A Cruise Back in Time: The 2018 Model-T National Tour

The summer months are filled with exciting adventures in Wayne County. One event that attracts hundreds of travelers along with auto and history enthusiasts from all over the United States, Canada, and even Australia is the Model T National Tour, which takes place July 8-13!

model_t_homecomin.jpg

Susan Yaeger, Richmond’s Model T Museum Executive Director, said, “We currently have 103 Model Ts registered and approximately 250 people representing 24 states including New York, California, Florida, Maine, and Texas plus Australia and Canada.  We are hoping for a great representation from our community to come out and participate in these events.”
This week-long event will be a busy but exciting adventure. Susan mentioned that there will be several opportunities for the community to see the Model T’s and to keep a look out because they’ll be driving around town, as well.

model_t_wayne_county_2.jpg

Homecoming Day is Saturday, July 14! On this day, vintage cars are invited to join the free car show (no charge to show or see)! The car show is the kick off event which starts at 8 a.m. The Swap Meet is another huge event for Model T enthusiasts. Susan noted that there will be seminars in the annex of the museum featuring Brent Mize, Tony Wiltshire, and Roy Hess!
More excitement happening on Homecoming Day includes: stories from John Butte, the owner of the Silver Streak 1926, from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. about the “Gypsy Coeds” adventures; a talk from Doug Partington from Allora, Australia who shipped his 1922 Speedster (which was the first recognized racecar from Australia) to Richmond, IN happening from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.; free admission to the museum all day; breakfast and lunch served by Tin Lizzies; and ice cream served by Ullery’s. It’ll be a packed day full of festivities that won’t end until 4 p.m.!

silver_streak.jpg

Other highlights of the week include Heritage Night at McBride Stadium (201 NW 13th St.) on Tuesday, July 10. The Richmond Jazz invited the Model T’s to add to the “historical flare.” The first pitch is at 7:05 p.m. along with exciting events in-between innings. Wednesday, July 11 brings the Model-T parade starting at Glen Miller Park at 6:30 p.m. and end in the Depot District between 8th and 10th Streets. The community is encouraged to visit the Depot Wednesday evening after the parade and see the Model T’s, enjoy live music, and enjoy dinner and ice cream! The last highlight (but certainly not the last event for the week) is the first performance of “Oh! Henry! and the Tin Lizzies!” musical put on by Richmond Civic Theater (1003 E. Main St.) on Thursday, July 12. The play will continue to be performed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Show times and ticket information can be found at www.gorct.org.
Even though the Model T wasn’t made in Richmond, it is still the perfect place for the Model T Club. Why? Susan said this: “Model T people fell in love with Richmond’s people at the Centennial in 2008 and many have enjoyed returning here year after year for Homecoming. Having the National Tour here this year gives more people the opportunity to experience all that Richmond, Wayne County, and eastern Indiana have to offer. It’s a mutual admiration society between Model T-ers and Richmond!  In addition, the central geographic location is an additional draw as our members come from all over the U.S. and many other countries as well. It’s a destination spot for people traversing the U.S.”
Model T lovers have fostered a worldwide community filled with passionate auto hobbyists. Susan encourages anyone who hasn’t visited the museum in the last 6 months to come and see the sites again. There have been 15 new vehicles added to the museum’s collection, a vintage garage machine shop, and an agricultural display!

model_t_1.jpg

The Richmond Model T Museum is located at 309 N 8th St. and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Mondays by appointment only. During January, February, and March, the museum closes at 4 pm. For questions, please call 765-373-3106 or visit their website. Admission to the museum for Model T Ford Club of America members is free; non-member admission is $3 for adults. Children 12 and under are free.