The Springfield Museums have revived Indian Day, the long-standing celebration and rally of the classic motorcycles that were manufactured in the city from 1901 to 1953. Indian Day will take place on Sunday, July 18, from 9 am-4 pm on the grounds of the Springfield Museums at the Quadrangle.
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 and president, spent more than four decades collecting Indian Motocycles, artifacts and memorabilia. In 2007, she donated her collection to the Springfield Museums where it is now on view in the new Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History.
In addition to the motorcycles on display, there will be vendors, food, a DJ, and trophies. The cost to attend Indian Day is $12.50 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $6.50 for children ages 3-17. The fee provides admission to all four Springfield Museums. Anyone bringing a pre-1953 Indian will receive one free adult admission plus a commemorative Indian Day button.