{"id":2977,"date":"2025-03-07T13:55:59","date_gmt":"2025-03-07T18:55:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/motorheadmen.com\/mhmgarage\/?page_id=2977"},"modified":"2025-08-21T20:45:01","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T00:45:01","slug":"why","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/motorheadmen.com\/mhmgarage\/why\/","title":{"rendered":"WHY"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

A Movement, Not Just a Mission<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We started with one idea: don\u2019t let history rust away.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From that came a bigger vision\u2014use part retrieval and classic car restoration to train and empower the next generation of builders. We\u2019ve seen firsthand how working on cars can change lives. It builds confidence, purpose, and pride.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the Motorheadmen Foundation, and through SaveTheParts.org, we\u2019re giving people away to keep this culture alive for decades to come<\/strong>. It\u2019s a movement to preserve automotive history, foster technical skill development, and inspire future generations of car enthusiasts and professionals. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our mission is driven by a deep passion for classic cars and the stories behind them, as well as the belief that hands-on learning and restoration are key to keeping automotive heritage alive.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A chance to learn valuable trade skills<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A way to connect with others who share the same passion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A path to careers in restoration, repair, and craftsmanship<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Why SaveTheParts.Org?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Because every part has a story worth saving. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At SaveTheParts.org, we recover, restore, and repurpose forgotten automotive parts\u2014breathing new life into the past and preserving the hands-on legacy of builders, tinkerers, and gearheads who made magic from salvage. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These aren\u2019t just parts\u2014they\u2019re pieces of history, and we\u2019re here to make sure they don\u2019t end up lost or forgotten.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Why Build a Car and Trade School in Delaware?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For me, W.A. Stokesbury V, this project is deeply personal. I\u2019m proud to come from a family of tradesmen who have worked in Delaware since the early 1800s. This rich history of craftsmanship and hard work is what drives my passion to create a museum that celebrates automotive and trade skills\u2014especially in Delaware, the state that has shaped our family\u2019s legacy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My vision for this project is not only to teach practical skills but to preserve and celebrate Delaware\u2019s history of tradesmanship. From the boat captains of the 1800s to the military vehicle builders of the 1950s and the classic car restorers of today, Delaware\u2019s tradesmen have always done what was necessary to thrive. The trades chool will showcase the tools, vehicles, and stories that represent this hard-working legacy, giving the public a glimpse into the rich history of the state\u2019s craftsmanship.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

A Family Legacy of Tradesmanship<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

For decades, the Stokesbury family led a thriving fishing operation, employing many workers and contributing to the local economy. Even as the years passed, they remained a fixture in Delaware, always teaching the next generation about their trade.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My great-great-grandfather, William A. Stokesbury Sr., was a boat captain in Delaware in the 1830s. He wasn\u2019t content to simply captain boats\u2014he wanted to expand his livelihood and help his son become independent. To do that, he and his son, W.A. Stokesbury Jr., began building boats that ran fishing parties in the Delaware Bay and transported goods to Wilmington and Philadelphia. Their work was rooted in Delaware\u2019s economy and community, using local docks like those at Bowers Beach and the Duck Creek River.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The family\u2019s legacy continued into the 20th century when W.W. Stokesbury took their work further, buying a fishing pier in Bower Beach in 1917.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

See all the images of Stokesbury tradesmen from 1901 and up on the images page<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Kent County, Delaware: The Perfect Location<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Kent County, located in the heart of Delaware, is the ideal location for this project. With years of experience operating small repair shops in this state, I know firsthand the need for a place where tradesmen and car enthusiasts can come together to learn and share their passions. Kent County is also experiencing tremendous growth, with many people moving here from New Jersey and New York seeking a more affordable lifestyle. This population growth presents an opportunity to offer skills training in a community-oriented environment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

The Need for a Tradesman Tech Center<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Delaware has a number of vocational schools, but many newcomers to the area are unfamiliar with the available resources. As a small business owner, I\u2019ve often encountered individuals\u2014both men and women\u2014who want to learn automotive skills but haven\u2019t had the chance to attend formal vocational schools. Whether it\u2019s learning how to repair their own cars or starting a career in mechanics, there is a real demand for hands-on training.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In today\u2019s world, tech school tuition is rising, and it\u2019s becoming increasingly difficult for individuals to commit to full-time programs. That\u2019s where our tech center comes in. We plan to offer small, focused evening and weekend tech sessions where 6-8 people can learn on real, hands-on projects. These sessions will be focused on working with vehicles from 2005 and earlier, giving students the opportunity to explore the classics while developing essential skills in car repair and restoration.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

A New Generation of Tradesmen<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

While my father, W.A. Stokesbury IV, had no interest in the fishing trade, his story was also shaped by Delaware\u2019s rich tradition of hands-on work. Born and raised on a dock in Bower Beach, he went on to serve in the Navy, where he developed a passion for electronics. He eventually founded Delaware Electric Signal Company, the first UL-certified burglar and fire alarm service in Delaware, which he ran successfully until health issues led to its sale in the late 90s.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growing up in this environment, I was always immersed in the world of tradesmanship. My father restored classic cars and military vehicles as a hobby, and from a young age, I worked alongside him, learning the intricacies of vehicle restoration. My own passion for cars blossomed, and in high school, I began building hot rods and racing cars. By the 1980s, I had opened my own muscle car repair shop, where I quickly realized I could make a living by combining my love for cars with my entrepreneurial spirit.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Hands-On Learning and Skill Development<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As I worked in my shop, I was always approached by young men and women eager to learn the trade. It wasn\u2019t my original goal to teach, but over time, I realized how important it was to share my knowledge and help the next generation of tradesmen. Today, I see the value in continuing to teach and pass on the skills that have been passed down through my family for generations.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


The Foundation is committed to providing practical, hands-on education in automotive repair and restoration. By offering immersive programs, apprenticeships, and technical training, we aim to equip young men and women with the skills necessary to excel in the automotive industry. These programs will empower the next generation of technicians, restorers, and business owners, ensuring that the technical expertise required to keep these vehicles on the road is passed down to future generations.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Why Focus on Older Vehicles?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Older cars and trucks have a unique appeal. Many people have memories of a specific vehicle from their past, and restoring or repairing these vehicles gives them a sense of nostalgia and connection. For aspiring mechanics, working on older vehicles offers an opportunity to learn the basics before moving on to more complex, modern systems. Furthermore, older cars are often more affordable, making them a practical option for people who want to learn mechanical skills but can\u2019t afford newer vehicles.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delaware, along with many other states, has thousands of older vehicles still on the road. For many residents, these vehicles are not just a mode of transportation\u2014they\u2019re part of their identity. Teaching people to repair and restore these vehicles provides an accessible entry point into the world of car repair while honoring the craftsmanship of the past.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Preserving Automotive History<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n


Classic cars are more than just machines\u2014they represent significant moments in history, craftsmanship, and personal stories. The cars we restore and showcase at the Motorheadmen Foundation will not only honor the incredible engineering feats of the past but also keep the personal stories of their owners alive. By collecting, restoring, and displaying these vehicles, we give them the respect they deserve and ensure that future generations will appreciate the craftsmanship and ingenuity that went into each one.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Building a Community of Like-Minded Enthusiasts<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n


One of the core values of the Motorheadmen Foundation is creating a community where people who share a love for classic cars and automotive restoration can connect. Whether it\u2019s through workshops, car shows, or social media engagement, we want to foster an environment where car enthusiasts from all walks of life can come together, learn, and collaborate. This is not just about restoring cars\u2014it\u2019s about creating a culture of appreciation, craftsmanship, and mentorship that extends beyond the vehicles themselves.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Supporting Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n


We recognize the value of inclusivity and aim to provide opportunities for those who may have faced barriers to entering the workforce, such as military veterans and individuals with disabilities. Our foundation seeks to offer these individuals a chance to build new skills, engage with their passion for cars, and contribute to the preservation of automotive history. Through mentorship and hands-on learning, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who join us on this journey.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Creating a Sustainable Future for the Foundation<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n


The Motorheadmen Foundation is not only about preserving cars\u2014it\u2019s about building a sustainable model that ensures the longevity of the project. By leveraging creative funding strategies, such as raffling restored classic cars, participating in high-profile auctions, and cultivating strong partnerships with industry sponsors, we can secure the resources needed to keep the foundation alive for years to come. These efforts will help ensure that we can continue our mission of preservation, education, and community building.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

A Legacy for Future Generations<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n


This project is about more than just the cars\u2014it\u2019s about leaving a lasting legacy.As I continue to travel the country, meeting enthusiasts and collecting stories for my social media series<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve heard countless stories from people who fear that their cars will be sold or forgotten when they pass. The foundation provides a way for these stories, these passions, and these vehicles to live on, be shared with the public, and be appreciated by future generations.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a chance for car owners to leave behind more than just a vehicle\u2014they can leave behind a piece of their history, their pride, and their passion.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By preserving automotive history through part restoration and retreival and educational opportunities, we can ensure that the art of classic car restoration and the culture of automotive enthusiasm continue to thrive for many years to come. This project is not just a place\u2014it\u2019s a movement, and we invite you to be a part of it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See an Overview of the Project<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

MotorHeadMen was started in 2017 through social media channels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Foundation was founded in January 2025.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Click here to see our Introduction to our Social Media<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A Movement, Not Just a Mission We started with one idea: don\u2019t let history rust away. From that came a…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2977","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/motorheadmen.com\/mhmgarage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2977","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/motorheadmen.com\/mhmgarage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/motorheadmen.com\/mhmgarage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/motorheadmen.com\/mhmgarage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/motorheadmen.com\/mhmgarage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2977"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/motorheadmen.com\/mhmgarage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2977\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3172,"href":"https:\/\/motorheadmen.com\/mhmgarage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2977\/revisions\/3172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/motorheadmen.com\/mhmgarage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2977"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}