Step Into History: Carlock House Tours with “Woodie,” the 1931 Model A Station Wagon
- Tiffany Tillema
- Jun 16
- 2 min read
If you've ever wondered what it feels like to step into a living time capsule, the Carlock House Museum in Winnsboro, Texas—also known as Oaklea Mansion—is your chance. This isn’t just a house tour. It’s a ride through history, a breath of East Texas charm, and, weather permitting, an unforgettable trip around town in “Woodie,” a beautifully preserved 1931 Ford Model A Station Wagon.
What Makes the Carlock House So Special?
The Carlock House isn’t just about elegant architecture or antique furniture; it’s about real people who shaped Winnsboro's story. The house holds stories of triumph, grit, and quiet determination. It reminds us that no matter where you start, what really matters is where you’re going.
The families who lived here had connections that stretched far beyond the town’s borders, with ties to local, state, and even national history. Each creaking floorboard and original wood detail whispers a piece of the past, and every tour is your chance to listen in.
And speaking of wood…
Meet “Woodie,” Our 1931 Ford Model A Station Wagon
After your guided tour of the house, if the skies are kind, you'll hop into Woodie for a short spin through historic Winnsboro. But this isn’t just any vintage vehicle.
Woodie is the real deal, an original 1931 Ford Model A Station Wagon, painted in factory Manila Brown with stunning Maplewood and Birchwood bodywork. More than 60% of the original wood remains intact, giving you an up-close look at craftsmanship that’s held strong for nearly a century.
This Model A is not a replica or a kit. It’s a painstakingly restored, historically accurate time machine on wheels. With its original hinges, three-row seating, leatherette interior, and vintage rubber mats, riding in Woodie is like rolling back into the 1930s—no flux capacitor needed.
A Closer Look Under the Hood
Woodie is powered by a fully restored, 201-cubic-inch, 4-cylinder engine that hums along with 40 horsepower of classic Ford reliability. It features a period-correct Zenith carburetor, flat copper plug leads, rebuilt generator, original-style ignition system, and a smooth 3-speed manual transmission that makes the ride as authentic as it gets.
Canvas side curtains keep you dry if a drizzle rolls in, and there's even a spare tire mounted on the side—because even in the 1930s, being prepared was stylish.
More Than Just a Pretty Face
Woodie isn’t just a showpiece; it’s a showstopper. This vintage gem has turned heads at:
2019 Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance, Class P – Vintage Trucks and Wagons: 1920–1960
2024 12th Annual Toys for Kids Auto & Cycle Show, Lindale, TX
2025 East Texas Auto & Cycle Show, Tyler, TX
And now? Woodie’s proudest moment is chauffeuring curious guests around Winnsboro, helping them see the town through the lens of history.
Plan Your Visit
The Carlock House Museum is open for tours on select days, offering a chance to walk through time and ride through town in one of the most iconic vehicles of American history. Tours must be reserved in advance and are dependent on weather for the Model A portion.
Come for the history. Stay for the ride. Leave inspired.
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