Hidden highlights from the AOH Island Park Car Show last week
By Andrew Harris, photos by Charley Cannon
Last weekend Island Park in Wellsville was full of fancy cars, classic cars, muscle cars, hot-rods, even a drag racer. Even for those who just drive a 2019 Ford Transit Van, it was a sight to see. During my few strolls through the Corvettes, Mustangs, and other vehicles, a few stood out as both unique and “cool.”
The most unique was the “micro-car,” made by Crosley motors. The car is small enough to fit in to the back of a standard pickup truck. Crosley Motors, was a pre-WWII startup company owned by Powel Crosley Jr., who also owned the Cincinnati Reds baseball team. Wikipedia explains the company and some of the gamechanging innovations it brought to the United States automotive industry:
“Crosley introduced several “firsts” in American automotive history, including the first affordable, mass-market car with an overhead camshaft engine in 1946; the first use of the term ‘Sport(s-) Utility‘ in 1947, for a 1948 model year convertible wagon; and the first American cars to be fitted with 4-wheel caliper type disc brakes, as well as America’s first post-war sports car, the Hotshot, in the 1949 model year.”
Here is a collection of photos taken by Charley Cannon, field photographer for the Wellsville Sun:
The Crosley wasn’t the only rare bird at the now legendary car show produced by the Allegany County chapter of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians. Life long Wellsville resident, and car lover Dr. Ken Canfield brought is 1966 Dodge Charger to the show. The fact that this local celebrity has such a cool car and in great condition is something to marvel at. What is even more impressive is that Canfield bought the car brand new from Pfuntner Motors in Wellsville!! He placed the order for the Charger on Christmas Eve 1965 and “Doc” had the original bill of sale displayed. I think he paid about $3500 !!!!
Ken had to leave early from the show so photographer Charley Cannon and AOH President Matt Cannon brought Dr. Canfield’s trophy to his garage and made his day and week! About as cool as it gets….
