Boyertown PA
9-03-2022 4:31am

Duryea Day Drives Into Town; Hundreds of Cars Expected To Pack Park

America did not invent cars, but we made them a meaningful and vital part of our national identity. We need look no further than our garages where our cars often sleep under the same roof we do, to prove that point. So it makes perfect sense that each year we take some time to celebrate cars and their evolution over the time.

“Duryea Day,” hosted annually by Boyertown’s Museum of Historic Vehicles and the Pottstown Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America, is the perfect way to celebrate. This year’s event – the 56th-- will be held Saturday, Sept. 3 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Boyertown Community Park.

The day is named in honor of the Duryea brothers – Charles and Frank – who built the first successful gas powered engine in America and founded the Duryea Motor Wagon Company to utilize the technology. Car lovers will enjoy the car show, expected to feature hundreds of vehicles of all kinds, but there are activities for everyone.

“I think attendees most enjoy the variety of vehicles and the setting,” shares Kendra Cook, executive director of the car museum. “So many car shows are in open fields or on blacktop. We have that lovely wooded area of the park that not only looks amazing, but is a nice shaded break from the sun,” she adds.

Cook, who has been with the museum since 2008 and served as director since 2020, explains that the Boyertown Duryea Day car show features far more diversity than most. “Unlike others, we have no entry restrictions regarding year, make, model, restoration, etc., Anyone can show their car. You may see a 1950 car next to a 2012 truck. We have cars, trucks, motorcycles, everything,” she explains. Cook predicts that the show will be huge: “Over 250 are already registered and with the good weather anticipated, we may have as many as 700 cars.”

Cars have an opportunity to earn trophy recognition in eight categories and new this year, there will be 25 “Museum Choice Awards” presented to deserving cars that do not fit the standard categories. Those who are registered will also compete for 25 door prizes.

This year’s event features a new activity that has Cook particularly excited: two “strongman” shows featuring “The Irish Anvil,” a.k.a. Tom Kelly from Birdsboro, who will “demonstrate feats of strength.” Cook shares that “The Anvil” will perform using the 1938 Dodge truck previously used by strongmen “Mighty Atom” and “Slim the Hammerman” at Zern’s Market for many years. The Anvil shows are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

In addition to the car show, the event will offer a flea market that includes car related and non-car related items such as crafts. Tasty food will be available for purchase from the following vendors: Moyer’s, CD’s Place, Peppermint Stick, Cosmic Kettle Corn, Unbridled Spirits (non-alcoholic) beverages. The Mr. Softee ice cream truck will also be on site.

Cook summarizes the day saying, “Overall, this is truly a family-friendly event. There is something for everyone to enjoy, even for people who aren’t really into cars. My favorite part of the event is seeing friends we make over the years, whether they bring their  beloved car that they have owned for years or they bring a new addition.”

Admission for Duryea Day spectators is $10.00 for those over 15. That price also includes same-day admission to the car museum, located at 85 S. Walnut St . Children 15 and under are free. Bus transportation will be provided between the park and the museum. Those entering their cars in the show pay registration fees.  

[Photos courtesy of Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles. To see photos below article, click center of  visible photo and use left and right side arrows.]

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