Antique car show at Iron Industry Museum Sunday
The popular “Iron, Steel and the Automobile” antique car show will return to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee Township on Sunday, June 17, featuring dozens of automobiles and light trucks dating from 1909 through 1969, in addition to a presentation by Ford Motor Company corporate historian Robert C. Kreipke.
The 23rd annual antique automobile exhibit will commemorate the historic link between Michigan’s iron, steel and automotive industries, which has been a defining feature of the state for more than 110 years.
As part of the celebration, Kreipke will speak on the history of Ford Motor Company’s maritime Great Lakes fleet at 1:30 p.m. in the museum’s auditorium. Kreipke joined Ford Motor Company in 1975 and is the author of “The Model T.”
From noon to 4 p.m., more than 50 original-condition or restored vehicles will be on display, including a near-mint condition 1900 American Metropolitan horse-drawn fire engine from the Michigamme Museum, and a rare 1909 Sear, Roebuck & Co. Model J high-wheel, owned by Dick Lutey of Marquette.
“This event is a fun, unique way for car and history buffs to spend Father’s Day,” said Michigan Historical Center historian Troy Henderson. “In addition to the cars and guest speaker, there will be traditional jazz, swing and oldies music along with a food concession provided by Teaching Family Homes.”
Museum admission is free, with a suggested parking donation of $3 per vehicle to attend the car show.
The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is one of 11 nationally accredited museums administered by the Michigan Historical Center, an agency within the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Located on US-41E, just west of junction M-35, it overlooks the site of the Carp River Forge, a pioneer industrial site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The recently expanded museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For information about future events, call 906-475-7857 or visit www.michigan.gov/ironindustrymuseum.