Now on exhibit is a fully restored 1924 Model T Ford coupe. The vehicle was donated by Scott and Dolly McCartan of Pewaukee, Wis., to the Menominee Range Historical Foundation.

The coupe was purchased by Dolly McCartan’s father, Al Chmielewski, in the early 1950s for $75. It was kept at the family’s cottage at Little Cosgrove Lake in Spread Eagle, Wis.

Chmielewski used the Model T to go fishing around the area and take his three children for rides through the woods. In 1960, the vehicle was driven to Pewaukee by his son Tom Chmielewski.

“Along the way he had two flat tires and had to use a solid rubber tire he had brought along to get the rest of the way home,” said Guy Forstrom, Menominee Range Historical Foundation treasurer.

Guy Forstrom, Menominee Range Historical Foundation board member, stands with Dolly McCartan of Pewaukee Wis., next to a restored 1924 Model T Coupe that was donated to the Menominee Range Historical Foundation by McCartan and her husband, Scott.

In the late 1980s, Chmielewski sold the Model T to grandson Tom Chmielewski, Jr. for $1. Tom Jr. subsequently restored the car with guidance from grandfather Al.

The McCartans took over as caretakers of the car several years ago.

After a visit to the Menominee Range museums in early July the couple decided to let the Model T come home to the area so other visitors could enjoy this bit of automotive history, said Forstrom.

This model was also known as a “doctor’s coupe” as it is an enclosed, all-weather car and was preferred by rural physicians.

The Model T Ford was also called a “Flivver” and a “Tin Lizzie.” The 1924 coupe sold new for $525.

Today, the Model T still runs and drives as it should.

“I started it right up and drove it onto the trailer in Pewaukee and drove it into the museum when we arrived,” said Forstrom of his trip on July 12.

It joins a 1930 Ford Model A Tudor Sedan and the 1939 Ford V-8 DeLuxe “Woodie” station wagon in the Military museum.

“We — the Foundation board members — are extremely pleased to receive this generous gift,” said Forstrom. “This unique little car is in extremely great condition.”

The World War II Gilder and Military Museum is behind the Cornish Pumping Engine and Mining Museum at 300 Kent St. in Iron Mountain.

The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The museums rely on a dedicated group of volunteers as well as donations. For more information, contact museum manager Dianne Castelaz-Chiapusio at 906-774-1086 or email mrh-museum@gmail.com.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772 ext. 41 or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.