The Connecticut Street Rod Association
203-697-9113
203-697-9113
The year was 1967 and even though Street Rodding was in full gear, times were changing. Some were going off to college, some were being sent overseas to answer the call to duty, others were getting married and starting a family, some were starting a career or moving out of state to find their fortune. But street rodding was definitely in full swing and car clubs were being established and growing, as was the case for several rodders from the Hartford, CT area. They decided one summer day to get together and make a rod run to Hammonasset State Park where they made a day of cars, picnics, fun and relaxation.
The event was such a hit that these guys decided to do it again only this time to Barkhamsted Reservoir along with many more rodders. This was the beginning of what was to become the Connecticut Street Rod Association.
As the idea of rod runs grew, these industrious young men decided it was time to become more organized and conduct monthly meetings with a specific agenda. Officers were voted in and the original club by-laws were established.
A club logo was designed and created with a specific purpose. The unique design of the grille shell and axle contained within an oval was put onto a banner using gold and blue as club colors with a white background. The Grille Shell is symbolic of the overall design, ingenuity, bodywork and uniqueness that goes into building a street rod and the Axle represents the mechanical work that makes and keeps these cars running and on the road.
As the club grew several events were organized to help various charities and our communities. The idea to hold a swap meet was born and has grown to one of the largest swap meets in the state. In 1996 club members built a T Bucket and donated it to the North Branford Police Dept. The roadster was painted with the D.A.R.E. logo and used for their D.A.R.E. program. The car would be driven to schools and events by police officers to bring awareness of the ills of narcotics abuse.
Our biggest achievement came in 2001 when we were able to purchase our own clubhouse facility in Wallingford CT. The members pooled their skills and began the cleanup and remodeling efforts which in the end created our beautiful clubhouse. Now we hold our monthly meetings and other events throughout the year on our grounds.
As we now have turned the corner of over 50 years and 70 members strong we can proudly look back and reminisce over the fun, successes and pains we have shared personally and as a club to get to where we are today. As a strong and vibrant organization there is no doubt that CSRA will continue to strive and remain an important member of the street rodding community for many years to come. The original dream the founding fathers had of keeping street rodding alive has been achieved as member’s children and grandchildren, who are 2nd and 3rd generation street rodders, are now members of Connecticut Street Rod Association.
