Oakland Homecoming Update

Greenfield Village Is an ideal setting for the 100th Anniversary Celebration Greenfield Village is an ideal setting for the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Oakland Automobile as it represents the time period in which the Oakland Motor Car Company existed. Our wonderful Oakland's and Pontiac's will be parked on the Village Square, providing easy access to the Village's many historical sites. This historic, turn of the century community, covers 90 acres and represents the dreams of Henry Ford, who sought to recreate an historic period that inspired his dreams. A period in which visionaries brought to life the inventions that formed the industrial foundation of the 20th century. Visit the many shops that represented the period. Henry Ford purchased a number of original buildings and had them moved to this beautiful Village. There are also a number of authentically reconstructed buildings that bring this historical period to life. See Henry's boyhood home or visit the workshop of Thomas Edison were inventions come to life. Don't forget to stop into the Wright brothers' shop or visit the Model T repair garage. The Liberty Craftworks is sure to please everyone as early craftsman apply their trade.
Leisurely stroll down Maple Street and visit many historical homes. See the home of Noah Webster or the humble beginnings of George Washington Carver. Near the end of Maple Street you may hear the excitement of an 1867 baseball game. Most weekends you can find the Village's Lah-De-Dahs' taking on neighboring Walnut Grove. There were no stadiums in 1867. So rest yourself on the shaded hillside and relax as you watch the game played by 1867 rules.
If walking wears you out then jump into that beautiful Oakland or Pontiac of yours and drive down Maple Street. This will certainly put you back in time when narrow shaded streets ruled the day and neighbors waived as you drove by in that new Oakland/Pontiac you just purchased.
Saturday evening is especially exciting. The Hotel Savarine Society Orchestra starts the evening off with a concert. Listen to the rhythm or dance in the evening's twilight as the orchestra plays those "old favorites". After the concert our early Oakland's are invited to join the "Gaslight Tour". Hundreds of early cars with gas,, kerosene or early electric lamps take to the Village streets for a cool evening drive. The rest of us will need to grab our lawn chairs for a front row seat to enjoy this spectacular once in a lifetime light show. But the evening would not be complete without the wonders of a light show in the sky. Yes, fireworks fill the air as your first day at Greenfield Village comes to a close.
Sunday provides another opportunity to see the sights and sounds that fill Village streets. As one of two featured Marquee’s you are invited to "pass in review" before the crowd filled grandstand. Once there you will be introduced and any unique stories about your car will be announced for the pleasure of all in attendance.. Your trip would not be complete without experiencing some alternative modes of transportation. You can ride the Village's railroad or lumber along the streets in a horse drawn carriage. Of course there is always the Model T ride around town. For the younger crowd you will find several hands on activities. There's "Junior Drivers Ed" for those 6 and under. At the Miller School children will have the opportunity to experience recess as it was in 1900 where timeless games are sure to be a hit. There is even music and a comic revue at the Town Hall where Abraham Lincoln once addressed an adoring crowd. For the experienced driver, you could enter the “Car Games” competition and test your “early motoring skills”.
Certainly the sights and sounds of Greenfield Village are yours to enjoy as you will be welcomed with great hospitality and wonderful entertainment. What a fantastic way to celebrate 100 years of Oakland history! Best of all, you will be an active participant of this historic event.
Our next issue will cover, in more detail, the Henry Ford Museum. Recently, we obtained Free tickets to the Automotive Hall of Fame and two car museums, which will also be reviewed. Later issues will update you on our tours to the Ed Murphy Home and the Edsel Ford Mansion. Soon you will be able to read presenter profiles on the six seminars planned for both men and women. Trips are planned for the Automotive Hall of Fame and two car museums.

Several people have asked if Commemorative Medallions are still available and when can they be picked up? The answer is YES, we still have medallions available. Due to their delicate nature and high value, you must be present at the Oakland Homecoming to pick up your numbered commemorative medallion. As previously mentioned, the prototype Medallion #00 was recently auctioned for $355. We currently have 42 registrations. So please consider registering early. Not only will this assure you of a collector’s Commemorative Medallion, but will also enable us to more effectively plan this event. Many volunteers are working hard to make the Oakland Homecoming something very special; an event that will be memorable long after September 2008 has past. Your early registration will help us achieve this goal.

If you would like to assist the Homecoming Committee, please call John Armstrong at
(740) 756-4017

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