Collections

PIONEER HOME EXHIBIT

As the center of activity in the pioneer home, this display showcases some of the characteristics of 19th-century living.

THE CONESTOGA WAGON

The wagon marked an era in American Transportation comparatively as important as the locomotive. Wagons were first made in the Conestoga Valley of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania about 1750 and were used for the next hundred years.

This covered wagon example brought the McCullough family to Allen County in 1835.

HEARSE

This horse-drawn hearse was purchased in 1902 by William L. Winkler of Janera. It last was used in 1913. By 1942 it was sold to Bert Hefner, who eventually donated it to the museum.

TRANSPORTATION IN ALLEN COUNTY

Visitors can see early examples of transportation in Allen County through its diverse display of carts and wagons, buggies, bikes and vehicles. In addition, visitors can enjoy a partially restored street car platform and a fully restored Shay Engine #10 locomotive engine.

HORSE-DRAWN WAGON

This restored milk wagon dates back to the 1920s. Up until about 1960, horse-drawn milk wagons delivered bottled milk to the doorsteps of customers. The milk was kept cold with blocks of ice. White Mountain Creamery established a dairy business in Lima in 1912. Beatrice Foods bought the dairy business in 1928, and their brand name milk, Meadow Gold, was adopted.

MODEL T ROADSTER

The Model T is arguably the most historically significant automobile manufactured in the United States. It was introduced in 1908 as a four-cylinder vehicle and cost under a thousand dollars at a time when most autos were several thousand dollars. The Model T transformed motoring, as it no longer was considered a wealthy hobby and instead became the common man's necessity. Model T Fords were a common sight many years after their production halted in 1927.

THE WORLD'S LARGEST OIL FIELD

Capturing a glimpse of one of Allen County’s largest industries, this photo highlights our extensive collection relating to the local oil industry. Enjoy displays of tools, models, photos, and company artifacts, products, and documents.

In 1885, Benjamin Faurot accidentally hit oil while drilling for gas and water next to his Lima Paper Mill along the Ottawa River. This event set into motion a flurry of wildcatting and speculation, unparalleled by any other discovery. For the next fifteen years, the Lima Oil Field, which covered most of northwest Ohio, and parts of Indiana, was the largest oil field in the world.

GENERAL STORE

The General Store exhibit is one of the Museum's most popular collections on display. Built in 1860, the storefront is from the grocery of John G. Knoble of Lafayette.

FIREFIGHTER ENGINE AND PUMPER

The Steam Fire Engine and Hand Pumper are highlights of our permanent collection.

EARLY FARMING EQUIPMENT

This display highlights some of the most excellent examples of utilitarian plows and equipment used by local farmers. Throughout the early 20th century, the plow was the most crucial agriculture tool. Without the plow, farmers would not have been able to till the soil and prepare their fields for planting.