02/19/14 Diners, Drive-ins and Dives of Marshall County are being featured with the traveling “Auto Indiana Exhibit” and the new “Tribute to Bill Wagoner Exhibit.” Not only is the museum showcasing the influence of the automobile in Marshall County, but also the musical impact of the late, Bill Wagoner, of Wagoner Music Shop, on the development of young area musicians! Ever since the installation of the first car radio in the 1930’s, music has become an important part of the driving experience! Music and cars just seem to go together!
The Marshall County Museum hosts the “Auto Indiana Exhibit” from March 8 – April 2. The exhibit takes visitors on a ride through Indiana’s rich automotive past illuminating ties between “the automobile” and the development of many other economic opportunities for the “Crossroads of America.” It explores how the automobile became part of the American Dream and popular culture, from movies to making personal memories.
Locally, car dealers, service station owners and those involved in the auto industry, (whether as business owners, mechanics or laborers, past and present), will gather for an open house on Tuesday, March 11 from 4-7 PM to enjoy vintage automobile memorabilia, photographs of Marshall County shops, service stations, and diners, drive-ins and dives that popped up along historic Michigan Road and Lincoln Highway. Any “car buffs” and car enthusiasts are encouraged to attend the open house and reminisce about Marshall County’s deep-rooted ties with the automobile industry!
Jan Wagoner, widow of the late Bill Wagoner will be on hand to introduce and answer any questions about the new “Tribute to Bill Wagoner Exhibit” from 4 -7 PM during the open house on March 11. Discover Bill Wagoner’s passion for music and how it shaped our community….Visually, the display transports you back to the early rock & roll era, showcasing his personal collection of customized guitars, vintage performance costumes and memorabilia from the 60’s and 70’s. An audio component of the exhibit spotlights music from his self-produced CD, “New Rules,” made with his wife, Jan in 1995.
Bill Wagoner not only leaves a musical imprint as a rock & roll lead guitarist and later as an independent music retailer that mentored young musicians, but as an animal lover and collector of Porsche cars. The museum exhibit explores the many different avenues in Bill Wagoner’s life and the contributions he made sharing his music with others. Music is a powerful thing. It touches us in different ways. Bill Wagoner still touches many lives with his magical musical memories.
So, what is it with cars and music? They naturally go together! Enjoy a unique historic look at the influence of “cars” and “music” in Marshall County from March 8 – April 2, or at the March 11 open house from 4-7 PM at the Marshall County Museum, 123 N. Michigan St. in Plymouth. For more information on the exhibit or open house, call 574-936-2306.
