Several members of the Heart of Maryland T’s Model T Ford club came to town Saturday to enjoy some sightseeing and shopping. Along the way, the members cooked their lunch as part of their once a year “cook tour.”

A cooking box located on the side of the engine of two of the vintage cars held roast beef, carrots and potatoes inside a secure cooking bag. According to club president Tom Anderson, the meal cooked during the three-hour drive from Frederick to Shepherdstown.

The tour was organized by club members Jennie and Hunter Mauck. Jennie, formerly Jennie Boyer, grew up in Shepherdstown and enjoys returning whenever possible. Through her efforts, the club members were able to enjoy their meal at Town Run Brewing.

Jennie shared, “The owner of Town Run Brewing, Todd Cotgreave, has been so helpful by letting us use his parking lot and restaurant facilities.”

Two of the cars joining in the tour Saturday were equipped with the cooking boxes. One belonged to Donald Trumpy, of Annapolis, Maryland. He said that he has owned the 1926 Model T Touring Car for about three years.

Anderson explained that the club has been in existence since about 1989. They run three club tours per year as well as participating in other club’s tours. The club enjoys one cook tour per year; this year, to Shepherdstown.

“Our goal is to preserve the history of the Model T,” Anderson said.

“We go at the slower pace of yesteryear, when things were less technical than now,” he said.

Hunter Mauck said that the cars came approximately 60 miles, from just outside Frederick, Maryland, to arrive at the Shepherdstown destination. He said he had hoped more club members would have been able to join in the tour; however, it’s never easy to find a time convenient to everyone.

Hunter and Jennie, both charter members of the club, explained that the cars have a top cruising speed of around 40 mph; however, the average speed is about 35 mph. They run on regular gasoline, very low octane, which is what was available for the 1920s production cars.

As lovers of history, the members of the car club spent the afternoon touring Shepherdstown’s historic sites including the Rumsey monument. They also visited many of the local shops as the group loves the downtown area.

“We try to look at historical spots and interest points,” Anderson said. “We are all interested in history.”