The 16th Annual Antique and Classic Car Show at Hildene 

It’s Friday morning, we are all set to leave, and what’s up with this Rain!  We’re ready for a mini vacation; heading out for what we hoped would be a “tops down” trip to the Antique and Classic Car Show at Hildene in Manchester, VT.  And it’s not supposed to rain on our parade! 

Whatever!  We had to keep the tops up and the wipers going till just before we got to Keene, NH. After lunch at the Union Chop House (good food, good service—another MMCC recommendation!) the sun came out.   We headed off, as any self-respecting convertible car club should with tops down, a dab of sunscreen and the CBs set to channel 10.  Our Miatas glided over some wonderful roads through southern New Hampshire and Vermont.  With Donn and Janet in the lead we found our B&B and settled in.  While some washed their MX5s others unpacked and got ready for cocktails on the deck and dinner.  We were all delighted with the picturesque, comfortable and expertly decorated inn.  The management was more than friendly and very helpful, and very well geared to satisfying our palettes (their chocolate cookies are the best) the meals were delicious and plentiful, and the bar was well stocked—what more do you need? A jacuzzi?  Got that, too! One couple—to remain nameless—tried several rooms just to see which was the best.  Haven’t heard the critique yet.  Needless to say, we had a wonderful stay at the Green River Inn in Sandgate, VT.  We will hear more about this place as time goes on, so stay tuned!

The main reason for this weekend was to enter the Miatas in what is booked as the antique and classic car show on the estate of Robert Todd Lincoln.  He was the only surviving son of our 16^th president, who built a lovely estate just outside the Village of Manchester.  The setting is wonderful for most events and the car show organizing committee did a terrific job.  There were over 700 entrants in 43 categories.  On Saturday morning everyone showed up, found a spot and proudly displayed their vehicles.  There was a poker run through part of the town, the high-rent district so I am told, with the winner picking up almost $350 this year.  There were two 50-50 raffles, a valve cover race, and a “back-seat driving” competition.  One of the kids in our group had the fastest valve cover to go down the track, and was awarded a “Participation” trophy.  Unfortunately, there was a technicality that prevented him from being an official entrant in this event.  However, we are all proud of the fact that Lester and Karen Seal beat everyone in their respective divisions in the “back-seat” (actually blind) driving competition.  Each received gift certificates and free entrance to next year’s show. 

On Saturday, the car show committee hosted a reception at 5:30 on the grounds of Hildene, complete with numerous and delicious hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and soft drinks.  We toured the gardens and enjoyed the rolling green country from the lookout area.  Afterwards, some of us went to a 50s dance just up the road a-piece, most with costumes, and jitterbugged till the legs just wouldn’t take it anymore.  The Elvis impersonator was fantastic! And the music brought back many fond memories!!  Others went for a quieter evening with pizza and beer (more cookies!) and swapped stories of the day’s events, while still others met up with friends.

I am sure that most will agree that the Car Show was run very well.  There were vendors, food stands, and a company taking pictures that you could have put on T shirts, mugs, mouse pads, etc.   There were of course, all manner of vehicles, including an antique milk truck, and lots of cars that our members remember driving just a “few short years ago”.  One favorite, which I believe, won best in show in the most recent time category, was a split-window 1963 Corvette.  But for those who didn’t need to discuss every little detail of any vehicle there were shuttle busses, which took those who were interested to Hildene to enjoy the tour and learn more about the Lincoln family, and also into the town of Manchester and the many outlet stores.  Needless to say, there were several bargains in the Village and some of us just couldn’t live without them. 

We are also very happy to report that two members of our Club placed second and third for most popular in our specialty class—one yellow ‘91 Miata placed second, and a white ’94 Miata with red and blue racing stripes placed third!  The first place in the Miata category was won by Rob Kramer, who is from the New Hampshire M’sters Miata Club who also placed “first in show” at the Miata Day at the Museum of Transportation last August. Congratulations to all!  There were over 100 entrants in this category, and special thanks go to Apex Automotive for their sponsorship of this class.  This was the largest number of cars entered in any class in the 2002 Hildene Classic and Antique Car Show.  Does this tell you something?

We certainly hope to see sometime soon those wonderful new members that joined us for this Hildene trip.  We hope you had fun.  And I am sure I speak for everyone when I give a hearty “Thank You” to Janet and Donn for their efforts in coordinating this wonderful weekend.  You both did a terrific job, and thanks also for allowing us to share in the birthday and the anniversary celebrations.  For all those who hesitated for this year’s trip, plans are already underway for next year’s car show at Hildene and a return to the Green River Inn!   

Terri Freda