Heritage Volunteers from Écho Village de la Blaise are restoring a scooter from the 1950s. Special features: the latter was built in Chaumont.
Under the huge barn, among the old horse-drawn carriages and agricultural machines, sits a strange machine. On a workbench, a strange-looking scooter is being pampered. It is a donation from Daniel Cayot from Chaumont. “We received the machine in pieces in a box,” says Dany Chabernaud, volunteer mechanic. It dates from the years 53-54 and it is registered. The machine was handcrafted with metal tubes, handlebars, a fork and a bicycle lamp. Recovery in short. All in the spirit of the post-war period, when, in Italy, the first Vespas were assembled with aeronautical parts. The two-wheeler is powered by a 125 cm3 two-stroke petrol Parrot engine. The machine, imposing since it measures 1.80 m in length, has just received a new gray paint job. A superb two-seater leather saddle made by harnessmaker Thierry Charuel invites you to take a ride. More than 150 hours were needed by EVB volunteers to restore this Haut-Marne scooter. The price of the Dolce Vita ?
“We received the machine in pieces in a box”
Monkey ass
A little further in the huge barn, two carriages are being restored. One is surprisingly called “monkey’s ass”. “It’s a small passenger car for wealthy people,” specifies Thierry Charuel. This former saddler/saddler from Droyes has just asserted his retirement rights. He is a valuable reinforcement thanks to his craftsmanship in the team of volunteers. The horse-drawn vehicle, currently being restored, dates from the end of the 17th centurye century or early 18th centurye. It is now the oldest machine in the EVB collections. As a reminder, the Echo Village de la Blaise association aims to safeguard and promote rural heritage. Outside, a saddlery workshop has been installed. “We redo the hood of the carriage identically with two cowhides”, points out the volunteer saddler.
Every Tuesday, the team of volunteers meets in the old farm of Dommartin-le-Saint-Père. It’s a veritable hive that restores small agricultural equipment. “The association has 180 members”, indicates with satisfaction the treasurer William Piguet. All equipment will be put into action and visible during the harvest festival. This event, which is a popular success every year, will take place on Sunday August 11. The village of Arnancourt will be honored on this occasion.
Flea market On Sunday June 23, the EVB is organizing a garage sale. Free pitches for individuals. Free coffee and brioche. Such. : 06 33 11 75 21.
