Vintage cars bring back happy memories at Potsdam car show

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POTSDAM — Susan Rupert of Ogdensburg was on a mission as she walked around Sunday’s annual classic car and motorcycle show at the Potsdam AmVets Post 283, 667 Route 11.

Joined by her 93-year-old mother, Winnie England, she was hoping to see a vintage car with a rumble seat.

“The first car my parents owned had a rumble seat, so I wanted to show her a car like that,” Mrs. Rupert said.

The pair were excited to spot two street rods from the 1930s that featured rumble seats. A rumble seat is an upholstered exterior seat that folds into the rear deck of a two seat, pre-World War II automobile.

Seeing the antique cars brought back many happy memories of the time Mrs. Rupert spent with her husband, Alfred. The two started dating when she was 17 and eventually married.

“We went all over in a car like that,” Mrs. Rupert said as she stood beside a 1933 Chevy owned by Glenn C. Rarick, LaFargeville. “We even went up to Montreal and back. We never had any trouble so it must have been a good car.”

She recalled giving neighborhood children rides around Ogdensburg in the rumble seat.

Under a sun-soaked sky, more than 40 classic cars and several motorcycles were on display during the car show, now in its fifth year. The outdoor event also featured vendor booths, music and prizes for participants. Hot dogs, french fries and soda were for sale.

“I’m a big car nut,” said Jeffrey S. Sochia, an AmVets member who coordinates the show. “A lot of people here restored their own cars and they like to show off the work they did.”

Besides St. Lawrence County, he said participants came from Watertown, Plattsburgh, Syracuse, Malone, Glens Falls and other upstate communities.

Ranging in style and color, the exhibit included street rods from the 1930s, classics from the 1950s, “muscle cars” from the 1960s and others. Convertibles as well as newer cars and motorcycles were also on display.

Participants paid $10 each to display their car or motorcycle, with the funds going to the AmVets Post.

Cal E. Williamson, from the Steel Riders Motorcycle Club, Colton, said participating in shows helps educate people about the positive aspect of motorcycle clubs.

“Biker clubs and groups raise a lot of money for charity,” Mr. Williamson said. “Not all bikers are bad. We help families in need.”

The day’s sunny skies and warm temperatures drew several visitors to the show, with many stopping to peer inside the cars and visit with car owners. A few cars were marked “for sale.”

“There are a lot of nice vehicles here,” said Floyd N. Field, AmVets post commander. “People put a lot of work into these cars and they like to bring them out.”

Vintage cars bring back happy memories at Potsdam car show