Date of Visit: March 22, 2019
There are one-of-a-kind places, and then there is Bill’s Old Bike Barn, where the phrase one-of-a-kind doesn’t begin to capture what’s inside.
Driving along Route 11, just off the Berwick exit of Interstate 80 in Columbia County, Bill’s is set back from the road. Thankfully, a pair of dinosaurs mark the entrance, making it impossible to miss.
A navy gunner boat stands guard outside the hand-made wooden door, which itself is lined with license plates from across the country and around the world.
The core of Bill’s collection is vintage motorcycles. For bike aficionados, there is a little something for everyone: antique Harley-Davidsons and Indians, flat-track dirt racers, military bikes, and even a bike made of wicker.
Bill is obviously a proud Harley owner. In addition to the motorcycles, visitors will see Neon signs, wooden sculptures, a Harley-branded jukebox and a recreated Harley-Davidson service shop.
The service shop is part of Billville, a walkable Main Street that has been recreated inside the warehouse. Each building is themed to create a multitude of storefronts and businesses along the street.
It starts with the barbershop. “The Quakake Barber Shop, Elden Clemens, prop.,” according to the door. (Quakake is a small community in Schuylkill County). Through the window guests can view a vintage barber chair, tools of the trade and advertisements for razors and oils.
The Billville Music Shoppe displays a collection or horns, keyboards and string instruments, but the highlight is the player guitar – a coin-operated, self-playing instrument that was popular in the early 20th Century. It has been restored and costs just 25-cents to play. It may not be in tune, but it is an impressive sight to see.
Billville includes a wide array of memorabilia, displayed in such building as the tobacco shop, toy store and camera shop. One of the most impressive collections, though, is in the firehouse.
In front of the shop stands a horse-drawn pumper truck (with a skeleton at the reins). Inside is more vintage equipment along with insignias from fire departments across the country. There’s even a fireman’s pole that connects the first and second floor exhibits. (No, you can’t slide down). But the highlight is the Mack ladder truck.
Hidden from view from “the street,” the fire engine sits behind the displays. It’s painted a brilliant white with chrome details, including a bulldog hood ornament that would have led the way to a fire decades ago.
A shoe repair shop, a post office, the Avon Lady, a newspaper company and an entire room dedicated to Mickey Mouse, are among the other first floor sites.
But there’s two floors to explore and the top level should not be missed. Walls of Elvis memorabilia can be found above the post office while a less inviting dentist’s office, complete with horrid fake teeth in a jar.
Above the Mayor’s Office is a collection of toy and model horses, big and small. The second floor also features collections of die-cast cars, irons and telephones.
Many visitors have left their mark on the covered bridge, where guests are encouraged to sign their names in commemoration of their visit.
There may be no room more impressive than the 1939 World’s Fair Bar, with its trellised entryway, carved wood bar and stained glass windows. The only thing missing is a bartender with your drink.
Bill is a big collector of memorabilia from the 1939 World’s Fair and has a separate room filled with pennants, posters, postcards, plates and anything else that was branded for the event.
Between the two World’s Fair spaces is another slice of 1939, a recreated family residence with a living room and dining room. The living area features period furnishings and a cast iron stove while the dining table, under the glow of the chandelier, is set with the finest glassware.
While this room spoke of peace, another room outside of Billville is filled with artifacts of war. A diorama depicts a combat zone with soldiers armed with rifles and heavy artillery. An armed skeleton is a harsh reminder of those who didn’t make it home. Other military tributes can be found throughout the building in display cases and on the display floor.
Along with the sobering military displays are more whimsical items like the European carousel figures that are spread throughout. A cluster of them can also be found in the main hall where circus posters serve as the center for this fantasy merry-go-round.
Fishing ephemera, Christmas displays, model airplanes, clowns, license plates from around the world and a larger-than-life suit of armor are just some of the other attractions that make Bill’s a destination like no other.
When You Go
- Bill’s is cash-only. There is an ATM inside the door in case you forget.
- There is no front desk. Someone will be around to greet you and collect your admission.
- Take your time. Bill’s is best enjoyed at a slow pace.
- Photography is encouraged. Take lots of pictures – you’ll be sure to see things you missed while you were there.
- Look up – the collection covers every wall and the ceiling.
- Hours are limited. Check Bill’s official website for more details.