The Mendenhall Vintage Sign and Gas Pump Museum in Buellton, California

 Next time you stop by Buellton for lunch at Ellen's or Andersen's Pea Soup, make sure to schedule an hour or two afterwards to walk through the Mendenhall Museum. We took a visit to the musuem on a recent drive up the 101 and we thrilled with the experience.

The museum is open to the public, you do need an advanced reservation to take a guided tour by the owner, Mark Mendenhall. Mark is a past customer of California Car Cover and we appreciated his time in giving us a tour of his family's museum.

The Mendenhall family has been part of Buellton's history for many years. The family has operated service stations, repair shops and a wrecking yard in town. The site of the former wrecking yard is the museum. The museum was "started" by Mark's grandfather and his love of antique and picking. His large collection became part of Mark's father's collection and now Mark collects, restores and displays the automobilia.

Just a few shelves of the many gas pump globes on display.

The Colonel.

 

 

Just one of many pieces of shop equipment and unrestored gas pumps in the archives for future restoration or display. 

 The museum is also a working garage for Mark's latest race car builds and restorations.

The Mendenhall Museum is home to the SCTA Dry Lakes Hall of Fame. Each year the venue holds the annual hall of fame ceremony. The museum has a large displays of racing memorabilia, trophies and photos.

The museum has a number of vehicles from the Mendenhall family. This is their classic GMC tow truck that was recently restored by Mark.

 The Mendenhall Museum can be reserved for private events, parties and receptions. Feel free to contact the museum for tour availability when you are passing through town.