Horseless Carriages in Duarte
Duarte Historical Museum
It was a sunny 70° Saturday here in Duarte, CA and at 9am the cars lined up behind the Historical Museum to be ooo’d and awe’d at!
With a camera (and cell phone) in hand, I was anxious to get photos of some of these 100 year old vehicles with such a picturesque park background!
A 100 year old Ford complete with picnic basket!
There were more than a dozen horseless carriages all shined up and ready for their big day. All in working condition!
I love their giant matching wheels all lined up!
-Ad-
This pooches sweater and sweet disposition warranted several pets and scratches.
These vehicles were so incredible! Proud owners were often close by ready for questions and welcome to accept admiration and components too (of course!) Some even brought their sweet dogs along with! This pup was in the backseat of a Stanley Steamer
These tempting knobs, gauges and levers were so cool! So which one is the vellocitater and which is the decelleratrix?
I want to turn them all!
These three sat proudly with the San Gabriel Mountains nestled behind them.
From across the street I had a great unobstructed view of this vehicle which simply glimmered in the morning sunshine.
Blue Cadillac
There was seriously quite a collection in this park, but one of my favorites this Rolls Royce because of all the neat little details. This hood ornament/radiator cap sits proudly like a Powerful Mermaid would on the front of a tall ship!
The owner made sure to restore every detail including the fancy interior, RR hubcaps and even brought his authentic bowler hat, which happens to be resting on the steering wheel in this particular shot.
A lovely vehicle all around!
At the event, they even hosted a pancake breakfast and made a few speeches. It seems this Horseless Carriage association often does meet-up events, riding tours, parades and historical car shows.
Horseless Carriage Association
Happy drivers!
Once breakfast was over, these car owners were anxious to get behind the wheel and take these baby's out for a spin! In the word's of The Simpsons Mr. Burns: "Out of the way - I'm a motorist!"
Time to snap photos quick before these beauties all get driven away for a riding tour over to Pasadena and South El Monte, then back. An eager crowd watched them all start up and back up onto Encanto Parkway one at a time, often sounding their horns and giving a delightful wave.
A packed vehicle enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.
And in a plume of smoke, they were OFF!
Thanks for reading!
-Crystal Olguin
January 27, 2018