About Earl Carpenter "Kin Earl"

Kin Earl Carpenter was a well-known man in the Sutton area, who passed in 2003. Sometimes known as a "character" he was well loved by young and old alike. Earl had a prestigious career as a teacher at Sutton Public School. Examples of his "character" would show up daily, such as when he ran home for lunch returning with a fresh and even more colourful tie (one of very many) with the conviction that he didn't want his students to get bored in the afternoon! (thank you John Cole for that story...and I don't think I should tell some of the others!)

In addition to serving his community as a teacher, and as the long standing director of the Virginia United Church Choir, he also ended up as a local business man, owning and running the local Laundry-mat. But for all this high profile, Earl was possibly best known for his huge car collection, and especially for his practice of using them in rotation as "daily drivers". Earl kept around 60 vintage or classic cars and antique steam engines or tractors, at any time. Hudson's and Chrysler Imperials, and so, so very many more. He loved to buy them, he just never liked to sell them!

His yard and barn were strewn with them. Som e in restored condition, others waiting to be, and still others happily left just in plain but drive-able condition. (Earl's eyesight was not the best, it is said that if anyone pointed out a blemish---or even an obviously rusted fender, he would stare at it intently to have you on, then simply dismiss the concern "well I can't see it!")

A lot more could, and maybe should be written about Kin Earl and his cars, his antique tractors, the students he taught and how he taught them! But as a 34-year member of the Sutton Kinsmen/K40 service club, we felt that we simply had to organize and name a car show in his honor. (Even if it makes for a name that is quite a tongue twister!)

"The Earl Carpenter Memorial Trophy" will be presented to the winner of the Peoples Choice contest. The most liked car, rather then the most restored car is very much in keeping with Kin Earl's outlook on collecting. We thank Rilla Carpenter and family for donating this trophy, helping us to honor Kin Earl, his cars and the many memories!