RICHMOND — It’s Homecoming time and that can only mean one thing-Richmond’s streets will soon be filled with Model Ts of all shapes and sizes. More than a century since these four-cylinder, spoke-wheeled, mechanical wonders rolled out of Henry Ford’s assembly plants, they will return to Richmond once again to celebrate the history, as well as the fun, of Model Ts.

Hosted by the Model T Ford Club of America and the local Henry’s Hoosiers club, Homecoming is free to the public and open Saturday, June 4 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain or shine) at the Model T Museum, located at the corner of North 8th and D Streets. The Ts will be gathered on the museum grounds, giving visitors a chance to see these historic autos up close. North 8th Street will be closed between C and E Streets for the pre-1945 Ford Swap Meet, where many rusty treasures can be found.

The event offers activities for all ages, including a Show-N-Tell of cars spanning from 1896 to 1950. A replica of Henry Ford’s 1896 quadricycle can be seen, as well as Model T-powered sawmill demonstrations. The Take-Apart T rapid assembly team from Greater St. Louis, starting with a bare frame and five people—using only hand tools—will assemble a Model T and drive it away in less than 15 minutes! Shows will be at 10AM and 1PM. This type of demonstration started during the Great Depression as entertainment at local fairs and carnivals.

The highlight of Homecoming this year is the exhibit “Gypsy Coeds Ride the Silver Streak.” In the mid 1930s and early 40s, a group of fiercely independent young women from the Bradford, Illinois area packed themselves and a few belongings into this 1926 Model T touring car that they dubbed the Silver Streak and set off each summer in search of adventure.

The girls called themselves the Gypsy Coeds and made eight trips, logged over 71,500 miles, met movie stars, moguls, dignitaries and corporate leaders. They slept in parks, schoolyards, jail cells and by the side of the road, and even formed a special bond with Henry Ford, who hosted and assisted the girls on several occasions.

The car and the stories were all but lost, until the son of one of the Gypsy Coeds, John Butte, ultimately tracked down and purchased the car. Remarkably, the exterior had never been restored and it still ran. Butte’s desire to preserve the car quickly evolved into preserving its history as well. He worked with the Peoria Riverfront Museum to create a special exhibit. He also released a book, “Darlene’s Silver Streak and The Bradford Model T Girls”, that details the girls’ adventures. The book is for sale at the museum store and, as a special treat for Homecoming attendees, the author will be on hand to talk about the Gypsy Coeds’ adventures and sign books throughout the day on Saturday.

Other activities include a 1:30 p.m. performance of T-era music by the trio Bicycle Built for Three, made possible by the Richmond Symphony Orchestra community concert series and West End Bank. Walking history tours of the Historic Depot District, a T-treasure hunt, opportunities for photos with Ts, caricature drawings, plus yummy food, ice cream and popcorn are all part of the fun.

Admission to the Model T Museum is free all day Saturday. For more details visit: www.mtfca.com or www.facebook.com/modeltfordclub. The event is made possible by these generous sponsors: Wayne County Foundation, Wayne County Convention & Tourism Bureau, Harrington-Hoch, Wayne Bank, First Bank Richmond, Ullery’s Ice Cream, West End Bank, Tin Lizzie Cafe, Tin Cup, and Oak Leaf Marketing.

The Model T Ford Club of America was organized in late 1965 for the purpose of bringing together people who are interested in the Model T Ford, its history, its evolution, and its place in the American scene. The Model T Ford Club of America is the largest Model T club in the world. More than 140 chapters are active in the United States, Canada, and 31 other countries, providing activities and fellowship for Model T enthusiasts.