Ten years ago, Model T cars came to Goodland on their way to Seattle. They were recreating 1909’s Ocean to Ocean endurance race on its centennial.
The Model T drivers are returning this year, the 110th anniversary. Approximately 35 drivers have registered for the 2019 event.
The organizers are excited to make the run for the second time. “We intended to make this a one-time event,” organizer Jon Griesenbeck said. Since the drivers had such a fun experience, “we decided we had to do it again.”
Goodland was highlight of Model T route
The cars will arrive Saturday, June 29, and leave Sunday, June 30. They will be coming into Goodland on Old Highway 24 and staying at Holiday Inn Express, 2631 Enterprise Road. All respectful people are welcome to view the cars in the hotel parking lot. Hotel parking may be unavailable, so please plan accordingly.
While the 2009 drivers were in Goodland, they paraded down Main Street to a picnic supper at the Ennis-Handy House, which was only two years old in 1909. Griesenbeck remembered the house as one of his trip highlights. Sherman County Historical Society will again host a picnic at the house.
All respectful people also are invited to view the cars where they are parked around the house. In 2009, numerous people enjoyed their chance to examine the vehicles and visit with their owners.
In the event’s official 2009 recap, Peter Bernhardt also called Goodland one of the trip’s highlights. The drivers were especially looking forward to Goodland because Goodland was one of only seven identifiable places photographed in the 1909 race. The Ford No. 1 and Ford No. 2 cars were pictured in front of Jos. Kolacny, Tailor at 1011 Main.
(Learn more about Goodland’s role in the race.)
2009 drivers repeat 1909 history
Because of that picture, all 55 of the Fords came to reenact that image. The 2009 committee placed a plaque at 1011 Main to commemorate the occasion.
“Welcoming the Model T’s 10 years ago was so enjoyable. We met many wonderful people and we are looking forward to welcoming them again,” Sherman County Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Donna Price said. “The fact that they consider their visit to Goodland as a highlight speaks well of our community and its friendly, helpful people.”
The drivers intend to take the same route as they drove in 2009. The event will start in Tarrytown, N.Y., June 15, and end in Belleview, Wash., July 17. The drivers are coming to Goodland from Abilene and will stay in Fort Morgan, Colo., after they leave Goodland.
