe caught our eye that was owned by the late Bill Widenhouse who was in the NC Region before Hornets Nest Region was formed. Many senior members including myself knew his friendship. Bill knew every nut and bolt on all Early Flat Head Ford V-8 1932-53. He operated Widenhouse Welding and Crane Service in Concord. After retirement he and Dennis worked very closely with Fords. So it’s natural for this first place, original low mileage, 1940 Ford Deluxe business coupe to be in Dennis Carpenter’s Museum.

Bill believed in driving to shows as he drove this 1940 Ford to Early Ford shows in San Diego, California in 1974 with a total trip of 5200 miles and to Estes Park, Colorado in July of 1975 for a round trip of 3797 miles.

Nearby was a Lincoln Continental Mark 2, number 1 of the production of 3021 built in 1956. It’s powered with 368 cubic inch engine developing 285 HP to propel this 5190 pound luxury automobile up to 118 miles per hour. It sold new for $10,000.00

The late Herb Payne’s brass laden 1910 Maxwell was a joy to behold.

After all this excitement, we go to the second floor for more pleasant surprises. Bikers Heaven – Columbia, Whizzer, Cushman Scooters, Harley Davidson, Triumph BMD, Honda and BSA. There were motorcycles from East Germany still in their original crates because they do not meet EPA requirements. A rare Honda motorcycle with sidecar came from the late Benny Bootle, past president of AACA. Sonny Sain restored a dozen or more Cushman Scooters on display. He also sold Dennis a three-wheel Cushman with a light delivery box on the front. Hundreds of smaller items were displayed behind glass.

Eugene Gordon, President of Uwharrie chapter pointed out several items that he and his dad sold to the museum.

Furnitureland Spring Tour’s next stop was 18 miles north to Gary’s Barbecue in China Grove. Great food, memorabilia on the walls, a 1932 Ford and a Chevy Camaro on display. President Melvin Reece conducted the business session.

After lunch we drove just two miles to Tony Corriher’s Fire Truck Museum in Landis. A 60x100 foot brick building well insulated for keeping a constant temperature to preserve all these original fire trucks and ambulances. Tony is explaining to the group the action of this oscillating red light on this original 1952 straight 8 Packard Ambulance. To his right is Bill Maddux of Mountain Form & Home Museum, Hendersonville, NC.

Tony proudly shows us this original V-12, 212 horsepower Lycoming engine with twin carburetors, twin ignition in a 1946 Seagrove Fire truck. This fire truck is solid, original paint, huge, running and has full air brakes. Some of the other trucks had chain drive.

Many thanks to Dennis and Tony for letting us tour their museums. This town has awakened many pleasant memories for our members and visitors. We had a great day!

Make plans now for the NC Region Fall Meet and board meeting hosted by Furnitureland on Saturday, October 14th on the grounds of the NC Transportation Museum, Spencer, NC. You must preregister.