Celebrating Kenosha’s Auto Manufacturing History

 

Kenosha, WI  (July 18, 2011) – 109 years ago, automobile production began in Kenosha. Until recently, a car manufacturer of one name or another has resided in this city since the first Rambler came off the production line in 1902. Kenosha has a proud history of auto manufacturing ingrained in its roots. That history is celebrated this month, when car enthusiasts from around the world converge in this southeast corner of Wisconsin. Nash, AMC, Hudson, Renault, and Chrysler owners will proudly bring their cars “home” to Kenosha for a variety of homecoming festivities.

Visitors from as far as Ontario, Amsterdam, Australia, Scandinavia, Norway, and Sweden will be staying in Kenosha. Many states will be represented including California, Maryland, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Arizona, New York, Iowa, Illinois, and Ohio. You needn’t drive a Kenosha-made car to join the celebration, as two huge car shows overlooking Lake Michigan are open to spectators with free admission.

The International American Motors Owners Association, the Nash Car Club of America, and the Metropolitan Owners Club of North America will all be meeting in Kenosha over a two-week span. It’s unusual to have so many car clubs hosting their annual conventions in Kenosha at the same time.In addition to the car shows, there are club gatherings at Nash Elementary School and Great Lakes Dragaway planned. The first car show is on July 23, when the Nash Car Club of America 2011 Grand NASHionaltakes place at Simmons Island Park, 5001 Simmons Island Drive. This is a national NASH car show and swap meet.

On Saturday, July 30, the Kenosha Homecoming Car Show takes place at Kennedy Park, 4051 – 5th Avenue, featuring the International American Motors Owners Association withcars that originated in Kenosha - from Jeffery to Chrysler. Hosted by the Kenosha History Center, the show is anticipated to feature more than 300 cars and vendors. The days leading up to the show include drive-in car shows and a Scoop the Loop Cruise Friday night in Downtown Kenosha. The cruise will leave Nash Park (5905 – 56th Street) at 5:30 p.m., travel east on 60th Street, and arrive downtown for a downtown car show until 9 p.m.

The Homecoming Car Show is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 30. It will feature cars on display, vendors, and food for sale. Admission is free. The Metropolitan Owners Club of North America will be holding their national convention in Kenosha for the first time, during the Homecoming Car Show. Owners’ cars will be situated together in a special designated area on the show’s grounds. Also at the show, four of the designers that worked for AMC will be on hand for show attendees to meet. The designers are bringing a quarter-scale clay car model with them.

The Kenosha History Center, located not far from Kennedy Park at 220 – 51st Place, will be open with extended hours on July 29 and 30: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The current main exhibit is “60’s Mix and More”.  1960’s AMC vehicles are featured in the gallery along with a 1902 and 1917 Jeffery. The museum has collaborated with Snap-on Tools for an exhibit that features the 90-year history of Snap-on, with early tools and diagnostic equipment on display. Kenosha is the world headquarters for Snap-on.

For more information about the Kenosha Homecoming Car Show, contact the Kenosha History Center: www.kenoshahistorycenter.org/car.htm or (262) 654-5770.

Plan to make a weekend of it on Kenosha’s lakefront! Taste of Wisconsin™ offers food, beverages, and live music further south on the lakefront, July 29-31. Visit Kenosha HarborMarket on Saturday. Ride the Electric Streetcar. Climb the 1866 Southport Lighthouse. Tour Durkee Mansion. In addition to the Kenosha History Center, there are four other nearby museums: the Southport Light Station Museum, Civil War Museum, Kenosha Public Museum, and Dinosaur Discovery Museum. Or shop in Downtown Kenosha.

For more information about the Kenosha Area, including a 2011 Kenosha Area Visitors Guide, log on to www.KenoshaCVB.com or call the Kenosha Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (262) 654-7307 or (800) 654-7309. The Visitors Guide is also available by visiting a Kenosha Area Visitor Information Center. The I-94 location is at I-94 & Hwy. 165 East Exit 347, while the Downtown Kenosha location is at 812 - 56th St. Follow us on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook to receive updates about events, specials, and more.

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