Dateline: June 4, 2024

On Sunday June 2nd around midday, the Old Allenstown Meeting House was decked out with flags and patriotic bunting.

A Slew of Model A Fords at Meeting House
(all photos by Michael Frascinella)

More cars; foreground, 1931 Model A Ford Slant Window Fordor Sedan

But the view from across the road looked like a time machine had transported the scene back to the 1920s. Parked in front were 13-14 gleaming, shiny Model A Fords in all different colors and body styles, unlike the original black Model T Fords which made their debut in 1908. They were all in excellent shape for 90+ year old cars built from 1927-1931.

The car enthusiasts were members of the Worcester County Model A Club based in Grafton. Mass. and founded in 1991. President Paul O'Keefe filled in the details of what brought them to Allenstown and where they were going.

President Paul O'Keefe and members enjoyed a picnic lunch

Mr. O'Keefe explained that "Each year the club president picks a scenic location for a President's Tour that offers members an overnight outing for their Model A Fords. This year the destination was Wolfeboro, Castle in the Clouds, and other places of interest."

Back on May 3rd, Armand and Claudette Verville, of the Allenstown Historical Society, were surprised by visitors Paul and Amy O'Keefe of the Worcester County Model A Club. They were scouting for a location about halfway between Worcester, Mass. and the Lakes Region that would offer space for a picnic and an opportunity to learn a little history of the area.

Mr. Verville recalled that "I gave them the usual talk which covers dates going back over 200 years. They were impressed and asked if we could open the meeting house on June 2nd and speak to their members about the local history."

About 30 people arrived in their Model A Fords and enjoyed a picnic under the oak tree behind the meeting house. They later assembled in the building for Mr. Verville's history talk and then departed for the Lakes Region.

In the following photos, note the bullet-shaped headlights, steel-spoke wheels, nickel-plated radiator shells, tall engine cowls, flat chrome bumpers, running boards, "rumble seats," and strapped-on trunks in back.

Front view of 1930 Model A Ford Tudor sedan

The original car trunks; the second car has a "rumble seat"

Mr. O'Keefe noted, "The wooden trunk in the photo was made by the present owners' father when his mother and father owned and used the car. Many of the cars have been owned for several decades or passed down from parents to siblings."

What You Can Do

Well, you might consider buying your own Model A Ford. Hemmings Motor News shows that many models are in the $15,000 to $25,000 price range. Original prices ranged from $400 to $`1,400. Two New Hampshire clubs are located in Bow and Melvin Village. The 1930 and 1931 models became popular to convert to street rods.

Mr. O'Keefe said that despite the age of these cars, there are many parts suppliers for the Model A thus allowing owners to maintain, renovate, or customize their vehicles.

The Model A was succeeded by the Model B, Model 18, and Model 40 designed by Edsel Ford.