A rare opportunity to see nineteen elegant classic antique automobiles in pristine condition is scheduled in Gloucester, Mass., the weekend of June 2-4, 2006, sponsored by the Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library ‘ Gloucester’s public library ‘ and the owner of these cars, Frank McCracken.
The event, ‘Fire Barn d’Elegance ‘ Driven by Knowledge,’ will take place in the former East Gloucester Fire Station, 75 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Gloucester. The former fire barn with 12,000 square feet of floor space was purchased by Mr. McCracken in 1991 to house his collection.
Displayed as a group to the public for the first time, the vehicles include 1929 Rolls Royce Phantom II, 1934 Pierce Arrow Coupe, 1967 Ferrari 330GTC, as well as many others.
The weekend will begin with a special reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 2. Tickets for this event are priced at $125 per person. A premium package, at $250 per person, will include a private presentation of the cars by Mr. McCracken, from 4 to 5 p.m. that day. Reservations are required and can be made by telephone at 978-281-5049.
On Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4, the fire barn display will be open to the public. Saturday exhibit hours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday hours will be Noon to 4 p.m. Cape Ann residents are welcome at no charge, however, donations to the Library are encouraged. Children under age 12 who show their Sawyer Free Library card, or sign up for one at the show, will receive their choice of gifts ‘ the book, ‘A Day with the Firemen,’ or a fire chief hat. Children should be accompanied by an adult.
Car clubs may arrange to attend on Saturday or Sunday, at a cost of $10 per person. Call 978-281-5049 to make arrangements.
The event will include a video presentation of the fire barn history and of the Sawyer Free Library, along with a display of books and fire barn and automobile memorabilia.
Retired Gloucester firefighters, local veterans, and the Friends of the Sawyer Free Library will be on duty to provide security and information to the guests.
Parking will be available at the nearby East Gloucester Elementary School, 8 Davis Street Extension and The Community Church of East Gloucester, 7 Chapel Street. Other parking areas nearby will be open as needed.
‘Fire Barn d’Elegance ‘ Driven by Knowledge’ is one of a series of events planned over the next several months as the Sawyer Free Library plans for a major renovation and expansion in the next few years, estimated to cost in excess of $15,000,000.
The purpose of this event is to raise funds, provide community outreach, and fulfill the Library’s mission ‘to serve the historical and cultural needs of the community’. The Sawyer Free Library has served Gloucester for over 175 years and provides service to an average of 600 people daily. Information about the library and the event can be seen on the Web site www.sawyerfreelibrary