Harrington news

On Saturday afternoon, the Harrington community was offered a free ice-cream social from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., hosted by Allen Barth at his Studebaker Garage, which he purchased in 2011. Six gallons of ice cream were served by Karen and Jerry Allen, owners of the Hotel Harrington.

Paul Gilliland, mayor of Harrington, was seen at this social enjoying the cool and refreshing treat. An estimated 50 or more people turned out and sat in the shade in the building that housed the Harrington Garage from 1916 to 1923 when owned by Charlton & Charlton and in 1930 when owned by Bill Hose. The building now contains 26 automobiles in varying stages of restoration, many totally restored and licensed. Allen Barth estimated that he has 130 automobiles on his home place, in addition to those in Harrington. Studebakers have been Barth’s lifetime hobby, and he has been restoring them full-time for the past 12 years.

According to Barth, the Studebaker company began in the 1800s, making wheelbarrows, with the first automobile produced in 1902. Of the Studebakers owned by Barth, his earliest one is a 1915 roadster. Studebakers ceased production in 1966. When the crowds thinned, Barth took several vehicles with passengers from the social on rides about the town. One of these vehicles was a tan 1932 Commander Studebaker of which there are currently only known to be three in existence. He estimated that there are about 150 of the model years 1950-51 convertibles in existence today, and he lays claim to five of them. Another wonderfully restored automobile was the Yellow with Green 1955 Studebaker President. One of his automobiles had absolutely unique tires. The pattern of the tread could be read: “Non Skid” repeated over and over to complete the tire.

His office in the front of the building contains memorabilia, including museum pieces and collectors’ items among which were reading glasses, wind-up toys and cars, marbles, automotive books and magazines, repair manuals, a glass milk bottle filled with feathers, a Carnation Steel Cut Coffee Can, Sloan’s Liniment, a 10-gallon crock, and framed colorful automobile ads.

This was the second event this year at the Studebaker Garage. On April 27, 2013 a crowd of 300 attended Barth’s car show, while about 230 meals were served at his barbecue. Townspeople are anxious to hear what his next event will be.