The New Ipswich Historical Society received an inquiry about 1922 Ford Model T emblazoned with “LR Willard – Painter & Decorator”. The vehicle belonged to Leonard Renton Willard, a New Ipswich businessman who was painter, photographer and chicken farmer. “Lonny” as he was known photographed much of New Ipswich from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Ironically there is no photograph of him.
The vehicle is currently located in Nevada and the owner provided photos and a story board of its history.
Photos courtesy of Mary Denski Berger
Car was restored in 2015-2016
Vehicle in 1976
Storyboard Notes
Provided by Mary Denski Berger
“This Model T was originally owned by L.R. Willard of New Ipswich, NH. The rear panel insert read ‘L.R. Willard – Painter & Decorator’. Somehow the car ended up in the B.J. Pollard Auto Collection in Detroit, MI. He had amassed a huge collection, estimates were from 1,000 to 1,200 cars. He stored many of them stacked end to end to save on storage space. He decided to sell his cars at auction in the mid 1970s & had several auctions to do that.”
“My father-in-law, John Denski bought this car at one of these auctions. When he brought the car home, his wife called it ‘an outhouse on wheels’. John restored the car in 1977 & and it was used many years in parades, festivals, parties of just a ride to get an ice cream cone.
After John passed the car eventually came to me. I restored the car in ’15 & ’16, giving it a fresh coat of varnish & paint. Engine & chassis are original as is the majority of the wood. (only the wood insert panels have been changed). Lights & turning signals were added for safety.”
