Here's another pretty cool reason to got to Hillsboro, TX: Roadside America Museum.
Everybody's heard of Route 66 and all the roadside attractions that were built along the "Mother Road" during it's heyday to attract motorists travelling across country. Many of those are still in operation, some are still there but abandoned, and others are lost to the sands of time.
Roadside America is sort of like a tribute to those. But it's more than that. I'd say its a tribute to a lifetime of collecting and to a guy that just knows what's cool and what it takes to bring it back to life - or just bring it to life.
Housed in an old car dealership just off the main drag in downtown Hillsboro is a collection of memorabilia, cars, statuary, trinkets, and quirkeria (is that a word? it should be.) And it's all owned by a guy named Carroll who is unique himself. A collector, mechanic, gearhead, traveler and storyteller, Carroll has put together quite the collection in his home (oh, did I mention he lives with his collection?)
Roadside America houses a soda fountain, a general store, a number of hot rods, and the largest collection or fiberglass statuary I've seen anywhere - think Big Boy, Ronald McDonald, and the Pep boys. I forget how many he has, but it's more than 50.
And Carroll just loves to show it off. That is if you can catch him. He's there most days, working in the back on some project or another, and keeps the front door locked. Make sense. He's got some really cool (and pricey) stuff.
Here's the secret. Just call Carroll when you get there. The number's on the door. If he's around (and not travelling in his vintage GMC motorhome or one of his hot rods) he'll come let you in and give you a guided tour. But note: you get what you get. If you catch him overhauling a car or building something, expect your tour guide to be covered in grease, rust, dirt, and assorted other substances. "I just come to the door as I am", he told me. Like I said, cool guy.
I mentioned Carroll is a mechanic. He's a good one, too. He built several of the rods in the shop, plus some fun other things. I won't spoil the surprise, but let's just say the bad guys get to jail pretty quickly.
And the museum sponsors annual car shows, although Carroll told me he's thinking of discontinuing that practice. "Those things are just too much work." That would be a shame, but I can see the reasoning. Spend more time with Miss Vicky or hitting the road in that GMC.
Among Carroll's most precious possessions is his collection of Grapette Soda memorabilia. Apparently this is a thing. He told me there are clubs devoted to it, and he is definitely a fan. There is Grapette stuff everywhere, even a decal on the door of the RV!
Weekly Side note: Carroll is quite the fabricator. Check out the showcase he made out of a Cadillac rear end in the pics above. He's done these on contract also. I'll bet if you ask nice and plop down a good size chunk of change, he'll make you one, too!
And the museum is pretty well known. Texas Country Reporter did a piece on him a while back (ask Carroll about that and get a couple fun stories).
While you're in Hillsboro, look for Bond's Alley, just a short walk from the museum. There's a small plaque from the State Historical Society that says "Local site for politics, peddler's shows, whittling, cockfights and fisticuffs."
And stop by for a burger and a float at A Tiskit a Taskit, and maybe shop the tiny antique store in the front. Man, I love small towns!
I'm trying something new this week. If there is a link to website or Facebook page for a place I talk about, I'll add them to the bottom.
So, that's it for this week. I'm still on my way south, currently in San Angelo (wait 'til you see what I found here!) and headed toward Big Bend in a week or so with a stop at Monahans Sandhills.
Oh, I've just about gotten all the yellowjackets out of the rig. I still see one or two a day. I've checked for nest, but think these guys just got trapped when I broke camp in Whitney.
As I write this, it's a beautiful sunny November day with temps in the 70's. But this is Texas after all. Monday night the lows will be in the 20's, and it just so happens Tuesday is moving day! I've got plenty of cold weather gear, so it won't a problem, but each day I remember what I've missed about my home. Yes, even the crazy weather!
Later, folks.
Links
Roadside America Museum http://roadsideamericatx.com/
A Tiskit A tasket : https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Ice-Cream-Shop/A-Tiskit-A-Taskit-Antiques-Soda-Fountain-433671413324834/
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