One of the places I was very spruprised that we were able to get into, was the Godberson’s private car collection. This is only on display and open to the public one day a year
One of the places I was very spruprised that we were able to get into, was the Godberson’s private car collection. This is only on display and open to the public one day a year during Ida Grove’s Heritage Days in June. So having the privilege to see these antique beauties up close and personal was such a treat!
From the outside, this building has no storefront, and is very inconspicuous. Therefore, if you are not from this area and just visiting you may only be able to glance in from the street-facing windows. But rather than waiting a whole ‘nother year for Heritage Days, how about I give you a tour!
A dream car collection
When we walked in I was immediately greeted by Jerry who said he has worked for the Godberson family nearly 40 years, and that he helps maintain this collection throughout the year, making sure everything looks immaculate.
Walking around we saw a 1931 Chrysler with an Alvis antelope hood ornament, a 1957 Bel Air Coupe, a 1981 DeLorean, and even a 1923 REO Speedwagon Truck! I honestly had no idea that was an actual car, I had only heard of the 1970s band who names themselves after this iconic automobile.
DeLorean
REO Speedwagon
This Ford Coupe looks like it belongs in “Roger Rabbit”
Unbelievably, there are three floors total, so after drooling over the first floor, we made our way upstairs where we came across cars I remember from my childhood. A 1975 Thunderbird, and the iconic 1963 Lincoln Continental were among the handful of classics up here. My grandfather drove Lincolns, so this brought back a lot of memories of us driving around town and visiting friends and family.
We’re gonna need a bigger boat!
After parusing around on the upper third floor, we made our way down to the finale, and this has to be one of my most favorite experiences in all of Ida Grove. Housed in the basement were antique boats. Why I never thought there was a such thing as classic boats, I have no idea. I mean there are classic cars, so why wouldn’t the boating world have its own history to boast about.
Situated around platforms, we were able to peer inside multiple Hacker-Craft boats from the turn of the century. Made out of mahogany, these water vessels sure would stop traffic if they went out on the lake today. In addition, we saw a vintage 1971 Polaris snowmobile, old snowshoes made from ash trees, and nearly century-old boat motors.
In all, I absolutely loved being able to get and private tour of this monumental collection. Not many people are able to say they have been witness to so many treasures. I am a history lover, so any time I am able to take a step back in time, I jump on the chance! My husband and I love going to car shows, but now we may just have to check out the next boat show near us.
