Reiffs Antique Gas Station Woodland, CA Just a few miles northwest of Sacramento CA, is the small town of Woodland, CA. It was settled (yes... “settled”) in 1853 and incorporated in 1871, and a drive down Main Street will reveal quite a bit of old world charm in the form of classic architecture and monuments.. Just a few blocks away from the not-so-bustling downtown area will take you into any number of quiet suburban neighborhoods, but one neighborhood in particular has a landmark all its own. The southwest corner of Jefferson Street and McKinley Avenue is home to Reiffs Antique Gas Station Museum, and it is DEFINITELY easy to spot! In an instant, you will feel as though you have left the comfort of suburbia, and have been transported to another time and era. One where gasoline cost pennies for a gallon. Where car culture was a way of life, and steel vehicles were adorned with beautifully polished chrome. Where tin signs advertised motor oil, tires, and fuel. Where are you, and how did this magical slice of Americana come to be? Lets turn our attention to the year 2000, and a man named Mark Reiff. Reiff was born in Woodland, and grew up in the small town during the 50s. During his Junior High and High School years, Reiff had a passion for art, and took several art classes. While in school, he also worked at a local gas station. He eventually took his artistic creativity, and turned it into his own successful landscaping business. Then one day, he bought an antique gas pump at a garage sale in his own neighborhood. This fueled a nostalgic flame for his teenage years, and led him to buy more antiques when he could. Eventually, he had built quite the collection, and had a stroke of genius which led him to utilize his landscaping skill sand convert the front of his house into an antique gas station. Eventually, Reiff allowed that idea to grow, and his home is now so much more than that. It is now “Reiffs Antique Gas Station Museum” Reiffs Antique Gas Station Museum it is more than just a museum; a drive along the front of the house will treat you to classic ads by Firestone and Pennzoil. Look closely, and youll see Bobs Big Boy at the top of the diner area. Go around the corner, and youll spot a mock-up of a driver that decided to take a different entry into the garage, cpped by an airplane that decided to do the same. A sign for a fallout shelter (which was actually not considered unusual for a time in America). Artifacts from the 40s-60s are visible throughout the property. And though “garage” has come to mean “extra storage” or “someplace to park your car”, the front garage still holds the spirit of the classic “service station and mechanic”. If youre lucky, youll also see Reiffs very own vintage 1956 Chevy tow truck on the property. And folks, thats just the front view! The inside has even more to offer! Give Reiff a call and schedule a tour, and youll be treated to a patio and yard with even more memorabilia than you thought possible. A raised patio next to a classic aluminum sided garage. A restaurant style booth where you can share a malt. And a classic bar set up with an assortment of neon and tin advertisements. A 1950s era general store with counters and food bins made by Reiff himself; An antique Diner exhibit that will leave you wanting a cheeseburger and chocolate shake; An antique Movie Theater exhibit facade that was built as an homage to the Yolo Theater in Woodland that burned down in 1958. Its not all just for looks, though. Reiffs facility is available for meetings and events. Reiff even hosts his annual Street Bash every June, which attracts classic cars from 40s-70s era cars and fans from near and far. Are you a vintage car owner? Are you a pin-up model? Reiff also hosts a day where the two can meet and work together. Meetings, parties, weddings, birthdays, events... Reiff is always happy to offer his facility to just about any event. As an added bonus, he has connected with local caterers to provide the food and beverages. Take a quick drive by Reiffs. Better yet, call him ahead of time and schedule a visit (which, by the way, is a mere $7.00 donation). Take a walk around and enjoy classic Americana that has been beautifully preserved! Reiffs is much more than just a museum. Its a time machine into the past.
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 00:52:26 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015