One of the largest and favorite shows is the annual Macungie Antique Truck Show hosted by the Antique Truck Club of America. It manufactured its first truck in 1907 and adopted its present name in 1922. Many don’t know the history of the Mack Truck Company, which was founded in 1900 as the Mack Brothers Company. National Truck Show RecognitionĮach year between May and October the foundation takes selected trucks to approximately 10 different truck shows and caravans to allow spectators to see their restorations. Whether it’s the old school bus, model cars, pedal cars, or even his grandson’s handmade tank, kids are encouraged to get in and touch the trucks at the museum. It’s a touch and feel museum meant for experiencing and that means experiencing. You bring the kids, you put them in the truck, tractor, bulldozer or even a dozen pedal cars and let the kids experience trucks. Gary hasn’t forgotten thoughts that are the imagination of young children as there is an unspoken rule at the museum. Walking the collection you can’t help feel the kid in yourself as a child playing with yellow Tonka trucks on a dirt pile in your back yard. Even a non truck lover can’t help but to be overwhelmed with the display which exhibits the Mahan’s family passion and love for trucks.Īn iconic collectible from the Bernards Township Department of Public Works from almost 100 years ago. It is just incredible to walk the property going from building to building, each one full of what would be the very foundation of any other collection. We are a team of 3, that focus on making sure these trucks and pieces of equipment are displayed for future generations to touch, feel, and learn about American Trucking History. She is the only one that has spent her entire life around the family collection and is up to the challenge. His daughter Kathryn serves as director of the foundation, as well as museum curator, tour guide, and social media director and mother. The obsession has since led to over 200 trucks across 6 buildings that are now part of his foundation’s collection, preserved to carry on long after Gary is unable to managing the collection. It was said that she didn’t know if she was marrying Gary, or the truck. When Gary married Elizabeth, their mode of transportation wasn’t a limo, it was a truck – THIS TRUCK. Formerly of Scotch Plains, New Jersey, the Mahan collection began with a purpose as he wanted to use a truck, his first truck, a 1927 AC 5 Ton truck he now calls “The Wedding Truck” that was his mode of transportation at his wedding. Mahan’s obsession began way before he moved to Basking Ridge in 1983. The Mahan Collection neon sign hangs in what we call the “Truckers Man Cave”, the iconic building of collectibles, models, photos, and a TV over the fireplace. They operate with a crew of 3 full time restoration mechanics to ensure that they can keep the museum going with new acquisitions and restorations. The collection is displayed throughout 6 buildings, on 40 acres with along with memorabilia that will take your breath away. In 2001 the museum was formed as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit. Gary Mahan, one of the largest collectors of antique trucks in the world, makes his home in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Gary Mahan, founder and President of the foundation wanted to take his truck collection to the next level, and ensure that his immaculate restorations would be protected for generations to come. is an antique trucking museum located in Somerset County, New Jersey. The Mahan (pronounced May-han) Collection Foundation Inc. If you have a comment or photo, feel free to post at the bottom of this page or drop us a note. We will continue to grow this piece as information becomes available. Local History retrospectives, we often update the post when we learn stories and are sent photos from our internet community. We introduce you to the Mahan Foundation of Basking Ridge.Īs with all Mr. You wouldn’t think, but in a quiet suburb of New York City, a man has amassed what is often referred to as the largest collection of Mack and antique trucks in the world.
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