CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - This week's Made in Chicago takes us inside a museum many people don't even know exists.
“The museum is a hidden gem,” says Bobby Olsen, president of Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum, located at 3117 N. Knox Ave.
“We were a private collection, and now we are a public charity. That's a Great Chicago story,” Olsen says.
That story began when the museum's founder, the late Larry M. Klairmont, bought his first collector's car, a Rolls Royce convertible.
“I paid $9,000 for the car in 1949 and sold the car for $125,000. Now, that stirred my real interest in buying collectible cars,” Klairmont said in a previous interview before his death.
Olsen says the collection grew to more than 300 cars and trucks dating back to the early 1900s, including several one of a kind vehicles.
“When you first walk into the collection, everyone has that same look in their face. They’re all kind of in awe.
“There’s so much here, and many of the cars, the stories that are attached to the cars, the history, it’s so inspiring,” says Olsen.
That's one reason the museum hosts free field trips for students, especially those interested in the STEAM fields.
"We are at the corner of education and entertainment. The science, the technology, engineering, arts, mathematics of that particular time period is represented in each and every vehicle here,” notes Olsen.
That includes a 1916 Detroit Electric Brougham. Olsen says it fascinates students.
“They say, 'wait a second, that’s an electric car? It’s from 1916! I thought electric cars were new?' Full circle we’ve come on certain technologies, and all of the technologies in the automotive world are demonstrated here,” Olsen says.
On Oct. 29, Klairmont Kollections will be hosting a free trunk or treat event, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those interested in participating can click here.
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