Model-T Club Delights In Driving Old Autos
The following article appeared in the Missoulian Centennial issue on page 26 of Section E.
The Rocky Mountain Model-T Club originated in June 1957 at an impromptu gathering at the Catlin Studio.
News of a Model-T race from Red Lodge to Roundup had been published in the Daily Missoulian. Bob Catlin and Sam Boscarino challenged the Roundup Model-T owners, but were turned down. This “turn down” resulted in the forming of the club.
The club’s first major undertaking was a proposed race from Missoula to Helena, Great Falls, Glacier Park, Kalispell and back to Missoula – a total of 630 miles. The race entailed crossing the Continental Divide twice, both McDonald Pass and Logan Pass.
July 27, 1957, McDonald Pass was assaulted by nine Model-Ts under a full head of steam. The first official stop was made at the steps of the Capitol in Helena. The old-timers reached Great Falls at the end of the day – a distance unheard of in great-granddad’s day.
The wind blew with all its might the second day as the Model-Ts chugged up Logan Pass in Glacier Park. It blew the top of a 1924 sedan owned and driven by Mr. and Mrs. Chet Bruce from its mooring and slowed down Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Wohlschlager, driving a 1910 – model roadster.
Ironic Twist
Ironically, the only car trouble experienced on this trip was a flat tire by the modern tow-truck brought along to provide help for the Model-Ts.
In 1958 the club participated in a car tour up the Bitter Root Valley sponsored by the Montana Pioneer and Classic Auto Club. With the ’57 race through Glacier Park behind them, club members joined a three-state tour in 1959 over Lookout Pass to Couer d’Alene Idaho, returning by way of St. Maries, Idaho. Hassi Club, Historical Auto Society of Spokane, sponsored the tour.
Members also made a three-day trip to a dude ranch near the entrance to Glacier Park. Another event of the summer was an overnight campout and steak-fry up the Blackfoot Valley.
For the Centennial year the club scheduled a four-day tour to Yellowstone Park to publicize the Missoula Centennial with stops at Virginia City, Lewis and Clark Caverns and Yellowstone Park.
Youngsters and members accompany the group on trips. The young men of the group have each completely restored a Model-T for themselves. “Model-T-ing” is one of the few recreations available today that all members of the family can enjoy.
The first officers of the club were Sam Boscarino, president; Ruth Blomgren, vice president; and Bruce Buck, secretary-treasurer. Officers in 1960 are C. W. (Chick) Hart, president; Owen Kelley, vice president, and Mrs. C. W. Hart, secretary-treasurer.