I’ve been meaning to go to the Wheels O’ Time Museum all summer long. And now that summer’s over, I figure I better get my ass in gear and get going. So...here we go!
I drove straight up Knoxville towards Dunlap and there's Wheels O' Time off to the left.
Here's the main entrance, but as you'll soon see, there's a lot to be seen here at Wheels O' Time.
This is Gary Bragg who was relaxing on the bench outside the front entrance. He's the president of this museum and he told me it's been in operation for over 30 years. I had no idea its been here that long.
Gary directed me inside...
And gave me this map for a self-guided tour. Wow, there's four buildings loaded with antique items and display cases. I had no idea this place was so big and housed so much stuff. I realized then that I won't be able to show you everything in here, but come on along and I'll show you some highlights of my tour of Wheels O' Time.
A shot of the front room from the second floor stairs. I'm not the only one taking pictures in here.
As you'd expect, there's an unbelievable amount of classic vintage cars in here.
Here's a "Boris" styled shot of the grill of this MG.
Check out this old school limo...
It's from the old Jumer Hotel and belongs to Jim Jumer.
Airplanes hang from the ceiling and fly over the classic cars on display in the front showroom.
As I looked at this mural on the back wall I noticed a car to my right which was one of the reasons I came here.
I've been friends with the Coletta family since I was a teenager, particularly with Joe and Bob Coletta and their dad, Ralph had a 1933 Packard that we used to marvel at as kids. It was mainly housed in their garage, but once in a while we would take it out for a spin. I knew it was on display here and couldn't wait to see it.
Wow, does this bring back memories! I haven't seen it since I was a senior in high school.
Cheers to the Coletta's for sharing this car with all of us!
As I traveled through Wheels O' Time I saw that it was much more than I expected. I thought it would just be all cars, but in here the emphasis is on "time." As in old time, like this vintage barbershop complete with a barbershop quartet that harmonizes at the touch of a button. Shave and a haircut...
Here's an old time kitchen that's even stocked with authentic grocery items from back in the day.
There's lots of display cases in all four buildings packed with antique knick-knacks and tchotchkes.
Check it out, it's a corner devoted to the history of WMBD. You can hear the history of the radio station by hitting a button and they have a display set up depicting one of the first studios there.
Take a little hair off the sides and this kind of looks like me on the Greg and Dan Show!
One of the four buildings here at Wheels O' Time is pretty much devoted exclusively to Ford cars and memorabilia.
Those fabulous Fords and their driving machines!
I love this old Victrola turntable in their music room.
The museum has a lot of vintage signs like this hanging on the walls.
That mannequin hooker better watch it, there's a vintage cop car right next to her checking her out!
Here's a couple of vintage gas station lights suspended up near the ceiling.
Outside of the museum is long collection of old time train cars on display on their very own train track. All aboooard!
The last stop for me was at the gift shop in the front building. That's Donna behind the counter, one of the many friendly employees on staff here at Wheels O' Time.
I decided on this Fire Chief hat.
Here I am striking a somewhat Brian Wilsonesque pose. Thanks to everyone at the Wheels O' Time Museum for a wonderful tour! We'll see you all tomorrow.
Wheels O’ Time Museum
1710 W Woodside Drive
Dunlap, Illinois
309-243-9020
Further reading: Trip Advisor, Roadside America, PJ Star and facecrack.
Bonus Photos From Wheels O’ Time!
Just as I was putting this post together I got some photos from Wheels O’ Time featuring a 1926 Model T touring car called the Silver Streak which is on display from now until the end of September at the museum. You can read more about this car and the adventurous Gypsy Coeds of Bradford, Illinois who drove it, at their website right here.
