By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
Cazenovia College and the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce has welcomed back the H.H. Franklin Club for the 66th Annual Franklin Trek — a national gathering of owners and admirers of the Syracuse-produced Franklin automobile.
This year, the classic cars arrived in Cazenovia on Saturday, July 27 and will depart on Saturday, Aug. 3.
“We’re pleased that for the 50th year, the Franklin Club has selected Cazenovia for their annual Trek,” said Tim Greene, director of communications & marketing at Cazenovia College. “[We’re also thrilled] that Cazenovia College is once again serving as their home base and providing space for displaying the beautifully restored classic automobiles on our quad.”
Throughout the week, registered participants have the opportunity to explore Central New York through scheduled drives through Cazenovia, Cortland, Hammondsport, Sylvan Beach and Clinton.
Each evening, the cars park on the Cazenovia College campus for viewing by car enthusiasts, interested community members and passersby alike.
“Its not difficult to find a ride,” said H.H. Franklin Club board member and past president Mark Sullivan. “All you have to do is ask.”
Each year, the event draws hundreds of club members from across the country.
“Many of those folks bring their cars [to the event], and several have recently driven from the west coast in their Franklins,” Sullivan said.
According to Sullivan, he and many other participants are drawn to the trek each year by both the cars and the camaraderie.
“[The Trek] is like a family reunion in many ways,” he said. “We have a number of people who have been involved since they were infants who now hold [important] positions within the club structure . . .”
The Franklin motorcar was created by engineer John Wilkinson and manufactured by the industrialist H. H. Franklin between 1902 and 1934. Of the 150,000 Franklins produced at the H.H. Franklin Manufacturing Company in Syracuse, an estimated 3,700 survive today.
The Franklin is considered one of the most innovative automobiles of its time.
According to Sullivan, notable features of the “very high quality automobile” include an air-cooled engine; an aluminum body; hydraulic brakes after 1927; back-up lights by 1928; and full elliptical springs that provide for a smooth ride.
Although the luxury car did not survive the Great Depression, the Franklin engendered a dedicated following that remained loyal long after production ceased.
Founded in 1951, the H.H. Franklin Club is a non-profit educational membership organization that is dedicated to preserving and exploring the history of the H.H. Franklin Manufacturing Company and to promoting, restoring and driving Franklin automobiles.
In addition to providing opportunities for Franklin enthusiasts to get together and tour the country by car, the club offers its 900-plus members a variety of resources to repair, restore and maintain their cars.
The club also sponsors a scholarship program for college students studying automobile history/restoration.
“This year, we will have at least five new participants in that [program], as well as several ‘graduates’ — two on the executive board and one employed full-time with a major car collector,” Sullivan said.
To learn more about the H.H. Franklin Club, visit franklincar.org.
