Lincoln Highway Jubilee: Recalling the 'Good Roads Celebration'

FAYETTEVILLE - On Tuesday, October 4, 1921, hundreds of automobile enthusiasts and more than 15,000 people gathered at Caledonia State Park to celebrate the completion of the Lincoln Highway across Pennsylvania and an improved road network throughout the region. No more stuck in the mud!

In the morning, more than 400 automobiles left Harrisburg to kick off The “Triangle Tour,” with hundreds more joining them in Gettysburg. A 5-mile-long line of cars continued on to Caledonia, where a Pathways of Progress parade featured transportation scenes from the Cumberland Valley pioneer days through the Civil War.

After congratulatory speeches from dignitaries and a free lunch that included roast oxen and coffee, the auto tour continued on to Chambersburg, Shippensburg and Carlisle before returning home that same day.

The event is remembered as the "Good Roads Celebration."

In memory of that occasion nearly 100 year ago — and recalling Caledonia State Park's role in that early celebration — Friends of Caledonia State Park will host the second Lincoln Highway Jubilee from 9 a.m.— 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, in the Caledonia State Park ball field and office off Route 30.

Antique automobiles, swing band music, jitterbug dancers, food and historical presentations will be part of the festivities.

Here's a schedule for the day:

9:15 - 10:15 a.m. -  Shippensburg Community Band

10:30 - 11:30 a.m. -  Tri-State Jitterbugs

11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. - Shippensburg Community Band

1 - 2 p.m. - Tri-State Jitterbugs

1:15 - 2 p.m. -  “1921 Triangle Tour - Good Roads Celebration”; Lincoln Highway history presentation at the park office.

Among the antique auto clubs that will participate are:

- Hub City Model A Club (PA/MD)

- Susquehanna Valley Region of Model A Restorers Club (PA)

- Active A’s Region Model A

- Restorers Club (SE PA)