By Jeff Shively

Originally published in the November-December 2024 Lincoln and Continental Comments magazine (Issue # 381)

ABOVE:  The show field at the Gilmore.  Note the variety in the front row alone – 1920s to 1990s, with lost of 1960s and 1970s charm in between.  Ian Macartney’s 1872 Lincoln Continental Sedan is at the left.  (Photo courtesy of Ian Macartney.)

The 11th annual Lincoln Homecoming was held Aug. 7-11, 2024, at the Gilmore Car Museum near Hickory Corners, Michigan. This year’s host club was the Lincoln Zephyr Owners Club, although the LCOC’s own Paul Temple and family were heavily involved as per usual. Lincoln lovers from far and wide began arriving on Wednesday afternoon. As has been the case for many years, the host hotel was the Four Points by Sheraton Kalamazoo. One of the benefits of arriving on Wednesday is attending the weekly cruise-in at the Gilmore.

Thursday offered a change of pace from years past. Visits to the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum and the Michigan State Capitol were on the schedule. One of the charms of Lincoln events is that we usually caravan on these outings. As it was farther afield, everyone sat back and let the motorcoach driver handle the motoring chores. Although not Ford Motor Co. related, the Olds Museum is a fascinating place to visit for all fans of the internal combustion engine. Visiting any of our 50 state capitol buildings is a treat for history buffs, and Lansing was undoubtedly no different.

Friday featured a drive from the Gilmore campus to an old favorite- the W.K. Kellogg Manor House. This home is a reminder of the lifestyles of the rich and famous in the early part of the 20th century. Then, it was off to the bird sanctuary to see avians in their natural habitat.

One of the hidden gems of the Hickory Corners area is the Bill Parfet Collection. There were two opportunities to see his cars together. Many of these rare cars are displayed periodically in the different museums on the Gilmore campus, but this is a special treat.

Friday evening’s activity was centered around the Lincoln tent, within easy sight of the Lincoln Motor Car Heritage Museum. The fun kicked off with a cocktail hour followed by a Texas-style barbeque. Then it was time for everyone to open their wallets as the auction began, with the chance of getting that rare part or piece of Lincoln memorabilia they couldn’t live without!

Saturday was the big day. There were 34 cars registered, but as always, that number fluctuated as some were sidelined at home and others arrived to take their place. It was an early start, 7:30 a.m., with attendees entering the show field via the Model A Gate. Each Lincoln paraded by our museum on its way to its spot in the shadow of the red barns. Despite a smaller-than-hoped turnout, there was nearly a century of Lincoln history on display, starting with Bill Wybenga’s 1921 Model L and culminating with Paul Temple’s 2020 Continental. There was but a single Zephyr, a 1937 Three-Window Coupe named “Rita,” shown by Andrea Irby.

ABOVE:  Andrea Irby with her 1937 Lincoln Zephyr Three-Window Coupe named “Rita”.  (Photo courtesy of Ian Macartney.)

BELOW:  Gary Hussar and the Canton Car Museum brought this 1932 Lincoln Model K Roadster by Murphy.  (Photo courtesy of Ian Macartney.)

In the evening, after a trip back to the hotel for a shower and fresh clothes, attendees returned to the Gilmore for the banquet. Participant awards were given out and the guest speaker was Dave Perczk, Director of U.S. Lincoln Sales & Service.

Sunday was the last hurrah for 2024. Those who chose to stay enjoyed an encore Lincoln show at the Gilmore. The Lincoln Motor Car Foundation met to discuss the future of our museum, and then it was time to head for home.

Your editor was unable to attend the Homecoming this year and is grateful to Ian Macartney for providing the pictures for this article. He came from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to display his 1972 Lincoln Continental Sedan and 2017 Lincoln Continental. Let’s plan to return to Hickory Corners in 2025 for the 12th annual Lincoln Homecoming!

Jeff Shively is an LCOC member from Kokomo, Indiana.