The 8th Annual Indian Motocycle Day, Sunday, July 23, 2017, celebrated in honor of Esta Manthos at the Springfield Museums, brought in record crowds (1200 visitors) and more vintage bikes than ever before (62).
Don Skarp of Monson and Trailers of New England served as one of three judges who chose the winners for the seven awards conferred yearly. He said, “We just keep getting bigger and bigger. There are some beautiful vintage bikes here, more than ever before.” In case readers don’t know what it takes to be a vintage Indian Motocycle—a motorcycle that carries the Indian brand and was manufactured before 1953 qualifies. Founded by George M. Hendee and Carl Oscar Hedstrom, Indian Manufacturing Company produced motorcycles in Springfield from 1901 to 1953. Indian Motocycles were the first motorbikes produced in America, with Harley Davidson taking a close second in 1903. Folks vying for trophies are recognized not in the least for their ability to refurbish their bikes—and the best of show was a show stopper (see attached image).
John Sampson, of Sampson Family Chapels, sponsor of Indian Day, announced the winners:
- Best Four: Roland Houde of Andover, MA, for his 1937 Four.
- Best Sidecar: Robin Gazza of Windham, CT, for an Indian 402.
- Best Chief: Jack Mastroian of Wilbraham, MA, for his 1948 Chief
- Best Barn Find: Al Spada of Kingston, NY, for his 1910 Single
- George Yarocki Award for Best Scout: Robert Mathias of Chappaqua, NY, for his 1931 Scout
- Charlie and Esta Manthos Award for Razzle Dazzle: Jim Seidell, 1946 Chief
- BEST OF SHOW: Brendon Romcke-Harber for his 1939 Chief
And while 62 vintage bikes graced the north lawn, more than 400 modern bikes of different makes and models visited the Edwards Street parking area for all to admire.
Indian Day was also celebrated in memory of Esta Manthos who died in October 2016 at the age of 101. A moment of silence in her honor was observed at 10 am. Esta donated the collection she shared with her husband Charles to the Springfield Museums in 2007, establishing the Museums as caretakers of the largest collection of Indian cycles and memorabilia in the world.
If you missed Indian Motocycle Day, you can still see vintage Indian Motocycles at the Museums. Among the rarest Indians on view is the 1904 blue Indian designed and owned by Indian co-founder Hedstrom. When he left the company, he took this motorcycle with him, and it was later passed on to his granddaughter. Also featured are Indian racer and dealer Stanley Cornell’s unique 1912 board track cycle with its original board track racing tires; an entirely restored, operable 1929 101 Scout; and a 1927 hill-climber.
The collection also includes artifacts, memorabilia, and photographs highlighting production of Indian’s “everyman” and military motorcycles from the early years at the famous “Wigwam” through the final days of the downtown Springfield factory in 1953.
Visitors to the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History can also view the exhibit Crossing the Country to Cross Barriers: The Van Buren Sisters Ride into History, an account of the cross-country trip Augusta and Adeline undertook in 1916 to prove women could handle motorcycles.
Indian Motocycle Day was sponsored by Sampson Family Chapels in memory of Esta Manthos.