PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
CROSLEY … Vendors and Crosley automobiles fill the midway at the Fulton County Fairgrounds during the Crosley Automobile Club’s annual national meet in Wauseon.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Fulton County Fairgrounds once again became a gathering place for one of America’s most distinctive automotive brands, as the Crosley Automobile Club brought its annual national meet to Wauseon from July 6 through July 11.
Approximately 145 to 150 Crosley automobiles were registered for this year’s event, with owners traveling from about 25 states as well as Canada. Participants came from as far away as Oregon and California.
Andy Drake, president of the Crosley Automobile Club, said the annual gathering has become much more than a car show for those who return to Wauseon each summer.
“We coalesce as a club around this brand because it’s quirky, but it’s very endearing,” Drake said.
“And we come to Wauseon every year because it’s like visiting family. We know everyone here, and we welcome new people with open arms.”
The Crosley Automobile Club was founded in 1969 and has been bringing its national meet to Wauseon for decades.
Drake said one of the first gatherings at the fairgrounds drew approximately nine cars, while this year’s meet had nearly 150 registered.
The week featured a wide range of activities, including an Early Bird Dinner, movie night, Coffee and Crosleys, technical discussions, cruises, crafts, bingo, a flea market, craft vendors and a silent auction.
The club also visited Fulton Manor, where participants showed their cars to residents, spoke about the vehicles and shared ice cream.
Other highlights included a road rally to Tiny’s Dairy Barn, a pinewood derby, automobile games, valve cover races, an annual banquet and a Crosley drive-in theater.
Saturday marked the main car show day, with the show field opening in the morning and modified Crosleys featured as this year’s spotlight class.
The week then wrapped up with the club’s annual general meeting, awards ceremony and memorial picnic.
Beyond the cars themselves, Drake said the event is meant to be welcoming for entire families and not just dedicated automobile enthusiasts. “We try to make it an event for everybody, even if you’re not here just for the cars,” Drake said. “You can bring your kids, your grandkids, everybody comes.”
The club also makes an effort to connect with the surrounding community during its visit, including through cruises, nursing home visits and other activities.
Drake credited the Fulton County Fair Board, the City of Wauseon and the surrounding community for helping make the event a lasting tradition.
“The Fulton County Fair Board has been unbelievably welcoming to us,” Drake said. “The community has also been welcoming to us too.”
The vehicles celebrated during the week trace their history to industrialist Powel Crosley Jr., who built his fortune through radio, appliances and other ventures before entering the automobile business.
Crosley automobiles were produced from 1939 to 1952 and were designed as small, affordable vehicles for the average American.
The compact cars featured technology considered advanced for their time, including disc brakes, overhead cam engines and strong fuel efficiency.
Crosley produced sedans, convertibles, sports cars, station wagons and small Jeep-like vehicles known as Farm-O-Roads.
Although automobile production ended in 1952, the Crosley engine continued to be used for years in forklifts, generators, boats and other applications.
For Drake, who has attended the gathering since 2001, the annual event remains an opportunity to reconnect with fellow enthusiasts and celebrate the enduring appeal of the Crosley brand.
“We would love to see you all come out and take a look at the cars,” Drake said. “If you have any interest in antique cars and Crosleys in particular, come on out.”