The Skunk Wagon Club celebrates cars from bygone eras

GREAT FALLS – Classic and historic car enthusiasts will see some old automobiles at the Independence Day parade in downtown Great Falls on Thursday, but what about the other 364 days of the year?

Here in Great Falls, many of them are simply members of the Skunk Wagon Club.

“As the name suggests, it’s a club for classic and pioneer automobiles,” said John Rummel, a member of the club. “To participate, you have to be 25 years old, which doesn’t seem very old these days.”

The Great Falls Chapter of the Montana Pioneer and Classic Auto Club takes its name from a painting by Charlie Russell in which a Native American car was referred to as a “Skunk Wagon.” The chapter celebrates all vintage and classic vehicles.

From the Ford Model T to the 1934 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, there is a place for every vintage vehicle in the group.

Rummel has been interested in cars since he was a child. He grew up watching his father restore old Fords. He has been collecting for 30 years and although he has to constantly maintain the cars, it is a labor of love.

“They’re fun to drive and play with, and they bring back memories of times gone by,” Rummel said. “From my childhood, because I was surrounded by a lot of old cars.”

The Skunk Wagon Club is constantly looking for new people to share their love of vehicles from yesteryear and is committed to maintaining interest in vintage cars throughout the state.

They meet every third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Eagles.