SPRINGFIELD – Like the robins in the spring, the vintage Indian motocycles return to the city of their birth, even if the weather forecast included the chance of rain.

The annual Indian Motocycle Day – yes the company that invented the American motocycle didn’t include the “r” – took place July 22 on the grounds of the Springfield Museums attracting owners and riders of vintage bikes as well as motorcycle enthusiasts.

The Indian Motocycles were developed and manufactured in Springfield from 1901 to 1953. They were the first successful American motorcycle.

At this year’s show, there were bikes in working order ridden in by their owners for display and bikes that were not – both categories attracting significant attention from fans.  Bob “Sprocket” Eckhardt of Saratoga, NY, had a non-working “barn find” for sale. It was a 1947 model, which he said has a 1936 motor. In need of some restoration, he was looking for $12,000.

Across the lawn, Roland Houde of Andover had an unusual Indian – a “Papoose.” Developed during World War II, the Papoose weighed about 100 pounds and was a miniature motocycle. It accompanied paratroopers on separate parachutes.

Houde said if the miniature bikes survived the drop, the paratroopers could then get on them and tear down back roads at a speed of 25 mph – faster than hey could walk or run.

Houde also described the Papoose – which is included in the Indian collection at the Wood Museum of Springfield History – as a “barn find.” He said it is in the original condition as it was found – something Indian collectors treasure. Bikes in original condition are worth more than restored models.

Collector Dick Shappy of Warwick, RI, brought two bikes in their original condition to the show. He had on display a 1909 Indian model, as well as a 1911 model. It was apparent to see the bicycle design origins of the Indians.

Shappy said both models do run, although at this point he doesn’t start them up due to oil leaks. He was able to acquire the bikes from a friend in North Carolina.

Pointing out the green paint  – which he said was very rare – he said it was all-original.

“You can restore it 100 times, but it’s only original once,” he explained.

Shappy was among the winners in the annual judging of the bikes at the show. The results were:
• Best Side Car: Warren Compton of Chicopee with his 1953 Chief and side car
• Best Chief: George Gilbert of Portland, CT, with his bright yellow 1915 Roadmaster
• Best Four: Don Skarp of Palmer, with his 1930 four cylinder
• Best Razzle Dazzle: Burch Baer of Monson with his 1940 841
• The George Yarocki Award for Best Scout: Chris Lennox of Granby for his 741 Scout
• Best Barn Find: Dick Shappy of Warwick, RI, with his 1909 Twin
• Best of Show: Dick Shappy of Warwick, RI, with his 1911 Single.

This year’s show was dedicated to the late Charlie Manthos, whose collection of Indian Motocycles and memorabilia is now featured at the Wood Museum of Springfield history.

According to museum officials, “Manthos became a lifelong enthusiast for the Springfield-made cycles when he rode his first Indian as a young man in the 1930s. After decades of assembling a personal collection of Indian Motocycles and memorabilia he and his wife Esta opened their own Indian Motocycle Museum in 1974. The museum was located in the factory that George Hendee built in 1913 on Hendee Street when production exceeded capacity at the Wigwam building at Mason Square. The collection created a wonderful opportunity for Indian fans to experience the history of the Indian marque through the motorcycles, photographs, and many Indian products Charlie and Esta collected. Manthos received a number of donations from Indian riders and former factory employees. A group of these men worked to restore many of the old Indians Charlie acquired. Manthos passed away in 1996 at the age of 79. Knowing that Charlie wanted the Indian collection to stay intact and in Springfield, in 2007 Esta Manthos made a generous gift of their Indian collection to the Springfield Museums.”