Walker On Wheels 2009 features cars and trucks built before 1960 displayed against the backdrop of historic Walker Tavern, a celebrated stagecoach stop in the early 1800s.  This car show, designed especially for those who love old vehicles and enjoy history, is Saturday, Aug. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Walker Tavern Historic Site in the Irish hills. 

By packing a picnic lunch and driving down US 12 (a Michigan State Heritage Trail) to Cambridge Junction, car enthusiasts can re-create the leisurely drive that brought so many visitors to the Irish Hills during the early years of auto touring.  Picnic tables and grills are available, as well as vendors selling old-fashioned, home-cooked goodies like pulled pork sandwiches, apple slaw and root beer floats. 

During the car show the Hewitt House Visitors' Center will feature an exhibition of historic photographs depicting the early years of the auto industry and assembly-line manufacturing.  These black-and-white photographs were taken in 1917 at the Highland Park Ford plant and illustrate the production of Model Ts from the crankshaft division to the radiator shop and to final assembly.  The photographs are on loan from the collection of Brooklyn resident Roger Guffey.

The Visitors' Center also contains the Walker Mercantile, a gift shop featuring many hand-made items like those travelers would have encountered along the early roadways, and a pioneer museum displaying objects settlers brought with them to the Michigan wilderness.  Car show visitors may tour the historic site including the original Walker Tavern that is restored to what it would have been like during Michigan's settlement era when two stage coaches a day as well as pioneer wagons and other travelers stopped at this wayside inn for food, rest and lodging.  The barn will also be open with displays and vehicles that pre-date the automobile - a buckboard, covered wagon and stagecoach. 

General admission to the car show and tours of Walker Tavern are free.

Anyone interested in entering a vintage car or truck in the show may call (517) 467-4401 for a registration form and more information, or they may register on site the day of the show.  Gates open at 9 a.m.  The registration fee is $10 and the first 100 cars to register will receive commemorative dash plaques.  Top Ten Awards and a Best of Show Award are participant-judged.  Car show entrants will be eligible for door prizes throughout the day.

The Friends of Walker Tavern, Michigan Historical Museum and the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries support Walker On Wheels. 

Walker Tavern Historic Site is located at the junction of M-50 and US 12 in southern Michigan.  Regular hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Walker Tavern is a part of the Michigan Historical Museum System.  For more information, call (517) 467-4401 or visit www.michigan.gov/walkertavern.