On Friday, September 11, 1908, the small town of Wilbraham buzzed with excitement as the sun rose over the mountains, casting a golden hue on the rolling hills that framed the horizon. The air was electric with anticipation as townsfolk and visitors alike gathered along Monson Road, eagerly awaiting the historic hill climb race about to unfold.
Organized under the auspices of the prestigious Springfield Automobile Club and proudly sponsored by the Automobile Club of Massachusetts, this event was more than just a race—it was a celebration of innovation, engineering prowess, and the relentless spirit of adventure that defined the Brass Era of automotive manufacturing.
The 72-car field was meticulously organized into 21 distinct classes, carefully considering engine type, displacement, and price ranges to ensure fairness and competitiveness. Additionally, a modified class was established to accommodate vehicles with customized enhancements, further diversifying the competition. Furthermore, to celebrate the diversity of motorcycling, dedicated classes were designated to showcase the unique capabilities of motorcycles.
The challenging one-mile course traversed up Monson Road, with the starting line positioned roughly 500 feet east of Main Street. The course culminated just before reaching Ridge Road, offering competitors a demanding ascent from an elevation of 300 feet to 770 feet. With the steepest grade of 23 percent, the course demanded skill and precision from drivers navigating its twists and turns. Despite the formidable terrain, the average grade of 8.5 percent ensured a thrilling yet manageable competition. The natural hardness and firmness of the dirt road added to the intensity of the race, requiring drivers to exhibit both finesse and agility. Each car was meticulously timed over the measured mile by the esteemed Timing Club of New York City, ensuring accuracy and fairness in determining the victors of this exhilarating event.
In the past, Monson Road, with its rugged terrain and challenging ascent, emerged as an unofficial proving ground for the daring engineers and manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the Springfield area.
The automobile club secured the road for a generous four-day period preceding the hill climb event, affording participants ample time for practice runs to familiarize themselves with the challenging course. Additionally, meticulous preparations were undertaken to ensure optimal conditions for both drivers and spectators. All rocks were diligently removed from the road surface to guarantee a smooth and safe racing environment. Moreover, a grandstand was erected near the point of the steepest grade, providing spectators with an unrivaled vantage point to witness the entirety of the thrilling racecourse.
As the clock ticked closer to the starting time, the streets thrummed with the rumble of engines and the gleam of polished brass fixtures catching the sunlight. Drivers clad in leather goggles and dashing caps exchanged nods and smiles, their camaraderie tinged with the competitive edge that fueled their passion for speed.
Twenty thrilling events were meticulously planned, attracting approximately 70 formidable "machines" eager to showcase their prowess on the challenging terrain. Among the prestigious car manufacturers competing were Stevens-Duryea, Knox, Buick, Chalmers, Cameron, Middleby, Jackson, Bailey, Atlas, and Stanley Steamer, each bringing their finest vehicles to vie for victory.
Ultimately, it was the Stevens-Duryea, crafted in Chicopee Falls, and the Knox Automobile Company's offering from Springfield that emerged as the show winners. Piloted by the skilled Charles Basle, the winning Knox Giant blazed through the arduous dirt road mile in a remarkable one minute and eight seconds, achieving an astonishing average speed of 52.9 miles per hour. Basle's performance not only secured the victory but also set the record for the fastest time recorded by an automobile throughout the entire meet.
Meanwhile, the Indian Motorcycle proved its mettle by completing the challenging course in a swift one minute and three-fifths of a second, further highlighting the impressive capabilities of these powerful machines in navigating the demanding terrain.
The scene along Monson Road was nothing short of spectacular, with approximately eight hundred automobiles lining the course and an impressive crowd of between five and six thousand spectators gathered to witness the thrilling events unfold. Despite the adrenaline-fueled excitement, the day remained largely safe, with only one reported racing accident. Peter Robinson, navigating a Stevens-Duryea, encountered a mishap as the vehicle rolled over, resulting in its complete wreckage. Miraculously, Robinson escaped with only a broken leg.
The Monson Road course, renowned as "the toughest climb in New England," lived up to its reputation, offering competitors and spectators alike a true test of skill and endurance. The presence of a treacherous "switchback" curve, situated in front of what is now 220 Monson Road, added an extra layer of challenge to the already demanding ascent. This iconic feature further solidified Monson Road's status as a legendary battleground for automotive enthusiasts, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of motorsport history.
The historic hill climb race of September 11, 1908, would be remembered as more than just a sporting event—it was a testament to the indomitable spirit of a generation captivated by the promise of the open road, where brass gleamed brightly against the backdrop of a changing world. And as the sun set on Wilbraham that evening, it cast its final rays upon a legacy that would endure for generations to come.
In the early 1900s, the quaint town of Wilbraham found itself at the forefront of an automotive revolution, as pioneers like Henry W. Cutler and Fred R. Collins embraced the burgeoning world of horseless carriages. With their visionary spirit and a taste for adventure, they paved the way for a new era of transportation that would forever transform the landscape of their community.
Among the notable vehicles gracing the streets of Wilbraham were the illustrious 1905 Knox touring car owned by Henry W. Cutler and the sleek 1905 Cadillac belonging to Fred R. Collins. These marvels of engineering captured the imagination of townsfolk and visitors alike, their gleaming brass fittings and polished exteriors symbolizing the dawn of a modern age.
As word of these remarkable automobiles spread, Wilbraham experienced a surge in automotive enthusiasm. By 1913, the once-sleepy town boasted an estimated thirty to forty automobiles, each representing a triumph of innovation and a testament to the pioneering spirit that thrived within its borders. The streets that once echoed with the clip-clop of horse hooves now reverberated with the hum of engines and the excited chatter of onlookers, as residents marveled at the sight of these modern marvels traversing their familiar roads.
In 2013, the town of Wilbraham embarked on a journey to honor its rich automotive history by commemorating the iconic 1908 hill climb event during its 250th-anniversary celebrations. The reenactment captured the imagination of the community and beyond, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide to witness a piece of living history. The success of this inaugural reenactment paved the way for subsequent events in 2015 and 2017, each one growing in popularity and scope as antique car and motorcycle enthusiasts flocked to participate.
Unfortunately, the much-anticipated 2020 event faced an unexpected hurdle with its cancellation due to the global pandemic. However, the spirit of the Wilbraham Hill Climb refused to be extinguished, and in 2023, the event made a triumphant return, marking a new chapter in its storied legacy.
On Saturday, May 13, 2023, the hills of Wilbraham echoed once again with the roar of vintage engines as the reinvigorated event showcased a spectacular array of pre-World War II cars, driven by members of the Vintage Sports Car Club of America. Spectators lined the route, their eyes alight with nostalgia as they watched these meticulously restored vehicles navigate the challenging course with grace and precision.
The atmosphere crackled with excitement as enthusiasts mingled, swapping stories and sharing their passion for automotive history. And amid the throng of spectators, one notable figure stood out—Wayne Carini, star of "Chasing Classic Cars," made a special appearance, adding an extra layer of prestige to the event and further cementing its status as a must-attend affair for vintage car aficionados.
