This image epitomizes the benefits of the Trek scholarship program, with students driving a members touring car at the last trek.
The H. H. Franklin Club, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization devoted to the preservation and exploration of the histories of the H. H. Franklin Manufacturing Company (maker) and Franklin Automobile Company (sales and service) and their effects on the history of the automobile.
Franklin was a pioneer American manufacturer. The Syracuse, NY firm pioneered die-casting (1893), automobiles (1902), scientific management (1916), and
engineered innovative technical features still in use 100 years later. They are best known for their extensive use of aluminum, air-cooled engines, full-elliptical springs, and flexible chassis. Of the over 150,000 Franklin cars built between 1902 and 1934, thousands survive and many are still in use. Club members like giving rides.
Become a Member
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 Register of Franklins and Membership Directory of all cars and members around the world. As a member you will also receive access to our Members Only section on the web which includes:
- Factory Engineering Drawings. Click here for an example.
- Back issues of The Franklin Service Station
- Back issues of The Air Cooled News
- Repair and Maintenance Q's and A's. Click here to see the index of the topics covered over 15 years of member questions.
- Factory Dealer and Service Men's Bulletins
- Factory Owner's Bulletins
- Owner's Instruction Manuals
- Parts Manuals
- Sales Literature
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.
The H H Franklin Club’s Scholarship Programs in Focus
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In 2010 the Club provided one graduating McPherson student a scholarship to the Franklin Trek. Sixteen years later over 70 students have attended the Trek, with attendance building from one new student per year to between 5 and 10 new students each year.
During that time the Club has greatly expanded its programs to allow them to evolve to meet the needs of the student and work toward greater student involvement with the Club.
As we look back on the growth of this program we now have 14 current or former students who own at least one Franklin. Typically 20-25% of attendees at the Trek are now comprised of those who have been McPherson students.
The Franklin Club board has approved the creation of a Scholarship Endowment Fund, and we now have a clear path to insure the sustainability of our efforts for those who come after us.
Truly we have a way to keep our efforts moving forward to attract younger people who are in the position of their lives to stand with us and make the Franklin Club relevant a few generations hence.
As of the launch we have received leadership pledges of $825k from 14 Club member families spanning three generations. The pledges are comprised of 5 and 10 year commitments from members including the contribution of $75k in seed money from the Club.
We are well on our way to our near term goal of $1.2 million and our generational goal of $2.0 million.
Go to the News/Stories page,
or click here for background and more information.
Make a Tax Deductible Donation to the scholarship
program here
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 October 29?
For Sale: PULL HANDLES; Series 9 and Series 10. Go to the For Sale/Parts page,
or click here.
Updated on October 21?\.
Join us for our second Magnolia Meet in historic Natchez, Mississippi. Go to the News/Events page for more info, and registration or click here.
Updated on October 13.
For Sale, a 1920's Franklin radiator shell. Go to the For Sale/Parts page, or click here.
Updated on October 6.
For your reading pleasure, the September Franklin Service Station is now available For more info, go to the Members Only page or click here.
Updated on September 27.
For your viewing pleasure, the 2026 Lake Tapps Mini-meet photos are now on the
Pictures page, or click here
Updated on September 25.
The Franklin Factory Historical Marker has been permanently mounted back in Syracuse. Look for a full story in the Fall issue of Air Cooled News. Click here for a couple more pictures on the News page.
The estate of Dr. John Todorczuk has announced the sale of his beloved FRANKLIN Car Collection! For information
on the six Franklins go to the For Sale page,
or click here.
Updated on September 22.
Welcome to the first day of Fall! A big thanks again to Brian McEntee for our banner image "Fall." This original art work celebrates the coming of cool weather and the last chances for touring to check out the burgeoning Fall colors. Keep your eyes open as the seasons change for more from Brian. A big thanks Brian for this wonderful image.
In Memoriam
We honor and remember these valued members, spouses, and dear friends of The Franklin Club who have passed on. Their passion, friendship, and contributions to our community will always hold a special place in our hearts. We are dedicated to preserving their memory and celebrating the joy they brought to our lives and to the road.
September, 2026
We sadly note the passing of Robert “Bob” W. Miller, 79, of Knox, NY, who passed away on September 11,
Click here for more information.
August, 2026
We sadly note the passing of our friend Cinda Dorholt
on August 27 at the age of 76.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, October 10th in Mound, Minnesota. Click here for more information.
August, 2026
We sadly note the passing of Doctor John M. Todorczuk passed away in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 18 at the age of 74 after a short battle with a brain tumor. Click here for more information.
To review the passing of members from the past, go to the News/Memoriam page or click here
Welcome New Club Members
| Benjamin Moschello-Beebe McPherson, KS ---------- | | | | |
A.J. SanClemente Northborough, MA ---------- | | | | |
Brian and Kelly Wise Eatonville, WA ---------- | | | | |
| Adam Gabriel Delgado Coppell, TX ---------- | | | | |
Warren and Laurie English Sturgis, MI ---------- | | | | |
Mark Franklin and Mary Ann Drumm Cazenovia, NY (Great-great-nephew of HH) ---------- | | | | |
| Peter Landman Falls Village , CT ---------- | | | | |
Nancy and Bill Finch Syracuse, NY ---------- | | | | |
Robert and Christine Ballesteros Etowah, TN ---------- | | | | |
| Tony and Sharon Caldwell Oklahoma City, OK ---------- | | | | |
Robert Preuss Watertown , WI ---------- | | | | |
Mitchell Sarvis Chesapeake, VA ---------- | | | | |
| Pavel Janous Nové Město (New Town), Prague, Czechia ---------- | | | | |
Julia Werre Graham, WA ---------- | | | | |
Banner image: "Fall" -- Original Art by Brian McEntee (Who retains ownership)