Visit to the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles

line of antique automobiles on display at the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles

Date of Visit: August 23, 2020

When people think about the automotive industry, Detroit, Michigan, is usually the first place that comes to mind. But Pennsylvania has played an important in the evolution of travel. That is the story told at the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles in Boyertown, Berks County.

historic marker for the Jeremiah Sweinhart carriage works in Boyertown PA

The borough on Berks County’s eastern border – about 20 miles outside the city of Reading – was once home to the Boyertown Auto Body Works. Closed in 1990 after more than a century in business, the former factory now houses the museum’s collection – exclusively featuring vehicles with a Pennsylvania connection.

At the turn of the 20th Century, during the industry’s formative years, Pennsylvania was home to many upstart auto manufacturers, including Ardmore’s Autocar company, while factories like Fleetwood Metal Body – located just a few miles from Boyertown – were building bodies for Cadillac and other nationally renowned brands.

antique carriage on display at the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles

The history of the Auto Body Works predates the automobile. The site began life as a carriage factory and repair shop owned by local businessman Jeremiah Sweinhart. The original 1872 building has been preserved and restored. It houses a collection of antique carriages – many of which were built by Sweinhart and served the residents of Berks County.

On Saturdays, the Museum hosts live blacksmithing demonstrations in the Carriage Factory. Volunteers also run the shop’s belt-driven tools, showcasing the innovation of America during the Industrial Revolution.

Mister Softee truck built in Boyertown on display at the Boyertown Museum of HIstoric Vehicles

Eventually, the factory transitioned to servicing automobiles and the Auto Body Works became a leading producer of commercial trucks and vans. Most recognizable to residents of southeastern Pennsylvania are the iconic Mister Softee trucks. Many of these original Boyertown trucks are still making the rounds today. The Museum also has one on display, as well as several other Boyertown-built pieces.

Among the museum’s locally made collection is a number of automobiles built by Charles Duryea. Born in Illinois, Duryea eventually found his way to Reading, Pennsylvania, where he set up shop.

Duryea automobiles from the early 20th century on display at the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles

Duryea and his brother, Frank, are credited with building and driving America’s first gasoline-powered automobile in 1893 (the car is in the collection of the National Museum of American History, though not currently on display). This led to a successful commercial automotive business – the first of its kind in America.

A Duryea was also involved in the first recorded auto accident in America, a collision with a bicyclist in New York City.

line of antique cars on display at the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles

Upon his arrival in Reading at the turn of the 20th Century, Duryea founded the Duryea Power Company. The Boyertown Museum’s collection includes many examples of his PA-built cars. Unfortunately, the Duryea brand did not endure as Duryea was unable to keep up with the rapidly changing market.

The Boyertown collection does a great job of highlighting the automotive industry of the early 1900s, when Duryea and others were vying for supremacy in a fledgling market. The pieces on display range from utilitarian to over-the-top luxury vehicles. Some have been expertly restored, others remain in various states of “used” condition. Most of them still run after all these years.

There is also a large collection of Pennsylvania-built sleighs, carriages and wagons near the entrance. The most beautiful – hauntingly beautiful – piece in the display may be the antique horse-drawn hearse.

statue of a mini horse pulling a wagon at the Boyertown Museum of HIstoric Vehicles

Boyertown’s collection goes beyond cars and trucks, as is evidenced by the row of bicycles and recreated bike shop. A replica penny farthing (high-wheeler bicycle) is set up for test rides. Watching a loved one try to climb on – even with the aid of stairs – is always entertaining.

Other exhibits inside the museum include a history of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, a restored Sun Oil Company gas station and the former Reading Diner.

The Reading Diner, now on display inside the Boyertown Museum of HIstoric Vehicles

Fegley’s Reading Diner was a local landmark until it closed in the early 2000s. The original dining car now has a permanent home inside the Museum, allowing guests to have a seat at the lunch counter or in the original wooden booths. On select days throughout the year, the Museum hosts Diner Day, where guests can enjoy a slice of pie for a quarter and a cup of coffee for a nickel inside.

vintage Sun Oil gas station on display inside the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles

The diner sits next to a restored Sonoco gas station, which usually serves as the back drop for one of the featured cars on display.

When You Go

The Boyertown Museum has a large parking lot across the street. It also has a second, smaller parking lot with electric vehicle charging stations.
Diner Day is one of the most popular events at the museum. Expect to wait before getting a seat.
The Museum’s largest annual event is Duryea Day, a car show that is held at a local park on the Saturday before Labor Day.
Many weekends, the Museum hosts live blacksmithing demonstrations in the Jeremiah Sweinhart Carriage House.