[December 20, 2011] 

Pictures by Marla Blair

Bill Hanna waited at the door of his automobile display room as Marilyn Monroe's image appeared to be watching beside him. She is just the first of many fun characters that share the building.

A 1930 Hudson is first in line on a tour of the building. Christmas lights draw outlines, and Doris' frogs sit on the front bumper guard. A case of vintage oil bottles sits in front of the car.

A 1936 Ford street rod has lights hanging from its running boards. A highly polished exterior reflects the surrounding decorations.

Inside the back of the 1938 Packard hearse is a miniature scene with skaters moving around a frozen pond. In another scene, vehicles are parked around a tiny burger joint.

A working jukebox shares an area with Elvis and a Christmas tree decorated with miniature replicas of vintage children's riding toys. The corner space is a retro world of '50s nostalgia.

Bill Hanna removed the door from a 1930 Model A and used it for the bathroom door in the display building. He and Doris use the building for family gatherings and group get-togethers.

Authentic signs Bill and Doris have bought at auctions or as a business was closing include this one that says, "Geo. J. Hallman, General Merchandise, Emden, ILL."

Bill and Doris Hanna, Emden, have been collecting antique automobiles and vintage memorabilia for 50 years. Their display building houses numerous collections of interest.

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