Last Chance to See Elmer’s Toy and Auto Collection Is This Weekend!
If you've always wanted to check out Elmer's Auto & Toy Museum in Fountain City, Wisconsin, do it by Monday at 5 PM, or you'll miss it forever. That's right, they're closing up shop and after 29 years open, Monday is their last day.
Fountain City, Wisconsin You Say?
Yep. Go to Winona, Minnesota, cross the river, turn left, and go about 7 miles along the Mississippi. You'll get to Elmer's...you'll know when you get there because there'a long line of cars waiting. Not to get in...already in and just hanging around.
You see, Elmer was a collector.
"By the time of his death in 2019 at age 79, Elmer had amassed a collection of more than 100 classic cars, 700 pedal cars and hundreds of bicycles, motorcycles and snowmobiles. On top of that he acquired an estimated 20,000 vintage toys and walls full of road art and memorabilia." (Source)
It's really five museums in one, each building just crammed full of stuff. And this weekend is your last chance to look at the whole collection; take pictures of it, sketch it, or drool over it because most of it will be auctioned off starting September 14th.
They're Auctioning Off Elmer's Toys (large and small)
The family has decided it was time to share the collection with the world, and if you want to be part of that event, September 14 - 17, 2022, just click here to find the details at Mecum Auctions. You'll be bidding with people from around the world, so be ready to act fast.
Though it's hard to know for sure, Mecon Auctions consignment agent Gus Kozarzewski said Elmer's pedal car collection — started in 1971 with a 1905 chain-driven, wooden model — is believed to be one of the largest, if not the largest, in the world. (Source)
SEE Elmer's Auto & Toy Museum Auction Items
Elmer Did His Collecting WITHOUT The Internet
It was all word of mouth, his son Brad said on Yahoo.com. He had contacts everywhere, even Mike Wolfe, from American Pickers, long before that show was on the air.
Brad also said they're holding back one really important item from the auction, the pickup with "Elmer's Auto and Toy Museum" on the doors. As Brad said, "It was my dad's last ride, and eventually it will be my mom's last ride."
On your way to or from Elmer's, how 'bout picking some apples?
List of the Best Apple Orchards in Southeast Minnesota!
As always, if you have a comment, complaint, or concern about something I wrote here, please let me know: james.rabe@townsquaremedia.com
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