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Some of the toys on display come from manufacturers long gone, such as the Buddy L Toy Company of East Moline, and Structo of Freeport. Near the toys is a wall full of old license plates, including fiber-based plates made between 1943 and 1948 due steel rationing during World War II.

More toys can be found on the barn’s second floor, which is where much of Kathy’s collection is kept. She shares her husband’s fascination with history, be it around the house or on the farm — kitchen tables, centerpieces, food packaging, brown bottles, thermoses old games. There’s even a collection of plaid items, including bags, boxes and picnic baskets that Kathy got hooked on.

Lee also has a part of the upstairs dedicated to car repair equipment and a collection of about 100 Starline pulleys, of which only two are the same.

“We just see something and go, ‘That’s kind of cool,’” Kathy said. “One thing evolves into many things.”

Two interesting pieces of local history also are found at the museum, and both involve grocery stores from towns that you’d be hard-pressed to find on most maps. One is for a grocery store in Malvern, about 3 miles southwest of the museum, and hangs near the stairway. That sign was acquired at an auc- tion. The other is for a store in White Pigeon, 2 miles from the museum. The red sign may have been part of a truck or wagon bed at one time (see photos on page 15)

“I tore boards out of an old corn crib one day, and I found this and it was all dusty,” Lee said. “I didn’t know what I was going to use it for, so I threw it on the hay rack and brought it here. One day I started cleaning the boards up, and I see ‘White Pigeon Store, poultry and eggs.’ I don’t know how old it is, but it’s very unique that I found that.”

The Hinrichs’ museum has been a stop on barn tours and tractor ride events in recent years, and tours from several nursing homes have stopped by. Though the museum is open by appointment only (see info on page 16 with this story for details on arranging a visit), they also host an occasional open house, and they often find some of the children who visit are stumped by some of things on display — but the Hinrichs are happy to help them learn. And when they can’t, some of the older guests clue them in on these bits of living history.

“The younger ones are amazed, and ask ‘What is that?’ or ‘What did you use that for?’” Kathy said. “We just like to instill a memory.”

“We enjoy doing what we do,” Lee said. “We like having people come and look at them, and they enjoy it.” n