WARREN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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We've got History on our minds...

History in Your Home: 1908 Buick

3/24/2020

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​In an effort to bring the museum to you, we'll be sharing our favorite pieces throughout #HarmonMuseum. Today we're sharing our 1908 #Buick. It's just inside the main foyer and often the first thing that draws guests' eye.

Our 1908 Buick was donated by the Ertel family (yes, as in Fields Ertel) in 1960. They had restored the Buick, with period correct parts, and would take it to shows and races. (We have a cabinet filled with their trophies and medals.) The historical significance extends beyond one family's love for speed. There Buick has no electrical components; from the gas powered headlights to the kerosene lamps and the air horn to the hand crank. 1908 was the last year before it all changed.

In 1909, Charles Kettering (yes, that Kettering) accepted a contract from Cadillac to invent a better means to start their cars. Enter the electric starter with electric lights soon to follow. It was Kettering's patent that allowed for batteries to be incorporated into automobiles as a power source. Pretty soon, every car company wanted to use this new design. (Kettering made his fortune as an inventor and author of many other patents.) Cars have changed a lot in the subsequent 110 years but we're still using batteries to start our cars and light our way.
Several mechanics have inspected the Buick (they always ask to) and we're assured it would still run. We won't take it out though for fear of the little rocks of the pavement road tearing up the undercarriage. So, for now, it'll live as it has for the past 60 years, on display in our Transportation Gallery. However, our recently retired Director, Victoria VanHarlingen purchased an antique bulb for the airhorn so, when you visit, you can honk it. 😋

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    Nathaniel Grauwelman as well as various staff and volunteer writers.

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  • Plan A Visit
    • Harmon Museum >
      • History of Harmon Museum
      • What's New?
      • The Museum Shop
      • Research Library
      • Group Tours
      • Special Exhibits
      • The Village Green
    • Glendower Mansion >
      • History of Glendower Mansion
      • Tours
      • Lebanon Garden Tour
    • 1795 Beedle Log Cabin >
      • History of the Beedle Log Cabin
      • Relocation & Restoration
      • History Walk Pavers
      • Plant Adoption
  • Events
    • Art Exhibitions
    • Bonnets & Blooms Tea
    • Cemetery Tours
    • Flea Market - Attic Treasures
    • Fossil Hunts
    • Frontier Tales
    • Garden Tour
    • Harmon Hops
    • Lunch & Learn
    • Music at the Museum
    • Plant Adoption
    • Teas >
      • Bonnets & Blooms Tea
  • Get Involved
    • Membership
    • Donate >
      • "Celebrate Our Future" Capital Campaign
    • Volunteer
    • History Walk >
      • History Walk Pavers
      • Plant Adoption
  • Facility Rental
    • Armstrong Conference Center
    • Lawn at Glendower Mansion
    • The Village Green
  • Education
    • Schools Tours
    • Frontier Tales
    • Lena Iorns Award
  • Blog
  • About
    • About Us
    • History of Our Properties
    • William Elmer Harmon
    • Partner Organizations
    • Board and Staff
  • FAQ
  • Contact Us
  • "Celebrate Our Future" Capital Campaign