| Approaching the hamlet of Hickory Corners, | | | | A restored 1950's dinner on the site provides |
| Michigan from the east is a touring car driver's | | | | sustenance for visitors. A piece of one of the pies |
| dream. The gently rolling roadway is framed by | | | | on offer is heartily recommended. A gift shop |
| soaring hardwoods. The undulating blacktop | | | | provides the opportunity to pick up some |
| tempts the driver to open the throttle and dash | | | | souvenirs, and see the largest Rolls Royce interior |
| across the countryside, throw the car into the | | | | made. It was part of the Gnome Mobile movie |
| corners. Doing so is hazardous on three counts. | | | | set from the 1967 Walt Disney movie. |
| First you might mow down one of the local | | | | If you time your visit just right you can catch |
| characters who reside in the region. You might | | | | one of the many events held at the Gilmore |
| miss a picture perfect backdrop for a quick photo. | | | | every summer. Enthusiasts show check with the |
| Most importantly, you might miss the turn at the | | | | museum's event calender before visiting if they |
| bright red dairy barns of the Gilmore Car Museum. | | | | want to catch swap meets, British car shows or |
| If you have ever dreamed of making a barn find, | | | | the Pierce Arrow meet. |
| then a stop at the Gilmore Car Museum is a | | | | Even the history of the Gilmore Car Museum |
| dream come true. Eight historic barns, a | | | | holds interest. It all began in 1963, as the new |
| re-created 1930s service station, a small town | | | | hobby of Donald S. Gilmore. It was ignited when |
| train station and 90 landscaped acres are home to | | | | his wife, Genevieve, presented him with a 1920 |
| nearly 200 extraordinary vehicles. Together they | | | | Pierce-Arrow "project car" for his birthday. With |
| embrace over 100 years of motoring history and | | | | the help of friends, the Pierce-Arrow was fully |
| automotive heritage. Whether your interests are | | | | restored. The hobby would soon grow into a |
| Edwardian, antiques, muscle cars or memorabilia, | | | | collection of over 30 automobiles. To house it, Mr. |
| you will find an exhibit to match your interest. | | | | Gilmore purchased the 90 acre farm property and |
| With nearly three miles of paved roads, guests of | | | | had several historic barns dismantled piece by |
| the museum could catch one of the vintage cars | | | | piece, moved to the site and restored. |
| in motion. Weekend and special shows, can even | | | | It was Genevieve who suggested turning the |
| offer up the opportunity to hop in for a nostalgic | | | | collection into a museum. It was to her that |
| road trip. Exhibits include a 1899 Locomobile, | | | | visitors owe thanks for suggesting her husband |
| Duesenberg, Tucker, Graham, Barley, and a | | | | create a place where future generations could |
| stunning display of Pierce Arrow luxury. | | | | enjoy the restored cars. The Gilmore Car |
| If that's not your style, then relive your childhood | | | | Museum was established as a non-profit |
| pedal car memories visiting the pedal car display. | | | | foundation, and opened as a museum to the public |
| Seventy five vintage pedal cars are on exhibit. Or | | | | for the first time on Sunday, July 31, 1966. Donald |
| if memorabilia spins your starter, see one of | | | | Gilmore passed away in 1979, and Mrs. Gilmore in |
| North America's largest displays of automotive | | | | 1990, but the legacy they began continues to |
| hood ornaments and name badges. | | | | grow. |