Santa To Visit This Weekend—

Connecticut-Built Cars

At Golden Age Of  Trucking Museum

MIDDLEBURY — The Golden Age of Trucking Museum is featuring three Connecticut-built vehicles in a new special display.

The oldest vehicle is a 1903 steam car that was manufactured by The Locomobile Company of America. The rare runabout was one of the most expensive and luxurious automobiles built in the United States. The Locomobile company, which was located in Bridgeport, got its start producing steam-powered cars in 1899. In 1904 they began producing the more expensive gasoline powered cars, which they continued until the business closed in 1929.

A 1914 Trumbull cycle car is also on display. Another Bridgeport-made vehicle, it represents a car that was part of the cycle car fad of early automotive history. The Trumbull was manufactured by Trumbull Motor Car Co from 1913 until 1915; only about 2,000 were built.

The largest and rarest vehicle in the exhibit is a 1915 Barker two-ton truck built in Norwalk. Barker trucks were manufactured between 1912 and 1917, and is the only one known to exist. It has always been a Connecticut-owned truck, with only three owners since new.

The Golden Age of Trucking Museum is more than just trucks. Exhibits include horse drawn vehicles, antique autos, race cars, and wooden boats, as well as more than 30 restored antique and classic trucks. A transportation art gallery, gift shop, and loads of car and truck memorabilia round out the displays.

The museum is at 1101 Southford Road (Route 188). Hours are Thursday through Saturday, 10 am until 4 pm; and Sunday, noon until 4 pm. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for children ages 2-15, and free for children under 2. Museum visitors on Sunday, December 17, will be welcomed by Santa Claus between the hours of 1 and 3 pm. Hot chocolate and cookies will be offered to all guests as well.

For special group rates or more information call 203-577-2181 or visit GoldenAgeTruckMuseum.com.