H. H. Franklin Club, Inc

09/21/2026

"I have seen many great mechanics and many great engineers, but I witnessed the greatest piece of diagnosing by little John Burns. He is terrific. He is the best yet." Mundy Peale, President of Republic Aviation Corp.

"He was always the master - the true Doctor of Motors." Carl Doman.

John Burns was/is an extremely important person to H.H. Franklin Mfg. Co., later Aircooled Motors, then The H.H. Franklin Club.

In the club's early years, he answered technical questions in the "John Burns Column". After he died in 1958, the column's name continued in his honor for decades.

"The Two Johns" [John Wilkinson and John Burns] article by Carl Doman, was published in the club's magazine Air Cooled News Issue 6, December 1954, and is reproduced on the club's website split into two portions.

The Two Johns (the 1st portion discusses John Burns in paragraphs 5-10 then discusses John Wilkinson in detail)
https://www.franklincar.org/about/history/wilkinson-burns.html

The Two Johns (the 2nd portion, in ACN 6, was titled JOHN BURNS)
https://www.franklincar.org/about/history/john-burns.html

Posted by Roy Canfield
A personal note: This past Thursday (Sep 17, 2026), I had the joyful experience to meet and chat with about a dozen of John Burns' descendants, including his grandson who is also about my age. MADE MY DAY!! I'm still smiling...

The role of John Wilkinson and John Burns in the Franklin Company.

08/14/2026

A good overview of all Franklin history (1893 to present) with a few flaws and typos, plus many non-Franklin photos. Roy Canfield

happened to ...

08/10/2026

Franklins attending the New Brighton run
Photos jerry Winkler
Darla metro

07/16/2026

A great time is being had by all and attendance is strong. Consider joining us next year for a week of fun and camaraderie! Thank you to all who have submitted photos- feel free to tag yourself.

06/22/2026

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02/05/2026

Want to learn more about Franklins? The updated Index of Air Cooled News (ACN) & Franklin Service Station (FSS) can help — on the Members Only page of www.FranklinCar.org. Roy C.

01/06/2026

Lee E. Schopmeier, 84, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026.

Born in Amsterdam, NY on September 4, 1941 to Theron and Elva (Frederick) Schopmeier, Lee is survived by his wife, Sara Schopmeier (Pfeiffer), his son Thomas Schopmeier (Kristine), his daughters Kristen Weeden (Tim) and Paula McDonald, his stepdaughter Melanie Buhrmaster, grandsons Seth Weeden and Ryan Schopmeier (Rebecca), a granddaughter Anisa Phillips, his brother Robert Schopmeier and three great-grandchildren Ava, Scarlett, and Giovanni. In addition to his parents, Lee was predeceased by his son, Todd Schopmeier.

A 1959 graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School, Lee was a proud small business owner and skilled craftsman who operated Lee Schopmeier Restorations for more than sixty years. A lifelong car enthusiast, Lee was a founding member of the Fulton County Car Club and a longtime member of the H H. Franklin Club. Lee was deeply involved in civic life as a member of the Broadalbin Seniors, the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce, the Colonial Little Theater, the Broadalbin Kennyetto Historical Society, and as a volunteer with both the Fulton County Office of the Aging and the Fulton County Regional Tourism Office.

Viewing hours will be held on Friday, January 9th at the Mayfield Central Presbyterian Church located at 22 N. Main Street, Mayfield, NY from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. followed by a service officiated by Rev. Dr. Bonnie Orth.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Lee’s memory to the H.H. Franklin Club by visiting: https://www.franklincar.org/donate.htm or The Fulton County Car Club c/o Robert
Landrio 3261 St Hwy 29, Johnstown NY 12095.

The H. H. Franklin Club, Inc. is a 501 (C)(3) Tax Exempt Educational Corporation incorporated in the State of Pennsylvania (Tax ID #16-1076023). Gifts over $50 will be acknowledged with a thank you letter. All donations are tax exempt, but please refer to a tax advisor for your own situation.

12/10/2025

From a recent visitor to the Gilmore Car Museum.

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