‘From Boston to Stockbridge’ … for car show
The worlds of sculpture and automotive design are close relations; and even closer if you regard classic cars as works of art. On May 27, the two worlds meet for a celebration at the Chesterwood Antique & Classic Automobile Show in Stockbridge, an event the organizers are going all out to make “kid-friendly.’’
Chesterwood was the summer home of prolific sculptor Daniel Chester French, whose many creations include the statue of Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial; the Minuteman statue in Concord; John Harvard at Harvard University; the Dupont Circle fountain in Washington, D.C.; and George Washington in Paris.
The museum, a national historic site, is a great day trip in its own right, especially for Eastern Massachusetts residents who grew up pretty much unaware of the beauty of the western part of the state. Adding in a field full of classic vehicles makes the trip west all the more worthwhile.
French (1850-1931) had discovered Stockbridge far earlier, making Chesterwood his getaway home. The 122 acres are complete with his studio, walking paths, gardens, the historic home, and expansive lawns upon which the modern generation can display cars.
First held in 1974, the Chesterwood auto show has grown again over the last two years, giving its visitors plenty to enjoy. “I’ve been coming to this show since I was a child,’’ says Rich Bradway, event chairman and Chesterwood advisory council member. ’’It was a place where my father and I could bond. I hope that I can impart some of those great memories to my own son, and all families, through this event.’’
For a lot of us, Stockbridge was only a lyric in James Taylor’s “Sweet Baby James,’’ telling us, “Now the first of December was covered with snow and so was the turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston.’’ It also made it into pop culture as one of the communities referenced in “Alice’s Restaurant’’ by Arlo Guthrie.
Chesterwood is an easy two-hour trip from Boston. We made the trek last spring (taking a youngster) and were caught up in the friendly, small-town feel of the event on the spectator side. Sharp-eyed Yankee tradition kicked in with the judging, which, though tough and accurate, was conducted with a sense of humor over the eclectic array of cars.
Among the judges’ choices were a stunning 1910 Oakland 24 roadster, 1933 Pierce Arrow, 1958 Chevrolet Impala, 1972 BMW 2002, a 1952 Vincent Rapide motorcycle, a 1941 Package 180 limo, and a 1965 American LeFrance 900 pumper (fire truck). Ultimately, a 1964 Mercedes 230SL was judged best in show. My favorite was a 1929 Ford Model A roadster pickup.
Parking at Chesterwood is plentiful, and the site is special, with rolling grounds and lovely views of the Berkshire Hills. Suffi e it to say that you’re miles from the nearest neon sign.
Normally, car shows aren’t particularly kid friendly, but this year, as part of a program instituted by classic car insurer and show sponsor Hagerty Insurance, 15 youngsters between 8 and 12 will be selected as offi cial youth judges. They’ll accompany an adult guide from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in gaining first-hand knowledge of the cars, their owners, and what’s involved in judging. Among the vehicles they get to judge are Guthrie’s 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220A Cabriolet.
The organizers also have created a car scavenger hunt for kids between 4 and 10, with the goal of matching photos with features on particular vehicles. While most of the vehicles on display are in the “look but don’t touch’’ category, some will be kidfriendly, including Smokey the Bear in a 1962 Power Wagon and a display of antique fire apparatus owned by members of the Antique First Truck Club of America.
Among the other attractions are local foods, including ice cream by Berkshire favorite SoCo Creamery (which Bradway calls Ben & Jerry’s on steroids) and live music by Moot Davis, recently showcased on NPR Music.
Admission is $15 for adults and free for kids under 18. All proceeds go to support Chesterwood. For more information, visit Chesterwood.org/carshow or call 413-298-3579, ext. 25210.
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