A Trip Through Time: Wheels, History, and Gratitude at the Gilmore Car Museum

Welcome back to A Personal ELENCHUS.
Sometimes, the best way to gain perspective on where we are going is to take a tangible look back at where we have been. Today, that look back wasn’t through the pages of a history book or an examination of classical thought, but through the gleam of polished chrome, the scent of vintage leather, and the beautifully preserved heritage at the Gilmore Car Museum.
What an incredible trip through time.
Walking through the sprawling campus and the historic barns feels less like visiting a museum and more like stepping into a series of perfectly preserved time capsules. You don’t just see the cars; you feel the eras they belonged to. From the rudimentary, brilliant mechanics of the earliest horseless carriages to the massive, finned land-yachts of the mid-20th century, every single vehicle tells a story. They are testaments to human ingenuity, shifting cultures, and the relentless drive for progress.
It is easy to get lost in the sheer scale of the place. You find yourself standing in front of a Model T or an immaculate 1930s Duesenberg, imagining the roads they traveled, the people who drove them, and the completely different world they existed in. It is a striking reminder of how fast the world moves, and how important it is to preserve the artifacts of our journey.
But as amazing as the machines were, the true highlight of the day was the company.
I want to dedicate this post to sending a very special and profound thank you to my dear friend, Keith. Thank you for taking me out there today, man. Navigating those decades of history wouldn’t have been nearly as impactful without a great friend to share the awe, the conversations, and the road trip with. It’s shared experiences like these that turn a good afternoon into a great memory.
If you are ever anywhere near West Michigan and have even a passing interest in history, design, or engineering, do yourself a favor and make the trip. It is a phenomenal way to spend a day looking in the rearview mirror.
Until next time,
Chris