RV/MH Hall of FameAug 20, 2009
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Trains are still prevalent here, but a NY Central RR Museum in...
mini Model T & trailer built for daughter of a trailer park...
1913 - oldest trailer built, but it's refurbished
Downtown Elkhart exudes industrialism instead of tourism. It has been this way since the Industrial Revolution because of its location where the St. Joseph and Elkhart Rivers converge. The railroad went through town; paper mills were established alongside granaries and other farm businesses. I didn't expect to see a museum to the NY Central Railroad here though! I saw it while waiting for a long train to roll through town - I think I could have parked right there, toured the museum, and came back before the train finished going by!
I found a nice park on an island that used to house an early 20th century business. There are 3 bridges to the island - one is wide enough to allow authorized vehicles to pass. There is a great stage and benches outside it and if I was around when a concert was being held there, I would surely go! There is an asphalt path around the edges for walking or running and a big shelter for group picnics. Nice job!
The RV/MH Hall of Fame was a bit hard to find - I had to find the Visitor Center and ask directions. It was moved outside of town near the Indiana Toll Road (I-90) in 1999 but neither the address nor point of interest were listed in my GPS. The clerk in the visitor center said lots of people say that to her, so it isn't just my little, cheap unit.
This museum was more interesting and comprehensive than I thought it would be. It started out in 1972 as a bunch of files in a cabinet in an office! Members of the RV Heritage Foundation (its early name) donated their old RVs and did a good job getting sponsors and other gifts. There are rooms showing appliances, generators, and other RV related accessories as well as a hall with pictures of prominent men of the business. I have posted a lot of pictures of some of the RVs in the showroom. enjoy if interested!
