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Nitro Antique Car Club Cruise-In Benefits Kentucky Flood Victims

Rick Gandy of Cross Lanes stands beside his 1936 lemon ice Ford truck, which features a hardwood bed and lowered frame. He recently won a participation award in the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky. Only 48 vehicles out of 10,000 won awards at the event. (Photo by Betsy Allen)

Hundreds of people have been affected by the flooding in Kentucky, creating a desperate need for aid. The Nitro Antique Car Club gathered $1,000 in donations for flood victims during the club’s last cruise-in on Friday, August 12, at Nitro’s Living Memorial Park. Rainy forecasts forced organizers to reschedule the event, which was originally to be held August 5.

The cruise-in offered free food, courtesy of the City of Nitro, Pepsi, Utz, and Flowers Bakery. Potted plants were donated by Town and Country Supply for door prizes.

The Nitro Antique Car Club likes to give back to the community by doing charity work. Twice a year, the club holds a swap meet in Winfield, with the proceeds going towards veterans. The club also does a cruise-in every autumn for Toys for Tots.

“If there is a need in the surrounding area, we take up donations at the cruise-in,” said Fret Lett, club president.

The Nitro Antique Car Club holds cruise-ins the first Friday of every month in the spring through fall at the Nitro Living Memorial Park. Established in 1961, the club is the oldest one of its kind in West Virginia. The organization is always looking for new members.

Bert Turley of Nitro shows off his orange 1935 Chevrolet with flame decal. (Photo by Betsy Allen)
Andrew Wallace of Milton shows off his bright blue 1948 Ford telephone utility truck. The truck features various cubbies and a set of drawers with sectioned off dividers which were used to store telephone terminals and other equipment. These features are accessed on the passenger’s side, so that the driver would not have to walk out into traffic to get supplies. At one time, the truck was equipped with ladders on both sides. In the 1960’s, phone companies switched over to using vans instead of these special utility trucks. (Photo by Betsy Allen)
Lewis and Macel Little of Nitro show off Lewis’ 1930 Model A car. Lewis says that he always wanted to own a Model A with a rumble seat. The vehicle has many of its original features, although it boasts new a new paint job. The Model A can go up to 45 miles per hour, but Lewis says that he only drives around 35. (Photo by Betsy Allen)
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