Category: Wheel Tracks
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Golden Wrench Awards – 2026
PRESENTING THE 2026 GOLDEN WRENCH WINNERS This award is presented annually in late May to early June to one junior in each of the sixteen automotive technical career centers in Vermont. The award consists primarily of a valuable tool set worth approximately $800 and a $500 scholarship for continued post-secondary education, plus a year’s membership…
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The Ongoing Industrial Revolution
Manufacturing the things and stuff needed for everyday life was once the job of artisans who used tools and skill to make things one at a time. This started to change abruptly in mid-18th Century Great Britain, kicking off what has come to be called the Industrial Revolution. It started in the textile industry with…
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Reminiscing
My grandfather was very proud to be a Vermonter, and he was especially proud to have a history in the Mad River Valley towns of Warren, Waitsfield, Fayston, and Moretown. His great-grandfather pioneered in Warren over two centuries ago. His father, who lived to over 99 years of age, was a farmer as well as…
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Bob & Duane – The Vermont Antique and Classic Car Show
This issue of Wheel Tracks is dedicated to Bob Chase and Duane Leach, two gentlemen who have made the Vermont Antique and Classic Car Show what it is today. The VAE honors Bob Chase and Duane Leach for their tireless work over these many years to continuously put on the best show in New England.…
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Show Time
I don’t recall exactly what year it was, but I was pretty new to the VAE and attended my first “Stowe Show” committee meeting. Bob Chase was chairing the meeting as usual and seated next to him was Duane Leach. Bob announced, with a big smile on his face, that Duane had agreed to become…
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Cookin’ at the Car Show
Occasionally, I realize that there is a good reason for not getting rid of stuff. I often start looking for something, and sometimes I get lucky. Today was one of those lucky days. I have saved Wheel Tracks for years and still have the first issues. When I get them out to look for something, sometimes…
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1929 Plymouth Rumble Seat Roadster
Pictured here Wendell Noble’s 1929 Plymouth Rumble Seat Roadster as it looked when he bought it (above) and as it looks now after restoration (below). Wendell is still waiting for a ride in the rumble seat. I fondly recall, as a kid, the thrill of riding with my brother in the rumble seat of our…
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Hoping for a Comeback
Seems like every time you pick up a newspaper, scan the internet, or listen to the news, you read or hear that something is closing. Many churches, clubs, restaurants, stores, organizations of all sorts have run out of members and money. One of the biggest reasons for closing many times is there is not anyone to…
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Lost Linguistic Richness
It occurred to me recently that my common slang vocabulary has diminished over the years. Many of those colorful words or expressions were used as well-directed insults or derogatory references. Others were just colorfully descriptive. I didn’t coin any of these. I learned them from my long-gone elders. When I was just a “little squirt,” I…
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1950 Ford Custom Convertible
This ‘50 Ford Custom Convertible, fondly named “Duke of Earl,” is owned by Barry and Suzy Solomon, new VAE members from Westford, Vermont, and San Antonio, Texas. Beginning on page 6, you will read how Barry’s love of automobiles began when he was 15 years old. This car is almost identical to the one he…
