Rolling history: Spooky Nook home base for Model T club tour

Sue Kiesewetter
·2 min read

HAMILTON – Don’t be surprised if you happen to see one of the country’s first cars traveling the back roads of Butler County this month.

Model T Ford cars built between 1909 and 1927 will soon begin rolling into Hamilton for the 65th Annual Model T Ford Club International Tour July 17-22.

This year’s event has 239 cars registered for the week-long tour using the Spooky Nook as its home base with most of the 530 participants staying at Spooky Nook’s Warehouse Hotel.

“It will be an incredible sight to see these historic cars travel through Butler County,’’ said Mark Hecquet, president and chief executive officer of Travel Butler County.

“I look forward to joining them in celebrating these unique pieces of rolling history.”

BJ Miller, with family members Lizzy, Clara, and Casey, is organizing the 65th Annual Model T Ford Club International Tour that rolls into Butler County July 17. They have a 1913 Model T Touring car.
BJ Miller, with family members Lizzy, Clara, and Casey, is organizing the 65th Annual Model T Ford Club International Tour that rolls into Butler County July 17. They have a 1913 Model T Touring car.

Hosted by the TriState’s NoKen T’s club, this is the first time the international tour has come to Butler County, said BJ Miller, who is helping to organize the event. Ten years ago, he said, the club hosted the smaller All Ohio Model T Jamboree.

“It’s like a big family reunion when you have these events,’’ Miller said. “I grew up with all the Model T tours. All ages come and we have activities for youth.”

Miller got his first Model T, a 1918 Speedster, as a teen. Today the 39-year-old Shandon resident has a 1913 Model T touring car.

The public will get to view the Model T’s during a car show that runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., July 17 at the Oscar Station at Jungle Jim’s International Market’s Fairfield location, 5440 Ohio 4.

Cars will begin rolling in at 9 a.m. following picture shoots in front of the Soldiers Sailors and Pioneers monument, Miller said.

Model T cars from the NoKen T's in front of the Butler County courthouse.
Model T cars from the NoKen T's in front of the Butler County courthouse.

“A majority of them are 100 years old. We try to stay on roads that are low speed – no expressways, we avoid main roads,” Miller said.

Each day the Model T enthusiasts will begin their day with a sweet treat from one of the shops on the Butler County Donut Trail. They will then venture onto the back roads as they visit destinations within a 100-mile radius.

Among the destinations: Eaton; Richmond, Indiana to see the Model T Museum; the Knigga Hay Press in Hillsboro; Laurel Dam near Metamora, and Oldenburg Indiana.

Routes will take them through covered bridges, Fort St. Clair, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, and the Salty Dog Museum.

The public will also get to see the cars July 19 when many will go to the Holiday Auto Theatre drive-in, 1816 Old Oxford Road, when gates open at 7:30 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Model T aficionadoes gather in Hamilton for international tour