Story and photos by Mark Wing

The Tn’Vittles breakfast for November was hosted by Rose Ross at the Weck’s restaurant on 4th St. just north of Osuna Road.  Thirty-three club members and guests were in attendance this morning as well as four Model T’s.  Larry Azevedo arrived in his very original 1923 truck, Steve Suttle brought his beautifully restored 1925 coupe, the Duncans drove their 1920 touring car, and Don Mitchell came in his 1927 Model T Tudor.

Paul Duncan introduced everyone to his brother David who was visiting from out-of-state.  Patrick Duncan, Paul and Marilyn’s son also joined his parents and uncle at breakfast this morning.  Skip and Hedy Dunn drove approximately 2 hours south from their home in Los Alamos to join us at Weck’s.

Larry Azevedo introduced our latest Tin Lizzies of Albuquerque member, Cortney Campbell, who like Larry and Lorna, is a resident of the Village of Corrales.  Courtney’s family has been farming in Albuquerque’s North Valley for over 100 years and incredibly, has a 1914 Model T Huckster parked on his family’s farmland in Corrales that has been in his family since 1919!  Cortney still has his grandfather’s original sales receipt from 1919 when he paid $250 for what was then a five year-old truck.  After seeing some unknown years of service for the family farm business “Mann Farms”, the huckster was moved to it’s current location in Corrales in the 1960’s.  Larry (a current MTFCA Board Member and owner of a 1912 touring car) has seen the huckster and reports that it’s on blocks with an elm tree growing through it!  The huckster wood is largely rotted away, but could still be used for patterns.  The huckster is very complete and is in such a remote area that it was never subject to vandalism or used for target practice as is frequently the case with Model T’s left out in the open for decades.  The only major part known to be missing is the carbide generator – luckily a fairly easy part to find today.  The engine and drivetrain are correct for 1914 and, in Larry’s opinion, restorable.  The sheetmetal is intact but has rust-through in some areas.  The lamps were removed some time ago by the family for safe keeping.  Cortney is a building contractor and an accomplished finish carpenter so the huckster body will be a fun and easy project for him.  For the restoration, Cortney will be able to tap into Larry’s extensive Model T knowledge as well as assistance from other senior Tin Lizzies club members. This, along with access to Larry’s well-equipped garage, should make for a smooth and fascinating restoration project.  We welcome Cortney to our club and wish him the best of luck in restoring this family heirloom!

Weck’s serves wonderful breakfasts and this day was no exception.  It was an enjoyable event and everyone had a great time.  Thank you Rose for hosting this event!