Exploring Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear Museum in Elizabethtown, Kentucky

1932 La Salle Convertible

If you’re a car enthusiast or simply curious about automotive history, Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear Museum in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss. Let’s take a virtual tour of this fascinating museum that celebrates the golden eras of automobiles.

How It All Began

The story of the Swope Vintage Collection traces back to a pivotal moment in history. It was May 8, 1945, and Bill Swope, a young soldier fighting with the United States Army in Germany, experienced an extraordinary event: Victory in Europe day. The cheers of both Germans and Americans echoed through the streets as World War II came to an end—for Europe, at least.

Bill returned to the United States, and during his 30-day leave, he married his college sweetheart, Elizabeth Sanford (now affectionately known as Betty Swope). But fate had other plans. President Truman dropped the atomic bomb over Hiroshima, ending the war in the Pacific. Bill’s military service shifted, and he found himself in Fort Benning, Georgia, instead of Japan.

Back home, Bill’s passion for cars ignited. He realized that his true calling lay in the automotive industry. So, he opened his very first dealership—a Dodge/Plymouth store on Main Street in Winchester, Kentucky. Little did he know that this decision would eventually lead to the creation of the Swope Vintage Collection.

Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear Museum opened to the public in May of 1999.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro 350 SS Hardtop

A Museum Born from Passion

Fast forward to today, and the Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear Museum stands as a testament to Bill Swope’s love for classic cars. Here are some key highlights:

Free Admission: Yes, you read that right! The Swope Auto Museum is open to the public with no admission charge. There’s no “suggested donation box” either. The Swope family wanted everyone to enjoy this automotive treasure without any barriers.

    My Visit in January 2024

    I found myself in Kentucky with a couple of days to spare before flying out to Florida. I was browsing Google Maps for things to see in the area and saw Swope’s appear on the map. I thought it sounded interesting and when I saw it fit into my budget (see “free”, above) I knew I had to pay a visit.

    The sight of beautifully restored vintage cars took me back in time. I even created a YouTube video (of course!) to share my experience with fellow enthusiasts.

    So, if you find yourself near Elizabethtown, Kentucky, make sure to stop by Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear Museum. It’s a journey through time, fueled by the love for automobiles. 🚗🕰️


    Contact Information:

    • Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear Museum
      • Address: 1100 N Dixie Ave, Elizabethtown, KY 42701
      • Phone: (270) 763-6175
      • Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM
      • Visit the official website

    Disclaimer

    This blog post was written by an artificial intelligence (A.I.) and is purely informative. While the details are accurate, the passion and excitement you’d feel during an actual visit are beyond the scope of this digital narrative. I did make some minor changes for tone and to add/remove some sections based on relevance to the post.

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    Moonshine General Store: A Slice of History and Flavor

    Disclaimer: This blog post was generated by Copilot, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While the content is based on factual information and creative imagination, it is important to recognize that Copilot authored this piece. 🤖✨

    Introduction

    Nestled near Martinsville, Illinois, the Moonshine General Store stands as a testament to time, community, and good old-fashioned hospitality. Whether you’re a local seeking nostalgia or a curious traveler passing through, this historic gem has something special to offer.

    A Glimpse into the Past

    The Moonshine Store has been a beloved fixture since its inception in 1912. Imagine stepping through its creaky wooden doors, the scent of aged wood and memories enveloping you. The well-worn floorboards tell stories of countless footsteps, laughter, and shared moments.

    Burgers That Make History

    But what truly sets the Moonshine Store apart? It’s their legendary burgers. Yes, you read that right. These aren’t just any burgers; they’re culinary masterpieces. Picture thick, juicy patties sizzling on the grill, nestled between soft buns, and adorned with all the fixings. Each bite is a journey back in time, a fusion of flavors that transcends mere sustenance.

    From 1982 Onward: The Burger Era

    In 1982, the Moonshine General Store expanded its offerings to include these mouthwatering burgers. Since then, locals and visitors alike have flocked to savor the perfect blend of nostalgia and flavor. The burgers became a beloved tradition, drawing hungry patrons from miles around.

    The Address and Hours

    • Location: 6017 E 300th Rd, Martinsville, IL 62442
    • Phone: (618) 569-9200
    • Website: Moonshine Illinois
    • Hours: Monday – Saturday: 06:00 – 13:00 (Grill shuts off at 12:30. Closed Sundays)

    Community and Connection

    Moonshine isn’t just a store; it’s a community hub. Locals gather here, swapping stories over coffee, sharing news, and creating memories. It’s a place where time slows down, and conversations flow freely.

    CBS Sunday Morning Show Spotlight

    Around 2003, the CBS Sunday Morning Show shone a spotlight on Moonshine. Suddenly, this unassuming store became a beacon, drawing visitors from near and far.

    My Personal Visit

    On the crisp morning of January 11th, 2024, I had the pleasure of stepping into the Moonshine General Store. I am surprised how little is has changed in the twenty years since Bill Geist’s visit seen above.

    The antique shelves held treasures—old-fashioned candies, handcrafted goods, and local produce. The friendly proprietor shared tales of the store’s history, and I savored a burger that seemed to defy time itself.

    Population: Two and a Canine Greeter

    Moonshine’s population is humorously referred to as “two”—a nod to its cozy size. And as I stepped outside to enjoy my meal, I was greeted by the local dog named Willy. His wagging tail and friendly eyes added to the warmth of the experience.

    Braving the Chill

    On that chilly day, with the temperature hovering around 4 degrees Celsius, I found myself the sole diner at an outdoor table. The crisp air only heightened the flavors of my burger, and I imagined generations of patrons doing the same.

    In Conclusion

    So, whether you’re seeking a taste of history, a juicy burger, or simply a moment of respite, venture to the Moonshine General Store. Let its wooden floors echo with your footsteps, and let the flavors linger on your tongue. Because sometimes, the best memories are made in places like this—where time stands still, and community thrives.

    Remember, life is too short to miss out on legendary burgers and timeless stories. 🍔🌟


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    Exploring Europe

    We’re back from exploring multiple countries in Europe. I’ll add the links to our YouTube videos as they get completed and published.

    Let’s start with our travel adventures from Calgary, Canada to Podgorica, Montenegro.

    Video recorded December 1-3, 2023

    Having now arrived in Montenegro, let’s check out Budva.

    Video recorded December 4, 2023

    Our second full day involved heading out to explore Cetinje, a town with roots going back to the 15th century.

    Video recorded December 5, 2023

    Next up? What I think was perhaps my favorite experience of the entire trip — hiking up the Ladder of Cattaro to the Fortress of Kotor.

    Video recorded December 7, 2023

    We bid farewell to Montenegro and moved on to Hungary. We start with a tour of the Hungarian Parliament building in beautiful Budapest.

    Video recorded December 9, 2023

    We have more time to explore Budapest before we board the AMAMagna. We cross the Chain Bridge, ride the Budapest Castle Funicular, and then check out the city from the top of St. Stephen’s Basilica.

    Video recorded December 10, 2023

    Time to depart Budapest but before we go, let’s check out Matthias Church and take a tour of the AMAMagna.

    Video recorded December 11, 2023

    On to Slovakia!

    Video recorded December 12, 2023

    It’s time to add another capital city to our list, this time it is the Austrian capital of Vienna.

    Video recorded December 13, 2023

    How about sailing up a valley that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and then climbing up to an abandoned castle that once imprisoned Richard the Lionheart?

    Video recorded December 14, 2023

    This next one is a special video, just for people who find my content through DanOCan.com. I didn’t think there was enough footage there to make for a “proper” YouTube video so it is only published privately and only accessible from here.

    Video Recorded December 15, 2023
    Video recorded December 16, 2023
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    Spending a Lot of Time in the Great State of Montana

    We’ve been making a lot of trips to Montana over the last few weeks, all in the effort to secure a cancer treatment for Mabel the Dog which isn’t available in Canada. If you haven’t been following along on YouTube, here is the adventure (so far!) presented in four parts.

    Video Published October 3, 2023
    Video Published October 20, 2023
    Video Published October 25, 2023
    Video Published November 24, 2023
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    Signs, Signs, Everywhere There’s Signs

    With so much focus on our YouTube channel, the blog and our written content has been getting ignored. I decided to remedy that by taking a look back at some photos we have taken on this day in previous years. While doing that, I noticed a bit of a theme emerged and that was “signs”.

    Our first stop is historic Fort Macleod in southern Alberta. We captured a number of great signs on our way through town last year on this day.

    Opening in 1912, the Empress Theatre features a classic sign which can be seen in the movie “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”, which is actually the reason we stopped.

    The Empress Theatre is significant as one of the last remaining examples of small town theatre architecture in Alberta. As the last remaining theatre in Fort Macleod, the Empress is also representative of the social and cultural life of the town since the theatre’s construction in 1912. SOURCE: EMPRESS THEATRE. Historicplaces.ca – historicplaces.ca. (n.d.). https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=5891

    Photo by Emily Overes, October 30, 2022
    Nestled in the small town of Fort MacLeod, Johnny’s Restaurant offers a unique blend of Chinese and Western cuisine at affordable prices. The establishment boasts a clean and friendly ambiance with a mix of historical and modern interior design elements.  SOURCE: Johnny’s Restaurant in Fort MacLeod – Restaurant reviews. (2023, September 29). Restaurant Guru. https://restaurantguru.com/Johnnys-Restaurant-Fort-MacLeod

    Photo by Emily Overes, October 30, 2022

    Every small town on the prairies needs a Chinese restaurant and one way to tell a good restaurant is a classic neon sign like this one from the New Silver Grill Restaurant.

    First opened in 1910, the Silver Grill Restaurant has been a historical foundational pillar for Fort Macleod as the oldest operating restaurant in Western Canada. SOURCE: History. (n.d.). New Silver Grill Restaurant. http://www.silvergrill.ca/history.html

    Photo by Emily Overes, October 30, 2022

    This sign hangs outside the former Greyhound Station and was a familiar sight to me when I used to make multiple trips per year between Calgary and Lethbridge on the bus in the early 1990s.

    Photo by Emily Overes, October 30, 2022

    And, this sign tour would not be complete without the Queens Hotel.

    The Queen’s Hotel was one of the first buildings in Fort Macleod to be built of sandstone. It was built in 1903 to replace an earlier, smaller, wood-frame hotel of the same name.  SOURCE: Rkelland. (2015, March 25). Queen’s Hotel, Fort MacLeod. RETROactive. https://albertashistoricplaces.com/2013/01/15/queens-hotel-fort-macleod/

    Photos by Emily Overes, October 30, 2022

    It’s not just neo signs that we love. We’re also big fans of signs painted on the sides of buildings such as on the American Hotel.

    The American Hotel

    Photo by Emily Overes, October 30, 2022

    And, it’s not just Fort Macleod that we have photographed on this day. Back in 2015 we stopped to check out the Mill City Museum in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Featured prominently is this industrial-sized sign proudly proclaiming “Gold Medal Flour”.

    Soon after Minneapolis was born on the Mississippi’s west bank, the city’s flour milling industry skyrocketed. Powered by the mighty river and fed by boxcars of grain rolling in from the plains, the industry gave Minneapolis bragging rights as the “Flour Milling Capital of the World.” Explore where old mingles with new at Mill City Museum, built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill. SOURCE: Mill City Museum | Minnesota Historical Society. (n.d.). https://www.mnhs.org/millcity

    Photo by Emily Overes, October 30, 2015

    Hopefully you enjoyed a look back at some of the photos we have taken on this day. Maybe I’ll make this a regular feature?

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