Indians In The History Of Springfield Museum
27. Oct, 2009 
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Back in 2007 in an effort to keep Indian Motorcycles heritage in the city where George Hendee founded the company in 1901, Esta Manthos donated most of the articles from the closed Indian Motorcycle Museum to the Springfield Museums Association. Manthos and her late husband had opened the museum 35 years ago in the last remaining building of the Indian manufacturing complex on 33 Hendee Street.
The collection of motorcycles and memorabilia could have brought multi-millions of dollars to Manthos but at the age of 91 and with no family she said she didn’t need the money so she donated the collection. Now you can see some of those artifacts as the new History Of Springfield Museum has just recently opened. The Esta Manthos Indian Motorcycle Collection is housed on the second floor of the museum. If you’re in the area it’s a must see.
photo: History of Springfield Museum
I was lucky enough to attend the grand opening of the museum and the collection is wonderful. Regardless of your brand affiliation, all motorcycle enthusiasts can appreciate the great machines and the history of the Indian Motorcycle Company.
I have heard that Esta Manthos is a National Treasure herself. Hopefully someone has had the presence of mind to have spent interview time with her.