Recent Event Photographs
2022 Spring Garage Tour of the Graf and Abel Family Collections
It was a warm, sunny day for our Garage Tour of two of the stops on our 2022 Poker Run.
As the sign says, the Graf family is keeping history alive at our morning garage tour.
Their specialty: antique farming equipment, exemplified by these two eras of tractors.
Wintertime travel, "dashing through the snow" was often accomplished with a "one-horse open sleigh." as the song goes.
This white horse replica pulling the open sleigh was carefully restored by Chesapeake Region member Gary Wilmer.
The large storage facility was filled with antique farm equipment produced by many manufacturers.
Owner Jeff Graf discusses the collection with some of our visitors.
Vicky, poses with c0-owner Jan Graf.
An upper loft area held many examples of implements used on a farm for various tasks.
A view from the loft looking over the vast display area below.
Signs explained the function of the implements.
Pikesville, Maryland was one of the many communities served by the "carriage trade" of Koontz Creamery.
How a broom is constructed was demonstrated at this interesting display.
The sign explained the origins of the broom-making equipment...
... and the corn-top origins of the broom itself.
Many eras of farm operation equipment were on display for all to enjoy and learn of the past.
After viewing the displays, many of our visitors enjoyed gathering for conversations in the warm sunshine.
In addition to the barn full of old farming equipment, down the hill in the old farmhouse awaited an additional treat: displays of all sorts of household items and life as it was in the years of the 1900s.
A well-dressed gentleman sits at his desk with a variety of typewriters.
The first-grade reader: "Fun With Dick and Jane" is likely familiar to many of our senior car club members.
How many family dogs were named "Spot" as a result of this book?
No need for electricity to operate this sewing machine. A foot-operated "treadle" provided all the power necessary.
An art it was. Men's suits were custom made after careful selection of materials and measuring.
In Baltimore, custom tailor shops thrived during the "roaring twenties", but were devastated by the 1930s economic Depression years.
Two children's dolls displayed.
Jan Graf gives Barbara some background history on the interesting collection.
As we concluded our morning visit, the group gathered for a photograph.
Next stop: Greenspring Station in Hampstead for lunch.
We had made prior reservations for our large group.
Our group completely filled four tables.
The restaurant is a very popular gathering spot in the town of Hampstead.
We were able to select a variety of lunch items from a special menu prepared for us.
Sara topped off lunch with a tasty dessert.
After lunch we were all off to "Louieville" - the farm residence and collection of the Abels.
Our visitor's cars lined the long approach driveway to the site.
Members gather before visiting some of the many buildings housing the antique cars.
A nicely-restored 1955 Pontiac coupe was in the garage nearby.
With antique Maryland tags attached, it was ready to hit the rural back roads for a spin.
Wandering the grounds, showing off his plumage and keeping an eye on all the visitors.
Where's the pizza we ordered? It should have been here by now!
A beautifully restored 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible...
... and a nice 1938 LaSalle 2 door convertible.
Both great vehicles shared a garage.
The "free range" chickens, no doubt were confused by all the sudden visitor activity.
A "bird" of a different feather - of great potential but needing lots of TLC!
Barbara's 2005 Ford Mustang convertible...
... and her looking at an earlier version that inspired the 2005 retro design.
Still keeping an eye on all the visitors to the collection.
The one-year-only General Motors body style of the 1958 Chevrolet Impala.
Fixtures at every gas station: the air pump to keep your tires properly inflated...
... and the gas pump with numerals that mechanically registered gallons pumped.
After a fun-packed day, Activities Director Phil exits in "Termite", his 1947 Chevrolet Fleetmaster "Woodie" - and surely, like the chrome hub cap, reflecting back on the success of the day's activity, which was so well attended and so enjoyable for us all. Thanks Phil!