Tidbit of Franklin History

On February 24, 1915, a trainload of 36 automobiles was sent to points in the Northwest. It was the first trainload of automobiles to cross the continent. Walla Walla alone took 20 of the cars.
The second trainload left March 27. Twenty-two carloads, the largest single shipment of high-grade automobiles ever made and the largest shipment of merchandise ever leaving Syracuse. Sixty-four automobiles were included, of which 20 were for Walla Walla. The trainload was valued at $131,000. The freight charges alone amounted to $6300. Before leaving Syracuse, the train was run through Washington Street at noon and attracted a vast amount of attention. We also received many congratulatory letters from business men on the.enterprise.

From Book 1 and
Book 2 of the contemporaneous notes of the Franklin Board of Directors. Refresh your browser for another random entry.



Franklin Audio

Listen to a fun song written for and about the Franklin car. Click here to jump to the song page.

Not a member and wondering what the "Trek" is all about? Listen below to an NPR radio report done during the 2006 Trek.


Make a Donation

Make a Tax Deductible Donation to The H. H. Franklin Club.


Franklin Forum

Get Answers to Technical Questions - Connect with Franklin Enthusiast

Check out the Franklin Forum hosted on the AACA website.

Read Discussions


Events

Board Meetings
February 1
April 26
During the Trek Week
November 1


2025

Midwest Spring Meet
Northern Illinois. Details TBA

June 14. Air Cooled Gathering. Hickory Corners, MI.

55th Franklin Westrek
Rohnert Park, CA
June 22 through June 27
Info Flyer here.
And updated info here.
Hosts: Bill and Jan Charpier

The Trek, Union College
July 26 to Augudt 1
Click here for promo

3rd Tuesday of each month
Lehigh Valley Franklinites
Allentown, PA


Click here for more info on these and other events.







The H. H. Franklin Club, Inc. is a non-profit membership organization devoted to the preservation and exploration of the H. H. Franklin Manufacturing Company history and its effects on the history of the automobile.

The H.H. Franklin Manufacturing Company of Syracuse, NY built America's most successful air-cooled automobile, with its first innovative air-cooled motorcar in 1902 and continued production until 1934. Of the 150,000 Franklins built between 1902 and 1934, it's estimated that about 3,700 have survived.


Become a Member

2024 Trek Photo (Refresh for new image)
Trek Picture

Join TODAY and enjoy the many benefits of belonging to our club. Tour with other Franklins at the Trek, the Westrek, the two Midwest Regional meets each year, and other club sponsored meets. The H.H. Franklin Club offers a variety of resources to repair, restore, and/or maintain your Franklin. Enjoy the comraderie of our members who all appreciate the Franklin marque and will share that enthusiasm with you. As a 501(c)3 educational club the H.H. Franklin club has a variety of technical and historical resources available for club members and the public. Club members receive the award winning club magazine 'The Air Cooled News' three times a year, the club newsletter 'The Franklin Service Station' three times a year, and the Franklin Registry of all members and Franklin cars around the world. As a member you will also receive access to our Members Only section on the web which includes:

So join us and help preserve the heritage of these fine cars and the historic air-cooled technology pioneered by the H.H. Franklin Company.


What's New on the Web and News

Do you have news or information (or corrections) for your Franklin Club website?
Click here to send mail to the webmaster at "Webmaster@Franklincar.org"


What's New on November 23?

Stever

Sadly we note the passing of William Stever. For more information click here.




Updated on November 22.

car

For Sale: 1933 16B Franklin Sedan that has been to over 50 Treks. For more information, go to the For Sale page, or click here.




Updated on November 4.

Midwest Region Newsletter
For your reading pleasure, The Line is now available including the Fall Berlin, Ohio Midwest meet. Read it on the News/Midwest page, or click here.

Updated on November 1.

Midwest Region pictures
For your viewing pleasure, there are now photos of the Fall Berlin, Ohio Midwest meet. View them at the Pictures page, or click here.


Roger
Check out a new video of Roger Moffat and the Franklin Collection as they discuss the question "Why are all cars not air cooled?" Click here to see it.


Updated on October 30.

car car Prices reduced on two 1928 Franklins, go to the For Sale page, or click here.


Updated on September 30.

car


1927 11-B Victoria Coupe. For more information, go to the For Sale page, or click here.


Updated on September 9.

Bruce

We sadly note the passing of Bruce Levey on September 5th. Celebration of Life hosted by the family in Ottawa on Saturday September 21st. For more information go to the News page or click here.




Updated on September 7.

car


1928 Franklin Airman Sedan. For more information, go to the For Sale page, or click here.




Updated on September 5.

Katherine
We sadly note the passing of Kathryn Harry who passed away on September 2. Visitation is September 7. For more information go to the News page or click here.


Updated on September 2.

Franklin Club Publications. The Series 9 Franklin Parts Catalog is now available for purchase on-line. Go to the For Sale/Merchandise/Literature page or click here.
An updated inventory of all publications available from the Club library is available by clicking here.

Updated on August 24.

Trek and Midwest Region pictures
For your viewing pleasure, there are now photos of the 2024 Trek and the Hastings, Michigan Midwest meet. View them at the Pictures page, or click here for the Trek photos or click here for Midwest photos.

Updated on August 13.

car


For Sale. 1931 Franklin Woodie. For more information, go to the For Sale page, or click here.




Updated on August 10.

Franklin Club Publications. The Franklin Instruction Book, Series 151, 152, 153: Operators' and Mechanics' Instructions is now available for purchase on-line. Go to the For Sale/Merchandise/Literature page or click here.
An updated inventory of all publications available from the Club library is available by clicking here.




Welcome New Club Members


Dr. Frank Diefenderfer
New Smyrna Beach, FL
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Steven Semenick II
Lizton, IN
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Bob and Mary Beck
San Buenaventura , CA
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Eric and Angela Winslow
Farmville, VA
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John and Bernice Brillman
Mount Jackson, VA
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Cheri and Randy Cunningham
Huntsville, AL
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Cliff and Addie Hovis
Clintonville, PA
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Jim Barratt
Camas, WA
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Paul Greening
Saskatoon, Sask
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Christopher and Katy Dell
Williamsburg, PA
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Richard Goodall
Swadlincote, Derbyshire, United Kingdom
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Gareth Hudson
Washington, DC
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Franklin Vintage

Franklin Vintage
Franklin Vintage — An elegant photo book with text by Sinclair Powell. Buy the book.





Banner image: Therese Eby