Compiled by James Emerson & Richard Greer June 2007

 

1958 Backfire Club

The current Southern Kentucky Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America was “born” in Bowling Green, Kentucky in 1958. There were six (6) charter members (only one of whom is still living), and the club was named the “Backfire Club.”  The reason for this name was that most of the “original six” were T Model and A Model owners who specialized in the “backfiring” of their “buggies.” 

CHARTER OFFICERS	1958
Robert K. Lightfoot	President
Ellsworth Strickler	Vice President
O.L. Thomas	Secretary
Ralph Proffitt	Member
Ed Bush	Member
	Member

 

1962 Southern Kentucky Antique Automobile Club

In 1962, the club changed the name to Southern Kentucky Antique Automobile Club.  This name change occurred because the club was growing (total of 34 members) and because the growth included members throughout South Central Kentucky.  Also, the club began to plan for an antique car show.  The first of these shows was held the following year in 1963.  This “first” was held in Scottsville, Kentucky and registered 69 automobiles.  

 

 1966 Southern Kentucky AACA Region

A most significant event occurred in 1966 when the club voted to become a regional chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America.  Charles Taylor is elected director, W.L. Chisholm is elected vice-director, Ralph Proffitt is elected secretary, and a new office, corresponding secretary/treasurer, is named with Lecille Witty as the first.  Also, the car show was moved to Mammoth Cave National Park with 89 automobiles registered. 

SOKY REGION AACA OFFICERS	1966
Charles Taylor	Director
W.L. Chisholm	Vice Director
Ralph Proffitt	Secretary
Lecille Witty	Correspondence Secretary/Treasurer

 

The year 1968 proved to be a most successful year for the club with many tours, meets and picnics.  Also, the 1968 Annual Invitational Meet again held at Mammoth Cave National Park was most successful.  There were twenty-three flea market booths, 101 registered automobiles, and 19 classes with three trophies per class.  Two hundred forty-eight (248) persons gathered in the banquet hall for the evening awards banquet. 

 

The following year, 1969, saw the Annual Invitational Meet moved to Lampkin Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where it remained until 1972 when it was moved to Barren River State Park at Lucus, Kentucky.  The state park provided more show space and a spacious meeting room for the evening awards banquet.  The meet remained at the state park for the next three years.  In 1976, through the efforts of Ron Jent and others, the Annual Invitational Meet was moved to Franklin, Kentucky where it has remained to the present.  The “Franklin Car Show” as it is known in the area is a tradition “On the  Courthouse Square.”  The meet has an extensive arts and crafts fair, numerous events for the family, historical tours, antique displays and a car cruise in on the Friday night before.  The antique car show has become the “hub” of this “Festival on the Square.” 

The club has throughout its history participated in many memorable events.  For example, it has hosted the Great Race on two occasions, once in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, in 1991, and once in Bowling Green, Kentucky, in 1995.   Also, in 1994 the club arranged an all member tour to the national AACA meet for a rewarding “Fall Hershey.” 

 

SOKY/AACA continues to be an active regional chapter by having regular fall and spring tours, by participating in community service events (showing cars at area nursing homes and retirement villages and giving residents rides in our “old buggies,” by being recognized in area parades (Christmas, Veteran’s Day, etc.), by judging at area car shows, and, in general, doing all we can to live out our club motto of “Enjoying Yesterday’s Cars Today.”