Originally published in Motorcycles On The Road Again, July 2007.
Wheels Through Time and The Time Machine:
Maggie Valley, NC
If ever there was a place where folks can go, learn something, have a good time and get a piece of American Heritage all served up with good old fashioned southern hospitality, that place exists in Maggie Valley, North Carolina.
We're talking about the Wheels Through Time Museum. A trip to this haven for motorcycle history is assured to be a journey back in time that you won't soon forget. In just four years since the museum opened, hundreds of thousands of visitors have passed through the gates to receive an exciting and educational tour into the history of American transportation. Peek at the comments left in the guestbook and you'll see it's not just the transportation enthusiasts that love The museum boasts some 275 of America's rarest vintage motorcycles, a collection of the most significant automobiles, and over 25,000 pieces of associated memorabilia, including everything from vintage tools, parts, and service products to period attire, company advertisements, and racing gear. And the best part… each machine at Wheels Through Time is kept in operating condition. With countless machines being fired up for any visitor who asks, Wheels Through Time is sure to exceed any- and everyone's expectations – whatever those may be.
The museum's motorcycle collections spans nine decades, with the concentration of cycles originating before 1950. Over 20 of America's rarest and most influential marques are displayed, including Harley-Davidson, Indian, Excelsior, Henderson, and Crocker, just to name a few. The earliest motorcycle in the collection is a 1903 Indian in original condition, boasting a 49cc engine, which museum curator and founder Dale Walksler piloted in the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum'S famous
"Race of the Century".
When entering the museum, one will notice the 38,000 square foot facility is absolutely astounding. Each motorcycle is displayed in its natural setting, providing visitors a glimpse into its past and an understanding of its place in America's motorcycle history. Countless exhibits grace the floors and walls of this motorcycle mecca, spanning nearly every aspect of the culture and sport that has influenced American culture for over 100 years. Wheels Through Time is an accurate description.
up daily to visitors' delight, making up the most extensive collection of original, running motorcycles built before 1920.
Countless other machines from our motorcycling past are proudly displayed throughout the museum. One exhibit features several "oneof-a-kind" machines from the motorcycles earliest roots, including a 1916 Traub, which was found inside of a bricked up wall in 1967, and a 1913 Indian Prototype, built by Oscar Hedstrom, the company's founder. Another exhibit, titled "Homemade In America", displays home-built machines inspired by the motorcycle, such as a 1915 Harley-Davidson Ice Saw, a Harley-powered mining cart,
80 miles Travel this safe Pergallon comfortable
New ötpe Motorcycle and what may be the worlds only Harley-powered jet-ski. Whatever you are looking for in the history of motorcycles, you'll find it at Wheels Through Time.
Wheels Through Time may be a collector's dream when it comes to the history of transportation, but that doesn't mean they aren't locked and loaded into the 21st Century. The museum has launched the most innovative method to visit and see the latest happenings — with the click of a mouse!
The Time Machine is the brainchild of Wheels Through Time Curator and Founder, Dale Walksler. It offers site members an in-depth look at nearly every aspect of American transportation history. The purpose of this innovative idea can be summed up in its mission: To share with the world the history of American Transportation. The Time Machine is a way for us to bring our world to you," said Walksler. "Now visitors can visit Wheels Through Time twenty-four hours a day, right from their own home."
The Time Machine website offers hundreds of full-screen, high-quality internet videos, including Event Shows, "Tech" Shows, Fun Shows, Human Interest Stories and interviews with like minded enthusiasts, collectors, and icons of the industry. This is real school programming. Learn the trade secrets from the Who's Who in
HARLEY
FIRST AT OMAHA
I HARLEY-DAVIDSON
ARLEY- DAVIDSO
Through Time 24-hours a day, with the click of a mouse to check out the introduction videos, register for the programming or sign up for the newest and most innovative video website in the world of motorcycling.
Wheels Through Time and The Time Machine will sweep you back in time with its magnificent presentation of all-American motorcycles and automobiles. A complete history of American motorcycling, Wheels Through Time and the Time Machine will take you on a ride, enlightening you to the history of these rare machines, each with its own story and 95% of which are in running condition.
That's why Wheels Through Time is billed as, "The Museum That Runs!" For more information on Wheels Through Time or The Time Machine, visit
Visit them online at www.wheelsthroughtime.com or call the museum at (828) 926-6266.
1928 Hario-Doidson
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