BATH – Front Street turned into a car museum Sunday.

The street was shut down and dozens of antique automobiles, ranging from 50-year-old sports cars to retired fire engines and classic roadsters, moved in as the coastal city marked the last day of its Bath Heritage Days festival.

In its 40th year, the five-day celebration marks Bath’s maritime heritage and the Fourth of July.

It draws residents and visitors from around the midcoast and beyond. The festival features a mix of homegrown events, such as a strong man contest, a boat parade down the Kennebec River and performances by the Bath Municipal Band, as well as a crafts fair and a midway with fried dough and rides.

“We have been to all of the days,” said Leslie Trundy of Bath, who sat on a blanket with her family at the City Park gazebo while a blue grass band performed.

Car buffs crowded Front Street, where oldies music blasted in the background. A 1904 Cadillac Model B Runabout in its original condition attracted attention as owner Richard Fraser of Poland answered questions.

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The car, which he found in Dayton, Ohio, originally sold for $800 and came with its own set of tools. It reaches 28 mph and runs on regular gasoline. Fraser said he has yet to admit to his wife how much he paid for it.

Fraser is a committed antique automobile collector. He and his wife co-authored a book about automobile production in Maine, “A History of Maine Built Automobiles, 1834-1934.” He owns five other antique vehicles and shows up at car shows to share his enthusiasm.

“I have a unique automobile. People are very excited to see it and I like people,” Fraser said.

Ted Loranz of Medway, Mass., who has a summer house in Maine, displayed his shiny red 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire, one of his collection of six antique automobiles. He said he has showed his vehicles ever since the car show became part of Bath Heritage Days.

“It a fun place for car people to gather,” said Loranz.

Betty and Bill Taylor of Bath sat beside their gleaming 1933 Ford Roadster, which took 25 years to restore. They finally finished last year after replacing 85 percent of the vehicle. They have traveled from Georgia to Indiana to show the car.

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But Bath Heritage Days provided a welcome chance closer to home, they said.

“This is just so people can see what we do,” said Bill Taylor.

Staff Writer Beth Quimby can be contacted at 791-6363 or at:

bquimby@pressherald.com

 


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