THE BIRTH OF THE OLD CAR CLUB

The Old Car Club was started May 16, 1949 although two meetings were held prior to that date. The first meeting was held at Ted's Service Station at 829 West Boylston Street, in Worcester, Massachusetts, in April 1949.

Before this group got together, Ted Rivers was fom1ing a Model T club in which there were about a dozen Fords from in and around Worcester. These interested persons started the ball rolling by having outings and little tours here and there.

Though few in number, this group enjoyed their newly-found hobby immensely.

A few months after the first meeting of these Model T fans, an old car lover, William Sylvester, dropped by to see Ted Rivers in order to get some information on this newly-formed club. Bill, as he was known, told Ted that he would like to see a club with any and all makes of cars in it. Bill, at that time, owned a beautiful 1910 Buick. This started another ball rolling with the T boys, and many other people in the Worcester County area joining up to start what has come to be the OLD CAR CLUB, INC. today.

The first meeting on May 16th had an attendance of eight. This group decided to meet every other Monday night, and agreed that the next meeting be at Alger & Smiths Garage, and thence at the temporary club on South Quinsigamond Avenue in Shrewsbury. In 1957 the Old Car Club purchased a clubhouse in Northboro, Massachusetts. This clubhouse was subsequently sold in July 1975.

Incorporation papers were passed on the OLD CAR CLUB in October 1951. With this the organization took a big step forward in growing to be one of the most active antique auto groups in the Northeast.

Down through the months and years since its inception, the club has held many great affairs such as Mt. Wachusett hill climb, the Charlmont tour with Yankee Doodle Days, and annual meets at Fort Devins, Becker Junior College (Leicester Campus), and SAC Park in Shrewsbury.