SheSue Experience

Some people restore old cars. Others restore old tractors, trains, and fire trucks. Antique Powerland in Brooks, Oregon offers a series of museums celebrating the history of power equipment. Their goal is to educate people about early day machines and how they affected the history of technology. Arranged on several acres of land, the museums are set up to represent a community. Within this Antique Powerland community, you find the following:

1. Trains – The Brooks Railroad Depot offers displays showing the power of trains and how they advanced shipping of goods. The Oregon Electric Railway Museum shows off most everything related to electric street cars and buses including an operating streetcar which travels through the community. The Pacific Northwest Chapter of Railway Historical Society has a collection of railroad cars, locomotives and railroading memorabilia. Don’t forget model railroading. The goal of the Willamette Valley Model Railroad Club is to build a replica train station with an operating railroad to show the history of transportation and agriculture in Oregon.

2. Cars, Trucks and Motorcycles – The Northwest Vintage Car and Motorcycle Museum aims to educate the community about automobiles and motorcycles over twenty-five years old. They currently have a rare Kaiser automobile along with many other vintage cars. The Pacific Northwest Truck Museum houses about 75 restored trucks dating as far back as 1900.

3. Fire trucks – As well as many restored fire trucks, the Oregon Fire Museum also offers educational tours. Pictured here is a steam powered fire truck.

4. Gas Station – Visit a 1930s replica of a Texaco Service Station. Check out the memorabilia and hear stories about what service was really all about.

5. Tractors – The largest museum is the Antique Caterpillar and Machinery Museum. It’s reputed to be the only museum of its kind in the world. Along with the displays, they offer educational videos, guided tours and a gift shop for all you tractor lovers.

6. Engines – If you are just into big engines, don’t miss the Large Engine Building. See the first engine that powered Timberline Lodge Ski Resort or the engine that still operates after having pumped water for 50 years. Most of these old engines still operate. Each offers a lesson in history.

7. Blacksmith Shop – Anything you needed repaired, the blacksmith could usually fix it. Today the blacksmith shop displays all the tools of their trade. During events at Antique Powerland, the shop puts on demonstrations.

8. Steam Sawmill – With no electricity, sawmills used to operate using steam power. During events, see live demonstrations.

9. Country Store – What community is without a country store? In the past, the country store provided a wide variety of all the necessities. Today you can find a hat, t-shirt, snacks and drinks.

Antique Powerland is open March through October. Check out their website for special events. Then rev up your motor and go check out some classics.