Butler-Built Garage open house returns for 2026 season
After a few months off, the Butler-Built Garage open house returned for a second season on Sunday, Feb. 15, at the Butler branch office of state Rep. Marci Mustello, R-11th, on Barracks Road.
Just as last year, visitors got a chance to look at nine vehicles lovingly restored by the Old Stone House Region Antique Automobile Club of America, based in Butler. As the name of the event implies, all nine of the vehicles were originally constructed in long-gone automotive plants in Butler, including the former Bantam plant, which burned to the ground in November.
During the three months since the previous Butler-Built Garage open house in November, the Old Stone House club had some time to work on their “project car,” a 1920 Standard Touring. When it was shown last February, it was little more than a metal skeleton. By Sunday’s showing, the group had attached some exterior panels.
“That’s our project,” said John Pro, with the Old Stone House club. “Whenever we’ve got a little bit of time and money, we throw it onto that car.”
The February exhibition was not the only chance to see the restored roadsters up close. The Butler-Built Garage event will be repeated on the third Sunday of every month until November and the entire collection will be taken out of the garage for the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival in June.
“We’re taking this whole collection and displaying it in their history building this year,” Pro said.
