The 2017 Homecoming recognized the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Lincoln Motor Company, which was created in 1917 to build Liberty V12 motors for the Allied Forces during World War One. (The company was re-incorporated in 1920 to build motor cars.)
This was the 2017 national meet for all Lincoln clubs, featuring both judged and display-only classes. Though hosted by the Lincoln Owners Club, all Lincoln clubs were invited to attend: the Lincoln-Zephyr Owners Club, Road Race Lincoln Register, Lincoln Continental Owners Club and the LOC. Almost 150 Lincolns arrived to celebrate this milestone.
For several days preceding the weekend car show, attendees had the chance to choose from numerous driving tours that catered to a multitude of interests. Tours of the Off Brothers Automobile Collection and Bill Parfet Auto Collection brought passionate collectors together to marvel at the variety and endurance of these cars.
There were opportunities for great photos of our classic cars at Charlton Park Historic Village and a chance to imbibe in local craft beer at Bell’s Brewery.
A highlight was the tour of Kellogg Bird Sanctuary followed by a delicious plated lunch at the Kellogg Manor House. Docents shepherded small groups through the Kellogg’s summer home and shared numerous details of their life there.
Another option included a drive to Grand Rapids to visit beautiful Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Varied and exotic horticulture, both in the indoor conservatories and in the 158 acre park, meshed beautifully with the over 200 masterworks by renowned sculptors spread over the site. An added treat was an exhibit in the main building featuring work by renowned Chinese artist and social critic, Ai Weiwei.
Air buffs had a chance to see more than 50 diverse aircraft on display at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Center. Before dinner they were afforded close looks at everything from a replica of the first Wright Flyer, to World War II era fighters and bombers, all the way up to the modern and one-of-a-kind SR-71B Blackbird – the fastest plane ever built. The daring even tried high-definition 3D full motion flight simulators which allowed the brave to perform full-motion loops, rolls and more while dog-fighting in a fighter plane—closest thing to real flight without having to leaving the ground!
The weekend included the usual Friday dinner and lively auction of Lincoln memorabilia with “auctioneer” Tony Russo.
On Saturday the Lincoln Motor Car Heritage Museum hosted the fourth annual gathering of Lincoln motorcars, showcasing Lincolns from the 1920s and 30s. Judging will be done by the individual clubs. Later in the afternoon, there was as a dedication in the Lincoln museum of a rare Liberty engine by Dr. David W. Roycroft. His wife’s personal family history with that engine prompted him to search for, find and restore one for the museum.
LOC and LZOC awards were presented at that evening’s banquet, after which guest speaker Jack Telnack, retired global Vice President of Design for Ford Motor Company, shared his perspective on the key elements of good design and how those could be seen in different models over the years.
The weekend concluded with one final trip to Hickory Corners on Sunday for a car show which included presentation by the LCOC of its awards as well as photographing of the winning Lincolns. The Elliston H. Bell Founder’s Trophy for Most Outstanding Senior Lincoln was awarded to Warren and Lori Wubker of Orlando, Florida for their 1956 Premiere Convertible.
Thanks for planning this 2017 event go to a LMCF standing committee comprised of the four Lincoln presidents (Eric van den Beemt, LOC; Tom Brunner, LZOC; John Talbourdet, LCOC; Mike Denny, RRLR) and David Schultz, LMCF chairman. Also assisting were Greg Bilpuch, who played a major role in planning the museum’s dedication in 2014, and LMCF board member Vaughn Koshkarian. Additional thanks go to LCOC members Bob Johnson and Dennis Garrett who handled registration and other meet responsibilities.