· Bugatti Royale, $10 million dollars (or maybe twice that!)
· The Rosa Parks Bus $427,919 (before restoration)
· Group Admission to the Henry Ford, $12
· Watching Chris create a plastic Model T, priceless
Presidents’ Day holiday weekend was bitterly cold, making it perfect for touring museums. We set out much too early (it seemed), Saturday, February 18, for 3 days of Automotive Heritage in southeastern Michigan.
Driving conditions were treacherous Saturday morning, as lake effect snow swirled about us from the south end of Lake Michigan, most of the way to our lunch spot in Battle Creek. All the OTMs, and the intrepid Cameron’s Miata, shiny at the start, gathered a thick coating of ice and salt. Thankfully, we were incognito. No club magnets on this trip!
The first museum stops were in Ypsilanti. Willy and Peg (and later, Jim, Carol, and Linda) visited the Fire House museum. All report this extensive display of fire engines and memorabilia to be well worth a visit. (Chris and I have it on our “must see” list for our next trip to SE Michigan.)
Ypsi is home to the Miller Hudson dealership and museum, too. Chris and I, along with most of our companions, spent a pleasant hour with Hudsons, a Crosely, a replica of a Tucker, and much more, in the only Hudson dealership still in operation. They acquire and resell a Hudson every year or so, to maintain that title.
Both museums are in Ypsi’s historic Depot Town. This charming area is a destination in itself, with beautifully restored shops and restaurants.
Sunday found us at the Henry Ford museum. I’m struggling for words to describe the richness of the Henry Ford museum experience. Where else can you watch a steam engine (now powered by compressed air) drive a 24 ft diameter flywheel? And, tour Buckminster Fuller’s Dymaxion house, watch a silent movie, stand beside the rarest of cars, marvel at explorers’ courage and inventors’ genius, be moved by the sad history of winning and losing civil liberties, all under the same roof?
Not to mention being able to create your own souvenirs like any other 8 year old (going on ??). Doesn’t everyone need a squished penny or a plastic Model T?
Along the way home, Monday, we visited a private collection, the Ole Carriage Shop in Spring Arbor. Open by appointment only, the Ganton family’s collection is, as Harris puts it, “a gem.” The marvelous collection of early 20th century cars from Jackson area manufacturers is complimented by exquisite restorations of pedal cars. The smile on Chris’ face as he discovered a “Kidillac” was as wide as Harris’ for the Bugatti.
The Coca Cola memorabilia in the soda fountain room and the toy collection were added treats. Everyone in the Ganton family must be a collector!
To those who joined us on the trip – Thanks for a wonderful time!
To those who missed this trip – Add the Henry Ford, the Ypsi Fire House Museum, and the Ole Carriage Shop to your “must see” list.
Michigan Auto Heritage sites are a great way to spend a winter day!
Judy Ringlein-Dunn