DEXTER CAR MUSEUM CELEBRATS GRAND OPENING, TAKING TOWN BACK TO 1950s

DEXTER -- Automobiles have putt-putted down American roadways since Henry Ford introduced the Model T in 1908 at a cost of $85 each. Since then, American's collective fascination with the automobile has only intensified.

This weekend in Dexter one of the largest collections of classic cars in the Midwest will be opened to the public at Sherm Smith's Moonlite Car Museum.

The new museum will feature a collection of more than 60 cars -- from a World War II vintage Jeep to Whizzer motor bicycles to elegant cars once owned by the rich and famous.

Located in historic downtown Dexter on South Walnut Street, the museum building was once the home of Ringer Hardware and most recently to Anderson's Home Furnishings.

Smith and his crew have been busy in recent weeks moving in automobiles and readying the museum for Friday's opening.

In conjunction with the museum opening, the Dexter Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring a community-wide celebration with a 1950s theme.

Smith, a Dexter businessman, collected the cars, which will be displayed in the vast building with nostalgic memorabilia from different eras featured throughout the museum.

Old records, posters and other items Smith has picked up in his travels and at auctions are scattered among the cars.

"We even have a little place for kids," Smith said during a tour of the facility. "There's a lot of old toys and stuff." Old Viewmaster sets and puzzles, a 1946 calendar and Groucho Marx games are featured in the small area. "We're trying to have something for everyone.

"On all the cars there will be information about the vehicles -- when it was produced, how many was made, that sort of thing," Smith said.

A replica of a 1903 Oldsmobile -- the first year they made the car -- will be featured in the collection, as well as an authentic 1922 "doctor's coupe."

Pointing to a slick, bright red vehicle, Smith explained it was a part of one of the latest favorite trends -- street rods.

"Everybody likes street rods," he explained. "This is a 1950 Mercury called a James Dean Mercury. James Dean, in the movie "Rebel Without A Cause," drove a car like this. But this has the modern power train in it -- modern breaks, modern air -- you could drive this car every day."

Near the front of the museum is a piece of car history preserved in a special plastic bubble. Smith has a 1957 Chevy -- all polished up and ready to cruise on a Saturday night -- in the clear bubble.

"It's just a unique deal," he said. "It keeps it clean. The car is kind of our specialty car. We sell more '57 Chevys than anything else -- it's something we're noted for. I just stuck it (the '57 Chevy) in there because I liked it."

Smith will also use the Moonlite Car Museum as the base of operations for his classic car sales business. Smith buys and sells classic cars to buyers from throughout the country.

Old air pumps and water hoses have been restored and are on display in the new museum, as are fully operational neon lights that hang throughout the building. Authentic autographs from Hollywood stars like Doris Day, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans and Clayton Moore (the original Lone Ranger) are also featured.

Near Smith's offices is a sleek, elegant vehicle which once belonged to the late country singing star Tammy Wynette, and there are dresses and jackets once worn by other country music stars on display.

Friday's community celebration will include hula hoop contests, sock hops and bubble gum contests at local merchants, as well as a special Celebrity Look-Alike Contest.

Residents wishing to enter the contest may visit the Chamber tent set up across from the museum in Bell Park. A photo will be taken and be on display.

"We'll have a display board and the photos will be numbered," Coleman said. Visitors to the booth may vote between 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday. Winners will be announced at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

The Chamber will also be promoting the Walker Brothers Circus, coming to Dexter on Aug. 23 for two performances. Tickets will be on sale at the Chamber tent throughout the weekend.

A special attraction of the weekend will be the appearance of "Hay U" the clown mid-day on Saturday. Coleman reported the clown will be on hand to amuse young and old, making balloon animals and entertaining crowds.

The museum will not only display vehicles, but will be a showcase for Smith to sell classic cars throughout the year.