Real 1926 Model T steals the show at Walnut Creek’s third-grade wax museum

The Walnut Creek Elementary 2025 Third Grade Living Wax Museum had a stunning addition to the usual event this year, with a genuine Henry Ford product joining the 19 students portraying various historical figures.

Among the students was Mak Miller, who chose to portray auto industry kingpin Henry Ford as his figure. Along with Miller’s attire and information came an authentic 1926 Ford Model T, owned by his father Carson Miller.

The Model T was parked outside the school’s front door, where visitors could admire it prior to stepping into the world of history inside the gymnasium.

“The car definitely adds something rare and fun for everyone to see that is very different than normal,” Principal Darrell Haven said.

Carson Miller said he purchased the vehicle less than a year ago, although it has been in the family for three decades.

The 20-horsepower automobile caps out with a maximum speed of around 45 mph, and while Miller had planned on bringing it in via a trailer, the vehicle hauling the trailer didn’t start.

However, the dependable Model-T did after Miller cranked it up, and he drove it to the event.

“It goes up to 45 mph, but I wouldn’t ever drive it that fast,” Miller said. “I’m not exactly sure where it was prior to ending up in our family, but my grandfather bought it at a farm auction back in the 1990s, and it’s been passed around in the family ever since then. It’s pretty impressive that even though the newer truck parked in front of my trailer didn’t start, this thing fired up right away."

Miller said Henry Ford needs to have one of his all-time great models with him for any event.

Mak Miller said it was exciting to have the car as part of his story. “It’s pretty cool that I got to have the car here as part of my Henry Ford exhibit,” he said.

The Model-T added some new spice to a school and community favorite event, and who knows what its arrival at the school might mean for future wax museums?

Perhaps in the future attendees could see an authentic wooden canoe from Lewis and Clark or some other creative addition to the many articles and memorabilia inside the gymnasium.