Wheels of a Century

According to a 1961 book about Lake Forest history written by Edward Arpee, Arthur Farwell (one of the J.V. Farwell boys) became the talk of the town right around 1900 by bringing the first automobile (a black Winton) to Lake Forest.

Horses bucked, shied, and became unmanageable as the “new vehicle chortled and roared with the deafening sounds of a threshing machine.”The horseless carriage had arrived and life as the people of Lake Forest knew it would never be the same.

On Sunday, October 13, the Lake Forest/ Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce, the City of Lake Forest, and an advisory committee of “auto enthusiasts” will pay tribute to the role motorcars have played in local culture for more than a century.

Mark Litzsinger’s 1935 Packard Twelve.

Titled “Then & Now,” the show will include vintage cars that will be displayed among the most enviable modern collectibles of today. Mark Litzsinger’s 1935 deep red Packard Twelve will be there, as will Claude and Audrey Ohanesian’s Packard Super Eights (a yellow Convertible Coupe and a black foreign bodied Sedanca D’Ville).

Brian and Joan Maxwell’s super sporty Jaguar XK150 is also expected, sharing Lake Forest streets with new Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and another one you won’t want to miss—Rob and Rosemary Troxel’s modified green 1941 Packard touring sedan with air conditioning (a local favorite on hot humid summer days).

“The list goes on. If there is to be a celebration of a century of motorcar excellence, Lake Forest is the place to do it,” says John Maxson, who is co-chairing the advisory committee with Ed Russ.

Rob and Rosemary Troxel’s 1941 Packard touring sedan

Committee members represent a variety of cars including Exotic, Classic, Pre-war Production, British, Brass and racing cars. Held at the West Lake Forest Train Station from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the inaugural event will also include family activities, live music, food, and other entertainment provided by the Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Department and local businesses.

Admission is free. The antique and classic car component will be non-judged, invitation only, with two awards presented: Mayor’s Cup and People’s Choice.

For more information, visit lflbchamber.com.