Museums celebrate Springfield’s motorcycle heritage with Indian DayDate: 7/2/2014 SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Museums will present their fifth annual Indian Day, a revival of a long-standing celebration and rally of the classic motorcycles that were manufactured in the city from 1901 to 1953.
Indian Day will take place July 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Springfield Museums at the Quadrangle. The event is sponsored by The Sampson Family and AAA Pioneer Valley. MassMutual is the 2014 Premier Sponsor of the Springfield Museums.
From 1970 until 2005, Indian Day was held at the now-closed Indian Motocycle Museum on Hendee Street in Springfield. Esta Manthos, the former museum’s owner, donated her extensive collection of Indian Motocycles, artifacts and memorabilia to the Springfield Museums in 2007 where it is now on view in the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History.
This year’s Indian Day will pay tribute to George Yarocki, renowned Indian expert and co-founder of the 101 Association Inc. an organization devoted to the history and preservation of the famous 101 Scout Motorcycle. George has operated the G. L. Yarocki Company for more than thirty years dealing with antique motorcycles, parts and literature. Several years ago, George allowed his vast archival collection to be made available through the Antique Motorcycle Club of America’s (AMCA) virtual library ensuring that future generations will have access to a wealth of information on motorcycle history. The Wood Museum of Springfield History is the proud owner of Yarocki’s magnificently restored 1929 Scout 101.
In addition to the motorcycles on display, there will be vendors, food and beverages, music played by a DJ, and the awarding of trophies for the best Indians in a variety of categories. Commemorative T-shirts will be available for purchase. Anyone bringing a pre-1953 Indian will receive two free adult admissions plus a commemorative Indian Day button (please arrive early for registration purposes).
Admission is $18 for adults, $12 for seniors and college students, and $9.50 for children ages 3 to 17. The fee provides admission to Indian Day events and all four Springfield Museums. Springfield residents are free with proof of address. Active duty military personnel and their families with proper I.D. are also free through the Blue Star Museums program.
For information, call 263-6800, ext. 300, or visit www.springfieldmuseums.org.
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